Choose 3D Printer

How to Choose a 3D Printer

With the advancement of technology, printing has gone hi-tech. You can now do 3D printing comfortably with the right printer, but what must you consider before buying a Choose 3D Printer?

If you are new to 3D printing, it is advisable to check reviews of various printers you may wish to buy to know their specifications. For example, if you read this Dremel 3D printer review, you will not only find the specification of the printer but also information on its performance.

After reading reviews, it will be time for you to do your own personal research. Below is a quick checklist of the things you should consider when evaluating a 3D printer.

Z Resolution/Layer Thickness

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This is the minimum thickness of a layer that a Choose 3D Printer can lay down in a single run. Small layer thicknesses give smooth and detailed prints but the speed of printing is extremely slow. 

Build Area Choose 3D Printer

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Is the maximum size of an object that you can create with a Choose 3D Printer measured in XYZ dimension. For example, it could be measured as 8X8X10 inches; 8inch wide by 8inch deep by 10inch high. 

Filament Diameter

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Filaments come in 1.75mm or 3mm. machines with Bolden Extruders work better with 1.75mm filaments while those with Direct Drive Extruders work best with 3mm. It is advisable to stick to one type of filament size if you have a few different brands of 3D printers. 

Hot End

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This is one of the most important parts of the Choose 3D Printer. It is where the plastic is melted and extruded in little tiny layers. There are different types of hot ends but the two main ones are Peek Hot End and Hexagon Hot End. Peek Hot Ends are the oldest, jam a lot and print only one material. The parts work at a maximum temperature of 230 degrees Celsius. If you want more clarity in prints, Hexagon Hot ends are the real deal. They are also easy to replace, maintain and are jam free hence allowing you to focus on the business of printing instead of maintenance.

Nozzle

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This refers the tip of the hot end from where molten plastics come out. Sizes vary from 0.25mm to 0.75mm. The most common size in use is 0.5mm. Nozzles should be easy to change because you may need to change your nozzles depending on your design and desired results. Small nozzles give a smooth finish, more accurate and detailed prints but are very slow. Big nozzles print fast, give better first layer adhesion and jam less.

Extruder

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Fills the filament into the hot end. There are two types of extruders namely:

  • Direct extruder: gives you finer control.
  • Bowden extruder: allows for faster movement when printing.

Cooling Fan

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Is a must-have feature and depends on the machine. Fan sizes range between 25mm to 40mm. The part allows you to achieve crisps sharp edges as you print by cooling the molten material and reducing overhanging features. 

Heated Beds

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Are vital to consider since they prevent warping of large flat prints, ensure better adhesion and are beneficial for almost all materials. Unheated beds can work too but mostly with certain plastics.

LCD Display

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It is important to buy a Choose 3D Printer with LCD display and controls so that you print without a computer or software hosts giving you more free office space and a perfect day to day printing experience.

The above is an overview of the things you should consider when looking to buy a 3D printer.

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