In order to buy the best 3D printer for your needs it is important to be able to choose the most suitable model for the use that will be made of it: to do this you need to evaluate all the technical characteristics that distinguish one model from the other, such as the speed of printing, the accuracy of the print, the dimensions, the materials of the filaments and the price. Let’s find out what a 3D printer is, how it works, what factors you need to consider before buying one and which are the best currently available on Amazon with a good value for money.
The 3D printer is a machine used to quickly create solid objects or different types of components in three-dimensional format starting from a 3D digital file produced with particular development software (the CAD system is the most used). This type of printing is also known as additive manufacturing because, in fact, it occurs by overlapping different layers of material that will then create the object. Make a three-dimensional print it began to be very popular already in the mid-eighties, but in recent times it has experienced a series of innovations and revolutions that have led to the possibility of buying and using a 3D printer at home
Best 3D Printer In The World | 2022
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To be able to buy the best 3D printer for your experiences, however, it is important to be able to choose the model that is most suitable for the use that will be made of it: to do this, you need to evaluate all the technical characteristics that distinguish one model from the other, such as the accuracy of printing , printing speed , size , filament materials and price . To help you choose, in this buying guide we will explain how a 3D printer works , we will illustrate what are the factors that must be evaluated for the purchase of the best 3D printerfor your needs, and we will provide a ranking in which we have included the best-selling and best-reviewed products on Amazon
Best 3D Printer In The World | 2022 Comparison Table
Best 3D Printer In The World | 2022 Reviews
Best 3D Printer In The World | 2022 Guide
How a 3D printer works
Before getting into the technician and starting to talk about the features to consider when purchasing these particular devices, it is important to understand how a 3D printer works . Over time, different types have been developed, each of which uses different materials to create the three-dimensional model.
All 3D printers, however, use a coil of filaments of different types of materials, which are inserted into a nozzle that moves on three axes and which has the purpose of positioning the molten plastic through UV rays emanating from a series of lamps to variable power.
Everything is managed by software capable of designing and managing digital models, in a very similar way to that seen with the various CAD design programs .
How to choose the best 3D printer
Given its complexity, you will agree with us in stating that the factors to consider before buying a 3D printer are many, some simpler and others more complex.
Dimensions
The maximum print size is a very important factor to consider, which basically depends on the type of use that the device will have to do. Most of the more commercial and affordable models carry limitations relating to their dimensions and allow you to reach about 20 cm in height, length and depth.
This factor is basically linked to the measurements of the 3D printer, which in most cases vary between 40 and 60 cm in both three dimensions. Furthermore, a higher price range should not generally be associated with larger print sizes: in this product category, there are often other factors that affect the selling price.
Printing accuracy
This is another very important factor to consider, and it really depends on the ability of the print nozzle to position itself as accurately as possible. Usually this factor is indicated in the technical data of each model and is calculated in millimeters.
Before purchasing, it is necessary to keep in mind two distinct types of precision, which depend on the diameter of the nozzle itself, usually 0.3 or 0.4 mm:
Positioning accuracy : indicates the possible margin of error in positioning the nozzle. It can be about 0.1mm – 0.3mm in the cheaper models, up to 0.025 or 0.011mm in the more expensive ones. Printing precision: indicates the precision in the thickness of the object created. This is fairly standardized across any price range and can normally range from 0.1 to 0.3mm. Compatibility
Like any electronic device or traditional printer, 3D printers must also be characterized by a rather extensive compatibility. And compatibility means the ability to be connected and managed by different operating systems, such as Windows 10 or macOS.
File format
And, again speaking of compatibility, it is important to understand the type of file supported by the printer, because not all files are compatible with all printers: the most common format is the one with the .STL extension which can be managed by software. CAD for quick design and is very simple to manage and draw, but not very accurate.
Another very popular format is G-code, a real programming language not really suitable for all users, but which in recent times has become much easier to manage thanks to a series of online programs that even allow its simulation.
Another very common file format is the one with the .OBJ extension: this is perhaps the most compatible format with three-dimensional moderation software, but it is generally only supported by mid-range or high-end 3D printers.
Print speed
Print speed is perhaps a negligible factor. And it is in the sense that when 3D printing, you still have to get used to a relatively long wait. In any case, this technical factor is reported among the characteristics of each model on sale, and is calculated on the basis of millimeters per second. Generally this value can vary from 40 mm / s to 200 mm / s and is a factor that does not affect the quality of the print.
