I need advice on the best 3d printer to get. I have never owned one before. Can someone tell me an ideal printer for me? Give me one with unlimited budget and one under 1000. I am on a MacBook Pro.
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I need advice on the best 3d printer to get. I have never owned one before. Can someone tell me an ideal printer for me? Give me one with unlimited budget and one under 1000. I am on a MacBook Pro.
Yay, you found the new thread button! grats! Welcome to the forum!
I can't really help you with the limited budget one, as others here will be of more help in that department. But you should mention what you want to do with it. What items do you plan on printing? Games pieces and other small things would need a smaller printer, while bigger things need a bigger printer. Also, not only the sizes, but their applications. Various printers and filaments don't work together very well, and if you have a specific application in mind for a certain object that might require a very specific filament, then you'll get suggestions steering you towards printers that will do what you want.
As for unlimited budget... well, I can't be much help here either, other than to say it's kind of a useless question. There are printers that run in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. It's like asking what car would you get with an unlimited budget. Yeah, I'd love a Veyron, but I'll never own one.
haha thanks, and sorry for the bad question formation. Okay, so I'd love to have at least a 7x7x7 inch size potential on my printer. Lets say for budget I'm going for 2500 or less. I'd like to print a variety of things from toys to figurines to cool thingiverse models to applicable everyday items like special designed containers. Don't know if it makes a big difference or not, but I use SketchUp or Fusion 360.
Sketchup requires a plugin to export STL, but it's not an issue to get it or use it. I'm a SU user myself.
My printer is 8^3, and it ran about 600. There are better ones out there than mine, which is the Davinci, and has been a fairly dependable pain in the ass to run printer, but it got the job done. But if I had to buy for the first time again, I'd go another route.
2500 would get you a very nice machine. Good machines can be found, in your size range, for under a grand.
fusion 360 is a solid modelling cad program and you can only print solid models. So that's a good start.
Sheesh - the number of machines in the sub $2500 category is enormous.
I don't usually like these lists but in your case it would be worth using a 3d printer picker website. At least to start narrowing down the candidates.
Eliminate makerbot to start with and as marm says davinci are chaep but questionable quality and utility.
This isn't a bad list and includes some of the ones I'd recommend: https://3dforged.com/best-3d-printers/
For my money the best machine on that list is the bnc3d sigma.
Dual independant heads are the way to go imho.
And having seen it in action at a couple of tct shows - had I money, I'd have already bought one.
Here's some stuff I've learnt over the last 3 1/2 years. There are lots of things you can add or modify on any 3d printer. this is more things to look for in the description when buying a 3D printer.
Things you absolutely need:
Heated bed. Many printers now ship with unheated printbeds. Yes you can print pla without a heated bed - but it works much better with one and a heated bed also massively expands the variety of filaments you can sucessfully print. Also if you choose to buy an unenclosed machine and then build your own enclosure, the heated bed works as the heater to warm it up :-)
Things that are well worth having:
All metal hi temp hotend - the higher rated temperature for the hotend(s) the better.
Enclosed print volume. Useful for the more problematical filaments and hi-temp filaments. NB: not much point having hi temp hotend on open frame printer as everything that works well on open frame machines extrudes at or below 250c. If you want to print abs - you NEED a heated enclosure.
Things that might not be as useful as you think:
More than one extruder. With the exception of the bcn3d sigma and a couple of the leapfrog machines that have independant extruders. These generally don't get used that much. Knowing what i know now. I would either not bother. OR get a machine with independant extruders OR two or more filaments feeding into a single extruder. These are slightly limited in that both filaments need to have the same extrusion temperature. But still a good idea.
Auto bed calibration. It's one of those things I often think would be really useful. Then I read another post about someone having problems with the auto calibration and remember I calibrate my print bed maybe 4-5 times a year, and it takes about 5 minutes.
So have a look through that list and see what you think :-)
https://3dforged.com/best-3d-printers/
Okay. Guess i can add to it as other stuff occurs to me :-)
As a caveat to my opinions on the Davinci. The thing has been a beast for an older budget machine. It seems to be one of the first machines to offer good print quality and build volume, in the days that it was released, for it's price point. I have had only a couple hiccups with it, and think my current issue are related to using it in an unheated garage in the winter. Before that I got about 600 pretty dependable hours out of it. It's down side is the lack of controls, the proprietary software and filaments, and the pain of retrofitting anything to it. If you want a plug and play, dirt simple machine that doesn't require fiddling with a slicer program, then I'd actually recommend it. But if you want to go beyond the simplest of settings, and you will, then look else where.
