The decisive factors for choosing the 3D printer
Printing characteristics
Three-dimensional printing is a technology developed already in the 1980s, which allows the creation of various types of objects or components starting from a simple digital 3D model developed with special software. Over time, this technology has known a series of innovations so revolutionary that it is possible to bring an instrument that was once extremely expensive and rare into the homes of many users. Today it is in fact possible to buy 3D printers in many online stores, also investing extremely low amounts and much lower than most smartphones on the market. To better understand the parameters to be taken into consideration when purchasing a 3D printer, we try to briefly analyze its operation.
How does a 3D printer work?
First of all it is important to consider the type of technology used by the 3D printer. Obviously, over time, several have been developed, each able to use different materials and to offer more or less precise results. The most common type on the market currently is FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) or FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication). Although the name varies depending on the model, the technology is identical: FDM was in fact a patented abbreviation and not usable by the competitors of the first 3D printers that used the same printing method. The solution was therefore the creation of a different name, which however indicates the same procedure. To make objects in three dimensions, a coil of filaments of different types of materials is used, which are inserted into an extruder nozzle capable of melting them and regulating their flow. The nozzle can move normally on three axes (x, yz), placing layers of melted plastic one on top of the other, until the final result is obtained, solidified thanks to UV rays emanating from special lamps that can have variable power .
Dimensions
The maximum print size is a factor to consider especially for those who want to print medium or large sized objects. Obviously, most of the models on the market accessible to all users, thus excluding professional ones or those used in industry, have some limitations in this sense, reaching about 20 cm in height, length and depth. This is partly due to the size of the printer itself, which often hovers around 40 – 60cm in three dimensions. It should be emphasized that a higher price range does not necessarily correspond to a larger print size: often, in fact, there are other factors that determine an increase or not in the price.
Speed
Print speed is a relatively important factor, and a relatively long wait is still to be expected. This data is indicated in millimeters per second, and a single product can present very variable data, with a rather wide range, which sometimes is even around 40 ~ 200 mm / s. The limited relevance of this value is mainly due to the fact that it is not absolutely linked to the quality of the print, in addition to the variations resulting from the use of different materials, which have characteristics, melting and solidification temperatures that are also significantly different. Finally, we note that it is often advisable to keep a lower speed in the settings of your 3D printer, which allows you to obtain more precise final results with fewer defects. the
Precision
When you buy a 3D printer, even if only for hobby purposes, one of the fundamental factors to check is the precision with which the nozzle can position itself on the three axes and the fidelity with which it can print your model in three dimensions. Usually the technical data shows values in millimeters, and among the most accessible models we can find these data: Positioning accuracy: it is around 0.1 mm – 0.3 mm in the cheaper models, to reach 0.025 or 0.011 mm in the higher-end ones. It basically indicates the possible margin of error in positioning the nozzle on the three axes in which it is able to move; Printing accuracy: this value, on the other hand, concerns the accuracy in the thickness of the object made. Normally this figure does not vary substantially depending on the price range, settling on the 0.1 – 0.3 mm range. We also emphasize that these values depend to a certain extent on the diameter of the nozzle itself, usually corresponding to 0.3 or 0.4 mm.
The FlashForge CreatorPro 10745
is one of the best dual extruder 3D printers for home use available on the market. It integrates an LED screen with which to manage the entire printing process and also integrates an SD slot on the back. The printing plate is 6.5 mm thick and is equipped with a removable front protection, together with the top cover. ABS print and its robustness, being characterized by a metal structure, guarantees a constant and easy to adjust print. It is one of the most popular models among enthusiasts, and is compatible with both Windows and macOS
The Geeetech A20M 3D printer
the Geeetech A20M 3D printer with double extruder from GIANTARM is another model with double extruder that is very simple to install, since it has a modular design that allows it to be assembled in just 3 steps. Amazon users, in fact, have greatly appreciated this feature and report that the time required to mount it is only 10 minutes. Its main features include precision, printing speed and silence, technical features that make it ideal for home use. If printing is suddenly interrupted by a power failure, Geeetech A20M resumes from where it left off. The price / quality ratio is also excellent.
XYZprinting da Vinci Nano 3D Printer
The best budget 3D printer currently available on Amazon is this one proposed by XYZprinting. It is a perfect model for home use because it arrives already assembled, it is compact, easy to use and very light but, despite these characteristics, it still manages to print medium-sized objects. This product can also be used by children, since it is safe and has locking systems that isolate all the parts that heat up during use. The print bed also does not heat up and, as a result, can be handled during use without any problems. It can also be placed on a desk.S
NOVA3D’s BENE4 MONO 3D
NOVA3D’s BENE4 MONO 3D printer is certainly to be counted among the best mid-range models that you can buy online, on Amazon. It is a resin 3D printer equipped with a practical 6-inch touch screen display that allows you to keep the printing process under control. One of the most appreciated features of this model is the ability to print both via WiFi connection and offline. Despite being a very functional model and capable of granting professional results, it can be safely used even by beginners.