Choosing your First 3D Printer
Caleb | Sept. 10, 2022, 2:53 p.m.
Choosing your first 3D Printer.
Looking to get into the wonderful world of 3D printing? There is certainly a lot to be excited on this side: unlocking the quite literally limitless possibilities of form and function. However, it can be quite daunting to take the plunge and commit to purchasing a machine. So out of all the options out there, what’s the best for you? This article will outline two of my personal recommendations for your first ever 3D printer.
NOTE: We are not in any way sponsored nor have we received free products from any company mentioned here or otherwise. At PrintGig, we use a variety of printers from Prusa, and that may inform some of my decisions.
For the Hobbyist
If you are approaching machine selection from the perspective of wanting to learn as much as you can about the process and machine, then you want a machine that allows for a great deal of fiddling and customization. For this, I would recommend the Ender 3 from Creality. This printer contains the barebones essentials to get into 3D printing, and allows for many customization pathways after purchase. The Ender 3 is rather finicky, and as previously mentioned, barebones. You’ll find that your machine will need constant love and attention very often, and troubleshooting will be fairly common.
However, in saying this, these processes will make you very familiar with the ins and outs of 3D printing: if you’re willing to put in the legwork for it. An Ender 3 will rapidly increase your knowledge of the printing space, and it all comes at an initial price of under $200 USD. This is therefore both an advantage and a disadvange, depending on your perspective on the topic. In my opinion, it’s the perfect machine for a hobbyist's first foray into 3D printing. However, if you’re not so keen on constant troubleshooting, then we best keep looking.
Advantages:
- Low price barrier to entry
- High level of engagement and involvement
Disadvanges:
- Constant need for troubleshooting
- Need for additional/replacement components for more advanced projects
I Just Want it to Work
If the constant need for fixes doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, then may I perhaps draw your attention to the Prusa Mini+. While this may sound like 3D printing lite, I can assure you that the Mini+ will not disappoint you. If you want a machine that just works, then this might be the printer for you.
Here at PrintGig, we utilize a range of Prusa-brand machines for our production: the mini being one of the models we use. Despite its smaller print bed compared to some of the standard sized models, the Mini+ does boast several upsides to make up for this. We have found the mini to be one of our most reliable models in terms of detailing and precision. They are both consistent and easy to use, and we tend to use them first if the print size is appropriate. Additionally, that smaller bed size also means the nozzle has a smaller area to travel, resulting in marginally faster print times.
But most importantly of all, is that Prusa printers tend be more stable and maintain a consistent quality of printing over many uses. We haven’t had many malfunctions, and the ones that have occurred are relatively simply solved. It is also very beginner friendly to assemble, to use, and has excellent slicer support with PrusaSlicer. You are paying for all this quality though. Even at its most barebones, you are paying close to $500 USD for this machine. Despite this price tag though, I can still highly recommend the Prusa Mini+.
Advantages:
- High quality and consistency of print
- It just works (mostly)
Disadvantages:
- Smaller print bed
- Higher price barrier to entry
Final Recommendation and Conclusion
Now if you were to ask me what printer I would recommend more, I would be more comfortable recommending the Prusa Mini+. Not only do I have more experience with it, the reliability the Mini+ brings is simply the more attractive feature for me personally. Again, this isn’t a knock against the Ender 3, but more of a personal preference to what I want out of a 3D printer.
In saying this, there are still many more models of 3D printers out there, some of which may actually be the best for your own current needs. Therefore, a further look may be needed before you make a commitment to one in particular. Whatever you choose though, I wish you the best in all your 3D printing endeavors!