So you want to get your 3D printer up and running? Congratulations, I can say without exaggeration that 3D printers have changed my life. It has opened up the possibility to create physical objects customized to my needs.
Now I feel more comfortable creating in the workshop and creating solutions that I use every day.
But the first steps can be daunting. What kind of printer should I buy, SLA (resin) or FDM (filament), which should I spend my money on? This article will answer these questions.
Let’s start with resin and filament. Resin printers are recommended for those who want to create detailed objects. There is a large market for miniature players, as well as model railroaders, model makers, and all other types of players.
Print quality is very high, but there is a lot of dirt, and some odor and care must be taken with finishing and handling toxic liquids.
Filament printers, on the other hand, are recommended for those who want to make objects that meet specific functional needs, not just displays. 3D printers are used for mounts, jigs, and practical projects. Filament printers can also make large objects, so they have become indispensable in the cosplay world for making masks, gadgets, etc.
As for price, that is also a matter of budget. All of the printers on this list are in the lower price range. There is another list of professional printers, so if you want to spend more money, please see that list.
Best 3d Printer Under 400 Dollars
Professional printers are robust and often have useful features such as automatic bed leveling to make them easier for beginners to use. Still, you can go a long way with most of the printers reviewed here.
Before we begin this list, one final note is in order. The first few printers are marked with a “first choice” label. These are the printers I would recommend to a friend who is not sure which printer to buy. It is the most obvious choice.
Still, the other products on this list offer better prices and other options, so this list of top products are all excellent candidates for 3D printing beginners.
Best 3d Printer Under $ 400 | Comparison Table 2022
| Image | Title | Buy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Official Creality Ender 3 3D Printer Fully Open Source with Resume Printing Function DIY 3D Printers Printing Size 220x220x250mm | Comgrow | Check Price | |
| Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer, DIY FDM All Metal 3D Printers Kit with Removable Carborundum Glass Platform, Resume Printing Function, Print Size 220x220x250mm (Black) | Voxelab | Check Price | |
| Anet ET5X DIY 3D Printer, Auto Leveling with Resume Printing Function, 3.5 Inch LCD Color Touch Screen, Upgraded Over-Current Protection Mainboard, Large Size 11.8x11.8x15.7Inch | Anet | Check Price | |
| ANYCUBIC Mega-S New Upgrade 3D Printer with Extruder and Suspended Filament Rack + Free Test PLA Filament, Works with TPU/PLA/ABS | ANYCUBIC | Check Price | |
| FDM 3D Printer Kit Pyramid A1.1 Titan Direct Drive, Silent Mainboard, Resume Printing, 3.5 inch LCD Touch Screen, Upgradable to BL Touch, 12" x 12" x16" for Creative Artist, DIY Designer & School Use | FASTTOBUY | Check Price | |
| 3D Printer Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer with UL Certified Meanwell Power Supply Upgraded Ender 3 with Magnetic Surface Plate Printing Size 8.6x8.6x9.8in/220x220x250MM for Beginners | Creality 3D | Check Price | |
| LGT Longer LK1 3D Printer, 300x300x400mm Large Build Size Printer, Metal Frame with Resume Printing - Black | Longer | Check Price | |
| CREALITY Official Ender 3 V2 3D Printer with MeanWell Power Supply Upgraded Version of Ender 3 Pro Silent Motherboard Mainboard for Carborundum Glass Platform LCD Screen Printing Size 8.6x8.6x9.8in | Creality | Check Price | |
| 3D Printer 310x310x400mm Large Build Volume, Newest 98% Pre-Assembled Metal NEWEREAL T-REX M18-S FDM Printers for Beginners, 0.4mm Integrated Nozzle with Direct Drive Extruder Duble Z-Axis Ultra Quiet | NEWEREAL | Check Price |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Best 3d Printer Under 400 | Products Overview 2022
Great Prices | 5-Stars Pick | High Quality
1. Comgrow Creality Ender Best 3d Printer Under $ 400
- Resume Printing Function: Ender 3 has the ability to resume printing even after a power outage or lapse occurs.
