With the recent invention of a mosquito-repellant 3-D printed ring, the future possibility of 3D printing is reaching new heights. In just over the last two decades, 3D printing as a technology and industry has grown by leaps and bounds. From being a specialty, niche technology, 3D printing can now be seen in even consumers' homes.
Companies have plans to build entire schools and houses using 3D printers. But for those just getting into the field and looking to buy a 3D printer for the first time, there are some basic factors to keep in mind.
Expensive Does Not Mean Better
While sometimes a more expensive printer can equate to better quality, this is not always true. Over the last couple of years, the competition in the 3-D printing industry has skyrocketed, which has also led to cheaper and better products.
The price of a 3D printer can depend on a lot of factors, like whether it is an FDM or SLS printer, the features each model provides and the brand associated, etc., but for beginners, even cheaper 3D printers can provide adequate quality and features. Printers such as the Ender 3 can do pretty much everything a beginner would require.
PLA Is The Most Beginner Friendly Material
There are different materials available for 3D printers, and each one of them has different pros and cons. PLA or Poly Lactic Acid materials are the most versatile, cheapest, and safest to use. They are also some of the best materials to use for entry-level 3D printers.
PLA can be used to produce long-lasting objects, and it doesn't release as many harmful fumes during the process. PLA is also cheaper compared to other options, and it is biodegradable, as well. PLA also has a lower melting point which makes it easier for entry-level printers to utilize.
It Is Better To Get An Auto Leveling Printer
If the printing bed of a 3D printer is not level, it can lead to unstable foundations, clogging, or scratch marks on the object. While manual leveling printers have their advantages with certain functions, a beginner will rarely ever use them. s can also get an auto-leveling attachment with their manual printers.
An auto-leveling printer has sensors attached near the tip of the nozzle, which measures distance and balance and adjusts accordingly to make sure the bed is level before starting the process. There are some great 3D printers for even less than $500.
Make Sure The Filament Is Of Good Quality
The filament determines the quality of the object being printed. Bad-quality filament will lead to a brittle, deformed, or rough final object. Consumers can find a good quality PLA filament for about $30 per kg, and this can last most s for more than a month.
The price of the filament varies depending on the brand, quality, color, if it is glow-in-the-dark, extra strength, or has a better texture. Keep in mind that cheaper filaments don't always mean bad quality, it is better to always read the reviews. Other materials, like ABS or resin, might cost more.
Understand The Basic Workings Of A 3D Printer
It is very important to understand the basic functioning of a 3D printer, as there can be a need for future upgrades, replacing parts, keeping rods lubricated, and replacing worn-out nozzles.
If a 3D printer is well maintained, cleaned, and updated from time to time, it can last for years while performing efficiently. Usually, 3D printers and their nozzles can last from three to six months with heavy use and up to three years with casual use. Understanding how a 3D printer works is very important when it comes to being comfortable with the machine.
Pay Attention To Print Bed Quality
The quality of a print bed will play a huge role in the final print quality. A bad print bed can lead to issues such as layer adhesion, not retaining temperature efficiently, prints sticking to the bed, or an uneven printing bed.
Print beds are made of plastic, aluminum, or glass, the latter being one of the most popular, usually because of the ease of removal of the final object. Some of the best and easiest printers to use consider the quality of the printer bed.
Keep A Set Of Tools At Your Disposal
Getting a 3D printer and some filament is not the end of the printing process, s will also require a set of tools to ease the final printing process. This usually includes a spatula, filament storage container, adhesive substances, and tweezers for cleaning final prints and nozzles.
A spatula is handy while removing the final print from the bed and without proper filament storage, the life of the filament can be greatly reduced.
Keep Safety In Mind
Operating a 3D printer can be very fun, but at the same time, it can also be dangerous to your property and your health. Make sure your 3D printer is in a well-ventilated room and that there are no fire hazards close by.
Keep the printer out of reach of children and pets, as they can get very hot and also release harmful fumes. Getting an enclosure for the printer is also a great idea to keep it dust free and waterproof.
The Slower, The Better
Getting the perfect 3D print can be a slow process. The overall quality of the final object heavily depends on the speed with which the printer is printing. This is one of the choices that people have to make: to either get a faster print but compromise on the quality or get the highest quality but wait for a long time.
The size of the nozzle will also impact the speed and quality of the prints. For example, if a 0.4mm nozzle takes 11 hours at 150mm/s, a 0.8mm nozzle can do it under 8 hours at 65mm/s. But at the same time, a bigger nozzle might not give the most detailed final product.
Stick With FDM Printers
The two most common types of 3D printers are SLA and FDM. While the former prints an object layer by layer using a liquid resin material and UV light and can also deliver a higher resolution and smoother finish, they can also be very expensive and the filament also costs a lot more.
FDA printers, on the other hand, are much better for beginners. They are cheaper and there is a wide variety of filament to choose from. They are also much easier to maintain. One thing to note is that SLA printers are getting cheaper, so that could be a future option for a beginner hobbyist.