The most important specs to consider when buying a 3D printer are the print technology, the build volume, the layer resolution, the print speed, and the filament compatibility. These specs will determine the quality, size, speed, and cost of your 3D prints, as well as the range of materials you can use. In this article, we will explain what each spec means and how to choose the best 3D printer for your needs.
There are two main types of 3D printing technologies: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and MSLA (Masked Stereolithography). FDM printers use reels of plastic filament that are melted and extruded through a nozzle to form layers of the model. MSLA printers use a UV-curable resin that is solidified by a light source to form layers of the model.
FDM printers are more common, affordable, and easy to use. They can print with a variety of materials, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more. However, they have lower resolution, slower speed, and more visible layer lines than MSLA printers. FDM printers are suitable for beginners, hobbyists, educators, and makers who want to print large, functional, or complex models.
MSLA printers are more expensive, complex, and messy to use. They require careful handling and post-processing of the resin, which can be toxic and emit unpleasant odors. However, they have higher resolution, faster speed, and smoother surface finish than FDM printers. MSLA printers are suitable for professionals, designers, engineers, and artists who want to print small, detailed, or aesthetic models.
Build Volume
The build volume is the maximum size of the model that a 3D printer can print. It is measured in millimeters or inches, and usually expressed as length x width x height (L x W x H). The build volume determines how large or how many models you can print at once.
The build volume of 3D printers varies widely, from as small as 100 x 100 x 100 mm (3.9 x 3.9 x 3.9 in) to as large as 600 x 600 x 600 mm (23.6 x 23.6 x 23.6 in). The average build volume for FDM printers is around 200 x 200 x 200 mm (7.9 x 7.9 x 7.9 in), while the average build volume for MSLA printers is around 120 x 70 x 150 mm (4.7 x 2.8 x 5.9 in).
The build volume of 3D printers depends on the size and design of the printer itself, as well as the print technology. FDM printers have a moving print bed or a moving print head, which limits the size of the print area. MSLA printers have a fixed print bed and a fixed light source, which allows for larger print areas.
The build volume of 3D printers should match your printing needs and preferences. If you want to print large models or multiple models at once, you should look for a 3D printer with a large build volume. If you only want to print small models or single models at a time, you can opt for a 3D printer with a smaller build volume.
Layer Resolution
The layer resolution is the thickness of each layer that a 3D printer prints. It is measured in microns or millimeters, and usually ranges from 10 to 400 microns (0.01 to 0.4 mm). The layer resolution determines the level of detail and smoothness of the model.
The layer resolution of 3D printers is adjustable, depending on the print settings and the print quality. Higher layer resolution means thinner layers, which results in finer details and smoother surface finish. However, higher layer resolution also means longer print time and more material consumption. Lower layer resolution means thicker layers, which results in coarser details and rougher surface finish. However, lower layer resolution also means shorter print time and less material consumption.
The layer resolution of 3D printers should match your printing goals and expectations. If you want to print models with high detail and quality, you should look for a 3D printer with a high layer resolution. If you want to print models with low detail and quality, you can opt for a 3D printer with a low layer resolution.
The print speed is the rate at which a 3D printer prints. It is measured in millimeters per second or inches per second, and usually ranges from 10 to 600 mm/s (0.4 to 23.6 in/s). The print speed determines how fast or slow a model is printed.
The print speed of 3D printers is influenced by several factors, such as the print technology, the print settings, the model complexity, and the printer performance. FDM printers tend to have slower print speeds than MSLA printers, due to the mechanical movement of the nozzle or the bed. MSLA printers tend to have faster print speeds than FDM printers, due to the simultaneous exposure of the resin by the light source.
The print speed of 3D printers is also adjustable, depending on the print settings and the print quality. Higher print speed means faster printing, which results in shorter print time and less material consumption. However, higher print speed also means lower accuracy and stability, which may cause print errors or defects. Lower print speed means slower printing, which results in longer print time and more material consumption. However, lower print speed also means higher accuracy and stability, which may improve print quality and reliability.
The print speed of 3D printers should match your printing needs and preferences. If you want to print models quickly and efficiently, you should look for a 3D printer with a high print speed. If you want to print models accurately and reliably, you can opt for a 3D printer with a low print speed.
Filament Compatibility
The filament compatibility is the type and range of materials that a 3D printer can print with. It is determined by the print technology, the nozzle temperature, the bed temperature, and the extruder design. The filament compatibility determines the cost, durability, and appearance of the model.
FDM printers can print with a variety of materials, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more. Each material has different properties, such as strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and color. However, not all FDM printers can print with all materials, as some materials require higher nozzle or bed temperatures, or special extruders, to print properly. FDM printers are suitable for printing models with different functions and aesthetics.
MSLA printers can print with a limited range of materials, such as standard, tough, flexible, and castable resins. Each material has different properties, such as hardness, elasticity, impact resistance, and transparency. However, all MSLA printers can print with all materials, as the resin is cured by the same light source, regardless of the material type. MSLA printers are suitable for printing models with high detail and quality.
The filament compatibility of 3D printers should match your printing goals and expectations. If you want to print models with different materials and properties, you should look for a 3D printer with a high filament compatibility. If you only want to print models with one material and property, you can opt for a 3D printer with a low filament compatibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the specs that you should look for in a 3D printer are the print technology, the build volume, the layer resolution, the print speed, and the filament compatibility. These specs will affect the quality, size, speed, and cost of your 3D prints, as well as the range of materials you can use. You should choose the best 3D printer for your needs, based on your budget, skill level, and printing purpose. We hope this article has helped you understand what specs to look for in a 3D printer and how to compare different 3D printers on the market.