CA, I think you recommended a dual extrusion printer a while back, enclosed, good build volume, on amazon for about $600. I've forgotten it and lost the link. Any idea what I'm talking about?
yep it's actually number 3 or 4 in the above list qidi: https://www.amazon.com/TECHNOLOGY-3D...s=qidi+printer
They do seem to be as good and well built as the flashforge creator pro but noticeably cheaper.
There were actually a couple of the xyz machines on the list as well. So not all bad :-)
Thread stuck :-)
About time we had a: 'I want a 3d printer' thread stickied anyway - cheers Davo :-)
You should mention what you want to do with it.:rolleyes:
the buccaneer is still going ?
thought that sunk without trace years ago.
Hi,
if your main intent is figurines, and you don't mind investing some time in building a printer, I would go for height and get an affordable Kossel style printer.
I am very happy with my affordable Wanhao 5s Duplicator Mini. Still within your budget is the larger version with 24" build height.
For more plug and play solutions, the Ultimaker 2 with 8"cubed volume or the extended version will be great.
Wow, what a list! It seems to include most of the notable failures of the late 3D printer boom.
Some 3d printers are:
1. Peachy Printer [A kickstarter project that went bad when they absconded with the funds: https://hackaday.com/2016/05/11/peac...-of-a-printer/ ]
2. MakiBox [Another Kickstarter fiasco, which closed down in 2014, taking a lot of sucker's money with it: http://www.fabbaloo.com/blog/2014/10/30/makibox-is-done
3. Printrbot [This is actually a solid machine, that's still being made - what's it doing on this list?]
4. Phoenix 3D Printer [Another cautionary tale for people who think of Kickstarter as a store, rather than a casino: https://3dprint.com/50561/bbb-ez3d-kickstarter/ ]
5. Romscraj [A Singapore company that took customers for a short unhappy ride, trying to come up with a printer that folded up - but the company did that instead.
6. The Buccaneer [From aptly-named "Pirate 3D" it sank when despite a lot of Kickstarting, they couldn't produce working machines: https://techcrunch.com/2015/10/14/a-...ir-3d-printer/
7. Solidoodle [Closed down last year: http://www.solidoodle.com/blog.html ]
8. RigidBot [Another example of a company chasing a low price-point, which closed down when it lost the race: http://www.rigidbot.com/
You bought it from your own store? Did you give yourself a discount?
Did you get their help with writing this post? Did they come up with that "not more than a nightmare" phrase for you?
Hello guys,
Sorry for hijacking this old thread, but I need some advice.
I'm looking to purchase a decent 3dprinter, but with so many models on the market, I have absolutely no clue what I should buy.
Here is what I need it for:
I plan to print small objects, 3"x3"x3" at maximum, but with best possible accuracy.
Objects will be cut, have details carved on them, polished and used to create silicon rubber casting molds.
My available budget tops at 2000$. I don't need to print multiple objects daily, possibly up to 2-3 per day, but accuracy is important for me and reliability is also an issue - I will share this printer with a less technical person, so the fewer failures, the better.
Any advice you can give me?
Help much appreciated.
First Post- No machine yet- Looking for truly active forums, is this the place? :)
Let me just say, I am a hobbiest at heart, but I make money at whatever my hobby may be...
I would simply Like an update on aardvarks recommendations, as the link is a bit dated.
Based on those recommendations I would be looking at the Qidi Tech. ( Cost Effective ) Still Viable? I see them on E-Bay....
Very concerned about proprietary software limitations on whatever I choose, 9x9x6 is the most I would need and most printers are accommodating,
other than some of the mini ones....
Thanks for any current recommendations.
Makeitbetter.
the qidi is still a very good buy.
But almost the same price range (if you go for the kit) is the prusa i3 mk3 - bang up to date tech wise with some really great features. https://www.prusa3d.com/original-prusa-i3-mk3/
Software limitations - not sure there are any on any non-industrial machine. They all run off gcode, as long as a slicer will generate it (and they all do) it'll work.
Some of the older replicator clones (the qidi is a rep clone - but don't think they still use mightyboards, so probably run off gcode these days) use x3g files. But flashforge's flashprint and simplify3d both happily generate those with no issues.
Whatever you get I would recommend getting simplify3d as well.
Just makes life easier and puts every possible setting in an easy to use format. Compared to the current version of cura - s3d is much much easier to use.
There are a whole bunch of cheap, decent smaller volume machines out there if you just want to test the water - so to speak.
