10 Things To Know When Purchasing a 3D Printer

Introduction

Embarking on purchasing a 3D printer opens up a universe of creativity and innovation. Whether you're eyeing printers for sale or specifically looking at 3D printers for sale, understanding what to know about 3D printers is crucial. From the versatile Mimaki 3D printer to the reliable Flashforge 3D printer, the market comprises options that cater to every need. Before diving into the benefits of 3D printing and exploring various 3D printing tips, it&#;s essential to grasp how to choose a 3D printer that aligns with your aspirations. This guide will navigate the key considerations, ensuring you know how to make an informed decision. Knowing what to look for when buying a 3D printer will set the foundation for your 3D printing adventure, whether for hobbyist projects or professional ambitions.

Click here to get more.

Look Up 3D Printer Categories

Desktop vs. Industrial Models

Exploring the world of 3D printing, you'll encounter a pivotal choice: Desktop vs. Industrial models. Desktop 3D printers, like the renowned Flashforge 3D printer, are the gateway for enthusiasts and small businesses, offering affordability and ease of use. They're perfect for those exploring the benefits of 3D printing within the comfort of their home or small studio. Conversely, industrial models, such as the Mimaki 3D printer, cater to professional settings with robustness and superior print quality. These powerhouses are designed for mass production and intricate designs, embodying the pinnacle of what to know before buying a 3D printer for commercial purposes. Your choice hinges on understanding how to choose a 3D printer that aligns with your finished product needs and budget, ensuring you leverage the 3D printing tips for optimal use, whether for intricate prototypes or large-scale manufacturing.

Understand The Basic Workings of a 3D Printer

Core Technologies Explained:

Grasping the essential workings of a 3D printer starts with delving into its core technologies. At the heart of this innovation are methods like Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography or Digital Light Processing (SLA or DLP), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), each suited for different applications for 3D printing. FDM printers, the most commonly seen in 3D printers for sale, extrude thermoplastic filament materials, crafting layers to form objects. SLA printers, offering precision, use ultraviolet light to harden the resin in detailed patterns. Meanwhile, SLS technology, ideal for complex and durable items, fuses powder with a laser. Understanding these technologies is pivotal when choosing a 3D printer, as it influences everything from material choice to the final print quality. Whether you're considering a Mimaki 3D printer for its versatility or a Flashforge 3D printer for its user-friendliness, knowing these core principles will guide you to make an informed decision that aligns with your creative or business needs.

3D Printing is Not for Mass Production (Yet)

Current Limitations and Future Potential:

While 3D printing offers revolutionary benefits in customization and prototyping, its current pace and cost structure present challenges for mass production. The technology, primarily seen in 3D printers for sale for specialized applications, faces hurdles in speed and the costs of most materials that are yet to match the efficiency of traditional manufacturing methods. However, the future potential of 3D printing is vast. Innovations in 3D printing tips and technologies, such as improvements in Mimaki 3D printer speeds and the development of more cost-effective 3D printing materials, hint at a future where we could overcome these limitations. As we stand on the brink of these advancements, understanding what to know before buying a 3D printer becomes crucial for businesses looking to invest wisely. The evolution towards mass production capabilities promises to unlock new horizons for manufacturing, making it an exciting time for adopters of this technology.

Expensive Does Not Mean Better

Value vs. Price:

Navigating the world of 3D printers for sale unveils a crucial lesson: higher price tags don't always guarantee superior quality. It's a common misconception that the most expensive 3D printers, like those from high-end brands, are the only options for achieving top-notch results. However, the truth lies in understanding what to look for when buying a 3D printer&#;finding the right balance between cost and performance. Affordable models, including some Flashforge 3D printer variants, offer many benefits of 3D printing without breaking the bank. By focusing on what to know about 3D printers, such as print quality, material compatibility, and user support, rather than just the sticker price, you can uncover incredible value. This approach ensures you invest in a machine that fits your budget and empowers your creative or business aspirations, genuinely embodying what to know before buying a 3D printer.

