## Should You Buy a 3D Printer?
- Jan 14, 2025
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 20
I have a list of recommendations for printers in another blog which you can check here
Im going to be a bit biased here: I think they are one of the best devices to use to make things with.
What is a 3d printer?
In short, a 3D printer is a machine that takes a digital model and some plastic (otherwise known as filament) and prints layer by later into it turns the digital model into a physical one.
Compact:
Comparing to other traditional means of making 3D printers only really require two other things. The 3D printer itself, a computer and some filament. They dont take up a whole lot of space with the largest about the same size as a medium-large microwave.
Versatile
Honestly, you can make a lot of stuff.
Here's a headphone stand that someone made:
You can create:
Cool toys
Cosplay props and costume accessories
Functional household items (like cable organizers or shelf brackets
They're a really good standalone or to compliment other materials like wood or metal in projects.
Additionally, you can print in a variety of materials—from tough plastics to flexible filaments, even some materials that are made with carbonfiber for some heavy duty applications.
They also come in different colors and quirks such as a cool rainbow effect
Fast
If you've ever built something by hand, you know how time-consuming cutting, gluing, and measuring can be. 3D printing automates this process—you just design (or download) a model, press print, and let it work. Compare this to amazon where it can take a few days for your package to arrive, Print times vary from minutes to several hours, but the key advantage is that you don't need to be present the entire time.
Easy to get into
Even if you're not very good at designing things just yet, there are a lot of easy tools out there such as Tinker CAD; they're very simple to use and as you could develop your skills, you can go into other softwares such as Fusion 360 or FreeCAD. But even if you don't and never want to and it's and you feel like it's really hard, there are also just websites that have free models that you can use such as Printables, Thingiverse and Maker World, just to name a few. Simply take their designs and print them as you see fit.
Affordable
Compared to other power tools and machines they can cost several hundred dollars or even thousands depending on brand and sets. 3D printers are an all in one package deal, you just plug it in, upload a design and you're off in the races. Not to mention
They are also really great at saving money some paying themselves off in a couple or months or even weeks!
Fun
I also just think it's really satisfying just to see layer by layer a creation coming to fruition. It's it's super satisfying. Just AC and it's just really fun.
Sustainability
One of the biggest advantages of 3D printing is its ability to reduce unnecessary purchases. Need a cable organizer? Print one. Need custom shelf brackets? Print those too. Instead of buying mass-produced plastic items, which are overpriced, you can print them for mere cents. Over time, this not only saves money but also minimizes plastic waste.
Not to mention Polylactic Acid (PLA) is one of the most eco-friendly 3D printing materials available, derived from renewable sources like corn, maize, and beets. Unlike traditional plastics, PLA is biodegradable, making it a more sustainable choice for makers and designers.
Disadvantages and Limitations
This seems all to good to be true, but there are some caveats.
Ventilation
Before investing in a 3D printer, one crucial factor to consider is ventilation.
For materials like PLA, printing in a well-ventilated area—such as a living room, garage, or workspace with good airflow—is generally safe. However, I wouldn’t recommend using a 3D printer in a closed bedroom where air circulation is limited.
If you plan to print with materials like ABS, which emit harmful fumes, an enclosure is a must. Not only does it contain the fumes, but it also helps maintain consistent print quality by regulating temperature and airflow. Proper ventilation ensures a safe and comfortable printing environment while protecting both your health and the quality of your prints.
Material Limitations
3D printers are great but can't do everything. Although many materials are available, you can’t print everything. Fabrics, metals, and wood are simply just irreplaceable materials. Not to say that you can't 3D print stuff, but knowing which material for the right application is important.
Still Costly
Although 3D printers are relatively affordable they are still an investment. For a decent one could cost at a minimum of around $300.00 and that is not nothing.
Some could also argue you did not save money, you spent $300 plus another $30 to save on a $5 plastic container. To that I say, yes, its an investment, and for one off prints that argument is completely valid.
3D printing "Junk" Why did I buy this? Did you buy it for the hype?
CAD to use its full potential
Considerations when purchasing
Your Project Needs
Most general printers can work some helpful questions when researching are:
Do you need functional parts or decorative models?
Will you be printing large objects or small detailed prints?
Do you need a specific material like flexible filament or high-strength plastic?
Print Size
Print size is usually really important considering a 3D printer. A printer bed size is referring to the area that a printer can actually print in. This is different from the printer size Which is referring to the actual printer itself., so keep that in mind.Really important when considering What you're going to print, Although you can slice up your print into pieces, it sometimes is less of a hassle than splitting into parts and assembling later. An average printer bed sizeRanges from around 200mm.Cubed to 300mm ^3.(8in^3 to 12in^3
Noise Level
Although speed is important, I would actually say that whether if it's quiet is probably more is objectively more important. If you're not, if you're in a very small space, a quieter printer is going to be very beneficial because prints can go on for long periods of time, and if you're in the same space of it, that can really be annoying for you. Most printers today are relatively quiet, depending on the settings. But if they are still quite noisy, I do have a post about solving those issues.
Print Speed
As you start building more complex things or building larger items, speed is really important because you don't want a print to take forever. An average printer speed is around 100 - 200 mm/s and "fast" is around 400 - 500mm/s
Credible sources include:
-Raise3D
- Airwolf3D https://airwolf3d.com/3d-printer-buying-guide
Why?Stop buying overpriced junkApplies to almost every aspectsCompliments other hobbies wellOr standalone
Good money saver*
Custom item made for youCustom parts or attachments can be overpriced
Affordable
FastGetting something ordered vs printed
Why notEverything is a nail
Fun to have
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