- Easy and Qucik Assembly: It comes with several assembled parts, you only need about 2 hours to assemble 20 nuts well.
- Advanced Extruder Technology: Upgraded extruder greatly reduces plugging risk and bad extrustion; V-shape with POM wheels make it move noiseless, smoothly and durable.
- Safety Protected Power Supply: Only needs 5 minutes for hot bed to reach 110 degree.
- Strict Test: Strict testing for key components before delivery and life-time technical supports available.
Product Overview:
The Creality Ender 3 is a fully open source 3D printer that comes with a variety of features to make 3D printing more convenient and efficient. One of the standout features of the Ender 3 is its resume printing function, which allows the printer to pick up where it left off in case of a power outage or other unexpected stoppage. This means that you don’t have to start your print over from the beginning if something goes wrong.
The Ender 3 is also designed for easy assembly, with several parts already pre-assembled. According to the manufacturer, it should take about 2 hours to put together the remaining 20 nuts. Additionally, the printer comes equipped with advanced extruder technology that greatly reduces the risk of clogged nozzles and bad extrusion. The V-shape design with POM wheels makes the printer move quietly, smoothly and durable.
- The resume printing function allows for easy recovery from power outages or other unexpected stoppages.
- Easy and quick assembly.
- Advanced extruder technology reduces risk of clogged nozzles and bad extrusion.
- Safety-protected power supply ensures fast heating to the printing platform.
- Strict testing of key components before delivery and lifetime technical support available.
- Assembly may still take up to 2 hours.
- The power supply is branded, not original.
- It has a printing size of 8.66×8.66×9.84 inches, which may be limited for some projects.
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Also Read: Best Portable Printer For iPhone
2. Voxelab Aquila 3d Printer Under 400
- 【Integrated Structure Design】Easy to assemble and maintain with integrated structure and modular design. All lines are concealed in the machine. It’s more convenient and safer for you to operate.
- 【Resume Printing Function】The machine can automatically resume printing when the power comes on. It won’t print from scratch once meeting filament breakage, saving time and avoiding waste.
- 【Semi-Assembled Kit】This easy-to-setup kit comes partially assembled, enabling you to learn about the basic construction of 3D printers as you finish putting it together.
- 【Removable Build Surface Plate】Auqila uses a carborundum glass platform, enables the building platform to heat up in 5 minutes and prints adhere better without the warping. Ultra smoothness even on the first layer.
- 【Warranty and Service】All Voxelab 3d printers are provided lifetime technical assistance and a one-year warranty. If you have any questions regarding product operation or software please feel free to contact us.
Product Overview:
The Voxelab Aquila C2 3D printer is an FDM DIY printer with an all-metal frame and a removable build surface plate. It has an integrated structure design that is easy to assemble and maintain, with all lines concealed in the machine for added safety and convenience. The printer also features a resume printing function that allows it to automatically resume printing when power is restored, saving time and avoiding waste.
The Aquila C2 comes as a semi-assembled kit, allowing users to learn about the basic construction of 3D printers while putting it together. It uses a carborundum glass platform as the build surface, which can heat up in just 5 minutes and provides an ultra-smooth surface for printing without warping. Additionally, the printer is equipped with a 32-bit controller board and TMC2208 silent stepper driver, ensuring a near-silent printing experience.
- Easy to assemble and maintain with integrated structure design
- Resume printing function saves time and avoids waste
- The semi-assembled kit allows for learning about the basic construction of 3D printers
- Removable build surface plate made of carborundum glass heats up quickly and provides an ultra-smooth surface
- Lifetime technical assistance and a one-year warranty provided
- Fast heating may cause warping
- Only compatible with certain slicing software
- The price may be considered high for some users.
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Also Read: Best Black and White Laser Printer
3. Anet ET5X DIY 3D Printer Under 400 USD
- ?【Ultra Large Print&Matrix Automatic Levelling】 300x300x400mm ultra-large print volume. Auto measures 25 points across the print platform for heat bed leveling. An induction sensor can probe the bed in a grid and apply mesh-based compensation that ensures you print on a level bed every time, all without the time-consuming and labor-intensive leveling tasks.
