Before being marketed, it was in science fiction films that we had the opportunity to see what a 3D printer could achieve. From now on, it is possible to print 3D objects at home or from your office. For information, this device appeared in the 1980s and since then it has not ceased to amaze us. In addition, the objects that can be created become more and more detailed, hence the magic of 3D modeling. Offering excellent value for money, the Anycubic Mega-S Upgraded FDM 3D Printer will make a great first printer. This model starts quickly to save you time and is compatible with different printing materials. Equipped with a 2K LCD screen, the Anycubic UV Resin Photon LCD 3D Printeris ahead of its competitors.
Buying Guide – How to Choose a Good 3D Printer?
Using a price comparison tool is pointless if you don’t even understand how a 3D printer works. That’s what this buying guide for the best 3D printers is all about. In addition to introducing you to model making and 3D printing, this article also includes tips. What criteria should be considered when buying this type of device?
Device performance
One of the first things you should check is the print speed. Expressed in mm/second, it will give you a taste of the performance of the machine. This variation can also be explained by the value of the precision. On a 3D printer, there are two types, namely the vertical precision which is none other than the thickness of the filament layers and the horizontal precision corresponding to the positioning of the X and Y axes.
As an indication, the maximum thickness of the layers that a personal 3D printer can manage will vary between 50 and 100 microns. The most efficient models offer an accuracy of 20 microns.
To talk about performance without comparing the benefits of a single and dual extrusion printer would be unfair on our part. Remember that a single-head printer can only print one color and one material at a time. In contrast, a dual extrusion machine is capable of handling two different materials and colors. However, we would like to warn you that the print quality will be much better on a single head printer. On top of that, these machines will be easier to set up.
So far, we have not yet addressed the volume of printing while it is one of the points that should not be overlooked. Generally, this volume will not exceed 1m50. A large object will take longer to print and may not even take shape. Indeed, the chances of printing failure will be high. If you’re facing this problem, try resizing your mockup and you should be fine.
Supported materials
The material(s) you need to use will depend on the printer. This information is often mentioned in the description of the device. On the market, there are 7 types of consumables which are PLA or Polylactic Acid filaments, ABS called Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, polycarbonate, nylon, PET or polyethylene terephthalate, TPE commonly called flexible filament and polypropylene.
Each of these materials requires a different bed and extrusion temperature, print speed, and level of ventilation. In addition, their use has advantages and disadvantages. Take for example the case of PLA filaments.
Easy to use, this material does not require a heated bed. It is also a very robust material and has a low risk of deformation. On the other hand, PLA does not support heat and humidity. For its part, ABS is perfectly resistant to shocks, sanding and painting. That said, using it will require a heated bed. In addition to this, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is not biodegradable.
cutting software
This program will allow you to create your objects and adapt it to your machine. Thus, you can make alterations if a detail does not suit you. There are many licenses, but what should be remembered is the compatibility or not of the software with computer and printer as well as the handling.
Truth be told, some licenses like SliceCrafter or IceSL are intended only for advanced users while Z-Suite and Tinkerine Suite are aimed at the general public. By following our advice, you will progress faster in 3D modeling.
The 5 Best 3D Printers (Reviews & Tests) of 2022
Now that you know how a 3D printer works and what are the main purchasing criteria you should consider, we will now direct you to better products and help you find where to buy a new 3D printer.
1. Anycubic Mega-S Upgraded FDM 3D Printer
The quality of a print depends essentially on the configuration of the printer. Supporting TPU, PL, ABS as well as hips and woods, the Anycubic Mega-S is a versatile model. Based on FDM modeling technology, it will be able to print fairly complex parts, tools, but also jigs and fixtures.
With an X/Y 0.0125 mm and Z 0.002 mm operating precision, a printing speed between 20 and 100 mm/s as well as a movement speed of 100 mm/s, this model remains the most efficient of its kind. generation.
