What are the essentials to consider while buying a 3D printer? – A guide to help a buyer

3D printing is the newest, pristine technology. It has grown exponentially. It finds its application primarily in the engineering field. It is now deliberately entering medical field. It has the efficiency and proficiency to receive every type of technology and boost its growth. This makes it unique and nurture tremendously.

With wide options in hand involving too much technicalities it is difficult to select the right 3D printer. However, by learning certain basic essentials one can easily buy 3D printer. Here are the essentials to know before buying a 3D printer.

Size of the print bed

The print bed is the platform where the mould or the powder is placed for the filament to construct the prototype. The following factors should be considered on print bed

  • Go for a bigger bed. A bigger bed means one can build bigger prints. It also means that more than one person can work at a time in the same space.
  • The industrial 3D printer come with bigger print bed

Calibration of print bed

There are certain 3D printers where the user has to calibrate the bed. It is putting the piece of paper on the bed. The software is used to gradually move the bed towards the nozzle until the bed touches it. This consumes minimum of 10 minutes.

On the other hand, there are print beds that calibrates itself. It is undeniably expensive than the other print bed which is calibrated manually. But the extra few hundred dollar is worth the perfection in the prototype. This is because, if the level of the bed is not accurate, the minute details, shape of the prototype might get compensated.

Software

Look for the following primarily

  • Is the software easy to use?
  • Is the software configurable and powerful?

Choose easy to use software. However, if the person is a technic, has knowledge about working of the software and its application, he can opt for high end programming. This is because, for a common man there is already enough to learn when he intends to buys a professional 3D printer.

Some of the easy to understand software are Up, Makerbot, Afinia.

Enclosure and air filters

An enclosed printer is safe. If the printer is not to be located in a well – ventilated area, consider the option of HEPA air filters. Dust and pollution reduce the life of the printer.

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Get quotes from 2 to 3 shops. Learn the technical features. If possible, work on the sample features. Try out every feature of the printer in front of the sales man.

Learn about the technologies

Every technology suits a purpose. For instance, the electron beam movement technology and selective laser beam technology are well suited to commercial 3D printer. There are more than 10 types of 3D printing technology in the market.

Frame material

The frame is the major component in the printer that holds all the parts together. There are 2 popular frame materials namely metal and plastic. Metal though expensive, is highly durable. On the other hand, plastic frames are light in weight and are ideal if the printer requires frequent shifting.

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