My current recommendation for cheap, small volume printer is the monoprice mini delta: https://www.monoprice.com/product?c_...seq=1&format=2
At $160, it's got all the features of the expensive machines; wifi, removeable flexible build plate, full auto calibration, fast and detailed prints, fully built and tested.
If they were selling them in the uk - I'd have bought one. But shipping from the states is ridiculous. So I'm currently patiently (well impatiently anyway) waiting for them to come on sale in the uk.
Kit machine wise - well you can go from £99 on up to a couple of thousand.
Can't really recommend with out a price range.
But I guess my current, upscale recommendations would be the tevo little monster: https://tevo3dprinterstore.com/produ...3d-printer-kit
I'm a big delta fan. The floating extruder setup tevo has, gives you a very fast large volume machine with all the benefits of a bowden tube style delta, but none of the drawbacks.
I'm also a massive advocate of idex (independant dual extruder) machines.
The formbot t-rex 2 + http://www.formbot3d.com/formbot-lar...ize_p0018.html
Has an awful lot going for it as well.
Hi Ben2900,
How are you? May I help to you. while 3D printers are not particularly cheap, there are several that come with a relatively low price tag. we've located and thoroughly researched the best budget 3D printers on the market so that you don't have to.
our first recommendation is the Monoprice select mini.At a little over $200, this model is an excellent choice for people looking to dip their toes into the world of 3D printing.
It has a 4.7" build area , micro sd slot , and simple intuitive interface, this product offers far more than you might expect. plus, it's low price makes it's an absolute bargain.
To see more 3D printers details please visit our website at :https://www.3dbeginners.com
I am very happy with my affordable Wanhao 5s Duplicator Mini. Still within your budget is the larger version with 24" build height.
For more plug and play solutions, the Ultimaker 2 with 8"cubed volume or the extended version will be great.
I am thinking to buy HP Jet Fusion 580 Color 3D printer, Its awesome and can printer in multi-color, I have also confirmed from Hp printer Support, it is awesome If you guys also looking for 3D printer Believe me its awesome.
Brand new here, and wanting to start slow, but not underbuy either. My budget is under $500. From reading here and other places, I'm gravitating toward the Monoprice Maker Select Plus. A friend has a Flashforge Finder, and our conversation about it is what got me interested. I could not find any specific comparisons/reviews of these two models.
Am I on the right track with either/both? Any reasons not to get either one?
I recommend an excellent 3D printer FlyingBear Shine DLP LSD.
I use it for half a year, I like everything very much.
the hp is in a slightly different price bracket: Well over $100,000
On top of that you also need the post processing unit - probably another $50,000
why not select Chinese brand? we have some good products
lol at the end of the day 99% are ALL chinese brands.
If not put together in china - then most of the components will be :-)
Hi Everyone,First-time poster here, and I have very limited knowledge of 3-D printers - but I've wanted to acquire one for quite some time. I'll list some of the more common needs - and some questions, too, if you don't mind. I will state unequivocally that the people who take the time to respond to guys like me are worth their weight in GOLD. I'm a firefighter/paramedic by trade - and while I'm happy to wake up at 2:00 a.m. to respond to a very sick person - or the mother who just couldn't make it to the hospital and delivers her baby right there in the living room, this time I'm the one who needs help. I am not being one bit cavalier about this. I really do need help, and I'll freely admit I have no idea what I'm getting into, technically-speaking. So, with that, thank you in advance, and now, I'll get started:
THINGS I THINK I NEED IN A 3-D PRINTER:
1. Heated Bed
2. Large Bed (Not sure what "large" is, but I heard 7" x 7" x 7"? More?
3. Auto Bed Calibration
4. All Metal Hi-Temp Hot End
5. Dual Independent Heads
6. Touchscreen and Input for the Machine (so I don't have to tie up a laptop - although I MIGHT have one that might work.) I would still like to download AT the machine, and use its brain-power to get the job done.
7. Dual Extruders?
8. Anything Else?
9. Yep, I Want to Print in METAL, Non-Toxic Plastics, and _____________(?).
THINGS I WANT TO DO WITH 3-D PRINTING:
1. Print Things for My Own Use - Useful Things
2. Print Replacement Parts
3. Print Plastic or Metal Tools
4. Print Things Like Toothpaste Tube Squeezers, Chip Clips, Perhaps even Home Decor that Doesn't Require High-Quality Finishing.
