What features to look into when getting a 3D printer?

[Josh Ball]

A friend of mine who’s taking his reverse engineering game to the next level told me that he had just bought the Formlabs Form 2 Sla 3d Printer Complete Package. I was so surprised when I looked at the price, but he told me that it’s going to be all worth it as the product is considered a game-changer. Now I’m wondering, what exactly are the features you need to look into that pushed up the price of products like a 3D printer?

[Hermione]

When buying a 3D printer, there are several functional factors to consider to ensure you choose the device that best suits your needs. Here are some of the main functional considerations:
Printing technology and material compatibility: First you need to determine the 3D printing technology you intend to use, such as FDM (melt deposition molding), SLA (stereophotolithography), SLS (selective laser sintering), etc. Each technology has its own characteristics and scope of application, while considering the type of materials supported by the printer, such as PLA filament, ABS, nylon, metal, etc., to ensure that you can meet your printing needs.
Printing accuracy and quality: Select the right printing accuracy for your application. High-precision printers are usually used to make fine models or parts, such as jewelry, dental models, etc. Some functional prototypes may not require such high precision.
Build size: Consider the size of the object you would normally need to print and choose a printer with sufficient build volume. Small printers are good for making small items, while large printers can handle larger projects.
Print speed: If your job requires frequent printing or handling high-volume tasks, then print speed is an important consideration. Some high-speed printers can significantly increase productivity.
Ease of operation: For beginners or users who do not need to adjust Settings frequently, easy to operate printers are more suitable. Some printers offer automatic functions such as automatic leveling and fault detection, which can reduce the difficulty of operation.
Cost and budget: In addition to the initial purchase cost, there are also long-term operating costs to consider, including consumables, maintenance, energy consumption, etc. Make sure your budget covers these costs.
Reliability and after-sales service: The choice of well-known brands and reliable suppliers can guarantee the stable operation of the printer and timely technical support. Checking user reviews and after-sales service policies is also an important reference.
Additional features: Some advanced features such as Wi-Fi connection, remote control, touch screen operation, etc., can improve the user experience. Select the appropriate features according to your needs.
Environment and safety: Ensure that the printer meets the requirements of the operating environment, such as ventilation conditions, noise levels, etc. In particular, specific ventilation and safety measures may be required when certain materials are used.
To sum up, when buying a 3D printer, you need to consider a variety of functional factors to ensure that the selected device can meet your specific needs and provide a good experience. Weigh these factors to make an informed purchase decision based on your application scenario and budget.