| Before choosing or buying a 3D printer, I recommend you consider some of the following criteria |
What is a filament 3D printer?
A filament 3D printer is a type of 3D printer that uses filament as its printing material. Filament is a thin strand of plastic that is melted and extruded through a nozzle to create the layers of a 3D object. Filament 3D printers are one of the most common types of 3D printers, and they are often used for prototyping, manufacturing, and hobbyist applications.
To use a filament 3D printer, you first need to design a 3D model of the object you want to print using computer-aided design (CAD) software. The printer then reads this model and creates the object by laying down thin layers of melted filament on top of each other. As each layer hardens, the printer moves the print bed (the surface on which the object is printed) downward and adds a new layer of filament on top.
Types of filament
There are many different types of filament that can be used with filament 3D printers, including PLA (polylactic acid), ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), PETG (glycol-modified PET), and nylon, among others. Each type of filament has its own unique properties and is suitable for different applications. For example, PLA is a biodegradable plastic that is easy to print with, but may not be as strong as other materials, while ABS is a more durable plastic that is more resistant to temperature changes, but may be more difficult to print with.
There are many different types of filament that can be used with 3D printers, each with its own unique properties and characteristics. Here is a brief overview of some common filament types:
PLA (polylactic acid)
PLA is a biodegradable plastic made from renewable resources such as cornstarch or sugarcane. It is easy to print with, has a low melting temperature, and produces minimal odors when printing. However, it is not as strong as some other filament types and may not be suitable for high-stress applications.
ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene)
ABS is a strong, durable plastic that is commonly used in the manufacturing industry. It is more resistant to temperature changes and has a higher melting temperature than PLA, but it can be more difficult to print with and produces more odors during printing.
PETG (glycol-modified PET)
PETG is a strong, flexible plastic that is resistant to impact and UV light. It is easy to print with and produces minimal odors, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications.
Nylon
Nylon is a strong, flexible, and durable plastic that is resistant to wear and tear. It has a high melting temperature and can be difficult to print with, but is often used for high-strength parts and applications where flexibility is important.
PETT (polyethylene terephthalate)
PETT is a strong, stiff plastic that is resistant to impact and UV light. It has a low melting temperature and is easy to print with, making it a good choice for a wide range of applications.
TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane)
TPU is a flexible, rubber-like material that is resistant to wear and tear. It is often used for printing flexible parts, such as handles or grips, and has a low melting temperature.
PETE (polyethylene terephthalate)
PETE is a strong, stiff plastic that is resistant to impact and UV light. It has a low melting temperature and is easy to print with, making it a good choice for a wide range of applications.
It is important to choose the right type of filament for your specific application, as different types of filament have different properties and capabilities.
Before you start
There are several steps you can take to choose a filament 3D printer:
- Determine your needs: Before you start shopping for a 3D printer, it is important to determine your needs and requirements. Consider factors such as the print quality, speed, and material compatibility that are important to you, as well as your budget and any specific features you may need.
- Research different models: Once you have a clear idea of what you are looking for, you can start researching different models of 3D printers. Look for reviews and comparisons of different models to get a sense of their features and capabilities.
- Consider your budget: 3D printers can range in price from under $100 to several thousand dollars. It is important to consider your budget when choosing a printer and to weigh the cost against the features and capabilities that are important to you.
- Compare features and capabilities: Compare the features and capabilities of different 3D printers to determine which one is the best fit for your needs. Pay attention to details such as the print quality, build volume, and material compatibility.
- Check the manufacturer’s reputation: It is important to choose a 3D printer from a reputable manufacturer that has a good track record for producing high-quality products and providing good customer support.
- Consider post-purchase support: It is important to consider the level of post-purchase support that is offered by the manufacturer, in case you run into any issues or have questions about your printer.
- Test out the printer: If possible, try to test out the printer before you buy it to get a sense of its performance and ease of use. You can often find 3D printers at maker spaces, hackspaces, or other locations where they are available for use or demonstration.
Criteria for choosing filament 3D printers
Assembly vs No Assembly
3D printers are available as assembled devices or to be assembled.
No assembly 3D printers are normally a better choice for a beginner but are normally providing less value for money. On the other hand disassembled 3D printers require additional effort since assembly is required in order to use them.
Print volume
3D printers are available in a wide variety of options, one important variable is the 3D print volume. The 3D print volume is the maximum size of the pieces you are able to print.
Most large 3D printers have a print volume around 25-35 cm in one of the dimensions and around 15-35 cm in the remaining two.
Nozzle diameter
The nozzle is the element that ejects the filament once it has been heated. The precision achieved in the parts depends on it. The precision indications are normally part of the 3D printer specs.
Printing speed
3D printers are not particularly fast in beginner models. A general recommendation is that the 3D printer is capable of exceeding 18-20 millimetres per second. Lower speeds would result in a poor user experience.
Positioning accuracy
This is where the three axes used for printing 3D parts (X, Y, Z) come into play. The guides used in each case must offer an accuracy of at least 0.02 mm in the first two and 0.004 mm in the third. The precision indications are normally part of the 3D printer specs, read them carefully.
Hot bed printing
The hot bed means that 3D print maintains a high temperature so that the part does not cool down when finished.
Supported file formats
In order to be able to use the creations that you can obtain for free on the Internet, the 3D device you purchase must support the use of STL and OBJ files, which are the standard with which this type of machine works.
Screen
A screen is not entirely indispensable, but having a screen that allows you to see how the printing process is proceeding is a good feature. It can be big or small, that is the least important, the fact is that it is there.
Connectivity
In addition to being able to connect the 3D printer to a computer, it is very important that it has other options for accessing work files. The key thing is that it has an SD card reader and it doesn’t hurt that it is also USB. Some entry-level models are also equipped with WiFi, allowing jobs to be sent from phones and tablets.
Light consumption
Basic models need about 130 W to run. This means that if you use the device for about 12 hours a day, you will spend about 75 cents per day.
Note: the cost of energy is very relevant. Given the current energy prices (August 2022), the cost for one day (24 hours of printing) is likely to be around 10 euros.
Size and weight
The size and weight of the 3D printer vary in each model and they are normally part of the 3D printer specs, read them carefully.
3D printing is my passion and I enjoy writing about it. Ever since I discovered 3D printing, I have been fascinated by the opportunity to create three-dimensional objects from a digital model. I enjoy studying the latest technologies and trends in 3D printing, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience with others. Writing about 3D printing is a way for me to express my passion for this technology and to help others better understand its principles and applications.
Continue reading:
- Is 3D printing cheaper than injection molding?
- How durable are 3D printed objects?
- What is the lifespan of a 3D printer and how much maintenance do they require?
- What are the 3D printing speed ranges?
- Can 3D printed objects be colored or are they only available in a single color?
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