What to look for in a 3D printer?

Endless business opportunities can be availed with help of a right 3D printer. Requirement and budget are the key aspects for your 3D printer purchase. Latest is dual extruder 3D printer which comes in many variations and you can identify the one as per your needs.

Tips to buy a 3D printer

• Decide what you want: First analyse that what you wish to print. There is a very huge difference between the printers used for single desk operations while those used for large scale industrial production. Depending on the regularity of printing to be done by you and nature of objects to be printed; investment must be made by you.
• Select your perfect 3D printer style: Many individuals who have initially used printers know about FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) printer. Hot plastics and materials are extruded by such printers which are also termed as filaments. Filaments are important for creation of any 3D printed object. Other printer styles include DLP (Digital Light Processing, SLA and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) that uses powder in place of resin.
• Safety characteristics: Most of the 3D printers are well-equipped with all safety features. They have automated systems through which they refrain from overheating. Through this way, heat damage protection is ensured and no harm is caused to printer during the whole process.
• Consider high-quality characteristics: This is mostly overlooked by buyers. But remember that a high-quality featured 3D printer can not only enhance but also simplify the whole 3D printing experience. Eyeing on high end features like touchscreen user interface, heated glass beds and dual filament support can surely help you out. Volume of build platform or the room space which needs to be printed can convert your printer into a good investment option.
• Printer resolution: Microns is the measuring tool for any 3D printer resolution. You just need to buy a printer with a good resolution so that the adjustments can be made as per the FDM printer. Two factors that are highly essential for smooth printing process are belt tension and layer height. On the other hand, there are also resin printers restricted with adequate laser precision. You should plan to buy a printer wherein microns can be easily adjusted as per the requirement of final print.
• Consider brand with good customer support: Before you get into any 3D printer purchase, ensuring a good customer support system is very important. With good brand comes good services. You can also go online to check the customer reviews of printer brand which you wish to buy. This is a very crucial aspect as it can hamper or enhance the printing experience extremely!

What you wish to print?

• Domestic objects: You can identify these kind of objects either in office or at your house. Such items have lesser endurance towards moisture or any kind of light. Here, best option is to make use of FDM or PLA printer. If you are using the model as a kind of food container, then PETG printer can be best used as it consists of a food safe filament. What’s best for your needs is more important than what’s best in the market.
• Outdoor objects: Such kind of objects are exposed to various forces of nature. If at all your considerations include planting pots or distinct lawn decorations; then ABS printer would be a good choice. This won’t be affected by sun like PLA or PETG.
• Artefacts: It is highly possible that some beautiful artwork could be easily created with help of FDM printer, but the best option is to make investment in a resin printer. Such printers are finely designed keeping in mind the minute details and intricacies.
• Tools: Depending on the application to be done, printing tools can be decided by you. ABS prints can prove to be substantial with FDM printer. But this kind of printer won’t work much if you are looking out for professional setting.
• Proficient products: 3D printing benefits are taken by all manufacturers for generation of original components. There are wide array of industries that make use of such 3D printed products. Automotive, dentistry or even aerospace industries use this technology. Resin printers are ideal for a proficient setting.

Features to consider

• Safety characteristics: If you are working under hot electrical equipment, any printer cannot be too safe.
• Print resume functions: These functions are highly important if your printing process gets interrupted amidst of something. Your printing process won’t be ruined once these functions are available with the printer. Printing will then resume from the place where it’s left.
• Excellent user interface: An extraordinary printing experience can be attained with good quality interface. You must opt for a touchscreen interface as it would enhance your printing experience. Most inexpensive printers also come with a touchscreen option.
• Heated bed: If you are using heated bed, going back is simply impossible. Printing a few layers are very critical to complete the project timely.

If you take into consideration all the tips mentioned above, you can certainly make a smart choice for 3D printers. Printing experience can be definitely enhanced when you minutely consider all aspects. And the best part is you do need to make a huge investment to purchase these printers! Having a first-hand knowledge of all characteristics and technical know-how about 3D printers can be immensely helpful for your buying experience.