In a world of change, where manufacturing and technology are evolving rapidly, 3D printing has proven to be one of the best technologies. It is extremely useful in multiple industries. Therefore, choosing the printer for your company or personal use is necessary.
1. Introduction
In recent years, 3D printing has become increasingly useful and popular among professionals and hobbyists. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process in which three-dimensional objects are created from a digital model. With the growing demand for 3D printing, many models and types of 3D printers are available in the market. Hence, it is becoming difficult for many to choose the right 3D printer. This article will dive deeply into how one can choose a 3D printer that will be suitable for their needs.
Here is a complete beginner’s guide for someone looking to buy a new printer.
2. The Needs
Before the technical know-how, it is essential to ensure your basic needs are clear. Consider these questions before buying so that you can make an informed decision.
- What are you planning to print? You can print various things, such as functional prototypes, decorative figurines, or durable mechanical parts. As different models have distinct strengths, details, and material compatibility, it is necessary to initially figure out the use.
- How much money are you willing to spend? The price range of 3D printers can range from $100 to $10,000.
- How experienced are you? Printers vary in technicality. The printers that are more beginner-friendly are easier to use than the ones that have customizable options.
- How much space do you have? It is necessary to keep in mind the physical footprint of the printer and the size of objects you plan to print. Measure if it suits your office, home, or any other workspace.
- What additional features, for instance, heated beds, dual extruders, etc., do you need?
- What materials will you be printing with it? ABS, PETG, PLA, or any other flexible or composite materials? These questions will help you make more precise decisions to narrow down your options and buy the printer that perfectly suits your needs.
3. Key Factors
While choosing the 3D printer, there are some factors that you must keep in mind such as:
3.1 Ease of Use
Some printers are complicated, and it takes time to understand them. While some are easier to use, beginners can use them. You must choose a printer that will be easy to use and come with clear instructions. You can also choose one with features like a remote control or LCD screen.
3.2 Technology
There are many technologies of 3D printing but the most used are Stereolithography (SLA) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). Choosing a technology according to your budget and needs is extremely essential. One must be extremely careful when choosing printing technology, depending on the purpose.
3.3 Resolution
The level of detail a printer can achieve is called its resolution or print quality. The resolution is measured in microns, the higher the resolution the more highly detailed images are printed.
3.4 Build Volume
The maximum size of the 3D object a printer can print is called its build volume. The build volume must be chosen depending on your usage. If you plan on printing big objects, the build volume must not be small; otherwise, you must assemble them later.
3.5 Material
The type of material a printer can print varies. You must consider the material compatibility. Different printers can print distinct printing materials, so choose the one that suits your needs. Print materials can be different for different printer types. For instance, filament materials for FDM printers and liquid resin for SLA and DLP printers.
3.6 Extruder Type
While single extruders are more appropriate for most applications, with dual extruders, you can print multi-coloured objects.
3.7 Software compatible
Check whether the printer is compatible with software such as Simplify3D or Cura. The software that is easy to use will ease your process.
3.8 Calibration and Bed Leveling
Proper calibration and bed levelling is essential for successful prints. Easy manual calibration and automatic bed levelling systems will simplify your setup and maintenance.
3.9 Print Speed
The printer’s speed can vary depending on how complex the model is. You must balance the speed according to your needs.
3.10 Print Volume
Print volume is another essential factor that you must keep in mind. As the print volume decides the size of your image, you must choose the one that fits your projects.
3.11 Safety
Many printers, such as FDM, reach high temperatures, while some resin printers need proper ventilation due to fumes. Always go through the safety measures beforehand.
3.12 Price
Buy the printer according to your budget. The expensive one will have more features than the more affordable one. You can also buy affordable entry-level models.
3.13 Support structures
Always consider whether the printer can support complex designs. Many printers have automatic support generation to ease the work.
3.14 Print Quality
Print quality is another essential factor when buying a new 3D printer. Look for a printer with high resolution and accuracy, which will subsequently give more meticulous results.
3.12 Reviews
Check for the product reviews so that you will have more detailed points. In addition to that, you can also seek the recommendation of a trusted person or from any other source.
4. Technologies
Stereolithography (SLA) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) are the two most common printing technologies.
5. Types of printers
5.1 Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Printers
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Printers are affordable and extremely popular. They work by melting a thermoplastic filament material and depositing it layer by layer to create a 3D object. This printer is good for printing large objects, and a wide range of materials can be printed with this, such as ABS and PLA.
5.2 Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Printers
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Printers use a laser to sinter a powder, creating a solid 3D object. These printers are suitable for printing functional parts such as bearings and gears as they can produce intricate geometrics. They need more maintenance and are more expensive than FDM and SLA printers.
5.3 Stereolithography (SLA) printers
SLA printers use a laser to cure a resin, creating highly detailed prints and accurate 3D objects. These printers are a perfect fit for highly detailed and small objects. For example, it can create jewellery and dental models. They use a photopolymer resin that is cured layer by layer using an ultraviolet (UV) laser or light source. These are more expensive than FDM printers and require more maintenance.
5.4 Multi-Material Printers
Multi-material printers can print with various materials and create objects with different properties. These printers are suitable for printing complex structures and properties, like rigid and flexible parts. These are more costly than single-material printers and require more maintenance.
5.5 Digital Light Processing (DLP)
Digital Light Processing (DLP) uses the same resin-based material cured by UV light sources like Stereolithography (SLA) printers. They use a digital light projector to cure all layers at one time instead of a laser, which results in faster print times.
5.6 Multi-jet Modeling (MJF)
Multi-jet Modeling (MJF) is an industrial-grade technology that uses printhead to jet droplets of different materials onto a build platform, creating colorful and extremely detailed parts and objects. These are for the ones who need fine details and for professional purposes. MJF are very expensive printers.
6. Conclusion
Choosing the right 3D printer that best suits your purpose can be tiring and troublesome if you are not equipped with the right knowledge. You must carefully lay down your needs, budget, and other specific features you need in your 3D printer. 3D printing many benefits for a variety of professions, tabletop gaming, a hobbyist, etc. One must always give importance and priority to quality and reliability. When you have the right printer with you your work will be smooth, efficient, innovative, and creative.
7. Key questions
Q1. What is the difference between Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP)?
Ans. Although both printers use liquid resin printing by UV light, SLA printers use UV laser, and DLA printers use digital light projectors as a light source.
Q2. What is post-processing?
Ans. Post-processing is the further steps necessary after printing so that the printed objects can be finalized. It also includes other elements such as sanding, painting, support structures, or post-curing technologies. Post-processing enhances functionality and appearance.
