3D printing confuses many people as the majority are used to the normal 2D printing done by the normal printers to produce documents and photos. 3D technology refers to the making of a three-dimensional object from a CAD model or a 3D digital model. 3D printing is also known as additive manufacturing. This article will major on the best 3D printers under 1000.
3D printing technology is mostly applied in manufacturing industries such as automobiles, aerospace, aviation, medicine, and many others. Materials (liquid molecules or powder grains) are deposited layer by layer and fused to create three-dimensional objects under the control of a computer. Therefore 3 D printing should not be confused with molding which does not involve computerized control.
If you are planning to start a 3D printing business, the challenge will be which printer to buy. However, you need to understand the nature of your business to get the best 3D printer for small businesses. This will involve intensive research on the available printers to know which one of them will suit your operations.
What are the things to consider before buying a 3D printer?
If you have decided to buy a 3D printer after learning about the great things the machine can make as well as the huge returns you can get from the 3D printing business, then here are some of the things to consider before buying one.
1. Type of printer
There are various types of 3D printers that you can get in the market. These include;
- Fused Deposition Modeling
- Stereolithography
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Fused Deposition Modeling involves creating a model by heating and extruding plastic which is pieced together layer by layer. On the other hand, Stereolithography uses an ultraviolet light beam to make a model hard from a pool of photosensitive liquid. It also involves an additive process.
Selective Laser Sintering works like stereolithography 3D printers although the process involves lasers instead of UV light beams. Again, Stereolithography 3D printing involves the use of powders other than liquids. The powder melted by the laser beams to create a layer of an object.
You can see the operation of these machines is different from the normal printers we use at home or in offices and thus, even the best printer for home use with cheap ink cannot be able to produce amazing objects like the 3D printers can make.
2. Buy or make yours?
One can make his or her 3D printing machine by using a manual. You can even watch YouTube videos on how to make one. Alternatively, you can get a ready-made 3D printing machine. So you need to decide whether to buy a whole made machine or buy separate parts and assemble the machine by yourself. Building the machine by yourself is a bit cheaper than buying one which is fully made.
3. Quality
In as much as you would like to get the most affordable machine for your business, ensure that you get a quality machine. This will help you to produce quality products. Even when looking for the best all in one printer for small business, you look for the one that will produce the best documents. In this case, many people prefer color printers.
4. Cost
The cost of 3D printing machines varies with complexity. You can get high-quality printers retailing at $1000 or more. Simple printers can cost much lower. You have to decide which machine you can afford depending on your financial strength.
5. Safety
Consider a more secure 3D printing machine. Some materials used to print objects can produce toxic fumes and you should be aware of this to wear protective gear.
6. Printing speed
This is very important when getting a 3D printing machine for business. Clients want their job done faster and you have to get a machine with high printing speeds to meet your customer demands as well as maximize your profits.
Even when looking for the best color laser all in one printer for the normal 2D printing documents, people always mind about the printing speed. Speed is very important if at all you want to do a meaningful job.
Which are the 10 best 3D printers under 1000?
Consider any of the following machines for your 3D printing activities.
1) BIBO 3D Printer Dual Extruder Sturdy Frame WiFi Touch Screen Cut Printing
This machine has a full-color touch screen that has no threshold. The touch screen is more friendly and easy to operate. Again, the machine has a dual extruder that allows you to print an object in two colors as well as print the dissolvable filament for printing support material.
Furthermore, the machine has filament detection capability and stops when the filament spool runs out during printing for you to top up.
Interestingly, the machine supports WiFi so that you can control the machine using a phone or a computer. Generally, the machine is strong and durable.
PROS
- Has a touch screen
- Supports WiFi
- Automatic filament detection
- Easy to operate
- Can print dual objects
CONS
- It is costly
2) FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro
You will have an easy time with this machine since the manufacturer is always on standby to help you in case of any difficulties. You can chat via email to get help. Furthermore, you get a full warranty for the machine. The machine has an aviation level aluminum plate which has a thickness of 6.3mm and its surface is completely flat.
Interestingly, the machine has broad filament compatibility. It supports PLA, ABS, PLA Color Change, Pearl, PVA, HIPS, ABS Pro, Elastic, PETG, TPE, TPU, Metal Filled Filament, Conductive Filament, Flexible Filament, Wood Filled Filament, and PP. The machine weighs 24.3 pounds.
PROS
- Full warranty
- Broad filament compatibility
- Excellent customer care
- Aviation level aluminum plate that does not warp
- Strong and durable
CONS
- A bit heavy
3) Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer
This machine has fast heating as the heated bed can reach a suitable temperature in five minutes. Furthermore, never worry if you have power issues such as blackouts and spikes as the machine is shielded by its power supply from voltage spikes and blackouts. It can resume from where it stopped and thus no wastage of materials.
Also, the machine is stable and ensures excellent printing. Also, easily remove the magnetic print surface from the hotbed and remove models without the need for extra tools such as a spatula and razer.
PROS
- No wastage of materials
- Protected from power spikes and blackouts
- Fast heating
- Easy to remove models
- It has great stability
CONS
- No clear warranty details
4) Dremel Digilab 3D20 3D Printer
I like the design of this machine. It appears compact and also durable. It can work for long hours and still produce quality models throughout the printing period. Interestingly, the machine is completely pre-assembled and comes with a 0.5kg spool of filament and a manual with clear setup instructions.
