You can use a 3D printer to manufacture a wide range of three-dimensional items and objects from digital files. But you must remember that the applications and use cases of 3D printing vary across industries. The individual users and hobbyists use the 3D printer to produce home decors, obsolete parts, and difficult-to-find components.
At the same time, enterprises use 3D printers to experiment with innovative ideas, evaluate designs, and manufacture fully-functional parts. Some enterprises these days explore ways to 3D-print cars instead of manufacturing cars. But you cannot use the same 3D printer to manufacture a variety of objects, parts, models, or components.
You have the option to choose from several types of 3D printers. Before looking for a 3D printer buying guide, you must clearly define what to 3D print. At the same time, you must focus on some important factors to choose a 3D printer that enables you to produce your choice of three-dimensional objects.
3D Printer Buying Guide: 10 Things You Must Keep in Mind to Choose and Buy the Right 3D Printer
3D Printing Technology
Each 3D printer is driven by a particular 3D printing technology. The 3D printing technology produces physical items using a specific material in a specific way. The widely used 3D printing technologies – Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) – differ from each other in several aspects. Hence, you must compare the widely used 3D printing technologies before comparing the 3D printers.
3D Printing Material
Each 3D printer produces physical objects using a specific material or filament. For instance, the FDM 3D printer produces physical products by depositing thermoplastic layer by layer. At the same time, the SLD 3D printer manufactures models by converting liquid resin into hard plastic using laser light. That is why; you must consider the materials you can use with a specific 3D printer. Also, you must not forget to consider the price and availability of the specific 3D printing material.
Build Volume
The 3D printers differ from each other in the category of build volume. The term build volume refers to the dimensions of the space into which the 3D printer will produce the physical object. You can opt for a 3D printer with a higher build volume to produce three-dimensional objects of various sizes. But you must remember that larger 3D printers are much more expensive than smaller 3D printers. Hence, you must keep in mind the size and finish of the items to be 3D-printed to decide the appropriate build volume.
Print Resolution
The features and finishing of the 3D-printed object are directly impacted by the resolution delivered by the 3D printer. Each type of 3D printer has a different resolution. The SLS 3D printers deliver a resolution of around 60 macrons, while an FDM 3D printer has a resolution of around 100 macrons. You should opt for a 3D printer with a higher resolution to 3D-print three-dimensional objects with tiny features, smooth surface height, and thinner height.
Print Speed
The normal speed of an FDA 3D printer is around 50-150 millimeters/hours, while the average speed of an SLS 3D printer is about 48 millimeters. But the faster 3D printers are more expensive than the slower 3D printers. Also, you must not compromise on the print quality by increasing printing speed. Hence, you need to opt for a 3D printer that produces physical objects in 24 to 48 hours.
Coloring
Some 3D printers support a single color, while others support multiple colors. When you buy a multicolor 3D printer, you can save the time and effort required for post-coloring and post-processing. On the other hand, a single color 3D printer will make you print the 3D-printed artworks, sculptures, home decors, figurines, and similar gift items. But you have to spend more to buy a 3D printer that supports multiple colors.
Slicing Software
The 3D printers lack the capability to translate a CAD or CAM file on their own. They follow the instructions provided by the slicer or slicing software while 3D-printing an item from a digital file. Some 3D printers come with built-in proprietary slicing software, while others need to be integrated with third-party slicing software. You can use the 3D printer smoothly in the future only by choosing the right slicing software.
Manufacturer
While preparing a 3D printing buying guide, often buyers do not focus on the manufacturer. But you must use the reputation and reliability of the manufacturer as a key criterion for comparing 3D printers. While comparing 3D printers, you must read the reviews and comments posted on other users. The information shared by other buyers will help you to choose a manufacturer who delivers technical support and responds to complaints proactively.
Customization Options
There are always chances that you have to make minor changes to the 3D printer to meet your precise requirements. The 3D printers developed by leading manufacturers often lack options to change and customize. But many engineers these days build customized 3D printers according to the precise needs of clients using 3D printer kits and referring to online instructions and guides. Hence, you must choose the option that enables you to customize the 3D printer according to your precise needs.
Price
The consumer 3D printers are less expensive than industrial 3D printers. But the prices of 3D printers vary across manufacturers and brands. You can buy simple and basic 3D printers by spending about $100. But you have to spend around $1000 to buy a high-quality 3D printer and $2000 to buy a professional 3D printer. You must remember that the features and performance of 3D printers vary according to their prices.
You have the option to choose from a wide variety of 3D printers available in the market. The 3D printers differ from each other in many aspects, including technology, materials, features, and cost. You should refer to a 3D Printer Buying Guide, after clearly defining your requirements. You must spend some time comparing the 3D printers available in the market according to your precise needs and budget. However, you also have the option to avail yourself of professional 3D printing services instead of investing in a 3D printer.
About Aurum3D:
Aurum3D is one of the most reputed 3D printing companies in Bangalore, India. We also build our own Make in India FDM 3D Printers. Feel Free to contact us for your 3D printer related queries.