As the 3D printing revolution takes a hold, you may be asking yourself if it’s time to make the plunge into the 3D printing world. There are a number of factors to consider when it comes to making that decision. Most importantly, you must ask yourself if it’s worth it for your particular interests and needs.
The first step is, of course, to do your research, but also to decide how much you want to invest in your printer and what you hope to achieve with your 3D printer.
Factors to Consider
Space:
How much room do you have to accommodate your new 3D printer? 3D printers range in size from very petite printers that are 13x11x7.5 inches, to printers the size of a small room.
Safety:
Some 3D printers may require ventilation due to the off-gas caused by the melting plastic. In addition, whether you have children or pets that will have access to your 3D printer will be a determining factor in choosing your device as the heated extruder head can reach up to 410 degrees Fahrenheit. The good news is, there are many 3D printers available that are encased so that curious fingers and paws will be safe.
Sound:
3D printers can make quite a bit of sound; however, there are many options available to you if you require a printer that is on the quieter end of the spectrum.
Build Volume:
What size prints do you need? As mentioned previously, the size of 3D printers can range significantly. As such, your required print volume is an important factor to consider. If you require very large printed objects, you can expect to pay more to meet this requirement.
Speed:
The speed of 3D printers is variable and dependent upon the printer’s settings. A small item with little detail and low resolution can be ready in less than 30 minutes. A larger, or more detailed print, can take multiple hours or possibly days. That being said, as 3D printers reach the higher end of the cost spectrum, you can expect to see faster print times as a feature.
Types of 3D Printers
There are so many 3D printers out there that it may seem overwhelming at first to determine which one is best for you and your needs. However, finding the right printer for you can be a fun process, as long as you know what you need.
The most commercially available printers are known as FDM printers, or Fused Deposition Modelling printers. FDM printers create 3D printed objects by running plastic filament through a heated extruder head. The plastic is melted and deposited layer after layer on the printer bed until your 3D printed object has been formed. If you’re looking for a printer for your personal use, this is likely where you will start as 3D printers using other kinds of technology are typically considered too costly for the individual user.
Other types of printers, such as photopolymerisation printers, that use ultraviolet light to solidify liquid resin into solid objects, tend to be on the higher spectrum of the cost-scale. However, these types of printers can also create durable, production-quality products.
Along with photopolymerisation printers, selective laser sintering (SLS) printers can also print production quality objects and are therefore great options for businesses that sell 3D printed products or could use 3D printed items to increase productivity.
Costs Involved
With the growing popularity of 3D printers comes more options. With more options, comes the ability to determine your budget and choose your 3D printer accordingly.
Commercial 3D printers can range from a hundred dollars to $10,000+. The price range reflects the range in 3D printing quality. However, as 3D printers become more popular, companies are finding the perfect balance between affordability, quality, and reliability.
To help you find the best 3D printer for you, we’ve determined a few pros and cons of 3D printers in a variety of price ranges:
$100 to $400
Pros: The great benefit of 3D printers within this range is that it won’t take very long for you to get your money’s worth. In addition, despite what is commonly expected, they can provide good quality prints.
Cons: The drawback of printers in this range is that they will not be printing production-ready objects. In addition, they can have a more difficult time with fine details and curves because they tend to have thicker build layers.
$400 to $1000
Pros: You can expect to see more features, such as removeable, magnetic print beds and higher resolution capabilities.
Cons: Printers within this range, as well as in the lower range, likely have smaller build volumes.
$1000 to $3000
Pros: Tend to offer smoother build quality and faster print speeds.
Cons: A slower return on your investment and may not be worth your money if you’re not using your printer often.
$3000+
Pros: Some printers in this range can offer production-quality finished prints and offer different kinds of 3D printing technology, such as photopolymerisation and SLS. There are also more options for printer sizes and features.
Cons: Very costly and likely not worth it for small businesses, or the individual hobbyist.
Goals
To decide if a 3D printer is worth it for you, you’ll need to decide how often you will be using your printer and for what purpose. For example, spending hundreds, or even thousands, on a printer that you are only using once in a while, likely isn’t worth it for you. This is especially true if you do not require the highest quality prints. On the other hand, if you’ll be using your printer often, spending more for a quality, lasting printer will be to your benefit. Thus, the best place to start when choosing a 3D printer is to determine what your interests are and what you hope to achieve.
3D printers are a great device for a variety of purposes, such as contributing to a higher productivity level for businesses. For example, the company Carbon is using Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP) technology to develop production-grade printed items within minutes. Companies like Adidas are using this technology to create tailored, athletic footwear that is consumer ready. Using this technology, companies are able to save time and money with their 3D printers, as well as create innovative products.
Perhaps you’re interested in starting a business with the use of a 3D printer. What kind of business you want and what kind of products you want to provide is up to you! There are a lot of options for 3D printing business opportunities. Entrepreneurs are developing interesting new business ideas with their 3D printers every day. For example, there are on-demand printing companies who will print objects based upon your requests; 3D printed jewelry companies; prototyping companies; and the list goes on.
Maybe the above categories don’t apply to you and, instead, you’re interested in a 3D printer as a hobby. Determining if a 3D printer is worth it for a potential hobbyist takes some self-reflection regarding your interests and what you hope to get out of a 3D printer.
Who Are You?
This might seem like an intimidating, philosophical question, but really what it boils down to is a general picture of you and your interests.
If you identify as the kind of person who likes new experiences and learning new types of technology, then a 3D printer is a great device for you. Creative individuals also tend to enjoy the 3D printing experience as they have the opportunity to make their own designs and bring those designs to life in a relatively short period of time.
Are you a problem solver? Chances are if you’re new to 3D printing or are even just interested in a new 3D printer, you will need to research how to get the best results out of your printer. The great news is there is a helpful community of 3D printing owners ready to help you with your questions and help you learn about your new printer.
Whether you are an entrepreneur developing a business start-up idea with a 3D printer, or you’re a maker of any kind, 3D printing is sure to give you the platform to express your creativity, explore a news means of creation, and develop your technical skills.
What You Can Expect From a 3D Printer
At the most basic level, what you can expect from a 3D printer are the following things: interesting 3D printed objects and devices of your own choosing; knowledge and personal growth; and a fun and interesting experience.
With a 3D printer, you will have the freedom to create 3D designs and see those designs made right before your eyes. If you’re not too familiar with 3D modelling technology, don’t worry! There are many 3D modelling enthusiasts and experts who share their designs online.
Along with the novelty of turning a digitized model into something physical comes the opportunity to learn something new. 3D printers are a great opportunity to expand your knowledge on a new type of technology. In addition, there is an abundance of free, and purchasable, 3D modeling software available for you to start working with to create your own 3D models to print. With the combination of learning new software and working with your new printer, over time, you can expect to gain and strengthen impressive technical skills.
At the end of the day, 3D printing is fun and enriching. Even if your intended use is not to create consumer products as part of a business, having the space to create 3D printed objects for your own use and interests is a rewarding experience. Additionally, coming up with solutions to make your everyday life easier, such as patching up a part of your home with a 3D printed design of your creation, will empower you in ways you may not have experienced before.
Well, is it Worth It?
Ultimately, whether a 3D printer is worth it is up to you. Are you the type of person who enjoys experiencing innovative and interesting technology? Do you like to learn new things, especially when it comes to technology? Do you find it fascinating to turn digital concepts into real-world objects? If so, the answer is easy, a 3D printer is going to be worth it for you.
As stated earlier, even if your interests in 3D printing aren’t business oriented, you can expect to have some real fun with a 3D printer. In addition, you’ll learn new skills and have a whole new experience that few have had before.