In terms of design, this printer incorporates a 0.4 mm diameter nozzle. Also note that it can reproduce a layer 0.05 to 0.3 mm thick. Solid, its frame is entirely made of metal.
In addition to that, it has a hanging filament support, which simplifies its storage. All adjustments will be made on a TFT touch screen. Through the description of the Anycubic Mega-S you should know how to choose the best 3D printers of 2022
All instructions are very easy to understand. As a result, even an ordinary person can find their way around.
Due to its metal structure, this printer will withstand shocks and will last over time.
The fact that the screen is touch-sensitive makes navigation much more fluid and pleasant.
Filament loading is child’s play. This is explained by the location of the support which, let us remember, is suspended.
The weight of this printer is around 11 kg.
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2. Anycubic Photon LCD UV Resin 3D Printer
Of all the 3D printer manufacturers, Anycubic is the only one that offers models that combine modernity and efficiency. Being at the cutting edge of technology, these machines benefit from the latest functionalities as evidenced by this model.
Using 405nm photoresist as the imprint material, this device will come with a pair of rubber gloves, mask, and scraper. Concerned about user safety, Anycubic is the best brand of 3D printers of the moment.
With its 2.8-inch touch screen, you can follow the printing progress. Also note that the display will be at high resolution, that is to say in 2k. The printing speed is 20 mm/h with a layer resolution of around 25 to 100 um.
For information, the nominal power of this printer is rated at 40 Watts. Whether you are a novice or an experienced user, this model will give you complete satisfaction. So now you know which 3D printer to choose.
On the Anycubic website, there is a tutorial that explains in detail how this device works. In addition, it is compatible with Photon slicer software.
Half a liter of resin will be provided by the manufacturer. This amount will allow you to familiarize yourself with the machine and start printing.
This printer is wide enough to accommodate a rotating solar display.
The resin compartment is located at the top and far too close to the arm, which does not facilitate its use.
Some USB keys are not recognized by the printer.
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3. Comgrow Creality 3D Printer Series Ender 3
Since everyone is looking for the best 3D printer on the market, we have compiled a list of machines that might interest you. Operating using FDM technology, the nozzle of this printer reaches a maximum temperature of 255°C.
Its bed can rise to over 110°C. This machine is also capable of resuming a print that has been interrupted due to a power failure. Using 1.75mm PLA filament, this machine will print at a speed of 180mm/s.
Supporting STL, obj and those resulting from CNC programming, the Ender 3 is often touted as the best 3D printer.
Regarding its operation, this model has an online and offline mode. Precision level, the margin of error is estimated at ± 0.1 mm. As a reminder, this printer is equipped with a 0.4 mm diameter nozzle and develops a power of 360 Watts.
By having taken the time to read the user manual, the assembly will be done in less than an hour. Also, the process is very well explained.
Designed with quality materials, this equipment has a very solid frame. Printing is done quickly and with a very low margin of error.
From a bench to things like SD cards to decorative items, the Ender 3 is capable of printing just about anything. In addition to this, its PLA roll consumption is moderate.
Since this is a thermal printer, the hotend only fits PLA.
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4. Kingroon Aluminum 3D Printer with Touch Screen
From the creation of the first 3D printer until now, this device has never gone out of style. In fact, research on how to buy a better value for money 3D printer continues to increase. Equipped with a 2.4 inch LCD and touch screen, this model is part of the latest generation of 3D printers.
As for its size, know that this machine measures 320 x 273 x 370 mm. As for the nozzle, its diameter is rated at 0.4 mm. Easy to use, it works with 1.75 mm PLA filament rolls.
In terms of format, this device recognizes G-code, OBJ and STL files. Efficient, the maximum printing speed is measured at more than 150 mm/s with an accuracy of ± 0.1 mm.
For a cheap machine, it is still very efficient and can compete with its competitors. Regarding the transfer of files, you can use either a USB key or an SD card.
