3D printing is revolutionizing the industry of manufacturing. It's known as a disruptor and experts are predicting an accelerated and unavoidable growth in the technology . However, it is quite difficult for buyers to decide on a purchase. Managers aren't aware of the main factors to consider when buying a best 3d printer and consequently end up making bad buying decisions. The vast array of 3D printers only adds to the problem of making the right choice.Not each 3D printer is appropriate for each and every user. 3D printing is a broad term in which many technologies have emerged for specific purposes. A 3D printer for industrial prototyping isn't suitable for dental applications and vice versa. In collaboration with industry experts, we have curated a list of the major aspects to take into consideration when purchasing a 3D printer. These can help you to choose the right 3D printer for your need. ApplicationThe most important factor to take into consideration when purchasing a 3D printer is to determine what is the primary purpose of 3D printing you are looking for. Are you using it for a hobby, household use, industrial prototyping special applications like dental, jewellery, or gifting? It all depends on this aspect. Different technologies are suitable for various applications. Choosing the right printer for your project will make 3D printing a effortless process. Material compatibility When purchasing an 3d printing service, it is important to think about compatibility with the material. The part should be 3D-printed using the correct technology if it is going to be used in a specific application. The material must possess the necessary properties as per the designed specifications. Increase Volume The printing area is the build volume. The printer should be selected with consideration of the size that is most commonly used to be printed. Simply buying a printer to accommodate all sizes of print is not an choice. The cost of printing increases, and can affect the quality of smaller delicate prints. If you require large prints in smaller quantities, they can be outsourced. For example SLA/DLP printers are tiny compared to other printers built in sizes. If larger prints are needed for example, an SLA printer won't be worthwhile at the price. An FDM or SLS printer with greater size could print parts that are slightly rougher than the normal. The print can then be processed to create a finer finish. The right balance has to be achieved while making such decisions. Material Availability & Cost Every day the library of materials for nearly all 3D printing technologies grows. However, the properties of materials do not match for every technology. So, carefully analysing the kind of components you have to 3D print in the near future using your 3D printer and the type of material you will need for this will help you in understanding which technologies can provide the best material for your needs. A majority of FDM filaments are readily available across the world at reasonable prices . However, specific materials such as flame-repellant metals or polymers are not easily accessible and can require significant time to import, increasing the time to lead and cost of such materials. A 3D printer's material cost can be a significant factor as it could affect the cost of prototyping. The price of powdered material is prohibitive and may not be appropriate for certain industries. Powdered materials also have a short shelf life. The powder cannot be used for another printing cycle after having been used for at least 4 or 5 printing cycles. Resolution Resolution has a direct effect on the printing of small features and finishing of the printed item. A high resolution 3d printer printer with a high resolution can print the smallest of features, and the layer height will be thinner leading to a smooth surface with a smooth finish. A 3D printer with high resolution is an excellent investment. Other Things to Consider When Buying an 3D Printer Single Color or Full-Colour This might not be the most convincing aspect to think about when buying an item in 3D however it could be beneficial if you're into printing 3D selfies or figurines, characters or even gifting items. This can help eliminate the colouring process if the final product you design requires a post-processing work. Proprietary Chopping Program A majority of established 3d printing manufacturers also provide their own slicing software. The advantage is that these software are fully compatible with their 3D printers and as a result you will always receive excellent print results. It is not advisable to rely on proprietary software if it doesn't come with your own slicing software. These are great however they aren't calibrated for your particular 3D printer. 3D Printer manufacturers like Ultimaker, MakerBot and Formlabs offer their software suite with their 3D printers. Conclusion It can be difficult to find a 3D printer, especially for those who are not experienced with the technology. A lot of users purchase the wrong printer for their purpose.
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February 2023
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