How to Choose a 3D Printer?

As a result of constant technological evolution, 3D printing is becoming increasingly common in different industries. It offers numerous customizable solutions for prototyping, creative design, product personalization, and more.

As a result, multiple companies from various industries are buying 3D printers to improve their work. In addition, many hobbyists and educational institutions appreciate their properties and consider getting one.

However, with an overwhelming variety of 3D printers in the market, it is challenging to pick the right one that meets all your needs. Our comprehensive guide on how to choose a 3D printer will help you identify what to focus on and which features to look for.

Keep on reading and learn what to look for in a 3D printer!

Understanding 3D Printing Technologies

One of the most important factors you should take into consideration is the 3D printing technology you need. Understanding their uses and how they are different from each other will help you which solution is the most suitable for you.

FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication)

Fused filament fabrication (FFF) also referred to as Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printing, also referred to as fused filament fabrication (FFF), is an additive manufacturing technique associated with material extrusion.

This method involves manufacturing components layer by layer by selectively distributing the melted material in a previously computer-generated path. The material cools and solidifies, bonding with the previous layer to form the 3D object.

PROS	CONS	COMMON USES
Less expensive machines and materials Quick and easy to handle for smaller components and less demanding use Low waste	Lower accuracy Less customization options Visible layer lines and a rough surface finish (post-processing required)	Rapid, low-cost prototyping Low-volume part production Custom jigs and fixtures

SLA (Stereolithography)

Stereolithography (SLA), also known as resin 3D printing, is a technique involving curing liquid resin with a light source by hardening it layer by layer. After each layer is cured, the build platform lowers, and fresh resin is added for the next layer.

Previously, lasers were the most commonly used light source, but nowadays, a digital light projector or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are employed instead.

PROS	CONS	COMMON USES
Fast printing Smooth surface finish Excellent value Fine details and high precision A range of SLA-specific resins are available	More expensive than FFF UV sensitivity Post-processing required	Concept modeling Quick tooling Jewelry Computer hardware Industrial replacement parts Dental models and appliances

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is one of the most popular 3D printing methods for industrial applications. It uses a high-powered laser to fuse small particles of powder into a solid structure. Typically, the powder is a polymer, but can also be ceramic or glass.

The laser selectively sinters the powder, solidifying cross-sections based on a 3D digital model. After each layer, the powder bed lowers, a new layer of material is applied, and the process repeats until the component is finished.

PROS	CONS	COMMON USES
Design flexibility Support structures are not necessary Functional, solid parts Perfect for dying and coloring Good isotropic properties Minimal post-processing	High shrink rate Limited choice of materials Higher waste than in other AM methods	Fast prototyping Manufacturing functional production parts Customization and low-volume production Manufacturing tools Housings and snap fits Jigs and fixtures

Assessing Your 3D Printing Needs

One of the most important aspects of choosing a 3D printer is to determine what you need it for and how you will use it. This will help you pick the right model that has the necessary features and meets all your expectations.

1. What Is Your Goal?

First, you need to identify your purpose in buying a 3D printer. If you are a hobbyist, you most likely want your device to be relatively inexpensive and simple to use.

If you represent a business that needs a professional 3D printer to improve its productivity, you should focus on print quality and material compatibility. If you are a manufacturer looking to upgrade your factory floor, you may need an industrial 3D printer for maximum reliability and high-performance materials. Finally, if you represent an educational institution, you should go for a printer that can withstand frequent student use.

2. What Do You Want to Print?

Another important factor to consider when choosing a 3D printer is to think about what you will print with it. In this way, you will know what specifications to focus on. For example:

Functional Components: A printer with an open material system that is durable enough to withstand the volume necessary for your operations would fit the bill.
Prototypes: If your main purpose is prototyping, ensure your 3D printer balances speed and quality well. Also, check whether it offers fast print speeds and reliable accuracy, as rapid prototyping demands quick turnaround times.
Figurines and Decorations: Printers that deliver precision with high-resolution details are recommended. They are perfect for producing objects with complex details and their prints typically need little post-processing.