Build Your Own or Buy One

DIY Kits vs. Pre-assembled:

The dilemma between opting for DIY kits and choosing pre-assembled 3D printers is more than just a question of convenience; it's a decision that shapes your entire 3D printing journey. DIY kits, celebrated for their benefits of 3D printing, offer a hands-on learning experience, allowing you to understand your machine's mechanics and nuances intimately. This path not only quenches the thirst of avid tinkerers but often comes with a lower price tag, making it an attractive option for those exploring 3D printers for sale on a budget. Conversely, pre-assembled machines provide the immediacy of plug-and-play convenience, saving valuable time and sparing you from potential assembly mishaps. They're perfect for those who prioritize ease of use and reliability, from Flashforge 3D printers to Mimaki 3D printers. Deciding whether to build your own or buy one hinges on your comfort with technology, budget, and how deeply you wish to dive into the nuts and bolts of 3D printing tips.

Analyze the Printing Materials Used

Material Options and Their Applications:

Choosing the suitable printing material is pivotal in unlocking the full potential of your 3D printing projects. Each material brings unique benefits, from the versatile PLA, favored for its ease of use and eco-friendliness, to the durable ABS, known for its strength and heat resistance. Advanced options like TPU offer flexibility, opening new doors for creating parts that require elasticity. For those diving into high-detail models, a liquid resin will provide the precision necessary for intricate designs. Understanding the applications of 3D printing with each material is crucial, as it impacts the outcome of your projects. Whether you're exploring printers for sale or delving into the benefits of 3D printing, remember: the choice of material affects not only the print's quality and functionality but also its purpose. Tailoring your material selection to the project at hand ensures that your creations meet your expectations every time.

Verify the Safety Concerns

Health and Safety Guidelines:

In the exciting world of 3D printing, ensuring safety is paramount. Knowing health and safety guidelines is crucial as you dive into this innovative technology. Ventilation is critical; these printers can emit fumes that are best not inhaled over long periods. Always use them in well-ventilated areas to maintain air quality. Moreover, the materials used, such as certain 3D printing inks and plastics, require careful handling to avoid skin irritation. Understanding the benefits of 3D printing also involves recognizing its potential hazards and mitigating them effectively. Equip yourself with the proper safety gear, like gloves and masks, and ensure any 3D printers for sale you consider have safety features and comply with regulatory standards. By prioritizing safety, you safeguard your health and the quality and longevity of your creative projects.

Purchase an Open-Source 3D Printer

Benefits of Community Support and Customization:

Opting for an open-source 3D printer unlocks a world of innovation and personalization, pivotal for those venturing into 3D printing. The cornerstone of open-source technology lies in its community&#;a vibrant, knowledgeable network eager to share insights, 3D printing tips, and advancements. This communal spirit ensures you're never alone on your printing journey, whether you're troubleshooting or seeking to enhance your printer's capabilities. Moreover, customization is where open-source truly shines. Unlike proprietary models, open-source printers allow for modifications and upgrades to improve performance and output quality tailored to your needs significantly. From adjusting printers for sale to tinkering with 3D printing materials, the flexibility to adapt and grow with your printer fosters a deeper understanding and skill set in 3D printing. Embracing an open-source 3D printer means stepping into a collaborative world where the possibilities for what you can create are boundless.

It&#;s All About the STL file

Understanding File Formats and Design Software:

The STL file is at the heart of every 3D printing project, a cornerstone that bridges your creative vision with tangible reality. STL, which stands for stereolithography, is the universal language of 3D printing, encapsulating the contours and geometry of your design in a format that 3D printers can interpret. But it's not just about STL; understanding various file formats and design slicing software is crucial for mastering 3D printing tips and techniques. Software options range from beginner-friendly TinkerCAD (Computer Aided Design) to professional-grade Fusion 360, each offering unique features tailored to different skill levels and project requirements. Navigating through these tools, you learn how to create and optimize your designs for printing&#;ensuring compatibility, minimizing material use, and perfecting the final output. Embracing this knowledge empowers you to turn any concept into a physical object, making what you know about 3D printers an exciting exploration of potential.

Consider Price and Quality of Printer

Balancing Budget and Expectations:

In 3D printing, the balance between price and quality often dictates the final purchasing decision. Understanding what to look for when buying a 3D printer involves navigating through a sea of printers for sale, each boasting a unique blend of features and capabilities. The key is to eye printers with the lowest price tags and discern which printer offers the best value for your needs. High-quality prints, reliability, and after-sales support might justify a higher upfront cost, contrasting the allure of budget models. It's about finding a sweet spot where your budget aligns with your expectations for overall quality, material compatibility, and ease of use. This careful consideration ensures you invest in a printer that fits your financial scope and fulfills your creative or professional aspirations, maximizing the benefits of 3D printing.