- ?【Filament Sensor&Power Outage Recovery】 The filament sensor detects the filament end and sends reminders to the screen to avoid air-printing. Resume printing and recover from exactly where it left off. No worries about unexpected power outages.
- ?【Auto Filament Assignment&Assembled In No Time】 Automatic load and unload the filament with just a click.Pre-assembly and modular design with quick assembly in 10min. Solid Wire Connection, Distributor connector for solid wire connections.
- ?【Dual Z-axis, More Accurate Print&Stable Y-axis Movement】 ET5 applies dual Z-axis rods and motors to make sure the smooth and accuracy of every slight movement. Dual Y-axis guideway for a more stable and level moving stage of the build platform. Intuitive Touchscreen.Colorful LCD touch screen, allowing you to control the movement of X/Y/Z axis, leveling and printing with ease.
- ?【Safe Designed Control Board】 You can connect your ET5 online or offline to any configuration for your convenience. You could print via SD card or USB flash drive. Self-developed industrial-grade 32bit control board with MCU STMF407. Stable operation with high precision. The motherboard has thermal runaway protection. If the printer fails to detect the temperature for a certain time, it would automatically power off.
Product Overview:
The Anet ET5X DIY 3D Printer is a large-size 3D printer with a build volume of 11.8x11.8x15.7 inches. It features auto leveling and a resume printing function, making it easy to use and reliable. The printer also has a 3.5-inch LCD color touch screen, which allows for easy navigation and control of the printer's functions. Additionally, the Anet ET5X features an upgraded over-current protection mainboard for added safety.
Anet Technology, the company behind the Anet ET5X 3D printer, was established in November 2015. The company has a strong focus on R&D, with over 200 employees and an R&D team of over 20 specialists. They have been recognized as a national new high-tech enterprise by the Chinese government and have acquired over 20 patents in 3D printer R&D. Anet Technology also has a worldwide warehouse network and a professional after-sales team to serve customers from all over the world.
Anet Technology also holds international exhibitions to showcase its products and gather customer needs. They have a comfortable office environment and are committed to serving every customer well.
- Large build volume of 11.8×11.8×15.7 inches.
- Auto leveling and resume printing function for ease of use and reliability.
- 3.5-inch LCD color touch screen for easy navigation and control.
- Upgraded over-current protection mainboard for added safety.
- Strong R&D focus with over 20 patents in 3D printer R&D.
- The brand is not well known.
- The printer might be more expensive than other options in the market.
- Limited warranty and customer support.
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Also Read: Best Printer For Cricut
4. ANYCUBIC Mega-S
- WORKS OUT OF THE BOX: 3 steps to set up ANYCUBIC Mega S 3D printer with 8 screws and 3 cables for minutes, not only meets fast assembly needs for expert users but also friendly use to beginners. The rigid metal frame can minimize the shaking to improve the print quality.
- UPGRADED EXTRUDER DESIGN: Titan extruder provides precise extrusion for your 3D printing with solid filament drive and overall mechanical design compatible with most filaments, greatly reducing the clogging risk and improving printing accuracy.
- RESUME PRINT & SENSOR DETECTION: Mega S 3D Printer can resume printing after a power outage or any other unexpected stoppage.One-click to resume from the last recorded position when suffering power outages. And the sensor pauses prints and sets off an alarm when you run out of filament which greatly saves time and cost , printing volume reaches 8.27 x 8.27 x 8.07 inches.
- ANYCUBIC ULTRABASE: Patented 3D printer printing platform surface coated with a patented microporous coating, with excellent adhesion when printing and then effortlessly falls off the bed when it cools to room temp at the end of the print.
- MORE FUNCTION: 1)TFT Touch Screen-As responsive as operating on the phone. 2)All ANYCUBIC 3D printers backed with lifetime technical support and 24 hours professional customer service.
Product Overview:
The ANYCUBIC Mega S Upgrade FDM 3D Printer is a user-friendly and easy-to-assemble device that can be set up in minutes with just 8 screws and 3 cables. It features a large printing volume of 8.27 x 8.27 x 8.07 inches, making it suitable for a wide range of projects.
