{"id":2464,"date":"2017-03-17T11:25:32","date_gmt":"2017-03-17T11:25:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/?p=2464"},"modified":"2017-03-17T11:25:32","modified_gmt":"2017-03-17T11:25:32","slug":"3d-printers-for-beginners-and-pros","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gambody.com\/blog\/3d-printers-for-beginners-and-pros\/","title":{"rendered":"3D Printers for Beginners and Pros"},"content":{"rendered":"

3D printing is expanding quickly, covering more and more users. The technology is appealing to those who see it as a\u00a0trend with perspectives. Either for hobby or for bigger purposes, 3D printing has found its application in multiple industries.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

This selection of 5 beginners and 5 pro 3D printers is based on the reviews of those who have used the device for enough time to make an opinion on its usability and capabilities.<\/p>\n

5 3D Printers for Beginners and Intermediates<\/h2>\n

We often are asked by our customers which is the best 3D printer for a beginner. It is important to know that 3D printers come in pre-assembled and in kit forms. The advantage of the pre-assembled 3D printer is that it will save you the hassle of dealing with electronics and printer parts. On the other hand, the assembly kit\u00a0will let you discover every part that your 3D printer is made of. You will get the chance to hold every piece in your hand and learn more about its technical features. Which one your choice will fall on it truly depends on your preferences.<\/p>\n

1. LulzBot Mini Desktop 3D Printer (Pre-Assembled)<\/h3>\n

\"LulzBot<\/a>This device comes with incredibly easy-to-use features. It has an auto-bed leveling and an auto-nozzle cleaning. It runs on Cura printing software, but it can be used with other 3D printing software such as OctoPrint, BotQueue, Slic3r and etc.<\/p>\n

Although the price tag is a little too high for a 3D printer designed for beginners, the 3D printing output will make you see that it\u2019s a good value for money.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Open source: Hardware & Software
\n\u2022 Build volume: 152 mm x 152 mm x 158 mm
\n\u2022 Heated bed: Yes
\n\u2022 Materials supported: All
\n\u2022 Dual extruder: No
\n\u2022 Recommended for: Beginners\/Home Use<\/p>\n

Buy 3D Printer<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Original Prusa i3 MK2 (Assembly Kit)<\/h3>\n

\"2.<\/a><\/p>\n

Original Prusa i3 MK2 is the highest rated desktop 3D printer in the Budget<\/a> range. The little guy is enhanced with a bunch of features that makes it stand out from the crowd in the similar price tag range.<\/p>\n

It incorporates a heating bed, which heats up and cools down quickly. According to the reviews from the users of the 3D printer, the device is reliable and yields clean print results. Bonus, the kit comes with a 2-year warranty for the electronic parts.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Open source: Hardware & Software
\n\u2022 Build volume: 250 mm x 210 mm x 200 mm
\n\u2022 Heated bed: Yes
\n\u2022 Materials supported: PLA, ABS, PET, and many other
\n\u2022 Dual Extruder: No
\n\u2022 Recommended for: Beginners, Intermediates<\/p>\n

Buy 3D Printer<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

3. Rostock MAX (Assembly Kit)<\/h3>\n

\"3.<\/a><\/p>\n

Rostock 3D printer has known a flourishing popularity since its launch in 2012. The 3D printer stands about 1 m tall.<\/p>\n

The only disadvantage to this device is the long hours that it requires to be put together. Reviewers stated as many as 30 h to assemble the kit and make it run. However, once this is overpassed, the user can enjoy great quality and reliability of the components.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Open source: Hardware & Software
\n\u2022 Build volume: 224 mm \u00d7 224 mm \u00d7 375 mm
\n\u2022 Heated bed: Yes
\n\u2022 Materials supported: PLA, ABS, other exotic ones
\n\u2022 Dual extruder: No
\n\u2022 Recommended for: Intermediates<\/p>\n