Conclusion

Selecting a 3D printer is an exciting venture into a world where imagination meets reality. Throughout this guide, we've navigated the essential considerations, from understanding the core technologies and materials to weighing the benefits of community-supported open-source models against proprietary ones. We've debunked the myth that higher costs automatically equate to good quality and highlighted the importance of balancing your budget with your quality expectations. Whether you're a hobbyist, educator, or professional, the key is to choose a printer that not only aligns with your immediate needs but also offers room for growth and exploration in the vast universe of 3D printing. Remember, the best 3D printer for you is the one that meets your specific needs, encourages learning, and unlocks new possibilities. Armed with knowledge and insight, you're now ready to make an informed decision that will open new dimensions of creativity and innovation.

For inquiries regarding 3D printing, feel free to reach out to our product specialists at .

10 Factors to Consider When Buying an FDM 3D Printer

1. Experience level and training

Has the end-user 3D printed in the past and what is their experience level?  Does he/she have a mechanical background or experience with other machinery that operates on G-code such as a CNC mill?   

Light modeling experience (such as Solidworks, Inventor, or Fusion 360) is required and prior experience with generating G-code is helpful.  Any combination of experience and/or education in field will ensure a smooth and positive experience. Successful 3D printing requires the following:

• Ensuring that the part is manifold (watertight)

• Determining if overhangs exist that will require support material

• Having the mechanical capacity to replace filament, nozzles, load and remove build plates

Depending on your combination of experience and training you should consider the following important features in a 3D printer.

• Touch screen: Is the interface user-friendly and does it include a touchscreen?  What is the process for loading filament or changing nozzles?

• Auto-leveling: Does the printer offer auto-leveling or will the user be required to level the print bed before every print job?

• File preparation: How complicated is the slicing software? Does the manufacturer allow you to download it and take it for a test drive before buying the equipment?

• File loading: Does the machine have to be connected to Wi-Fi to operate or can the G-code be loaded via USB stick or cable connection?

• Part save:  Does the machine have the capability to restore prints after either a power off situation or a filament jam?

• Hotend replacement:  How easy is to replace the hotend?  If you like to experiment with materials and/or push the edge of the envelope, you will service your hot end.  Replacement should take no longer than a couple minutes.

• &#;Locked&#; consumables:  If you do not have an unlimited budget or if you simply do not want to have to rely on one vendor, open filament is critical to an uninterrupted production chain.

• Technical Support: Is technical support available through or tech portal or can you call on the and talk to a live person? Or is the technical support limited to a self-help library of solutions?

2. Value of your time and your budget constraints

There are essentially two classes of desktop 3D printers:  hobby and professional machines. If you are on a tight budget and/or have time to devote to bed leveling, troubleshooting, and don&#;t mind working with simple materials like PLA, then a hobby-grade machine is an option to consider.  Be prepared to fix, tune and modify your equipment, experiment with software settings, and reprint parts several times before achieving acceptable results.

You will get efficient and thoughtful service from thingyfy.

Professional-level printers should offer features including a fully heated bed, heated build chamber, engineering grade material options, and optimized, material-specific G-code generation. It is simply not possible to copy over settings from one material to another.  Each material will have its own extrusion, bed, and chamber temperatures as well as print speed and infill settings. If your time is valuable and your projects require minimal downtime and timely, accurate results, then a professional level 3D printer packaged with intelligent software, such as the EVO is the best option.

3. Build Envelope

If your projects require large parts then the size of the build envelope is an important consideration.  The typical build envelope of a hobby printer is small-less than 10&#;x10&#;x10&#;. Such machines can also cost up to $6,000.

Larger professional 3D printers, such as the EVO 22, offer significantly larger build envelopes and professional quality motion control components to produce parts as tall as 22&#; in height.  EVO 3D printers range between $8,000 and $12,000.

