At least a basic description is available in our e-book Basics of 3D Printing. We won’t discuss the different constructions and their pros and cons here, as it is a complicated topic worth a standalone article. There are other construction types as well (named delta, corexy, polar, etc.), that have completely different patterns of movement: for example, the print bed might be static, rotating, or moving up and down.Īn example of an alternative construction: a delta 3D printer. By far the most common is the cartesian construction: the print bed usually moves forward and backward, the print head moves above the bed, sliding on vertical and horizontal axes, up-down and left-right. The FFF technology has more subcategories, each of them having different means of moving these two components against each other. A new object is just being finished on the print bed of the Original Prusa i3 MK3S. The extruded material builds up, layer by layer, on a print bed. Choosing an FFF printer FFF printer constructionĮach FFF printer has two basic components: a print head with a nozzle that extrudes the melted filament. In the last few chapters, we will go through some aspects common for both technologies (price, technical support, etc.). SLA and FFF technology are very different from each other, therefore, we will consider them separately first. More information on the basic terminology is available for example in our e-book Basics of 3D Printing. The chess pieces have a chemically smoothed surface (overcoming the visible print layers). A collection of both SLA prints (the orange tower and cyan bust) and FFF prints. Fresh prints need some additional care - first, the uncured resin has to be washed away, and then the prints need more UV light exposure to cure completely. The main disadvantage is a smaller print volume and more difficult manipulation with the print material (sticky liquid, often with unpleasant odor). The newer SLA printers are also very fast. The main advantage is the ability to print much smaller and more refined details than the FFF technology. SLA technology (also called MSLA or DLP - more on the terminology later in the chapter on SLA printer construction) prints from a liquid resin, hardened by a UV light source. Of course, the process of choosing the right printer is going to be a bit more difficult if you don’t have clear preferences yet.īefore we delve deeper into this topic, you should choose which of the two popular 3D printing technologies is more suitable for you, as the differences can be significant: There is plenty of inspiration available on the internet, as ready-made 3D models for download. Later in this guide, we will also mention some factors you should take into account if you plan to use your printer professionally (or basically for any heavy-duty purpose).īy the way, if you don't have any particular use in mind yet, and just think 3D printing sounds fun, do not worry. For various applications, some options might be more suitable than others. Keep in mind there are many differences even among this category of printers. A huge print farm consisting of the Original Prusa i3 MK3S printers. dozens or even hundreds of printers together. On the contrary, many of them are frequently used for business, in science, or medicine, sometimes even arranged into print farms, i.e. However, that doesn’t mean such printers are only suitable for simple tasks and hobby purposes. We are going to focus just on regular, “desktop” printers, affordable for an ordinary customer. Some of them require special printers, able to print from metal, biomaterials, or with a huge print volume. Professional use and/or frequent printingģD printing has a wide array of applications.Using the printer: noise, ventilation, necessary space.We would like to help you with the whole thought process, not by recommending any particular printer, but rather by guiding you through the topic so you can make your own choice, in accordance with your demands and preferences. Increased competition on the market also means that choosing the right 3D printer can be more difficult than ever. Throughout the last decade, 3D printing has become widespread, expanding from strictly industrial applications to small businesses, schools, and hobby workshops.
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