There are a few companies that have produced home 3D printers, which are designed for personal use and not intended to be used on an industrial level. Many companies will include pre-made items or designs with their home 3D printers, while other companies will direct their customers to websites or open source forums where they can find models that other members have shared.
How 3D Home Printers Work
Using this type of technology will involve taking a model blueprint from your PC and sending it to your 3D printer, which will create your product using a plastic filament. The plastic filament will come in a spool, in a variety of colors and is then fed into the heated extruder, which moves in several different directions, placing layers on top of each other until the item has been created, based on your specifications.
Know what to look for before you buy: Do your Homework
When choosing a 3D printer, some factors you should consider will include the size of them items you want to print off, in addition to the speed of the model. Some of these machines will print faster than others, with the faster printers being more expensive.
Another factor to consider is the dimensions of the model. If you have animals or children, you might want to consider buying a 3D printer that has housing, which keeps those around you safe from potential burns from printer beds or hot plastic. You can choose printer housing that’s made from steel, aluminum or plastic.
You should also know what comes included with your printer purchase. Some companies will include the 3D printer and starter filament. Always be sure that the USB cable and power cord come included, as there are companies that will require you to purchase this separately.
Make sure the printer you choose has a decent warranty as well as customer support options. Some companies can offer a six to twelve month warranty on their models, while others will not offer a warranty at all.
Cost will always be a huge factor, when it comes to making a big purchase. Take a look at customer reviews, regardless of the model you’re interested in, but especially for lower cost models and see if you can identify any common issues or concerns with a particular model.
If you’re completely new to this type of technology, find a manufacturer that offers free video tutorials and troubleshooting support on their website. Many of these companies do feature this type of customer service and will also have an FAQ section and message boards, which will allow you to interact with other customers and learn tips and tricks on how to use your new printer.
While there are definitely a number of factors you should take into consideration before you purchase a new 3D printer, doing some research can help you to make the right choice. Be sure to determine what feature you want or need before buying, and once you find the right model, you’ll have countless hours of fun creating products that you otherwise would’ve had to purchase at your local retail store.