One of the standout features of this 3D printer is its upgraded extruder design, which uses a Titan extruder to provide precise extrusion and is compatible with most filaments, greatly reducing the risk of clogging and improving printing accuracy. Additionally, it has a sensor detection system that pauses prints and sets off an alarm when you run out of filament, saving time and cost.
Another important feature of the ANYCUBIC Mega S is its patented 3D printer printing platform surface, coated with a microporous coating that provides excellent adhesion while printing and then effortlessly falls off the bed when it cools to room temperature at the end of the print.
- Easy to assemble and set up
- Large printing volume of 8.27 x 8.27 x 8.07 inches
- Upgraded extruder design reduces clogging and improves printing accuracy
- Resume print and sensor detection feature
- Patented 3D printer printing platform surface for easy removal of prints
- Only works with 1.75mm 3D printer filament
- May not be suitable for very large or complex projects
- The price point may be higher than some other 3D printers on the market.
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Also Read: Best 3d Printer Under 500 Dollar
5. FASTTOBUY Best budget 3D Printer
- Silent printing with the new mainboard chipset, keep your focused.
- Print big models efficiently at once thanks to large printing area of 300×300×400mm/12in (L) x 12in(W) x16in (H)
- Good start for creative makers who like to combine quality and budget. Upgraded to Titan Direct drive. BL touch available as optional add on. Suitable for professional enthusiasts of 3d printer .
- Kits are ready to be mounted easily and quickly. Same titan drive, silent motherboard, 300*300*400mm big printing size and structure to cr10 v3
- SATISFACTION GUARANTEED: 1 year warranty and life long techincal supports.
Product Overview:
The FDM 3D Printer Kit Pyramid A1.1 features a new mainboard chipset that allows for silent printing, so you can keep your focus on your project. It also boasts a large printing area of 300x300x400mm, allowing you to efficiently print big models all at once. This printer is a great option for creative makers who want to combine quality and budget, as it is upgradable to a Titan direct drive and the BL touch feature is available as an optional add-on. Additionally, the kits are designed to be easily and quickly assembled.
In addition to its impressive technical specifications, the Pyramid A1.1 also offers a variety of convenient features. The printer is open source, which means it can be modified to suit your needs. It can print with a variety of materials, including PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, and Carbon Fiber, and has a maximum printing speed of 180mm/s.
- Silent printing with the new mainboard chipset
- Large printing area of 300x300x400mm
- Upgradable to Titan direct drive and BL touch
- Kits are easy and quick to assemble
- Multi-language support: English, Italian, Spanish, French
- Print speed is less than 180mm/s
- The Hotbed temperature is less than 110℃
- It only supports STL/OBJ/AMF file format.
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Also Read: Best Sublimation Printer For T-Shirts
6. Creality 3D Printer cheap
- Upgraded Version: It comes with extra magnetic build surface, and also MeanWell power supply. The Ender 3 Pro boasts the same outstanding performance as the Ender 3, upgraded components make this 3D printer more stable, durable and easier to operate.
- MeanWell Power Supply: Equipped with UL certified MeanWell power supply, which is produced by the listed company with mature technology, and it meets all the needs of fast heating and long-time 3D printing.
- Remove Easily:Our all new magnetic bed surface for easy model removal is included stock on the Ender 3 Pro. Easily remove the magnetic print surface from the hotbed and remove models with no spatula or razor necessary.
- Semi-Assembled Kit: This easy-to-setup kit comes partially assembled, allowing you to learn about the basic construction of 3D printers as you finish putting it together. A fun STEM educational experience in mechanical engineering and electronics.
- Official Creality 3D Amazon store. All of our products come with a 18 Months limited replacement part and lifetime technical support.We provide original part for after sale.more than 20 engineers provide professional customer service.Please kindly contact us(seller) via “ask a question” find us directly rather than Creality Official Support Center , cause our customer service will respond to you within 24 hours no matter what question.