A large-scale FFF 3D printer with 3d printed parts - the BigRep ONE

3. What Is the Estimated Print Size?

The choice of your 3D printer should also be determined by your required print size, understood as the maximum physical dimensions that the printer can produce in a single print.

Naturally, a larger build volume allows you to print bigger objects, so if you plan to work on large-scale projects like furniture parts or life-sized models, you'll need a large reliable 3D printer with a generous build volume.

However, take into account that bigger prints usually take longer, so it’s worth considering how the print size can affect your timeline.

A large build volume can also come in handy if you’re producing many smaller 3D prints. By batch printing numerous parts, you can automate the process to save time.

A man taking a big 3d print from a large scale 3d printer - the BigRep ONE

4. Budget Considerations

Apart from knowing what to look for in a 3D printer, you need to know how much you are ready to spend on it. Beginners are typically more interested in budget-friendly models, while professionals usually go for advanced models offering many useful features necessary in their work.

Importantly, you need to remember that it does not include only the price of the printer itself. Take into account all the additional expenses like materials, maintenance, and upgrades to have a bigger picture.

Key Features to Look for in a 3D Printer

The essential features to consider when choosing a 3D printer include:

1. Print Volume: The print bed size and the overall build volume determine the maximum dimensions of the objects you can print in a single run.

2. Build Chamber: The printer’s build chamber can be open or enclosed, with or without active heating. While a 3D printer with an open, unheated chamber will be less expensive and use less energy, it is only suitable for certain materials. If you plan to print with engineering and high-performance materials like ABS, PEEK, or ULTEM™ you will need an enclosed chamber heated to sufficient temperatures.

3. Print Bed Type: You can choose from a variety of print bed options.

- Removable Build Plate: This bed type is typically flexible and magnetic, making it easier to remove finished prints without damaging them.
- Heated Build Plate: A heated print bed is essential for printing with such materials as ABS, because it helps to regulate temperature, keeps the print in place while printing, and prevents warping and cracking.
- Print Bed Adhesion: Depending on the material you print, you will require a different print bed surface, like polyimide foil or glass. You may need to apply glue, like Magigoo, for additional adhesion. Some 3D printers also feature a vacuum print bed to ensure the print remains securely in place.
- Leveling Bed: Manual or automatic bed leveling ensures the nozzle is at the correct distance from the bed for proper adhesion and more precise 3D prints.

The BigRep ONE's print bed with magnetic SWITCHPLATE options, an add-on for maximum material range.

4. Layer Resolution: It refers to the thickness of each deposited material’s layer, measured in microns. Lower layer heights offer smoother surfaces and finer details. Consider the level of detail your projects require.

5. Extruder Type: Extruders can vary widely depending on their features including extrusion temperature, nozzle type and diameter, and feeding mechanism, to name a few. The features determine what materials are printable, printing speed, reliability, and print quality. Single extruders can print with one material at a time, while dual extruders allow for two materials or colors in a single print.

6. Extruder Configuration: Single extruders can print with one material at a time, while dual extruders allow for two materials or colors in a single print. Multi-extruder configurations, like four extruders on the BigRep ALTRA 280, allow for multi-material prints and function as relays in case one extruder is out of filament or encounters an error. This can be a lifesaver for big prints running over days or weeks.

7. Optical Sensors: 3D printers often incorporate all sorts of sensors, such as optical sensors and ball sensors. They enhance precision in detecting print bed leveling, filament presence, and print quality.

8. Connectivity Options: Your 3D printer's Wi-Fi allows you to control and monitor it remotely. With USB compatibility, you can connect it directly to your computer. Moreover, if the printer has an SD card reader, it will also be suitable for printing without a computer.

9. Software Compatibility: Ensure the printer is compatible with slicing software that you are comfortable with or that offers the features you need.

