Depending on where you’re planning to use your 3D printer, there are a handful of things to keep in mind. Industrial settings will benefit from larger volume printers, capable of churning out larger components at a rapid pace for prototyping. However, if you’re using this in an educational capacity, you can get by with a lower-end printer as long as it has an intuitive interface. The Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer supports all filament types. Its heated build plate with varying temperatures allows it to work with basic filaments such as ABS and PLA, as well as more complex materials such as wood and metal composites. The 3D Printer comes assembled straight out of the box with full calibration and includes a sample PLA filament and MicroSD card with preinstalled models, so you can begin printing immediately. It comes with a one-year warranty. It’s not the easiest of 3D printers to get started with and it’s pretty noisy, so the M2 might not be the best choice if this is your first 3D printer. Its design appears basic, but this simplicity ends up being a strength since you can use it year after year. Once you have the M2 calibrated, it produces consistent high quality prints at a fast speed. As it’s an open platform, you are free to use the software of your choice, such as the popular Simplify3D. A clear winner for the 3D printing enthusiast. There are some reviews that highlight noise as a notable con, and many reviews recommend using open source software for printing over the included FlashForge software. And at 24.25 pounds, you’ll want to create some space for it in the house or in an office before it arrives. The large 8 x 8-inch build plate and 7-inch vertical spacing offer additional space for printing larger, more complex models than most beginner 3D printers. The heated build-plate allows for highly-reliable printing utilized alongside compatible professional and open-source software that works with Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Online reviews highlight the easily sourced replacement parts if they cannot be 3D printed, as well as numerous upgrades you can make for more professional and complex prints. Precision is lacking when compared to the Ultimaker 2, at a minimum layer height of 50 microns. It is also significantly smaller than the Ultimaker 2, with a build area of 152 x 152 x 158 mm. As an FDM 3D printer, ongoing costs are low. It can print at temperatures up to 300 degrees Celsius, and the included Cura LulzBot Edition software is super easy to understand and use. So what’s not to like? The LulzBot Mini is a bit noisier than most, and unlike many printers, it requires a constant connection to a computer while prints are being completed. Otherwise, it’s a highly recommended choice for beginners in 3D printing. Build volume is slightly bigger, at 145 x 145 x 175 mm. Layer height remains at 25 microns. SLA resin printing still remains much slower and more expensive than FDM, so take that into account if you’re planning on choosing a Form 2 because you want to increase your print runs. It may be better to use a Form 2 to build an excellent master and use other methods such as injection molding or resin casting to make hundreds of copies. Consider the Formlabs Form 2 if you value a larger size, high quality resin printer with additional wireless controls that’ll make your life easier on a day-to-day basis. The real highlight of the Mini Delta is the inclusion of three motor-driven arms that write directly on the circular print bed. The approach is certainly new, but it leads to excellent results — especially given the machine’s low price. Capable of working with a 1.75mm filament and ABS and PLA materials, filament from any manufacturer will suffice. Setup is as basic as it gets with all the necessary controls available on the LCD display and included on a microSD card in the box. Wireless connectivity is also an option; you can sync print controls directly to your Android or Apple smartphone.
About our Trusted Experts
Patrick Hyde has a master’s degree in history from the University of Houston and a job in Seattle’s booming tech industry. His interests and knowledge span the past, present, and future. Alice Newcome-Beill has often viewed 3D printing as more of a novelty but does see the inherent potential in it. To date, she has printed custom keycaps, board game pieces, and other curios from a number of futuristic printers.
What to Look for in a 3D Printer
Printing material - Considering your printing materials is a critical step in selecting a 3D printer. Two of the most popular ones for at-home printing are ABS and PLA. Different printers are geared toward different materials, so decide which one you prefer and go from there. Resolution - Not all 3D printers can print to the same level of detail. Whether you’re looking to create simple shapes or more ornate models, be sure to check the minimum layer height of a machine to help understand how much detail it’s capable of creating. Build area - The build area is the stage upon which your printer can print a 3D model; the size of this stage affects how large of an object you can print. While some printers can print objects that are almost a foot long, others can manage ones that are only a few inches.
