Keys to keep in mind when choosing a 3D printer

Are you looking for a 3D printer for your home but do not know what features are ideal? Do not know which one to choose? We are facing an important purchase decision, both for the product itself and for the investment. From EntresD we give you some tips so that buying a 3D printer is a simpler task than it seems printing companies nyc.

Identify your needs

Before embarking on the purchase of a 3D printer, you should ask yourself different questions: what do you want it for? What kind of use are you going to give it? Is it going to be professional or personal? Will you make intensive use? , Do you want to print in color? Etc. All these questions will help you define exactly what type of printer best suits you. You may not even need to buy one, but simply contact a 3D printing service sporadically.

Make a budget

Once you have your needs well defined to know what kind of printer you are looking for, it is best to be very clear about how much money you are willing to invest in it. The prices of a domestic printer are quite different from those of a professional, so if we invest blindly the joke can be more expensive than necessary. In the same way, buying a printer at a lower level than what you really need can be even worse, since it will hardly cover your expectations.

Know the most used materials

When you report on the subject you will see that not everything is reduced to ABS and PLA, although they are the most common. Many printers use other types of materials, such as laybrick (texture similar to stone), laywood-D3 (wood appearance), soft pla (for flexible objects), nylon (it is reusable) or bendlay (it is transparent). On the other hand, ABS is one of the most versatile materials and one that works best, while the PLA is made from corn and, therefore, stands out for being ecological.

Price of cartridges

It depends on what size the roll is purchased. A roll of ABS filaments is around € 30, with the ability to print dozens of designs. They can also be found in different colors. In the case of PLA filaments, a roll usually does not exceed € 40 and usually lasts a long time. Make sure if the printer you are buying accepts any brand or only the one sold by the manufacturer.

Check the printing speed

3D printers usually have two types of speed: the speed of movement, which marks how quickly the tool head moves without printing between the different areas; and the printing speed, which is calculated by looking at the millimeters per second that it is capable of printing. Of course the type of material you decide to use and the size of the design will also affect the printing speed.

Ensures software compatibility

The software of the printers is not related to the design (for that you will have to use specific design programs), but with the preparation of the piece at the time of printing: the position of the object, printing speed or density, among others. Again you will have to weigh which software is best suited to your needs, since they exist from the most complicated to the simplest. And, above all, keep in mind that the software that fits most is compatible with the printer you have thought to buy.

Rate the print quality

3D printing is divided into layers that are printed on top of each other. The finer each layer is, the more quality and precision the final result will have. An optimal size is at least 0.1 mm thick. The print quality is also related to the alignment of the three axes (X, Y, and Z) and calibration, among other things.

Technical after-sales service and guarantee

The technology of 3D printers is progressing faster and faster, so it is highly recommended that you ensure what type of guarantee the manufacturer offers you, if there is the possibility of acquiring expansion kits, if it includes assistance in case of any problem or if they take care of repairs or replacing parts.