When researching build envelopes, pay close attention to the following:

• Is the advertised build envelope a true representation of the machine&#;s actual capabilities?  Does the build size capability only represent the machine&#;s capability printing with PLA or PETG? This is important as neither material requires much heat or an enclosed chamber.  Manufacturing parts in high-temperature materials requires heated beds capable of over 145C, heated chambers, and high-temperature extruders capable of over 300C to avoid part warpage and cracking.

• Does the machine use linear guides and ball screws for motion control?  When working with larger prints, tolerances end to end are especially critical and ball bearings and steel rods are no match for professional linear motion componentry.

• Does the printer have quality components, circuitry and power to withstand the rigor of a large print job of 100+ hours at high temperatures, time and time again? A manufacturer should provide videos, screenshots of machine hours, and parts to demonstrate large FDM capabilities in high temp materials such as ABS and Polycarbonate.  Machines should be capable of 4,000+ hours of print time with little maintenance.

4. Print Resolution

If your parts need to have a superior surface finish, consider 4 main factors: smaller interchangeable nozzle sizes, small layer heights, motion control, and material.  When making a large part, small details will be less important and using nozzles as large as 1.0mm can save time with little effect on overall part quality. However, when seeking the ultimate resolution, consider using a smaller .35mm nozzle to increase definition and work better with smaller layer heights.  With smaller layer heights comes the necessity of precision motion control utilizing linear guides and ball screws. Our guide &#;3D Printing on a Small Scale&#; is an absolute must-read for those who want to get the most out of their 3D printer

5. Heat Requirements

Heat requirements will vary depending on the material used.  No two user&#;s heat requirements or settings are the same. There are three heat emitting components in 3D printing:  the hot end, heated bed and heated chamber.

Maximum Hot End Temperature

The maximum temperature of the hot end is an important consideration as it can limit the variety of materials that you will be able to extrude.  Most hobbyist 3D printers can reach temperatures up to 200C, which is the melting temperature of PLA. Upper-level hobbyist machines typically can reach temperatures up to 240C and print small to medium size parts with ABS.  

Some professional 3D printers, such as the EVO, can effortlessly operate at over 300C and successfully 3D print large parts in engineering grade materials such as ABS, Nylon, and Polycarbonate.  If most of your parts can be produced in PLA then a low temp 3D printer might do the job. Keep in mind, however, that PLA will not withstand higher temperatures. For example, it will degrade if left in a car on a sunny day.  Below is a chart of temperature ranges for various types of materials.

Fully Heated Bed and Maximum Bed Temperature

A powerful heated build plate is critical when printing large parts.  So is the power supply, as getting the build plate to over 130C (necessary for ABS) can be very power intensive.  Make sure that the entire bed is heated, not just the center part.

Some manufacturers claim to have a heated bed, however, only the center part of the bed is heated and the outer parts are not heated &#; this will lead to part warpage and lifting.  The image below illustrates part warpage due to inferior heated beds.

Chamber Heaters

Containing heat is absolutely mandatory when 3D printing with higher temp materials because these materials, such as ABS and Polycarbonate tend to contract at high rates when they cool. Also, an enclosed build environment tends to contain a large portion of the odor.  

For heating large build volumes, a heated bed is a good start, but simply not enough when dealing with large prints.  Temperature-controlled chamber heaters can precisely control the chamber temperature and improve surface finish and layer to layer adhesion.

6. Environment and Location

Smells and Filtration System

Will you be operating the 3D printer in a open workshop, an enclosed environment or a classroom? If it is a small, non-ventilated room, you may consider the resulting air quality of the surrounding environment.  Although 3D printers release small amounts of VOC and Ultra Fine Particles, these can add up if operated for prolonged periods of times in a non-ventilated workplace. If this is of concern to you, then it is important to investigate the filtration system (if any) that is included with a 3D printer.   Be sure to ask about the type of filters, is it an active charcoal filtration and/or Hepa filter?  How often should these be replaced and what is the replacement cost?

Noise

The same can be said of the sounds emitted.  If your 3D printer will operate in a working environment or a classroom, then consider the sounds created by this equipment as to not distract co-workers.  Enclosed 3D printers with higher quality components such as motors, pulleys, and belts will create less noise as opposed to open frame printers. If sound quality is of concern, then consider an enclosed 3D printer.

