3D printing technology is broadly classified into FDM, SLA, and SLS printing. We at Fracktal works, manufacture, and sell machines related to FDM and SLA. If you need parts printed using SLS, you can use our Fractory service. We have mentioned a few of the points that will guide you in buying a 3D printer.
Should I Buy an FDM 3D Printer? #
Fused deposition modeling (FDM)
It is the most common printing method used in desktop 3D printing.
A thermoplastic filament is heated and extruded through a nozzle, depositing the molten plastic in layers on a print bed. These layers are fused, building up throughout the print and eventually forming the finished part.
Such 3D printers are a cost-effective means for product development and rapid prototyping in small businesses, and make for a great educational tool in schools. For home use, they can produce simple replacement parts quickly, and many are put to use creating elaborate decorative items and even costumes.
There are many advantages to using an FDM 3D printer. Primarily, material choice is vast, with inexpensive, colorful filaments rubbing shoulders with engineering-grade plastics. They are easy to use but can require lots of maintenance if something goes awry.
Should I Buy a Resin 3D Printer? #
Resin 3D printers use vat photopolymerization, which is the process of hardening a liquid polymer by exposing it to ultraviolet (UV) light.
The desired model is constructed layer-by-layer in a vat of liquid photopolymer resin by shining ultraviolet light through the vat’s transparent bottom, selectively hardening the resin. Fixed to a platform that repositions after each layer, the object is drawn through the pool of resin.
Stereolithography (SLA) is often used as a synonym, but is also itself, alongside MSLA and DLP, a subcategory of vat polymerization, differing only in the light source used.
Resin 3D printers can render extremely fine detail, often creating relatively smooth-surfaced objects. The technology is generally faster than FDM and can create stronger objects because of the increased layer adhesion.
There are fewer budget-friendly SLA machines than there are FDM 3D printers – resin printers often find use in a professional context; however, prices have dropped dramatically in recent years, making this technology widely accessible.
3D PRINTER BUYING GUIDE: WHICH 3D PRINTER TO BUY? #
Application #
The most important factor to consider when buying a 3D printer is to ask yourself about the core application of 3D printing for your purpose. Is it for hobby purposes, household use, industrial prototyping, specialised applications of 3D printing like jewellery, dental, or gifting? A lot will depend on this factor. Different technologies are suitable for different types of applications, and choosing the perfect printer for your application will go a long way in having a successful 3D printing experience.
Material Compatibility #
Material compatibility is also an important factor to consider when buying a 3D printer. If your 3D printed output is to be used for a specific application, then the part has to be 3D printed in the most appropriate technology. The material must possess the needed properties to perform as per the designed specifications.
For example, material properties as displayed by nylon from an SLS technology are far apart from what yon from FDM technology displays.
So, choosing the technology that offers printing in materials similar to your application will be the best option.
Build Volume #
Build volume is simply the printing space. The printer should be selected keeping in mind the most common size to be printed. Just buying a large printer to accommodate all sizes of print is not a viable option. The printer cost increases, and it may hamper the quality offered for smaller, delicate prints. Large prints can even be outsourced if they require fewer numbers.
For example, SLA/DLP printers are quite small compared to other build volumes. Buying an SLA printer just based on its high-quality finish will not be helpful when larger prints are required. A bigger-sized FDM or SLS printer can print a slightly coarse part, and it can be post-processed to achieve a fine finish. The appropriate trade-off has to be achieved while making such decisions.
Material Availability & Cost #
The material library for almost all 3D printing technologies is increasing day by day. But still, the material properties are not similar for every technology. So, carefully analysing the type of parts you have to 3D print in the future with your 3D printer and the material required for that will help you in understanding which technology offers the best material for your application.
Most of the FDM filaments are easily available across the world at reasonable prices, but special materials like flame-retardant polymers or metallic materials are not easily available and may take a significant amount of time to be imported, increasing the lead time and the cost of such materials.
Material cost is another factor to consider while buying a 3D printer, which can increase the cost of the prototyping exercise. Powdered materials used in DMLS/SLM technologies are costly, and for some industries, it may not be justified to use metal 3D printing as the material cost is higher. Powdered material also has a limited shelf life; the unused powder cannot be reused once it has passed through 4-5 printing cycles.
Resolution #
Resolution has a direct effect on the printing of tiny features and the finishing of the printed object. A printer with high resolution will easily print the tiniest of features, and the layer height will be thinner, leading to a smooth surface finish. Buying a 3D printer with a high resolution can prove highly beneficial in the long run.
SLA/DLP printers have the finest resolution of around 20 microns, whereas SLS has around 60 microns, and FDM has 100 microns.
(Note: The resolution specifications will change over time as technology is undergoing continuous research.)
Additional Factors to Consider when Buying a 3D Printer #
Single Colour or Full-Colour #
This may not be the most compelling factor to consider while buying a 3D, but it can prove helpful if you are into printing 3D selfies, characters, figurines, or gifting items. This can help eliminate the colouring process if your final products demand such post-processing work.
Proprietary Slicing Software #
Most of the established 3D printer manufacturers also provide their own slicing software. The advantage is that this software is fully compatible with their 3D printer, and as a result, you always get good printing results.
Without proprietary software, you have to depend on free slicing software, which is no doubt good, but is not calibrated to suit your specific 3D printer. 3D Printer brands like Ultimaker, MakerBot, Formlabs, and many other brands also offer their software suite along with their 3D printers.
Conclusion #
Buying a 3D printer is a tough ask, especially for people who are new to 3D printing, and many times, people end up owning the wrong type of 3D printer for their application.
When you select a 3D printer from an established brand, you are more likely to get what you wish for, but it will cost you considerably higher than lesser-known brands. If you want to explore affordable options, then the printer output might not be what you expected.
The catch-22 situation is real and makes a decision maker delay in scrapping his idea to buy a 3D printer, but rest assured, with the above guidelines, you have a systematic approach to the factors to consider when buying a 3D printer.