Product Overview:
The Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer is an upgraded version of the popular Ender-3 model. It comes with a UL certified Meanwell power supply and a new magnetic surface plate for easy model removal. The printing size is 8.6x8.6x9.8 inches, making it a great option for beginners. The Ender 3 Pro also boasts improved stability and durability, with a redesigned plastic extrusion and a 40x40 aluminum extrusion for the Y-axis base.
The Meanwell power supply ensures fast heating and long-time 3D printing, and also protects the printer from voltage spikes and power outages. If power is lost, prints can be resumed from the last layer, saving time and reducing waste. The Ender 3 Pro also comes with a new state-of-the-art "C-MAG" magnetic sticker that is removable, flexible, and adheres better to the platform.
- Upgraded version of Ender-3 with improved stability and durability.
- Meanwell power supply ensures fast heating and long-time 3D printing.
- Magnetic surface plate for easy model removal.
- Semi-assembled kit for a fun STEM educational experience.
- Comes with 18 months limited replacement part and lifetime technical support.
- The product is a semi-assembled kit, may require some technical knowledge to assemble it.
- It is not the most advanced 3D Printer, so it may not be suitable for professional use.
- Some users may find the build volume limiting.
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Also Read: 3D Printer Under 150 Dollars of 2022
7. Longer LK1 Best 3D Printer for small businesses
- 【EXTRA LARGE BUILD PLATFORM】The Max Build size for this LK1 3D Printer is 300*300*400mm, and can print models that 90% of other printers could not.
- 【RECOVER PRINTING FUNCTION】The LK1 has the ability to resume printing even after a power outage or lapse occurs; And built-in filament sensor, when the filament runs out, it will stop printing, and will continue once there are filament. So you do not need to print from the beginning again, which can help you save a lot of material and time.
- 【EASY TO ASSEMBLE AND OPERATE】LK1 uses touch color screen for easy and quick operation. It comes with several partially assembled kits, very easy to assemble and allow you to learn about the basic construction of 3D printer.
- 【PRINTING EFFICIENT AND SAFE】With a tempered glass plate on the heated bed, which makes models are easier to be removed. It also makes the hot bed more flat and provide all-around production. And build in power management and thermal cooling system, keep the printing safer.
- 【TECHNICAL SUPPORT】: The Longer provide one year after-sale service for printer and lifetime technical assistance and 24H response. There also has a growing user community to sharing their successes and trials on Facebook, Reddit, and Youtube, which very helpful to beginners even seasoned users.
Product Overview:
The LGT Longer LK1 3D Printer is a large build-size printer with a maximum build size of 300x300x400mm, allowing it to print models that other printers may not be able to. One of its key features is its recovery printing function, which allows it to resume printing after a power outage or lapse occurs. Additionally, it has a built-in filament sensor that stops the printer when the filament runs out and resumes printing once more filament is added, saving both material and time.
The LK1 is also easy to assemble and operate, with a touch color screen for quick navigation and partially assembled kits included to help users understand the basic construction of 3D printers. The printer also features a tempered glass plate on the heated bed, which makes models easier to remove and provides a more flat and all-around production. The printer also has built-in power management and thermal cooling systems to keep the printing process safe.
- Large build size of 300x300x400mm
- Recover printing function for power outages
- Built-in filament sensor for material and time saving
- Easy to assemble and operate
- The tempered glass plate on the heated bed for easy model removal
- No mention of print resolution
- No mention of print speed
- No mention of supported filament types.
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Also Read: Best Metal 3d Printer 2022
Product Overview:
The Creality Ender 3 V2 3D printer is an upgraded version of the Ender 3 Pro, featuring a silent motherboard with TMC2208 stepper drivers for a more pleasant user experience. The printer also has a new user interface and a 4.3-inch color screen for easy operation and disassembly. Additionally, the Ender 3 V2 is equipped with a UL-certified MeanWell power supply, which can quickly heat up and has the option for 115V or 230V power voltage.
The Ender 3 V2 also has smart add-ons for added convenience, including a sleekly designed power supply, a blue extruder knob for easy filament feeding and changes, and a tiny tool drawer for storing tools and spare parts. The printer also comes with a carborundum glass platform, which allows for faster heating and better adhesion, and improved belt tensioners for smoother motion.