7. Materials

Which material or materials will you use most often?  Which material will your projects require in the future?

As mentioned earlier, different materials will require varying degrees of hot end temperatures.  Currently, there are over 40 different types of polymers (filaments) available on the market, such as flexible materials like TPU, Nylon, polypropylene, carbon-fiber blends and even water-soluble support materials.  Airwolf 3D printers are engineered to print in all 40+ filaments.

Another consideration that goes hand-in-hand with material choice is drive system.  There are two main forms of drive: direct and Bowden. Direct drive is far more popular now than it was in desktop 3D printing&#;s infancy.  This is because direct drive is significantly more user friendly and adaptable to a wide range of materials.

Bowden drive however, fails when used with flexible materials.  In particular, it is not possible to accurately reproduce sophisticated geometries in flexible materials like TPU and TPE with Bowden drives because of the delay.  Airwolf 3D has done extensive research and development on the area of flexible materials and you can read more in our white paper &#;Direct vs Bowden&#;.  A Bowden configuration will not successfully 3D print sophisticated TPU and TPE parts.  

Keep in mind as well that a printer with a Max Hot End Temperature of 280C will not print polycarbonate.  Polycarbonate also requires a heated bed temperature of at least 145C and head temperature of at least 300C.  The EVO and EVO 22 are both capable of hot end temperature of over 300C and heat bed temperatures up to 160C.  The AXIOM series of 3d printers are capable of hot end temperature of over 300C as well.

The takeaway here is, know what materials you will use and if you plan to print with engineering grade materials such as polycarbonate, a 3D printer with a higher Max Hot End Temperature is a necessity.  Similarly, if flexible materials are on your horizon, consider direct drive mandatory.

8.  Software

Like CNC machines, 3D printers require the use of slicing software to generate G-code.  Most 3D printer manufacturers offer slicing software and include predefined settings to complement the equipment. However, such settings are usually limited to 1-2 materials.  Apex slicing software for EVO and EVO 22 is configured for over 20 different materials with part sizes ranging from small to large and quality from draft to fine.  This saves the operator time by eliminating the &#;experimenting&#; necessary to develop settings for different materials. Airwolf has invested over 10,000 man hours in optimizing settings for most every available material.

Check to see if the manufacturer offers a free download of the software.  Check to see how often the manufacturer updates the software and if the manufacturer is actively investing in development.  Free free to ask them if, after purchase and delivery, they can assist you in creating the optimal settings for your specific parts and needs and if they develop their software in house.  Both considerations go a long way in determining which manufacturer will be your best partner.

9.  Warranty

Additive manufacturing is still in its infancy and a warranty can be very helpful.  Investigate to get a feeling of the manufacturer&#;s main objectives. For example, if something goes wrong with your 3D printer, is their main objective to get you up and running as soon as possible?  Airwolf 3D&#;s main objective is to keep you 3D printing to meet your deadlines. Be sure to ask the following questions:

• What are the terms of the warranty?

• How are repairs handled and what is the turnaround time after you buy a 3d printer?

• How long has the company been around and is it stable?

• Is the filament manufactured by the 3D printer manufacturer, tested for tolerance, tensile strength or guaranteed to perform well with the printer?

10. Planning for the future

If you intend to keep your 3D equipment long term, you will want to ensure that your 3D printer operator and successors have a positive experience.  Ask the following questions:

• Will your company need to print in multiple materials?

• How long has the 3D printer manufacturer been in business?

• Is the manufacturer based in the U.S. or does it offshore its manufacturing?

• Does the manufacturer stock replacement parts such as fuses, circuit boards, hot ends, power supplies for its legacy machines, etc?

• Does the manufacturer have a track record of offering an upgrade path?

• Does the manufacturer have a track record of offering a trade-in plan?

• Does the manufacturer invest in innovation and IP?

• Does the manufacturer offer training options for your successor or other machine operators?

We hope that this guide has informed you and helps you to make the right decision for your company and project needs.  Thank you for considering Airwolf 3D equipment in your research.

Additional resources:

3D Printer Price Comparison Chart

List of Materials, Settings and Features

Request a sample part from Airwolf 3D

If you want to learn more, please visit our website 3D Printing Services.