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Best 3D Printers Reviewed & Rated For Quality
Standout Picks
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Use
When you start to think about buying a printer, it is a sound idea to decide what you actually want to use it for. If you are just buying one for a hobby, for instance, there may be specifics that are limited for the purpose and will be priced as such. If you are feeling more adventurous and are looking into making printouts for distribution or selling; you may want to consider a more robust model that will be up to the job. You may also find it beneficial to try a basic model to start with to make sure it really does what you want it to do.
Size
There are two things you need to consider regarding size; the first being the overall exterior size of the model – you need to make sure that you have ample room in which to set it up in. The area you have should be spacious and have plenty of room to have airspace around the unit to prevent overheating and to store your other essential equipment.
A second important aspect to consider with size – is the size of your desired finished prints. If you are only aiming for small items to print. then you should buy accordingly and likewise if the products are larger – think about upsizing to make sure the bed is able to perform the print you want.
Features
Because extrusion is a vital part of the printing process, it is a sound idea to make sure you get the right balance for the prints you want to achieve. Extrusion is a method of melting and positioning material into the layer that is synonymous with the creation of a good print. For a basic print; a single extrusion is more than adequate and will suit simple designs and prints. But for more complicated printed products, a dual extrusion method is recommended because it allows more than one color to be used and will have the ability to use different materials.
10 Best 3D Printers
1. FlashForge Creator
This model is presented in a robust metal frame that offers superior stability for spot on printing time after time. It benefits not only from a full manufacturer’s warranty but also gives lifetime support from an expert at FlashForge to help solve any issues that may occur during use. The plate is produced using aviation quality aluminum and boasts a six-point three-millimeter thickness that ensures no warping when being used.
Functional Features
The FlashForge has a dual extruder and has a two-filament spool holder for creating more colorful designs. It offers full compatibility with Windows, Mac, OSX, and Linux for more versatility and wide-ranging usage.
Practical Design
The model can be used with both ABS and PLA and benefits from an acrylic cover that not only insulates but protects prints during the working process. And the addition of an LED light allows viewing of the entire printing area.
Cost and Value
The balance between both cost and value of the FlashForge is equally represented and with the full technical support offered, and the dual extrusion provides great overall value for the money.
2. Qidi Technology
This dual extrusion model is offered by QIDI with full, easy to use software for home set up. The flat plate is produced using aviation standard aluminum that boasts not warping during the heating process of printing. It is covered with the CE, FCC and RoHS certification and is trademarked to edify technology Inc. The quality production uses a full metal frame that is tough, stable and robust and it has a high heat resistant metal platform for the integral support.
Dual purpose
The option to use either ABS or PLA filament offers greater versatility, and with the ABS production – the case is fully enclosed to improve printing, and when being used with PLA – ventilation areas improve printing in this way as well.
Practical Features
It has a practical nought-point four-millimeter nozzle and offers a layer resolution of up to nought-point two millimeters. It comes with a turbofan for cooling and is one-hundred fifteen volts power supply.
Cost and Value
The relative strengths of both cost and value are well presented with the QIDI technology, the production and quality of the materials used, combined with the dual extruder and twin-spool mode option – ensures great value overall value for money.
3. BIBO2 Touch
These printers are known for traditionally only being able to print 3D objects for you, which is one of the main reasons many consumers want one in their home. It allows you to take a simple drawing, and create an actual figurine in front of your eyes. But what if you wanted more from your printer? What if you wanted to engrave a surface without having to do it manually? This model allows you to do just that! It not only prints your 3D objects, but its multipurpose use makes it twice as grand as others on the market.
Full-Color Touchscreen
While many 3D models have a screen to help you navigate through them not many have a full-color touchscreen, and this is quite important. Having this feature allows you to have the ability to be precise on what you would like your printer to do. Additionally, this allows to easily and quickly navigate through the numerous features this model has to offer with the simple touch of a button.