The interface is intuitive, which further simplifies navigation and settings. In all, this printer includes 6 fixing screws, which is not a lot.
Since its frame is made entirely of aluminum, it will last as long as a high-end printer.
The packaging is both well finished and solid. As for the instructions found in the manual, they are easy to follow.
The SD card that comes with this machine is not reliable at all. Formatting won’t change much.
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5. Labists Mini 3D Printer X1
Where to buy the best 3D printer when you are about to order your first machine. Everything will be based on your budget, but also the objects you plan to print. Embedding a flexible build plate as well as a volume of 100 x 100 x 100 mm, this version produces quality objects. The extruder developed by Labists has a precision of 0.05 mm, which greatly reduces printing defects.
Despite its dimensions which are of the order of 450 x 400 x 500 mm, this device is still easy to move and transport. Silent, this machine incorporates 3 motors respectively controlling the movement of the X, Y and Z axes. To reach a temperature of 180°C, this printer only takes 3 minutes.
Also note that it is recognized by computers running Windows, but also Macs. Easy to assemble, assembly will be done in less than half an hour. In addition to this, it is considered the cheapest model at the moment.
The software that does the cutting and printing is easy to use. In addition, it recognizes files that are published on the internet. From an aesthetic point of view, the impressions remain convincing.
Whether it is the motor or the armature, nothing has been neglected by the manufacturer. Very discreet, this printer does not produce noise.
Setting up the platform shouldn’t be a problem for you. Also note that Labists made their printer easy to assemble.
The tray is not adjustable.
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frequently asked Questions
Q1: How does a 3D printer work?
The operation of a 3D printer can take place either by the deposition of material, solidification by light or according to the principle of agglomeration by bonding. Whatever the technology used by the machine, each process is based on the superposition of layers of materials based on the coordinates of a 3D file.
In addition, the user will need a 3D printer, consumable which can be a roll of filament or powder, a 3D file in STL or OBJ format, cutting software and a computer. To transfer the files from the PC to the printer, you will need to use a USB key or cable, an SD card or even Wifi. Before buying a 3D printer, take the time to learn about the connectors it has.
Most models that are intended for personal use operate on the principle of Fused Filament Deposition Modeling or FDM. In short, it is the superposition of layers of thermoplastic filament heated to 200°C that will determine the shape of the object. The nozzle is guided by the X, Y and Z coordinates which correspond to the length, width and height of the object to be printed.
Instead of using a roll of filament, the light solidification technique requires a light-sensitive liquid that will harden after passing through an ultraviolet laser beam. This liquid will be contained in the reservoir of the printer. As its name suggests, the principle of agglomeration by bonding requires the use of composite powder. The latter will be glued, sanded and then heated.
Q2: Why do you need a heated bed for a 3D printer?
The heating plate allows the consumables to expand and stabilize the part until it retracts and comes off the platform. To heat a PLA filament, its temperature must be set between 0 and 50°C. A setting between 50 to 60°C will suffice to expand nylon, PETG, PET and PC. On the other hand, if you should use a roll of carbon filament, the temperature of the plate should not be below 80°C. If we should draw up a small comparative table, know that ABS and ASA will require a temperature of at least 100°C.
Q3: When to change the nozzle of a 3D printer?
Nozzle life will vary depending on the materials you use as well as its design. To determine if a nozzle is worth changing, just look at its tip. If it is rounded, or even flat, that would mean that it is out of order.
Q4: What to do with a 3D printer?
3D printers are often used to manufacture prototypes, models, tools, prostheses, implants, surgical models, food, but also fashion accessories. There are even models that are capable of crafting houses, jewelry, and organic fabrics. One can also reproduce everyday objects, figures and create artistic works.
Q5: Which 3D printer to make a figurine?
Almost all 3D printers are able to print a figurine. That said, the final rendering will depend on the quality of the machine and the file you used. Several links to figure files are available for free to people residing in Canada or even any country in the world.
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