The printer is 80% pre-installed, making it easy and convenient to use. It also has humanized design features like an XY-axis tensioner for belt tightness adjustment and a rotary knob for filament feeding. Additionally, the carborundum glass platform allows for easy removal of the model, and the printer has a resume printing feature that can save time and filament in case of power outages. The Ender 3 V2 also has an integrated structure design for quality and high-precision printing.
- Equipped with silent TMC2208 stepper drivers for a more pleasant user experience.
- New user interface and a 4.3 inch color screen for easy operation and disassembly.
- UL-certified MeanWell power supply that can quickly heat up and has the option for 115V or 230V power voltage.
- Smart add-ons for added convenience, including a sleekly designed power supply, a blue extruder knob for easy filament feeding and changes, and a tiny tool drawer for storing tools and spare parts.
- The Carborundum glass platform allows for faster heating and better adhesion.
- The Ender 3 V2 is an upgraded version of the Ender 3 Pro, so it may be more expensive.
- Not specified the printing size
- Not specifying the material that can be used with this printer.
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Also Read: Best Cheap 3d Printer Under $100
9. NEWEREAL 3D Printer for beginners
- ⚡【EASY TO ASSEMBLE & USE】 NEWEREAL T-REX M18-S 3d printer is 98% pre-assembled and only separated into two-part. All you need to do to set it up is to put those two parts together and tighten several screws. It only takes a few minutes. Also, this printer has a colored touched screen with all kinds of buttons on it. Even a beginner can operate it with ease in 3 minutes.
- ⚡【INTERGRATED NOZZLE】Merged the feed inlet, direct driver extruder and 0.4mm nozzle together. A new design that helps easy to replace filament, precise temperature control, real-time filament run-out detection. All in this little extruder., and easy troubleshooting and repair.
- ⚡【FAST & PRECISE】With the help of the direct-drive extruder and integrated nozzle, the print speed of this printer can reach up to 300m/s, and the positioning accuracy of the XY axis is 0.05 mm and the positioning accuracy of the z-axis is 0.01 mm, which ensure fast and precise printing and bring a good result.
- ⚡【HIGH CONFIGURATION PRINTER】TMC2208 ultra quiet driver chip module, meet the requirements of high-standard quiet environment, promises you to not be bothered while the printer is working. Powerful STM32 control chip support installed with an automatic leveling and WIFI module by the user. Realize your more DIY ideas and find the fun of 3D printers.
- ⚡【TOP ASSIST】Lattice glass platform, 3.5-inch touch screen, flexible flat cable,neat and smooth appearance, 310x310x400mm build size, double z-axis stabilization, Synchronous moving with high accuracy, smart resume function.
Product Overview:
The NEWEREAL T-REX M18-S 3D printer is a large build volume printer that is 98% pre-assembled, making it easy to set up and use. It features a colored touch screen with all kinds of buttons on it, allowing even beginners to operate it with ease in just a few minutes. The printer also has an integrated nozzle that is merged with the feed inlet and direct driver extruder, making it easy to replace filament and ensuring precise temperature control and real-time filament run-out detection.
The printer boasts fast and precise printing capabilities thanks to its direct-drive extruder and integrated nozzle. It can reach print speeds of up to 300m/s and has a positioning accuracy of 0.05mm for the XY-axis and 0.01mm for the Z-axis. Additionally, it is equipped with a TMC2208 ultra-quiet driver chip module, making it suitable for use in high-standard quiet environments.
- Easy to assemble and use with 98% pre-assembled parts.
- Integrated nozzle for easy filament replacement and precise temperature control.
- Fast and precise printing with print speeds up to 300m/s and positioning accuracy of 0.05mm for the XY-axis and 0.01mm for the Z-axis.
- Equipped with TMC2208 ultra quiet driver chip module for quiet operation.
- Comes with lifetime technical assistance and 24-hour professional service.
- Large build volume but the shipping box is relatively small.
- Single nozzle, not suitable for multi-color or multi-material printing
- The power supply is only 360W, which may not be suitable for some high-power consumption materials.