Filaments
On the other hand, that of filaments is a factor to be taken immediately into consideration. There are different types of materials that can be used to print a 3D model, and as we have seen they are all sold in filaments. Here are the most popular ones:
ABS
: it is a plastic material with good rigidity and resistance, which melts on 230 °. It is widely used by most 3D printers, but recent studies have highlighted some potential health risks. Furthermore, it is a non-biodegradable material, being 100% plastic. PLA : instead, it is a natural material that melts at about 200 degrees. It is not very resistant and can be damaged by external factors such as humidity, but being a totally natural material it is not toxic, it is totally biodegradable and is also suitable for contact such as food. Composite filaments: are materials developed thanks to the union of PLA with other elements such as copper, fiberglass or brass. It is a continuously evolving type of filament with which the companies have wanted to continue to maintain non-toxicity and biodegradability, while adding greater resistance to shocks and atmospheric agents.
Another aspect to consider is the number of nozzles present. Most printers have only one, in other models there are two and, in the more expensive and complex 3D printers, there are also several nozzles with which to use different colors or materials at the same time. This option guarantees a much greater variety in the printing of your creations, and allows greater printing flexibility: in some cases it is even possible to print your creations in double copy.
External protections
External protections are another very important thing to consider. Many think that a 3D printer is an extremely complex product, but in reality there are models on the market that are nothing short of “rudimentary” that are not even equipped with external protections. Especially if there are children in the house, it is important to make sure that the chosen model is equipped with this accessory, because the printing process takes place at very high temperatures and it is important to protect the safety of people at home.
External display
Some 3D printers, generally the more expensive ones, are equipped with a series of external accessories, very useful for the printing process. One of all is the display, with which not only is it possible to manage the device, but which also allows a rather in-depth control over the printing process such as the relative time remaining for printing to come to an end.
Compatibility with operating systems
3D printers can be connected to a computer via USB or Wi-Fi . In case you decide to buy a model of this type, before proceeding, it is important to check the compatibility with the operating system of your PC , even if almost all the 3D printer models currently available on the market can be used with Mac . Windows and Linux . Finally, it is also important to know that it is possible to buy 3D printers that work offline and, consequently, without being connected to the computer. To use this type you simply need to save the project you intend to print on aUSB stick , SD memory card or common microSD . In this regard, it is good to specify that the most popular file formats compatible with 3D printers are .STL and .OBJ and the G-code format .
Possibility of laser engraving
The most modern, powerful 3D printers and, consequently, belonging to a medium / high price range, can, in addition to printing, perform laser engravings on different types of materials . This is a very useful function for those who use this device not only in the home, but above all professional. They allow, in fact, to engrave with the laser materials such as paper , cardboard , wood , plastic and leather and to create precise and original creative works.
Presence of double extruder or multiple extruders
When buying a 3D printer it is very important to also consider the presence of the double extruder or multiple extruders . The models equipped with a double extruder, in fact, are capable of printing objects with different colors and more complex shapes in three dimensions . In fact, while one extruder creates the supporting structure of the object through a support material, the other extruder creates the object that one intends to print, from which the structure will be subsequently removed through a solvent or simply by hand. On the other hand, 3D printers with multiple extruders are much more complex to calibrate: for this reason, their use is mainly recommended for experts.
Materials
The materials with which the printer itself and the various integrated panels are also considered. Especially in economic models you can often find wooden panels, very thin and not able to guarantee absolute stability. In the more expensive models, on the other hand, the structure is made of metal, a material that is much more resistant and less subject to wear, which guarantees greater stability and, consequently, better printing.
Mark
Unlike in other technology sectors, the brand is not an essential factor. Of course, the 3D printers of the best brands could guarantee users more assistance and quality, but the vast majority of the models currently on the market are produced by brands mostly unknown to the general public. Our advice is therefore to make your own evaluation based on the technical characteristics of the chosen model, and the related comments and reviews published by other users.
Price
The price of a 3D printer varies based on several factors . It all depends on a series of very important characteristics, such as printing speed, printing precision, dimensions, materials, brand, and which determine how well the printer is capable of offering excellent performance, in terms of time and precision. But how much does a 3D printer cost on average? To give an approximate idea we can summarize by saying that on Amazon there are excellent economic models , which slightly exceed 200 dollar , but which make good prints and are perfect for home use, mid – range models , whose cost is around to 300/400 dollar , and types ofhigh-end 3D printers , which start at 500 dollar up to over 1,000 dollar . Obviously, it all depends on personal needs, on the budget available and for what main reason you decide to buy a device of this type.
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