Top 10 3D Printers 2020Updated February, 2020

3D Printer Buying Guide

3D printers open the door to a world of creation. They allow makers everywhere to fabricate everything from custom machinery to personalized action-figures. At the industrial scale, they are even being used to print homes! Photo via Wikimedia Creative Commons

But where do you start? Here are a few key considerations when purchasing a 3D printer:

What Type of 3D Printer Should You Buy?

Personal 3D printers fall into three major categories: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography, and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). The majority of home 3D printers use FDM or SLS, which we recommend. Stereolithography is commonly used for product prototyping, but requires additional steps to cure and finish the product.

FDM printing utilizes advanced software to slice 3D modeling, like CAD data, into layers which can then be printed onto each other to form a final product. FDM uses production-grade, thermoplastic materials to produce items with great accuracy and strength-to-weight ratios. This type of printer is ideal for creating prototypes and other low-volume production needs.

Stereolithography is a rapid, accurate, additive process that is often referred to as additive prototyping. Stereolithography delivery a slightly higher quality printout than FDM printers; however, we did not find them to be significantly better than FDM and the slight difference should not impact your purchase decision. Layers are created from a vat of polymer and controlled by UV laser directed by mirrors, building from the bottom up. Once printing is complete, it is removed from the vat and cured in a UV oven.

SLS printers create objects in a similar layer-by-layer fashion, but, where FDM uses a hot liquid and UV light to render a product, SLS uses lasers to melt a powder that can be layered into an object. This process can allow for the use of alternative materials – including metal – which FDM and Stereolithography do not.

How Much Do 3D Printers Cost?

Entry-level 3D printers, such as the Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer V2 and XYZprinting da Vinci Mini, can be purchased for under $300 each. These models are great for people trying their hand at 3D printing for the first time, or people making smaller objects recreationally.

Larger, more powerful, advanced 3D printers cost between $2,000-5,000. These printers are capable of professional projects and are often used by businesses for prototyping products.

Not sure where to start? We recommend using a 3D printer at a local Fablab, Makerspace, or Hackerspace near you. 3D printers can be costly and time consuming to learn how to use effectively. These communities have resources and people to help guide you through the learning process. Once you have found the 3D printer you like using best, then buy your own.

Can’t I Build My Own?

You can build your own 3D printer, but we would not recommend it for anyone just getting into 3D printing. DIY 3D printers require an intimate knowledge of machinery. Though you can find detailed instructions to build your own, you will be on your own to fix any problems that arise (and, they probably will). If you’re eager to start printing, it’s best to just get a ready-made 3D printer that is ready to go on delivery.

Where Should I Buy a 3D Printer?

Buying a 3D printer has gone mainstream. You used to find the best models on Kickstarter, but, those days have passed.

While you can find incredible, cutting-edge 3D printers on Kickstarter – you can also get stuck waiting months or years for a product that fails to meet expectations (or never ships). They also often require more assembly than expected upon delivery. Lastly, where you get the satisfaction of supporting entrepreneurial projects, you fail to get the customer support provided by established manufacturers and their communities.

Amazon carries 3D printers from major manufacturers complete with warranty and protection options, user reviews, a huge selection, and fast delivery times. Why go anywhere else?

Photo via Wikimedia Creative Commons

How Difficult Are 3D Printers to Use?

3D printing has a steep learning curve. Thankfully, as 3D printing has risen in popularity, so has the community and resources available to people interested in the subject. That said, here are some things to keep in mind when getting started:

Designing 3D products is hard - If you have 3D modeling (e.g. CAD) experience, you’ll have a head start. If you’re just getting started, try visiting Thingiverse to download free designs. You can browse over 1 million different designs that users have uploaded.

3D Printing is Slow - 3D printers print layer-by-layer. Even small projects can take hours to produce.

But 3D Printing is Fun - Have you ever dreamed of having your own action figure? A custom headphone stand? Tool on demand? 3D printing opens a world of opportunities. It may take a while to become an expert, but you’ll be creating a lot of cool stuff along the way. Hello stocking stuffers!

What Do 3D Printers Use to Print?

3D printers use a variety of materials. Here’s a quick summary of the most common options:

Polyactic Acid (PLA) - the most popular option for home printing. This environmentally-friendly printing material has a low printing temperature and provides high strength and durability with minimal shrinking.

Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) - the second most popular printing filament. This material delivers a high-quality end-product, but requires higher temperatures to melt it which give off strong fumes that require good ventilation.

Nylon - is used in industrial projects that require strength, durability, and flexibility. It must be stored in a cool, dry place because it absorbs water easily.

Polycarbonate (PC) - is one of the strongest 3D printing filaments. Like Nylon, it must be stored in a cool, dry place to avoid taking on water. Objects created out of PC have the ability to withstand high-temperature environments making it a great choice for machine parts.

In addition to those mentioned above, some 3D printers are able to use polyethylene terephthalate, metal, or wood fiber.

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