Here Are Seven Things To Keep In Mind When Buying The 3d Printer

It's not easy to purchase the right 3D printer. Despite the fun and learning we get from a 3D printer, choosing the best one is always a challenge. There are numerous 3D printers available and each one has its own pros and negatives. It was very difficult for me to buy my first 3D printer. I went to buy Anet A6 3D printer after reading through a blog which states that it is best for those who are new to the field. It's not that I was completely wrong but I just wish I had done more research before getting my first 3D printer. I've put together a list of things that all enthusiast and hobbyist needs to consider and select the printer that best suits their needs.

Volume Of The Print:

Each printer is limited in the size of prints it can produce. It should be capable of printing larger items. A basic printer such as the Anet A6 is capable of printing objects measuring 220x220x240 millimeters ( W x L x H ). Apparently this is not so large if you think of printing objects like real life bust models, robotic arms and so on. Always ensure you have the largest print size before buying the 3D printer.

Auto / Manual Leveling The Bed

The process of leveling could be the most difficult task that you have to deal with in a 3d printing service. It is a process where you need to level the heating bed to an exact distance from the nozzle through out the bed's surface. If you do this manually, it can be very painful. Though it can be fun at the beginning but fun is gone after about three or four attempts. Perfect solution to this problem is the Auto leveling feature that levels the heating bed for you and allows you to print immediately. This can save you a lot of time in the long run and will save you lots of stress, but auto leveling printers comes with a fat price.

Different Types Of Filaments Use:

Filaments act as fuel for 3D printers. Filaments are the materials that is heated in order to release desired objects from nozzles. There are a wide variety of 3D printing filaments. But, a specific 3D printer may be able to print a limited amount of different filaments. Below is the table which I found in the internet. It lists the different types of filaments and their characteristics.

Nozzle Size:

This is the component that melts the filament. This Nozzle will move around the X, Y , and Z directions to print the object you want. The size of the Nozzles that are used in 3D printers may differ based on which printer they are. 0.1, 0.2 , 0.3 and 0.4mm are typical nozzle sizes. The most popular size for nozzles is 0.4mm which creates excellent prints. 3D printers also have nozzles made of different materials such as steel, brass or titanium and so forth. Printers with multiple extruders can be utilized to print multiple objects with various materials. Multi-extruder printers can be costly but they're also extremely fun to use.

Resolution To Print:

Print resolution is something you will keenly look upon when quality of your print is paramount to you. The print resolution determines how clear your print will be. It is important to understand the difference between Vertical and XY resolution. The XY resolution is the distance that the motor of a stepper can be able to travel in a single step. Vertical resolution, also referred to as layer height refers to the thickness of the extruding material that is used to print the object. The print quality and quality will be greater if the resolution is lower. Prints with lower resolution objects will have a smoother, more polished surface but at the cost of using more filament, and it will take longer to print.

Safety:

There are many dangers associated with 3D printers. They include hot extruders hot bed, moving mechanical parts, fumes that can be toxic from melting certain filaments and more. These aspects should be taken into consideration when purchasing the metal 3d printer or 3d modeling software for your child, or if your children reside with you. If you do, opt for closed 3D printer where it will safe guard user from getting injured by it. However closed-frame 3D printers are more expensive than open-framed models.

Society:

3D printing is a specialized area that requires a lot of assistance. Consider how beneficial it would be to have people around who have utilized the 3D printer you have recently purchased. They will assist you when setting up the printer and help you resolve any issues you might run into. This is what the community is about. It's always a great idea to have a 3D printer to be supported by a large community. Forums, websites, Social media groups are great places to connect with the community and get assistance or ask for advice regarding your 3D printing journey.