3D Printing Fundamentals: How to Choose the right 3D Printer
Press Release: 09-December-2021: While 3D printing is a fun hobby, it can be daunting when you're trying to choose a printer. It's difficult to pick from the many choices. The first step is to decide whether you're actually looking to purchase an 3D printer. They're extremely technological machines which can be costly and require maintenance. If you just want only a single model printed then you can save money by making use of a 3d printing miniatures. You'll still get the identical product, but at less cost of production than an entire printer.
If you're interested in getting a 3d printing logo but are not familiar with them , then visiting a kind of maker space could be a good alternative if you're near. The makers who frequent these kinds of spaces can be helpful and are an excellent way to learn the ropes and get hands-on experience rather than struggling alone at home.
Which process would you prefer?
The two main kinds of home 3D printers are Vat and FDM polymerisation. FDM, or Fused Deposition Modelling , is the most popular method of printing layers of melted plastic. This is the least expensive alternative, however certain printing equipment and materials are expensive.
Vat polymerisation (or resin printing) is where light-sensitive resins can be cured with ultraviolet light. This process can be divided into three kinds: DLP, SLA, and MSLA. Each subtype differs in how ultraviolet light is released: SLA uses a mirror to direct laser light, DLP uses a projector to cure a whole layer simultaneously and MSLA uses an LCD screen to mask an ultraviolet backlight, curing an entire layer at once.
Both processes have specific safety concerns, along require different post-processing procedures. FDM printers can be dangerous since they are equipped with hot moving parts that can ignite. Resin printers are not fire hazards However, the resins themselves are toxic and should be handled with care and PPE worn when handling them. In both cases, ventilation is a positive because it stops the accumulation of airborne dust and fumes.
Both processes require post-processing. There is a good chance that you'll need support structures in the beginning. They will have to be taken away. FDM prints are higher in the height of their layers than resin prints. Therefore, you will need to sand the surface more frequently. Resin prints should also be cleaned and then cured prior to any post-processing taking place.
What materials would you like?
FDM offers a wide range of products that have different printing requirements. Some need a heated print bed while others require an nozzle that is wear-resistant, and each has their own printing temperature requirements. If you're planning to print something that is specific and you'd like to print ensure that the printer you're looking at can get up to the temperature you require.
It is also a good idea consider what projects you could print using. If the first few projects you'd like to try will require a low-temperature filament, then you could decide to buy a relatively affordable printer that can get sufficiently hot. It is possible that your printer will be isn't able to reach a temperature to print other materials, if you have a project you'll need to print using high-temperature filament.
All resins can be printed using the same printer. It does not matter which resin you choose to use the printer you choose to use will handle it. There are different properties once they're printed, so you should still make sure that you purchase the resin you want, but it shouldn't affect the printer you choose to use.
What size of parts do you need to print?
The dimension of a printer's build volume is the limit on the amount of prints it's able to create. If you're looking to create particular large models, you'll need split them up and assemble them later. If you're just wanting to print a little larger there are printers that are able to handle it as well as others that won't. For instance, if you plan to make figurines, any printer will be able to take on small sizes, however if you're planning to make large-scale models, you might discover that some printers cannot handle the size you'd like. The large volumes of build can be expensive since the machine must be stronger to prevent any wobbling.
How much money would you be willing to spend?
Price is often a deciding aspect. It is a good idea to have a rough budget before you start looking. While you can get really cheap printers for less than $200, these tend not to be the most reliable. The $200 mark is a reasonable starting point for basic printers. However, as your needs get more precise then the price will climb up. This is particularly true for large resin printers that can print models for home use up to $5000.
In some cases it is possible to save some dollars by purchasing a kit rather than the pre-built printer. This does give you a better insight into the workings of the machine, which will be helpful when you need to perform maintenance. This also means that you have to construct your printer before you can utilize it, which might not be for everyone.
In the beginning, we stated that there were two major types of home printing. There are plenty of other types of 3D printing technology that are available that offer cool features, such as full-colour or metal printing. The problem is that these devices as well as the materials they are made of, are incredibly expensive, with some costing more than $100k. The technology behind these methods has not come down in cost enough to be suitable for domestic use yet. They are used primarily for industrial use. You can access these printing methods through a variety of 3D printing options; however, they will be more expensive than the more standard 3D printing techniques.
Website: https://pick3dprinter.com/