5. I WILL NOT BE RESELLING GNOMES, Etc.
6. Print Things as Yet-to-be-Determined!
WHAT I'M WILLING TO DO:
1. If I will get an AMAZING machine from my own blood, sweat, and tears, I not only would be willing to build it (assemble) myself - I think it would be fun - as long as the instructions are clear, I have the ability to assemble my own machine. This might actually be the better option, as I most assuredly would derive great pleasure and pride in "building" my own machine - IF IT IS RELIABLE, BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK, AND SOMETHING "BIGGER" (I'm talking conceptually here) THAN an already-built 3-D printer.
2. HOWEVER, if a turnkey model might be the best option, I'll buy it, open the box, and start printing!
I HAVE NO IDEA WHICH SOFTWARE PLATFORM TO USE (Or, even how to use it.):
1. HELP!!! Thanks in advance ;)
2. I'm looking for software that will build high-quality items that is easy to use (or, WILL be "easy" to use - I'm willing to go through a learning curve.)
MY BUDGET IS:
1. Well, it could go as high as $2,500...maybe even higher. I MIGHT go higher if:
2. The overall VALUE of money to machine is there.
3. It's REALLY worth it for me to go higher.
4 It's necessary - like I need more machine to print in metal..., etc. I AM LOOKING FOR:1. An "online course" that might be able to help me get started, either before - or after - purchasing my machine. The shorter, the better, but if I have to complete it in 10, 15, or 20 hours, I'll be a willing student. It could be a free course, or paid - I'm willing to front money to get it right the first time.
Guys, that's all I can come up with at this time - I have really tried to put my heart and soul into it, so I want to say thank you in advance for getting through my rather long-winded post.
Remember, you guys are GOLD!!!
Best regards,
Maitai
just got an ender 3 based on reviews and youtube vids
I have the same question. I been looking at the Dremel Digilab 3D45. I was wondering if there's something equivalent in the sub 1500 dollar range.
the dremel is a flashforge made machine.
Essentially it's a tricked out replicator pro.
So unless you need the camera - then one of these is essentially the same machine for about half the price: qidi x pro
https://www.amazon.com/QIDI-TECHNOLO...ords=qidi+xpro
Available from elsewhere if amazon doesn't get stock in - basically the same machine without the camera and propriatary rfid filament reels.
Or one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LNADH8M...541933968&sr=1
Hi, do you know about metal 3D printers that doesn't use supports and/or base plates? (So when the process is over, your part has the 'final' geometry, without being attached to anything.) I've only found HP Metal Jet solution so far, have been searching for a while...
Thanks!
I would like to suggest you MakerBot Replicator+ is the best 3D printer because is a marked upgrade over its predecessor, offering better speed, a larger build area, and workflow solutions for professionals.
current makerbots are massively over priced and not very reliable.
I would like to suggest you Ultimaker 2+ is reliable, accurate, and user-friendlyUltimaker 2+ specifications, printing properties, supported materials, included accessories, and more.
Nice suggestion
From my opinion I would say Creality Ender-3 3D Printer for three simple reasons:
1. Easy Setup: Boasts a large build volume and takes little time and effort to assemble.
2. Features: Bowmen extrude, V-slot wheels, heated bed, full extruded aluminum frame, and the ability to print ABS.
3. Cheap Price: $289
as far as the ender 3 goes - the bowden extruder and v slot wheels for the bed - are NEGATIVE features :-)
Plus no side support for the bed.
I am thinking to buy HP Jet Fusion 580 Color 3D printer, Its awesome and can printer in multi-color, I have also confirmed from Hp printer Support, it is awesome If you guys also looking for 3D printer Believe me its awesome.
I am looking for advice on which new printer to get. This will be my second printer, my first was a solidoodle 2 (which I bought from my high school at the time so they could get a better printer which was a printrbot simple metal). I have found the solidoodle is just a bit too small of a print area at times mainly in the x and y directions.
I definitely want a heated bed
I want a printer that has a good print resolution anything at or better than the printrbot simple metal was capable of.
I would have gotten a printrbot if they didn't recently go out of business, at least in my option they seemed to have made great printers.
The Solidoodle I have has a print area of about 150 x 150 by 150 mm, and is at times just a bit too small for times I can't just slice a print in half and glue together both parts.
My budget is somewhere around $500 - $700
I like to print functioning parts, like the NASA wrench and the platform jack that you print fully assembled the solidoodle has just never been able to do these prints.
Printers I have been looking at
The Creality CR-10S Pro with a micro Swiss hot end from tiny machines which would be around $700ish
Or do I splurge a bit more and get a Prusa i3 kit from Josef Prusa and is this kit easy to assemble and start printing easily?
But I would like to hear what other options or thoughts anyone has on what printer I should get!