The plate is fully enclosed for safety and supports PLA-only printing. Moreover, it has 3rd party UL safety approval. The extruder temperature can go up to 230°C /397°F. Upon buying the machine, you get a one year warranty from the manufacturer. Also, use an SD card to feed printing information to the machine.
PROS
- Can work for long hours
- 3rd party UL safety approved
- Fully enclosed for safety
- One-year warranty
- Elegant design
CONS
- It is expensive
5) Dremel DigiLab 3D45
You can be sure to get the best service with this machine since it is an award-winning machine of 2018-2020 PCMag Editors’ Choice Award and 2019 All3DP Best 3D Printer for Schools Award. The machine will give you reliable printing as it prints 50 Micron layers (1/20th mm) and it is internally tested by Bosch to run for long hours for safety and performance. Furthermore, it is 3rd party tested by UL.
Moreover, it also supports cloud printing since it has cloud-based software included. Furthermore, it supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity. It has a built-in camera to help you monitor the printing progress. If you have trouble with the machine, you will get help from customer care. It weighs 42.8 pounds.
PROS
- Dedicated customer service
- 3rd party tested by UL
- Runs for long hours
- Supports cloud printing
- Internet-enabled
CONS
- It is heavy
6) WEEDO ME40Pro All Metal Farm 3D Printer
This machine comes with the latest version of slicing software, the Wiibuilder. You can therefore expect the best performance of the machine. It also has faster loading once you initiate the printing process. Furthermore, the software supports multiple types of consumable printing modes (PLA / ABS / PC / NYLON). This machine is safe as it is enclosed. It is also silent and thus will not disturb with noise.
Also, the machine has an auto power off and thus will switch off when it’s not operating. The machine has a 4.3-inch full-color touch screen, automatic leveling, wire break detection, and power resumption functions and this makes it very easy to operate. It also connects to WiFi.
PROS
- It is safe
- Has a touch screen
- Autopower off
- It is silent
- Easy to operate
CONS
- Large and heavy
7) Flashforge Dreamer 3D Printer
This machine is fully enclosed for your safety and also to insulate and protect prints. Get the machine and enjoy printing 3D objects. The machine has a 3.5” HD IPS touchscreen that enables easy operation. Upon buying the machine, you get a warranty so that you can get free repairs if the machine develops issues. Also, enjoy free email support from the FlashForge Amazon technicians.
Interestingly, the printer is easy to set up. Furthermore, you can use it with your computer, it does not matter the OS you use to operate the machine as the machine can work with windows 10, 8, 7, and so on. Again, the machine is quiet and maybe the fans will produce some sound.
PROS
- Fully enclosed
- Has a screen for easy operation
- Has warranty
- Email support
- Works with various OS
CONS
- It is costly
8) FlashForge Creator Max Dual Extruder 3D Printer, 3D-FFG-CMAX
It has an enclosed printing chamber to safeguard the interiors from dust and also to protect you from injuries. The enclosed design also ensures that temperatures are retained inside. Also, it has a LED Touch Screen Interface for easy operation. The build plate is flat to provide a suitable printing surface.
Also, the machine supports dual extruder printing for 2-Color or 2-Material Models. This makes it possible to produce many printouts per given time. Unfortunately, the machine might be heavy for some people to move from one point to the other as it weighs 42.0 pounds. Above all, the machine is stylish and durable due to the metallic structure.
PROS
- Durable
- Elegant design
- Touch screen
- Enclosed for safety
- Easy operation
CONS
- It is heavy
9) Flashforge Dreamer NX 3D Printer Single-extruder Printer with Clear Door and Rear Fans
The machine is fully enclosed to protect the interiors from dust and also to retain heat. It also features an automatic fan to regulate heat. It has a 3.5” HD IPS touchscreen that makes it easy to use. Also, it has a fast heating bed that ensures faster printing of objects.
In addition to the above, the machine has dedicated customer care who will always be there for you to help in case of any issue. You will also get a 12-month warranty upon purchasing the device. It weighs 23.6 pounds and thus light. Also, it has a high-end plastic-alloy body.
PROS
- Easy to use
- Light to carry
- Has a touch screen
- Fully enclosed
- Dedicated customer survive
CONS
- A high-end plastic-alloy body may be a bit weak
10) FlashForge Creator Max Dual Extruder 3D Printer, 3D-FFG-CMAX
The enclosed printing chamber helps to retain the printing chamber temperature. Also, the machine has a full LED Touch Screen Interface for easy operation. You just select items easily without struggles. The build plate provides a flat printing surface for the excellent outcome of objects.
Again, the printer has dual extruder printing for 2-Color or two -Material models. This makes the machine more productive.
Unfortunately, the machine is a bit heavy as it weighs 42.0 pounds. However, that should not be a problem since the machine is made to operate in a stationary mode. Above all, the metal frame makes the machine strong and durable.
PROS
- It is enclosed
- Strong metal frame
- Has a touch screen
- Dual extruder printing
- It is durable
CONS
- It is expensive
Bottom line
A 3D printing machine enables you to print 3D images. The machines are good sources of revenue for those producing objects for sale. When getting a 3D printing machine, it is good to ensure that you get the best machine that suits the nature of your business. Enclosed printers are the best since they are secure and also prevent materials such as dust from getting into the machine.