Multipurpose
As stated previously, this is not just a 3D printer it’s also an engraver. You have the ability to engrave images, and words on multiple different textures including; wood, cardboard or even paper. Furthermore, you can cut through items as well, the laser that comes with this model is exceptional, it gets the job done quickly, effectively and with incredible precision.
Cost and Value
Featuring a laser engraver, a chic design, can be used with WIFI, has a touch screen display and the ability to print through different textured materials this 3D model is quite the object to have at home. Therefore, it came at a bit of a surprise to us when the price is in the middle range of the spectrum. This printer is everything you need for an amazing price, particularly when it is compared to others on the market.
4. Sindoh 3DWOX
The Sindoh offers quality and simplicity hand in hand and has an easy to use filament spool cartridge. Thought has gone into the user-friendly mechanics of the model and it goes further by offering assisted bed leveling to improve the overall experience. It has a clear and easy to read display that gives clear and concise instructions that are straightforward and boast giving a better overall experience by the user. The user-friendly bonus goes further by having an easy mode that is suitable for those just starting out with home 3D printing.
Functional Features
The model has 3DWOX desktop software that compliments the full experience and uses a development that allows modifications not only to the model but to the slicing features as well, it offers the chance to send a print and check it without having to move.
Design Technology
The advancing technology afforded to this model gives it a stylish edge that is reflected in the quality of the overall unit, the smart enclosed chamber is designed to maintain a consistent temperature that is synonymous with a great print.
Cost and Value
The relatively high cost of this Sindoh 3DWOX ensures the balance between both that and the overall value is equally matched and well represented, the user-friendly technology makes this more than adequate for a home startup.
5. MakerGear M2
This model is made from quality beechwood with a strong structural fabricated steel frame for a steady and level flatbed. It offers an open box print that is suitable for use with ABS, PLA and PET filaments for improved versatility with material choice. The software compatibility optimizes Open Source Electronics and Firmware, and it proffers CNC machined hard-wear that is durable and long-lasting. The glass print bed is topped with a fully replaceable print surface for improved convenience after use.
Functional Features
The MakerGear M2 offers a printing speed of eighty to two-hundred millimeters per second for a top-notch print, or for faster less intricate prints; a top speed of up to four-hundred fifty millimeters per second is attainable.
Versatile Compatibility
The model is fully compatible with most open-source software and other main providers of modeling, slicing and control software. It works with Windows, Mac, and Linux and comes recommended for use with Simplify 3D software.
Cost and Value
This MakerGear M2 is relatively in the higher price bracket, but the balance between cost and value equalizes that, the combined compatibility it offers and the high-quality components it is manufactured with – makes this a great value printer for the money.
6. LulzBot Mini
This model is offered as a labor-saving model and combines automatic bed leveling, auto cleaning and has a comfortable easy carry handle. It uses Cura software for the printing and has a low maintenance print surface. It has a tool head carriage that will allow different plugin and play for inserting a variety of print heads for a varied finish of the print. It has the advantage of being delivered fully assembled, so reduces time to get running and improves the overall convenience and simplified ease of use.
Compact Design
The LulzBot Mini provides prints up to a tidy six-inch by six-inch it boasts a maximum heat of three hundred degrees c and can achieve print speeds of up to two-hundred seventy-five millimeters per second.
Practical Support
It comes with a full one-year warranty and also offers technical support for a year for technical resolution. It is designed to be practical enough and easy to use especially for beginners and especially for use in the home.
Cost and Value
This model is priced in the mid to high range and this is reflected well in the quality of the manufacture of it, the ease of use and the versatility it offers, combined with the technical support ensures this is a sound buy for the price.
7. Robo R2
Just as the name states this is a “miniature robot” for your home and 3D printing needs. Not only is it an award-winning printer but its actually quite easy to use. Many shy away from this model because it sounds complicated and it might even seem complicated as well. The brand took it upon themselves to create something that is easy to work with while providing excellent results. Featuring an 8” x 8” x 10” model that helps build volume for better 3D quality, this model has the capacity of printing 25% larger images.
