If you are new to 3D printing and want to buy your first 3D printer, the best choice is a pre-assembled, entry-level FDM printer. These printers are easy to use, affordable, and versatile enough to print various objects. In this article, we will explain why FDM printers are ideal for beginners, what features to look for, and some of the best models available on the market.
FDM stands for fused deposition modeling, which is the most common and widely used 3D printing technology. FDM printers work by heating and extruding a plastic filament layer by layer onto a build platform, creating a solid object. FDM printers can print with different materials, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Why choose FDM printers for beginners?
FDM printers are the best option for beginners for several reasons:
They are easy to use. Most FDM printers come pre-assembled or require minimal assembly, so you don’t have to worry about complicated parts or calibration. They also have user-friendly interfaces and software that guide you through the printing process.
They are affordable. FDM printers are the cheapest type of 3D printers, with prices ranging from $200 to $1000. You can find a decent FDM printer for under $500 that can meet your basic needs and expectations.
They are versatile. FDM printers can print a wide variety of objects, from simple models and toys to functional parts and prototypes. They can also print with different colors and materials, giving you more options and flexibility.
When buying your first FDM printer, there are some important features to consider:
Build volume. This is the maximum size of the object that you can print with your printer. The larger the build volume, the more possibilities you have. However, larger build volumes also mean higher prices and longer printing times. A good balance is to choose a printer with a build volume of around 200 x 200 x 200 mm, which is enough for most projects.
Print quality. This is the level of detail and accuracy that your printer can achieve. The print quality depends on several factors, such as the nozzle size, the layer height, the print speed, and the filament quality. Generally, the smaller the nozzle and the layer height, the higher the print quality. However, this also means slower printing times and more risk of clogging. A good compromise is to choose a printer with a nozzle size of 0.4 mm and a layer height of 0.1 to 0.3 mm, which can produce decent prints without sacrificing too much speed.
Print speed. This is the rate at which your printer can print an object. The faster the print speed, the less time you have to wait for your prints. However, faster print speeds also mean lower print quality and more vibrations and noise. A good trade-off is to choose a printer with a print speed of 50 to 100 mm/s, which can print relatively fast without compromising too much quality.
Reliability. This is the ability of your printer to print consistently and without errors. Reliability depends on the quality and durability of the printer’s components, such as the frame, the extruder, the hotend, the bed, and the electronics. A reliable printer should have a sturdy and stable frame, a smooth and precise extruder, a durable and consistent hotend, a flat and heated bed, and a reliable and safe power supply. A reliable printer should also have features such as auto-leveling, filament runout detection, and resume printing, which can prevent or fix common printing issues.
What are some of the best FDM printers for beginners?
Based on the features mentioned above, here are some of the best FDM printers for beginners that you can buy in 2024:
Creality Ender 3 V2. This is an upgraded version of the popular Ender 3, which is one of the best-selling and most-reviewed FDM printers on the market. The Ender 3 V2 has a build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm, a print quality of up to 0.1 mm, a print speed of up to 100 mm/s, and a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It also has a new 4.3-inch color touchscreen, a silent motherboard, a glass bed, a filament holder, and a toolbox. The Ender 3 V2 costs around $300 and is available on Amazon and other online platforms.
Monoprice Select Mini V2. This is a compact and affordable FDM printer that is ideal for beginners who have limited space and budget. The Select Mini V2 has a build volume of 120 x 120 x 120 mm, a print quality of up to 0.1 mm, a print speed of up to 55 mm/s, and a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars. It also has a 3.7-inch color touchscreen, a heated bed, a cooling fan, and a microSD card slot. The Select Mini V2 costs around $200 and is available on Amazon and other online platforms.
Anycubic Mega S. This is a robust and reliable FDM printer that is suitable for beginners who want to print larger and more complex objects. The Mega S has a build volume of 210 x 210 x 205 mm, a print quality of up to 0.05 mm, a print speed of up to 100 mm/s, and a reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. It also has a 3.5-inch color touchscreen, a Titan extruder, a heated bed, a filament sensor, and a resume printing feature. The Mega S costs around $400 and is available on Amazon and other online platforms.
3D printing is a fun and rewarding hobby that can unleash your creativity and innovation. If you are new to 3D printing and want to buy your first 3D printer, the best choice is a pre-assembled, entry-level FDM printer. These printers are easy to use, affordable, and versatile enough to print various objects. Some of the best FDM printers for beginners are the Creality Ender 3 V2, the Monoprice Select Mini V2, and the Anycubic Mega S. We hope this article has helped you find the perfect 3D printer for your needs and interests. Happy printing!