Buy 3D Printer<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

4. QIDI Technology 3DP-QDA16-01 Dual Extruder 3D Printer<\/h3>\n

\"QIDI<\/a><\/p>\n

This 3D printer is equipped with a\u00a0dual extruder. Its external frame is made of metal, which the manufacturer states as being much more durable than the wooden frame. Its build plate is made of aluminum.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Open source: Hardware & Software
\n\u2022 Build volume: 225 mm x 150 mm x 150 mm
\n\u2022 Heated bed: Yes
\n\u2022 Materials supported: PLA, ABS, PVA
\n\u2022 Dual extruder: Yes
\n\u2022 Recommended for: Beginners\/Intermediates<\/p>\n

Buy 3D Printer<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

5. Printrbot Simple Metal<\/h3>\n

\"Printrbot<\/a><\/p>\n

This printer is praised for its metal frame and quality of the 3D print. Also, it makes a good budget printer for those who aren\u2019t just ready yet to invest thousands of dollars in a 3D printing machine.<\/p>\n

Pintrbot Simple Metal enjoys a large supportive community who will give you a helping hand in troubleshooting the most common problems that you can face.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Open source: Hardware & Software
\n\u2022 Build volume: 150 mm \u00d7 150 mm \u00d7 150 mm
\n\u2022 Heated bed: Yes
\n\u2022 Materials supported: PLA, ABS, other exotic ones
\n\u2022 Dual extruder: Yes
\n\u2022 Recommended for: Beginners\/Intermediates<\/p>\n

Buy 3D Printer<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

5 3D Printers for Pros<\/h2>\n

Although in this category are presented printers designed for pros, they can actually be used by everyone. These 3D printers, however, are used by professional who expect amazing quality of their print parts. The machines themselves feature a variety of applications and suit small businesses.<\/p>\n

1. Ultimaker 2+<\/h3>\n

\"Ultimaker<\/a><\/p>\n

We have an Ultimaker 2 3D printer in our office for over a year now and it has never failed us. As long as the machine is calibrated correctly and the print bed is leveled nicely, the quality of the prints is outstanding. Since it came in our office, this guy has been 3D printing constantly, with short breaks between prints. We have a nice collection of 3D printed high-poly video game-inspired 3D models, which you can check at our Pinterest<\/a>\u00a0or Facebook<\/a> pages.<\/p>\n

The design of the Ultimaker 2+ hasn\u2019t suffered many changes: it is the same translucent wall box. But it is equipped with a new PT100 printhead and the option of using different nozzle sizes. The new printer has an improved cooling system allowing for faster cooling and airflow.<\/p>\n

The Dutch company has really thought about its customers and makes it possible for Ultimaker 2 users to upgrade their 3D printer to an Ultimaker 2+ thanks to the upgraded extruder.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Open source: Hardware & Software
\n\u2022 Build volume: 223 mm \u00d7 223 mm \u00d7 205 mm
\n\u2022 Heated bed: Yes
\n\u2022 Materials supported: PLA, ABS, CPE
\n\u2022 Dual extruder: No
\n\u2022 Recommended for: Everyone<\/p>\n

Buy 3D Printer<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

2. Form 1+<\/h3>\n

\"Form<\/a><\/p>\n

Formlab really revolutionized 3D printing with their Form 1+ 3D printer, which, compared to others available on the market, uses liquid resin to 3D print with high precision and quality.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Open source: No
\n\u2022 Build volume: 125 mm \u00d7 125 mm \u00d7 165 mm
\n\u2022 Materials supported: Resin
\n\u2022 Dual extruder: No
\n\u2022 Recommended for: Intermediates\/Pros<\/p>\n

Buy 3D Printer<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

3. Form 2<\/h3>\n

Just like his older brother, Form 2 is an SLA 3D printer printing in liquid resin. This 3D printer has got some improvements, with a slightly larger build area and a self-heating resin tank. The Formlab 3D printers are valued for their accuracy of the output and reliability.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Open source: No
\n\u2022 Build volume: 145 mm \u00d7 145 mm \u00d7 175 mm
\n\u2022 Materials supported: Resin
\n\u2022 Dual extruder: No
\n\u2022 Recommended for: Intermediates\/Pros<\/p>\n