3D printers have been a long time in the making, but it is only now that they are reaching the point where they can be affordable for most people. There are many different types of 3d printers and each one has its own set of pros and cons so it’s important to do your research beforehand to make sure you’re getting what you need.
Some Considerations When Purchasing A 3d Printer
A 3d printer, as its name suggests, creates three dimensional objects in layers. When you think about how the most classic way to build an object is with Lego blocks, you are starting to get the idea of how it works. The only difference is that the software used by a 3d printer can control the exact dimensions and shape of the object. The software also controls what materials are used and how fast the printer works, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
Water-Based Vs Oil-Based
Water-based vs oil-based ABS is one of the most common types of filament used by 3d printers. It stands for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene and the filament needs to be water-based or oil-based. Both have their pros and cons, so before you purchase a 3d printer it’s important that you understand what they are. Oil-based ABS is more flexible than water-based ABS but it also degrades over time when exposed to air and while it can be sanded and painted, there are some issues with it. Most notably oil-based ABS tends to crack when painted so if you want your 3d object to have a smooth finish you’ll need to use more than one layer of paint. Water-based ABS doesn’t cause the same problems that oil-based does but it’s not as flexible as oil-based ABS is.
Select An Open Source 3d Printer
An open source 3d printer is a great choice for any first time buyer. Open source refers to the software that converts a design into instructions for the printer to follow and it’s one of the most important parts. Open source 3d printers are easy to use and if something goes wrong, there are often people online who will be able to help you with any issues that you’re having.
Buying the best 3d printer for your needs as with any type of purchase you’ll need to make sure that your choice is going to suit your needs. It’s best to compare what different printers have to offer before you make a decision because in the end it will be worth it. Do you need a printer for personal use or are you planning to do more professional work? If it’s the latter, then you’ll want something that’s made for higher quality prints and that will take more time. You’ll need to think about this before you purchase a 3d printer because it’s important to get your money’s worth.
A Decent Warranty Is Essential
A decent warranty is an important part of any purchase. It can be very frustrating when something breaks that you have only just bought and you end up wasting money when the warranty would have covered it. It’s important to find out what kind of warranty your 3d printer has because it’s one of the things that will make or break an otherwise great product.
Conclusion
3D printers are one of the most exciting technologies that have been developed in recent years. Not only are they changing the way we look at our world but they’re also allowing for more innovation and creativity. It’s important to know what to look for when purchasing a commercial 3d printer so you can make sure it will be compatible with your needs and expectations. These considerations, which include size, use case, budget, material compatibility as well as ease of use, should help guide your decision about whether or not this is an investment worth making.
