A 3D printer is an incredible piece of technology to have in your home. It is estimated that in the next few decades, most homes around the world will have a 3D printer. They can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including making repairs to household items, education and simply having fun creating objects. However, having a 3D printer at home is not a viable option for many.
If you are planning to buy a 3D printer to use at home, then you have made a monumental decision. There are several things you should know, though, including:
There are Different Types
3D printing is a blanket term referring to any technological recreation of three-dimensional objects. However, there are different types of 3D printers on the market performing 3D printing.
The type of 3D printer is usually categorized by the process through which it functions. The most common type of 3D printer is the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) printer. It prints by adding layer on layer and is very easy to use hence its popularity. The other common types of 3D printing are Stereolithography and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). They are more advanced and expensive than FDM.
You Can Build or Buy One
Many people involved in 3D printing are creators and people who like building things. Therefore, it is not surprising that some of them prefer to build their own 3D printers rather than buy one and you can too.
To build a 3D printer, you will have to buy a 3D printer kit and follow the instructions. They are readily available online. The key is to follow the instructions to the letter. The folks at https://io3dprint.com/ say that there are many benefits to building your own 3D printer as opposed to buying one, such as the joy of creation. However, the biggest advantage is that it will save you a lot of money though it will take a lot of time and effort.
You Should Seriously Consider the Speed
One of the key parameters to consider when acquiring a 3D printer is the speed. The faster the printer, the better it is, and the more you can do with it. On the other hand, the faster the printer, the more expensive it is. Higher speed also means other limitations such as lower print quality. The speed of the printer will depend on the purpose of its usage. If you are using it for commercial purposes where you need to print many simple objects fast, speed will be paramount.
However, if you are using it for education or entertainment purposes, then you can take your time and get a slower printer but with higher print quality.
3D Printers Use Different Materials
When considering buying or building a 3D printer for home use, you should think about which material you want to use to create your items. Many people think that 3D printers only use plastic but they can use several materials.
There are 3D printers that only support plastic while others will support several materials such as metal, nylon, or resin. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages when it comes to 3D printing.
You should select a 3D printer that uses as many materials as possible if it is for home use. However, you should understand the material limitations of the printer to avoid any damage.
Safety
A 3D printer is one of the most advanced pieces of technology you can put inside your home. You must know which safety precautions you need to take when using your 3D printer. There are 3D printers that are safer when compared to others. It is often a matter of how much heat the printer generates while printing. If you touch the printer while it is too hot, it can result in serious burns.
For safety, especially if you have children at home, you can choose a 3D printer with enclosed parts. You should also check if the 3D printer produces any fumes that can be harmful.
Price
The all-encompassing issue of the price will rear its head when it comes to 3D printing. As stated above, building your own printer is more economical than buying one. The price of a 3D printer will mainly depend on the quality of the output. If you are new to 3D printing, go for a cheaper model costing less than $1000. The price will also include the cost of materials you use for printing.
There is much you need to know about 3D printers, especially if you want one in your home. The above are only basic factors to consider. However, they will give you a cursory understanding of what to expect when getting a 3D printer.