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Also Read: Best 3d Printer Under 500 Dollar
What is a 3D printer and what is it for?
A 3D printer is a machine able to quickly create three-dimensional solid objects based on what is indicated in a digital file, usually processed through a CAD system. 3D printing is also called additive manufacturing because the printed object is the result of an additive process that involves the arrangement in layers of the material used which, gradually, comes to the final creation of the object.
Each layer, therefore, represents the horizontal cross-section of the object you want to print and if until a few years ago 3D printers were used only for the creation of prototypes - the so-called single piece - or models, today they have become systems full-fledged production. In fact, 3D printing volumes have become so important thanks also to rapid production techniques, extremely precise and, not least, very convenient from an economic point of view.
As it is easy to guess, 3D printing is the three-dimensional evolution of traditional printing and is able to create any object by superimposing layers and layers of material - usually plastic and its derivatives, but also synthetic wood-like, powdered metal, thermoplastic … - up to giving shape to the technical drawing designed on the computer through technical drawing software such as 3d Studio Max and AutoCAD or creative drawing such as Illustrator in its 3d functions.
The main advantage of 3D printing is to be able to reproduce objects with certain geometries that would be impossible to achieve with classic manufacturing techniques and, from the point of view strictly linked to industrial production, it allows to reduce the time between the design phase and that of sales, as well as being able to have the object you need available without necessarily having to create a warehouse.
How a 3D printer works
Wanting to simplify as much as possible, to immediately understand how a 3D printer works we can say that in a traditional printer the head moves horizontally using the ink jet to leave lines on a sheet that flows slowly forward, instead of inside a printer. 3D the head moves along the three-dimensional axes by superimposing one layer of material on the other following a process called additive type.
In this way the 3D model takes shape one layer at a time and from the bottom up, remaining stationary in the same area - it is, in fact, only the head that moves - and allowing the printer to create a model completely autonomously.
It all starts with the 3D project carried out on the computer, after which the 3D printer is filled with the raw material that you want to use to create the object and, once the printing has started, the extrusion of the material starts which takes place in a similar way. to what a hot glue gun usually does: in fact, the material used for printing - usually plastic - is heated until it melts and comes out in the form of filament through the printing nozzle.
The printer knows exactly where to place the material because it follows the information of the digital file to the letter which is divided into thin cross-sections and two-dimensional. The polymer deposited by the nozzle is very thin - 0.1 mm thick - and solidifies very quickly, binding to the underlying layer.
How to choose the best 3D printer Under 400 Dollars | Ultimate Guide 2022
Type and filament
Over the years, the technology that underlies the operation of the 3D printer has evolved so much that nowadays different types have been developed, each able to meet different needs of work, precision, and create the product. final with a certain material.
Among the various types currently on the market, the most common are:
- Filament 3D Printer (FDM): this is the most popular model, especially in the home of fans of this fascinating technology and, as the name suggests, its operation is based on a mechanism that spreads a plastic wire layer by layer according to the model indicated by the software. In this case, the filament deposition manufacturing (FDM) process is used which involves heating the material positioned on the reel, and depositing it in layers in order to create a precise model. Filament printers can have only one extruder nozzle or more nozzles, in the first case they will print, as it is easy to guess, with a single color, while in the second case they will print in multiple colors. This type of printer is especially suitable for those who want to start printing three-dimensional objects and get to know this type of technology,
- Resin 3D printer: this type of 3D printer uses resin as an additive material which, unlike plastic wire, has very fast solidification times. This is a very good solution if you want to create objects in a faster and more precise way, but it offers limited solutions as regards the choice of colors available.
- 3D laser printer (SLS) : this is a type suitable for those who want to obtain more professional results given its ability to work with extreme precision. In detail, the material used is in the form of powder which is heated and brought to the ideal temperature by the laser which, once the ideal fusion has been obtained, proceeds with the construction of the object. Another peculiarity of this printer is that not only plastic materials can be used, but also metallic ones declined according to different colors. It is a solution that requires some familiarity with this technology and is quite expensive, but it produces really excellent results.
