Is this your first 3D printer, or the next one? Whenever its time to decide among the multitude of choices, it seems difficult to pick one. Individuals often check 3D printers with different specifications and fail to ultimately complete the purchase. And, most of the times, it’s due to the confusion that results in rejection of all the sorted choices. However, you still can beat that problem and find the most suitable 3D printer for your needs.
With the introduction of desktop 3D printers, people have started welcoming the technology at homes as well. The machine is no more an accessory for industries and large companies. It has reached end customers where people are using 3D printers for making kitchen containers and spare parts. As fascinating as it sounds, the selection process turns out to be really horrifying if you do not know what to look for.
Here are a few questions that you might like to answer before making the purchase.
How Much Can You Spend?
It all starts with a budget, isn’t it? Either we are purchasing a mobile phone or a smart TV, we first assess the budget we can spare for the product. The same limit applies to the purchase of 3D printers as well. There are expensive machines as well as cheaper ones. If you think your budget won’t allow you to go for the high rated machines, you may have to look for the reasonable compromises. But that would help you stay within your affordable range.
What Do You Wish to Create?
This is important to know for a number of reasons. If you are a professional and wish to create prototypes or products that you wish to sell to customers, you will need a printer that balances quality and speedwell. However, if you just want to learn 3D printing, you can compromise with speed to get the best printer in terms of print quality. Depending on what you wish to print, you must check the following specifications of the printer to judge it according to your needs:
- Build Size: If you wish to print a material that is larger in height, however, does not require much space along its length and width, you can do it for 3d printers offering similar build space. If you wish to print tiny parts, you can choose a small printer.
- Material for Printing: Do you wish to print with one material or you may have to use other materials too. Not every 3D printer is compatible with different filaments. So, you must check the same before buying a 3D printer. Also, if you need to print food-safe containers, your printer must allow you to print with those materials that are food safe. In short, you must make a list of materials you wish to print with.
- Dual or Single Extruder: Are your required parts multicolored and multi-material? Or, it’s just can be printed with one extruder. This will help you come closer to your choice.
- Print Quality: As mentioned before, there are few purposes that would require high-quality parts such as functional prototypes. In such cases, buying a cheap 3D printer may feel like a complete loss. So, check what quality you wish to achieve and if the machine is capable of offering that or not.
Are You Good with Assembling?
You must find out your expertise levels. It’s better to say that you must be knowing your skills. Hence, it is easy to choose between DIY kits and assembled 3D printers. For your information, the DIY kits are cheaper than their counterparts that come fully assembled.
However, if you feel that investing too much time in connecting the different components and leveling the machine is too much to ask for, it’s better to choose the assembled one. At the end of the day, you must be able to make that pricey machine work, and if the installation is what is stopping you, why not seek for machines that are already setup. You will get a lot of plug-and-play 3D printers in the market to choose from, just keep your eyes and ears open.
Are You Good with Any Specific 3D Slicing Software?
If you think that you cannot change the slicing software you have been working from long back or have put in efforts to master, it’s better to look for the 3D printer that supports that specific app. However, a bright suggestion here, if you do need to compromise on this part when able to avail the other requirements, this will be an easy trade-off.
But before you make that decision, look for all the available options. Who knows you can get everything you need including the compatibility with your favorite software?
Does Customer Service Matter?
It must matter. You cannot ignore the fact that you would need to avail of technical support at times. And, depending on a responsive team makes things easier as your 3D printer grows old and so does its components.
Need Extended Warranty?
Many users believe that extended warranty keeps them covered in the need of time. And, it’s definitely a clever move. The different components can be really expensive. And, knowing that you are covered for more years does bring a feeling of relief. And, if that is the case with you too, why not find a company that offers extended warranty and extra warranty of non-included parts in the standard warranty terms.
The Conclusion
It is always going to be head-smacking difficult to find the right 3D printer for your needs. But along the way, when you know what to look for, you can eliminate the options, making the choice simpler for yourself. And, it is very crucial to find a printer that works as per your expectations. Otherwise, you may not be able to reap the benefits that you just ignored lying around the corner. Hence, you must make efforts in the right direction when paying for a 3D printer that may cost you considerate amount as per your budget range.
