Discover Which 3D Printer Is the Best Fit for You

Whether you’re hoping to have fun at home or build your own product prototype, adding a 3D printer to your life provides endless opportunities for creativity. But setting up and using your own 3D printer can have a learning curve with lots of questions. For starters, how do 3D printers work to create shapes? And what is the best 3D printer for your specific needs? To find the answers to these questions and more, explore this 3D printing guide so you can learn a few 3D printing basics and make a more informed purchase.

What is 3D printing?

A 3D printer allows you to take a computer-generated design and turn it into a three-dimensional object. The process of 3D printing is sometimes referred to as additive manufacturing since most 3D printers use an additive creation process where they build the object one thin layer at a time. Best of all, 3D printing is no longer just available to manufacturers. With a wide selection of personal 3D printer models, you can find options for beginners to experts so you can do all your 3D printing at home.

How do 3D printers work?

If you’re new to 3D printers, you may be wondering how they work and what type of technology you’ll be getting into. While 3D printers may seem complex, their creation process is relatively simple. If you’re wondering how to use a 3D printer, you’ll need just three essential elements: a computer, a 3D printer and 3D printer filament.

First, you’ll need to use your computer to access or create 3D printing files of the design you want to make. You can find premade 3D files online, use Computer-Aided Design software (CAD) to create your own 3D models, or use a 3D scanner to turn everyday objects into digital models you can copy or improve. Your 3D printer will then use the information in the file to distribute the correct amount of material into a heating chamber.

But what material is used in 3D printing? Most 3D printing filaments are made of thermoplastics that are easy to heat and remold into custom plastic items. However, some higher-end 3D printers can use metal or cement to build objects. No matter which material you use, your 3D printer will bring it to a melting point and then distribute the material layer by layer until your creation is complete.

What can you make with a 3D printer?

If you’re wondering what to 3D print, the sky’s the limit. Really, the only things you can’t create with a 3D printer are objects made from flammable material, like paper or wood. Otherwise, a 3D printer can help you tackle a variety of design plans so you can get the most use out of your new investment.

Some people like to use 3D printers to make useful plastic items that serve a single purpose. For example, you can 3D print your own tablet stand, cellphone case, cable holder or bottle opener. Or you can use your 3D printer to make display items like small figurines, decorative containers, furniture or picture frames. And if you’re an entrepreneur, having a 3D printer can be especially beneficial while you’re experimenting with product design and creating prototypes. However, if you’re new to 3D printing, you may want to start small with basic 3D printing designs before graduating to something more complex.

What is the best 3D printer for your needs?

Finding the right type of 3D printer for your needs can be challenging. Therefore, it’s helpful to know which printing elements and metrics are most important to you. A few factors you’ll want to consider are size, resolution, added features, and filaments.

Size

The size of your 3D printer determines the size of the objects you’ll be able to produce. As a result, you’ll want to ensure the dimensions of the 3D printer’s platform and chamber are large enough for what you want to create. While smaller 3D printers may not be able to complete substantial modeling, they can be much more budget-friendly.

Resolution

Choosing a 3D printer with the right resolution for your project can ensure your item comes out with enough detail. A 3D printer’s resolution is measured in microns and is determined by the height of a single layer. This means the lower the microns, the higher the resolution. Some 3D printers offer more than one resolution setting so you can select the right micron level for the item you’re crafting. Just keep in mind that projects that require more detail can also take longer to print, with some intricate designs even exceeding twelve hours of production time.

Added features

You can also find 3D printers with valuable features for beginners and seasoned creators alike. For instance, if you’re new to 3D printing, you may want to avoid a complicated device setup by opting for a no-assembly 3D printer. Or you can keep objects from warping as they cool by choosing a 3D printer with a heated platform. You can also find 3D printers with portable designs, energy efficiency and display screens, depending on what you need.

Filament

If you’re asking yourself, “what is PLA 3D printing?” or “what is ABS 3D printing?”, it all has to do with filament. These questions are important because finding the right filament for your project can have a huge impact on the quality of your work. If you’re planning on using thermoplastics, you’ll likely be choosing between PLA, ABS, and nylon filament. Polylactic Acid, or PLA filament, is a strong but low heat-resistant thermoplastic that is great for hobbyists and casual projects. Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or ABS, is a softer but more durable thermoplastic ideal for creating product prototypes. And nylon filament is the most flexible thermoplastic for 3D printing, which can make it more resistant to damage. Prior to purchasing, be sure that the 3D printer you choose can handle the material you want to use.

Getting the most out of your 3D printer

Finding the right type of 3D printer for you can make 3D printing at home easy and rewarding. You can create your own product prototypes, make useful household objects, or get creative by making your own model for display. Regardless of what you want to print, don’t forget to consider size, resolution, features and filament when shopping for your new 3D printer.