Formerly confined to professionals, 3D printers have become more democratic. Whether it is to create toys, make custom spare parts or even make decorative objects, there are some at all prices.
There are currently several types of 3D printers. The most widespread currently is the 3D printer known as FDM (for Fused Deposition Modeling), appreciated by individuals. This prints a three-dimensional object via layers of material filaments, heated to reach a liquid state before being applied. Rarer and rather reserved for professionals, the SLA 3D printer (for StereoLithography Apparatus) uses a resin that polymerizes under the effect of light (especially a laser). A more precise, faster, but also more expensive process. To find your way around, here are the main criteria to remember when choosing a 3D printer.
Open or boxed printing
Two major types of printers currently coexist on the market. Open printers are models that simply offer printing machinery, which allows easy access for maintenance and adjustments. However, they expose the creations to dirt, such as dust. Box printers are less subject to this risk, and have the advantage of a heated environment for printing with filaments.
Speed and resolution
These two criteria are decisive for the quality of a print. Fast printing saves considerable time, but can also hide a drop in resolution – which can also be called precision. Conversely, a printer with a high resolution (with ever smaller filament layers) will deliver high quality printing at the cost of reduced speed.
Single or double extruder
The extruder is used to melt the material by putting it under pressure, then to deposit it via a print head. Most consumer printers feature a single extruder, which is easier to handle, but offers only one print color. A dual extruder overcomes this problem and allows the faster development of more complex objects. Be careful, however, because it is also more difficult to handle and maintain.
Printing materials
There are different types that can be used by a 3D printer, with advantages and limits of use. ABS, a polymer, is among the most used, however it has the obligation to use a closed and heated box. PLA is also very popular as a biodegradable polymer, and it requires a lower processing temperature. Other materials exist, but are less widespread, such as PET/PETG, solid and usable in contact with food, or even nylon.