Alexis Kestler
You’ve likely heard the hype around 3D printing and its potential to revolutionize manufacturing. But where did this technology come from? How does it work exactly? And what can an amateur maker actually create with an affordable home 3D printer? This comprehensive guide aims to answer all your questions about the past, present and future of 3D printing!
The Evolution of 3D Printing – From Prototyping Niche to Mainstream Maker Tool
While industrial grade 3D printing technologies have existed since the 1980s for niche rapid prototyping applications, the excitement and chatter around modern desktop 3D printing exploded in the early 2010s with several key factors aligning – patent expirations drove competition and affordability while digital modeling skills became mainstream and online file sharing sites provided abundant starter 3D models.
As ease-of-use improved and prices dropped under $1000, prosumers and hobbyists began adopting the technology with great fervor. Printer manufacturers realized the wider mainstream potential. Advancements since focused on driving accessibility over the last decade like:
- Transition to fused filament fabrication methods using cheaply available thermoplastics
- Introduction of reliable enclosed frames with stabilized temperature environments
- Addition of user-friendly touch interfaces and assisted print preparation
- Innovations to minimize calibration, increase automation, and reduce failed prints
This democratization, coupled with the natural inclination of early adopters to openly share knowledge, gave birth to a thriving community-driven ecosystem promoting the technology laterally to new users.
But just how big has the industry grown since taking off in 2011? Here’s a snapshot using compelling stats:
- 530% Increase in global yearly printer shipments from 94,000 units annually in 2011 to over 600,000 units in 2021
- Over 2 million desktop 3D printers now in use worldwide as of 2022
- 1 in 5 entry-level printers being bought by first-time users as per 2021 survey data
- Graduating students exposed to 3D printing in schools expected to drive over $1 billion in annual economic impact by 2025
And where is this headed? All data points to 3D printing continuing its accelerated penetration across both enterprises and households, with global yearly shipments projected to cross 5.6 million printers by 2028 as applications expand.
Does knowing this growth trajectory spark thoughts in your mind too about all the possibilities? Before we get to what starter printers can create, let’s level set first on how exactly 3D printing works!
Demystifying How 3D Printers Work – Breaking It Down For Beginners
Simply put, a 3D printer creates objects layer by layer using a digital file containing the 3D design blueprint that slices the model geometry into thin horizontal cross-sections that are then physically rendered onto each other. This additive manufacturing approach sets it apart from traditional subtractive techniques like sculpting or CNC machining where material is rather removed to reveal the end form.
Most beginner-friendly 3D printer technologies fall in the “Fused Deposition Modeling” or “Fused Filament Fabrication” family – largely interchangeable terms. In FDM/FFF printing, plastic filament wound onto a coil is steadily drawn into an extruder head heated to 200-400°C degrees where it melts into a pliable liquid state.
This liquefied material can then be precisely extruded from the print nozzle onto the 3D printer‘s build platform in controlled layers. As soon as a layer is traced, the print bed lowers itself slightly and the next layer pattern is extruded right over it adhering to the cooler plastic below which has rapidly hardened.
The alternate layer build process continues incrementally until the full 3D object has been “printed” into existence!
To better visualize the action, check out this short animation showing a basic dual-nozzle desktop FDM 3D printer creating a small plastic widget:
Now that you have a high-level understanding of the 3D object creation process, let’s get familiar with some other elementary terms every beginner should know as they evaluate their first 3D printer purchase:
- 3D Model – The digital 3D blueprint design file (normally .STL format) containing geometric shapes which is sliced into layers that printers then replicate physically
- Slicing Software – Special programs that prepare and optimize 3D model files for printing by doing things like positioning parts optimally on the build tray, generating any needed print supports, adding features like rafts/brims if overhangs require it, and determining efficient toolpaths for nozzle to follow.
