Which 3D Printer Should I Buy?
Overview of 3D printer options
In this section I'll give you a brief overview of your options for 3D printers. This list is certainly going to change quickly now that the market has opened up for lower end systems so be sure to send us a note with a link to information if you know of a system that should be included on this page. I'll review the information you send and I'll do my best to keep this page up to date.
There are two categories of 3D printers sold to the general public. FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and SLA (stereolithography apparatus). FDM printers and filaments are much cheaper than SLA printers and materials.
FDM Printers
Overview
FDM stands for fused deposition modeling. Picture a hot glue gun attached to a CNC gantry. It lays down one layer of plastic at a time which creates a 3D shape. The plastic used is called filament and it typically costs from $20/kg to $50/kg. Some brands or specialty filaments cost less and some cost much more.
Popular Choices
Overview
FDM stands for fused deposition modeling. Picture a hot glue gun attached to a CNC gantry. It lays down one layer of plastic at a time which creates a 3D shape. The plastic used is called filament and it typically costs from $20/kg to $50/kg. Some brands or specialty filaments cost less and some cost much more.
Popular Choices
- Ender - very low cost with decent quality
- Creality series - (open source design) low cost with a large print area. Some models have good quality. Check reviews before choosing.
- Zortrax - (proprietary hardware, firmware and software) Easiest to use and most reliable FDM printer. Doesn't require the user to learn a maze of print settings. It does require printing with a raft which is sometimes difficult to remove. Best option for user's who want an easy to use printer and don't want to have to become an expert at using printing software.
- Prusa - ( open source design)Originator of open source 3D printing. Solid design and cult following. Great support community.
- Lulzbot - (open source design) Several models to choose from. Very established vendor. Prices are much higher than other open source designs.
- Many, many others...
- Bowden extruders - allow lighter extruder which allows faster printing at the expense of slightly less precision
- Direct drive extruders - can feed flexible filaments using direct drive. Highest precision possible with proper design.
- Multi material - feed multiple materials into one extruder and the system switches between filaments automatically
- Multi extruder - each extruder is fed a different material
- Materials - ABS and PLA are the most popular but there are hundreds of types and brands with more coming out every day. ABS can be vapor polished for a smooth finish but it will warp if used for large prints with long straight sides. ABS will withstand outside use and temperatures up to about 150F without becoming soft or warping under light load. PLA warps much less during printing and can offer a slightly better stock finish than ABS but will sag under light loading if exposed to temperatures over 120F, UV light (sunlight), or water. There are literally scores more types of materials with properties to fit every project.
SLA (UV cure resin) Printers
Overview
SLA printers generally offer much higher resolution prints with smoother surfaces and are often the best choice if you need to print fine details such as jewelry or very small parts. It is common for SLA materials to cost over $100/kg and FDM filament is closer to $20/kg. This is a major factor to consider when selecting an printer since material costs will be higher than the cost of the printer over time.
Popular Choices
Laser
Projection
Materials
Overview
SLA printers generally offer much higher resolution prints with smoother surfaces and are often the best choice if you need to print fine details such as jewelry or very small parts. It is common for SLA materials to cost over $100/kg and FDM filament is closer to $20/kg. This is a major factor to consider when selecting an printer since material costs will be higher than the cost of the printer over time.
Popular Choices
- Form2
- Peopoly Moai Laser SLA 3D Printer - Kit
- There are several others but not nearly as many choices as there are for FDM printers.
Laser
Projection
Materials
I have just barely scratched the surface here. I suggest going to the 3D Printing Resources and Links page to check out videos and information from some of my favorite content creators in this area.