10. User Interface: An intuitive interface will make it easier for you to use the device and teach new users how to work with it.

11. Noise Level: Some 3D printers can be quite noisy, so consider the noise level if you plan to use the device in a quiet environment.

12. Air Filtration: Some 3D printing materials release harmful gases during printing and require filtration to clean the air in the enclosed chamber.

The BigRep ONE large scale 3d printer's user interface

13. Materials Compatibility: Before buying a 3D printer, make sure that it is suitable for use with the materials you are planning to work with.

A. Common FFF Materials

PLA: Easy to print with and biodegradable, but lacks sufficient heat resistance.

ABS: Offers strength and durability but produces fumes and requires a heated bed.

PETG: Combines strength and ease of use, so it is a very popular material.

Chopped Fiber Composites: Offer high strength-to-weight ratios, making them ideal for lightweight applications

Metals: Stainless steel, copper, tool steels, Inconel, aluminum alloys, and titanium can be used for FDM metal 3D printing to produce strong, durable parts.

B. Common SLA Materials

Standard Resins: Excellent for general purposes, as it combines strength and fine detail.

Tough Resins: Recommended for functional components that will have to bear significant stress.

Flexible Resins: Great for manufacturing components that will have to flex or bend.

Composite Resins: Offer higher stiffness and better thermal properties thanks to the incorporation of ceramic or glass particles.

C. Common SLS Materials

Nylon: The most widely used SLS material, known for its excellent mechanical properties, strength, flexibility, and durability.

Polystyrene: Due to its low melting point and low toughness, it is not suitable for functional parts but rather as a master part for vacuum forming and sand casting.

TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane): Allows the creation of flexible, skin-safe prototypes and end-use parts, offering good abrasion resistance and high tear strength.

Chopped Fiber Composites: Offer higher heat deflection temperatures and better thermal stability.

14. Brand and Support Options: By buying a 3D printer from a reputable manufacturer like BigRep, you are a part of the entire ecosystem including verified materials, intelligent software, e-learning content, and superior customer service.

Another important advantage of choosing a well-known brand is that spare parts and upgrades are easily available, so if you need to repair or level up your 3D printer, you will be able to do it in no time.

Desktop vs. Industrial 3D Printers

Let’s take a look at the main differences between desktop and industrial 3D printers:

	Desktop 3D Printers	Industrial 3D Printers
Dimensions	Compact (200-350 mm in width)	Large (1,000+ mm in width)
Average Build Volume	Small to medium (around 250 liters)	Large (around 1000 liters)
Material Compatibility	Limited (PLA, ABS, PETG, some resins)	Wide range (metals, high-temp polymers, composites)
Print Precision	Moderate (50-200 microns)	High (10-50 microns)
Print Speed	Moderate to slow	High-speed, optimized for production
Durability & Reliability	Basic consumer-grade parts	Industrial-grade, built for continuous operation
Applications	Prototyping, hobbyist projects, education	Aerospace, automotive, healthcare, manufacturing
Ease of Use	User-friendly, plug-and-play	Requires expertise, advanced software
Key Value	Affordable and accessible	High-performance, large-scale production

Reviews and Research

To get more information on how to choose a 3D printer, you can look for first-hand experience content from users who need it for a similar purpose as you will. You can read online reviews where they will share their experiences with a particular model, typically mentioning its pros and cons.

Apart from that, you can watch tutorials and explore online communities to gain insights into specific models and brands before making a decision. All of that will help you make a more informed choice and reduce the probability of being disappointed with your purchase.

Conclusion

Two men standing in front of a BigRep ONE large-scale 3D printer, with several parts displayed that were printed by the machine.

All in all, choosing a 3D printer is not that easy, and it requires a lot of careful research. However, it is worth the effort, as it will help you make a choice that best fits your aspirations and projects.

If you want to avoid the trouble of wondering what to look for in a 3D printer, you can get in touch with us by filling out our contact form. An expert will reach out to you and help you choose a 3D printer best suited for your needs!