It would make a great second 3D printer, or if you need to fit one into a small space.
The included microSD card was so cheap and corrupted it never worked, the built-in Wi-Fi was never able to get on my network, and the machine's arms got caught on some poorly installed plastic wire covers (I just ripped the paper-thin covers off).īut once I had all the problems ironed out, it was a reliable little machine for quick jobs. It required some tweaking and troubleshooting to get up and running. This is not the great low-cost entry-level printer I was hoping for.
And I do like it, but it's for a specific audience. It's usually under $200 (down to $149 as of right now), and requires no additional assembly. I had high hopes for this dirt-cheap 3D printer with a tiny footprint. I've added some of the most common questions I get in the FAQ section below. Once you find the best 3D printer and you end up getting completely addicted to additive manufacturing, don't blame me. I've included both small and large 3D printers on this list and also taken other factors into consideration, such as print speed, the size of the build plate, the cost of PLA filament, the kind of print head included and more.
I've chosen several options for people who want to start printing 3D objects and for those who want to update their existing 3D printing setup with a pro 3D printer. I've taken a deep dive into the best 3D printers available today. If even a budget 3D printer is out of your price range, you can still jump on the additive manufacturing trend by grabbing a 3D pen to play with until a desktop 3D printer is within reach. I will note, though, that a cheap 3D printer is still going to cost at least a couple hundred bucks. Like I said, it's a really cool hobby, and it's getting easier to find a great 3D printer to facilitate it.
Also, 3D printing technology is getting better and better, meaning the print quality of whatever it is you're making is starting to look like it was made by a professional 3D printing service. Even better, they're great for you to craft your own personalized designs. As a result, 3D printers are now more popular than ever.ģD printing technology has come a long way since then, and I've doubled down by getting into 3D scanning and even laser cutting, which lets you sculpt real-world designs from leather and wood.ģD printers, which range from affordable (under $300) to high-end (over $3,000), are awesome gifts for a creative person or the 3D printing enthusiast in your life. Maker culture is alive and well, thanks to an army of creators who are passionate about handmade goods. I first became interested in 3D printing a few years ago, when I started making everything from phone stands to tabletop game accessories to a sweet mini Millennium Falcon.