- LOM 3D printer for industrial use: it is, as it is easy to guess, a type of printer destined to produce large products, and, also, for this reason, its dimensions are important. The LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing) manufacturing process is based on the use of thin layers of material that are gradually overlapped.
In our description we have mentioned the filaments several times and, in detail, we have talked about the filament printing which, in essence, is the most widespread and easy to use, especially by newbies. But the materials, or filaments, that can be used in the 3D printer are different and each with specific characteristics.
The main and most common are:
- ABS : it is a type of plastic that melts around 220 ° and offers a good level of stiffness and resistance, but it cannot be used to create objects that will come into contact with food because it is potentially toxic, as well as not being biodegradable.
- PLA : it is a completely natural material obtained from wheat, corn and beet plants, it can therefore be used for the creation of products that will come into contact with food since it is not toxic at all. It is completely biodegradable, but it is not very resistant and fears humidity.
- Composite filaments: more recent, they arise from the union of PLA and other components such as brass, wood, or copper.
Precision
The accuracy of the 3D printer you are purchasing can be easily detected thanks to the indications offered by the manufacturer and which are essentially based on two values:
- Positioning Accuracy: indicates the precision with which the extruder nozzles move on the work surface.
- Printing Accuracy: indicates the difference in thickness between the digital model and the final 3D printed object.
In any case, the accuracy of the printer is measured in millimeters, and choosing one with a resolution of 0.1 mm means that the printed object will be faithful to the digital project to the tenth of a millimeter, essentially without any imperfections.
Dimensions
The print size determines the ability of the 3D printer to create more or less large objects. In this sense, it is obvious that models intended for household products will make smaller objects (usually wide, high, and deep between 20 cm and 40 cm) than professional or industrial 3D printers that will produce large objects for more professional uses.
Speed
A 3D printer has a fairly slow printing process and can usually be reduced gradually in order to obtain a very precise product.
The printing speed is indicated in mm / s (millimeters per second) and depends on some characteristics such as the material used or the print quality to be obtained. For this reason, retailers usually indicate multiple speed values on the purchase package that can go, for example, from 20 mm / s to 100 mm / s.
Compatibility
Just as with traditional printers, 3D printers also connect to the computer via USB cable or, more easily, via Wi-Fi.
So, when you decide to buy one, it is good to check that it is compatible with the operating system of your PC even if, by now, 3D printers support both Windows and macOS or Linux.
Structure of the printer
Contrary to what many may think, modern 3D printers have a fairly simple structure. Specifically, the cheaper ones do not have any external protection and, in many cases, the user himself must assemble them, but they have the advantage of being able to be integrated with additional components installed slowly and which makes the printer more complete.
On the other hand, models equipped with an external structure are more expensive but guarantee higher performance, greater safety for the user who is protected from the high temperatures of the nozzle, and offer a modern digital display that allows him to always keep the process under control. of printing.
FAQ and Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose a 3D printer?
How much does a 3D printer cost?
The cost of a 3D printer varies based on a number of variables; making things easier, it is good to distinguish between non-professional 3D printers (with a cost of less than $ 2,000) and professional ones that have prices starting from this figure. The devices that can be easily purchased on Amazon have a relatively low cost: they start at around $ 200.00. The total price goes up based on technical specifications and other features.
Are there cheap 3D printers?
Yes, there are cheap and therefore unprofessional 3D printers. On our site, you can read the reviews of the recommended models, both cheap ($ 200.00) and good quality.
Conclusions and final considerations
Thinking about buying a 3D printer Under 400 USD can prove to be a very suitable choice both for those who intend to use it professionally and for those who are simple technology enthusiasts and want to test themselves with a truly innovative product.
The growing demand for these devices has allowed manufacturers to significantly reduce prices - at least as regards the basic models - thus allowing different categories of consumers to be able to use them. When buying, it is essential to take into consideration some fundamental factors that can help you make the choice that best suits your needs.
For those who are beginners, it is advisable to start with an inexpensive and basic 3D printer and then move on, if the experience was to your liking and you want to improve this technique, to something more advanced and professional.
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