WIFI Connectivity
Having the ability to connect your 3D printer to the Robo app is not only convenient, but it allows you to be able to print exactly what you need when you need it directly from your phone or tablet. This is done through a WIFI connection. Having this feature saves you the necessity of having to carry around your laptop every time a new idea or model pops in your mind that you would like printed in 3D.
Customer Support
Customer service is very important especially when you’re purchasing a pricey item such as this one. The brand took this into consideration and offers 24/7 phone support to ensure their customers are taken care of exactly when they need it. With this purchase, there is a 1-year parts replacement warranty to ensure you always have what you need if any parts were to damage along the way. As a bonus, the brand provides their customers the ability to schedule a 1-on-1 Skype call with a technician that can help solve any of your repair issues while being able to see what is taking place first hand.
Cost and Value
When compared to others on this guide this is a bit expensive, but you’re getting one of the best qualities on the market. The printer does everything you would want it to do and more. Additionally, the customer service support is an excellent tool to have as you will always have an expert on hand exactly when you need it.
8. REPRAPGURU
This particular model boasts a DIY set that requires no soldering, cutting or drilling for ultimate convenience. It comes complete with an eight-inch by eight-inch glass bed and has a decent-sized print area; eight-inch by eight-inch by seven-inch. Benefitting from being suitable for use with either ABS and PLA up to one-point seven millimeters – the functionality of the model is increased further with this versatility. For those who require it – it also comes with full USA technician support, so any queries should be dealt with promptly and efficiently.
Cost Efficient
The REPRAPGURU is cost-effective and suitable for use in the home and even for teaching or using in small groups, and it comes with long motor wires for improving placement. On top of that, it is able to run from either a one-hundred ten volt two-hundred twenty-volt option.
Neat Design
The model has been designed to keep the complicated out of the fun, the easy to set up go production ensures that the learning can be fruitful and cost-efficient at the same time, the versatility offered increases the efficiency further.
Cost and Value
The REPRAPGURU is very well balanced when taking into consideration both cost and value, the easy and quick simple set up, combined with the adaptable material type ensures this is a really good value for the money.
9. FlashForge Finder
This model boasts being versatile enough for even the beginner to the activity, it is manufactured to be used with non-toxic PLA and all heated elements are safely enclosed and away from harms reach. It has a handy slide in plate for easy placement and removal of the print once it has completed its cycle. It has assisted bed leveling and benefits from a color touchscreen that has clear descriptive icons for ease of use in most environments.
Robust Build
The FlashForge Finder is produced with a strong, robust and durable plastic alloy that not only improves its overall longevity; but provides a sound and steady base for the optimum finish of prints.
Practical Connectivity
The model is made for connectivity and convenience, it offers Wi-Fi, a flash drive, USB cable, and cloud connection. It is compatible with systems running Windows seven and eight, eight-point one and ten; also enables connectivity to Mac’s, OS and Linux.
Cost and Value
The basic price for this FlashForge Finder offers great value for money when considering the ease of use and versatility. The value is further improved on with the strong construction materials and ensures it will last well.
10. Dremel Digilab
This wallet-friendly model offers high-quality prints with a unit that requires no assembly and is ready for use straight from the box. The print size is possible up to nine-inch depth, five-point nine-inch height and five-point five-inch width, included in the package is a spool of filament. The device is designed with safety in mind and has an enclosed chamber and a build plate that is not heated at all; it is suitable for all PLA printing which reduces the risk of toxin transference and bad odor when printing.
Practical Features
The Dremel Digilab has an extruder temperature suitable for use up to two-hundred thirty degrees C and has connectivity provided by a USB cable. Its practical design makes it an ideal starter printing device or for those chasing a hobby.
Compatible Functionality
The ready to go device has technologically engineered filaments that are designed to help create optimum quality prints and it offers the chance to create designs with the simple addition of any CAD software.
Cost and Value
The reasonable cost of the Dremel Digilab reflects more than adequately in the quality of the unit as a whole and the simple, set up and go functionality it provides. Overall this is a great buy and well worth the money spent on it.