- Filament – What provides the raw base material for FDM 3D printing – supplied on spools as plastic filament wire strands – typically 1.75mm or 3mm thick – that is fed into the extruder module
- Extruder – Receives and melts plastic filament, driving and controlling the flow rate of this now liquid material via precision mechanisms to the nozzle tip for deposition onto the print bed following X/Y toolpaths
- Print Bed – The surface on which 3D objects are built by having thin horizontal layers steadily deposited onto it
- Build Volume – The maximum 3D dimensional envelope the printer can create objects within – width, depth and height
- Nozzle – The extruder component that plastic filament is heated to a molten state in and then flowed through – typically brass with small openings of 0.2mm to 0.8mm
Ideal Use Cases for Beginner Desktop 3D Printers
While advanced industrial 3D printers boast impressive capabilities in terms of print quality, precision, speed, strength and size, starter desktop machines aimed at non-professionals do have some reasonable limitations on the above fronts that dictate ideal applications. Here are some examples of what you can expect to successfully print on your first 3D printer:
Figurines, jewelry pieces, decorative items – Great way to have custom memorabilia made. Entry-level printers can handle smaller statues and jewelry well.
Enclosures, organizers, storage boxes, cable tidies – Create specialized containers for all your unsorted stuff!
Machine components, tools, jigs, fixtures – Print practical parts for around the house/garage. Basic devices that don’t require high strength materials.
Toys, puzzles – With some welding, even articulating joints on action figures are possible!
Teaching aids, science models – Visualizing concepts via 3D models makes grasping difficult subjects much easier for learners.
Concept prototypes – Print early design concepts before investing in final molds and manufacturing. Gives feel for ergonomics, shape and size.
As your experience with 3D printing grows along with future advancements in printer capabilities, the list of applications expands greatly. But as a novice, focusing efforts on the above sweet spots will yield best satisfaction. Come in with that mindset, and anything beyond will be a bonus!
Now that you know what desktop 3D printing excels at, what should someone look for when buying their first ever 3D printer?
Key Buying Considerations To Get Your 3D Printing Journey Started
For wholly fresh users getting ready to purchase their maiden 3D printing rig, picking the right starter machine makes all the difference in initial experiences and forming an ongoing relationship with this technology. While researching options advertising all sorts of specs, here are main aspects truly worth evaluating relative to your needs:
Print Quality
Examine sample prints from shortlisted printers and be honest about required resolution, dimensional accuracies and surface finish quality needed for intended applications. This governs price significantly for precision enhancing aspects like printhead design, linear rails, autobed leveling etc.
Build Volume
Directly correlates to max printable dimensions. Entry-level machines typically peak at 6-8 inches cubed. Ideal for deskside prints. Larger models cost more but offer bigger stage.
Reliability & Durability
Inspect printer construction – metal frames, quality motors, shielded cabling etc signal reliability needed for repeatable results month over month. Check warranties too.
Supported Filaments
Many beginner printers work with both PLA and ABS plastics. Good to have flexibility here. Ensure no proprietary filament lock-in – stay away from those!
Connectivity
Important to check if printers have onboard memory card slots, USB ports, Wi-Fi and wireless printing ability for untethered usage.
User Community
Established brands with strong user communities are absolutely more beginner friendly for troubleshooting, upgrades, mods etc. Check for handy video guides from other owners.
Safety
Beginner-optimized printers should have touch-safe bodies, emergency stop buttons, thermal overload prevention and removable frames for safer access and operation.
Ease of Setup
Hunt for printers with toolless removal print beds, assayed build platforms and guided calibration to start printing quickly without headaches or expertise needed.
Quietness
Affordable printers can be noisy due to fans and motors. If location sound levels matter, research options with quieter operation like belt drives and silent stepper drivers.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s explore some top beginner 3D printer options currently available while keeping the above analysis in mind.
Evaluating Your First 3D Printer – 12 Recommended Starters Under $500
Here is a handpicked selection of 12 of the best 3D printers currently available for first-timers based on print quality, reliability, ease of use and overall value. All cost less than $500 dollars, with impressive starter options even lower than $200. I’ve summarized my evaluations in an easy comparison table:
My top overall picks would be the Original Prusa Mini for those wanting maximum print quality and reliability out of the box followed by the Anycubic Vyper for tinkerers wanting a larger print stage. However, even the more affordable choices punch way above their pay grade if you are willing to periodically fine-tune things.
As you analyze options, also download the freely available user manual for your shortlisted printers. Go through to get a better feel for assembly steps, calibration workflow, touchscreen menus etc. to determine your comfort level before hitting buy!
So those were my takes on the leading beginner 3D printer options in 2023. Let me know if this analysis gives you enough homework to confidently zero down on your first 3D printing gateway! I’m excited to hear what potential use cases sparked your interest the most. Will you be printing more functional pieces? Or exploring artistic geometries? Share your thoughts!
