With Christmas just around the corner, lots of us are on the lookout for gift ideas for our friends and family. Until recently, a 3D printer would have been way too expensive for most people to consider buying as a present. However, 3D printers are becoming more affordable by the day. There are now hundreds of different manufacturers to choose from, which can be both a blessing and a curse.
There are different models and types of 3D printer available to suit different price ranges and use cases, so it can quickly get overwhelming, even if you are familiar with the technical side of things. The good news is that this world is not nearly as impenetrable as it first seems. Once you understand a few basic terms, it becomes relatively simple to find the best printer for your needs.
What Will It Be Used For?
The most important question to answer before you begin looking at 3D printers is what it will be used for. There are a lot of misunderstandings about what 3D printers are and are not capable of, so make sure that you know why you are getting the printer and what you or the recipient will be doing with it.
Some people use 3D printers to produce functional objects, whereas others are interested in using it artistically. In either case, you have two options open to you. You can either purchase the best 3D printer you can afford straight away, or you can buy a starter model to learn the ropes first. In practice, there is no discernible difference between most 3D printers that cost less than $1,000. It’s therefore generally a good idea to start with the cheapest model you can find, and then upgrade when you can afford something high-end.
What’s Your Budget?
Even if you are working on a limited budget, you can get a starter 3D printer for as low as $99. Of course, this kind of printer is quite basic when compared to other models available. However, it is certainly good enough to get you started and to enable you to learn the ropes.
If you can afford to get something better, then you should probably do so. Although, if you are not sure whether the recipient will enjoy a 3D printer or not, this is a good way of hedging your bets.
What Do Other Users Suggest?
Before you commit to any 3D printer, you should have a look online and see what 3D printing communities and review sites are recommending. You will find that certain brands, like Ultimaker, come up again and again. It is a good idea to stick to the brands that have a verifiable reputation. if you want to save money on an Ultimaker device, then keep an eye on Ultimaker news and look for new models being released. When this happens, the old models tend to go on sale.
If you are prepared to do a little bit of reading, then it is easy enough to understand 3D printers, how they work, and what the difference is between the different types. There has never been a better time to get into 3D printing. It is now a much more affordable hobby than it once was.