Things To Take Into Consideration When Buying A 3d Printer

 

3D Printing is revolutionising the manufacturing industry. Experts consider it to be a disruptive technology and predict that it will soon be widely adopted. However, it could still prove difficult for decision-makers to make a purchasing decision. Managers don't know the major elements to be considered when buying an commercial 3d printer and consequently make poor buying choices.

There are numerous 3D printer options available that only increase the difficulty of choosing the most appropriate one. Many technologies have been developed for specific purposes of 3D printing. However, this is a broad term. An industrial 3D printer is not suitable for dental uses and the reverse is true.

We've put together an industry-leading list to help you select the right 3D printer to meet your requirements. These can help you choose the most suitable 3D printer for your needs.

Application

The most important factor to take into consideration when purchasing a 3D printer is to inquire about the core application of 3D printing for your purpose. Are you planning to use it for hobby or home use, prototyping at work, industrial, or specialised reasons like jewellery, dentistry and gifting. A lot will depend on this element. Different technologies work for different applications. Selecting the best printer for your project will make 3D printing effortless process.

Material Compatibility

When purchasing an 3d printer under 100 product, it is essential to consider compatibility with the material. The item should be 3D-printed using the right technology if it's going to be used in a particular application. The material must possess the necessary properties to meet the specifications.

Build Volume

The build volume is simply the area of printing. The printer should be selected taking into consideration the size that is most commonly used to be printed. It is not possible to purchase a huge printer that will take on all sizes of prints. The cost of printing increases and could influence the quality of prints that are delicate. If you require large prints in smaller quantities and are outsourced, they may be.

SLA/DLP printers, as an example, are much smaller than other build volumes. If you require larger prints then an SLA printer will not be worth the price. A FDM or SLS printer that has greater size could print a part that is slightly rougher than normal. This can be post-processed to create a finer appearance. The appropriate trade-off has to be achieved while making such choices.

Material Availability and Cost

The library of materials for nearly all 3D printing technology is expanding daily. But still the material properties differ for each technology. You can decide which one is the best one for you by taking a close look at the components you'll be printing in the future using your 3D printer.

FDM filaments can be found everywhere in the world at affordable prices. However, certain materials like flame-resistant polymers and metallic materials may not be available and may require significant time to obtain, which can increase the time to lead and the cost.

A 3D printer's material costs can also be important as it could affect the cost of prototyping. The materials used in DMLS/SLM techniques are expensive and for some industries it may not be justified to use metal 3D printing as the material cost is higher. The powdered materials also have a short shelf life. The powder isn't able to be reused after it's been through at least 4 to 5 printing cycles.

Resolution

Resolution can have a direct impact on the printing of small features and finishing of the printed item. A 3D printer Files printer with a high resolution can print the smallest of features. The layers will be smaller leading to a smooth surface with a smooth finish. A 3D printer that has a higher resolution is beneficial in the long run.

Additional Considerations to Make When purchasing a 3D printer

One color or full-color

Although this may not be the primary factor to consider when buying the 3D printer, it is likely to be very helpful in the event that you plan to print 3D characters, figurines or selfies. This will help you avoid the process of colouring if your final product requires a post-processing work.

Proprietary Slicing Software Application

Many of the well-known 3D printer manufacturers have their own slicing program. The advantage is that these programs are completely compatible with their 3D printer and as a result you'll always get excellent print results.

You shouldn't rely on the proprietary software if you don't have your own slicing software. They are fantastic however, they're not calibrated to your particular 3D printer. 3D Printers from brands such as Ultimaker, MakerBot, Formlabs and many other brands also offer their software suite along with their 3D printers.

Conclusion

It isn't easy to purchase the right 3D printer, especially for those who aren't familiar with the technology. Many people end up buying the wrong printer for their particular use.