Factors to Consider Before Buying A DIY 3D Printer Kit

Before making the decision to buy a DIY 3D printer kit, there are several considerations you’d have to make. Fact is, there are several 3D printer kits available on the market. The key is asking the right questions and choosing the product to match.

Below, we discuss the factors you have to consider before making an informed decision to buy a particular kit.

1. The Type of 3D Printers

3D printers come in different types. It is important to know the one you’re going after to be able to purchase the required kits. 3D printers are subdivided into:

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). These are the most widely-used and available printers on the market. These types of printers heavily rely on creating a 3D model by extracting and heating plastic while piecing them together.
• Stereolithography. This printer follows the same process of FDMs. But instead of extracting plastic, it makes good use of a UV light beam to create a model from a mass of photosensitive liquid. This makes for a model with higher quality compared to FDMs.
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). This 3D printer utilizes almost the same process in making models like the others. However, in this process, SLS uses lasers to melt the powder, creating each layer of the model. SLS’s are typically used to print metal models which is impossible with the others.

2. Volume of the Print

Every 3D printer has its own specification pertaining to the volume produced. The bigger the printer, the larger the model would normally appear. Thus, if you’re looking to print a 3D model that is large in size, ensure that the printer you want to purchase can print models of such specifications.

3. Type of Filament

Filaments, in 3D printing, are the plastic that is heated and extracted to make the desired model. With several filaments available, 3D printers can only use limited types. It is important to know the types of filaments that will work on your desired 3D printer.

Some of the popular filaments include:

• Polylactic Acid (PLA). This filament is derived from corn starch and is quite suitable for beginners in 3D printing to work with. PLAs are also perfect for creating small, unique models. PLAs are available in solid and translucent colors which gives the printed object a glossy appearance.
• Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). This filament is a petroleum derivative that is often used by experts in 3D printing. ABS are known for their flexibility and strength. This makes creating objects that are interlocked much easier.

Other filaments include carbon fiber, PETG, HIPS, wood-filled filaments, and much more.

4. The Size of Nozzles

The size of the nozzle matters a lot in deciding which 3D printer you want to buy. Nozzle sizes typically range from 0.1mm – 0.8mm. While 0.4mm nozzles are commonly used, 0.1mm nozzles print the best quality models.

However, there are 3D printers that come with multiple nozzles for printing different materials at the same time.

5. Resolution of the Print

Another thing you should look out for is the resolution of the print. This typically dictates how much quality the print will reveal. 3D print resolution is broken down into:

• XY Resolution. The resolution and quality of the print is hugely dependent on the short distance the stepper motor can cover for every step.
• Vertical Resolution. This refers to the thickness of the material that will be used to make the proposed model.

When the resolution is less, the quality is high and all the details in the model will be more pronounced.

6. Safety

You can’t ignore the fact that 3D printer kits come with a lot of risks. Some of these risks include:

• Movable mechanical parts
• Hotbed
• Hot extruders
• Melting filaments
• Toxic fumes and much more

It’s very important to consider these risks if you’ve got kids at home for safety reasons. You can opt to shift your work desk to a separate room if you’re working from home.

7. Manual or Auto-Leveling of Bed?

When working with a 3D printer, you’d need to level the heating bed at a distance from the extruding nozzles. You have to decide if you want a printer where you’d have to manually level the bed yourself. Or you can opt for a printer with an auto-leveling feature—which saves time in the long run.

8. Online Community

If you’re a newbie to the 3D printing world, you’d need a little guidance from an expert. Wouldn’t it be interesting knowing that there are online discussions with people who are using/have used the same 3D printer you want to purchase?

There are several online discussion platforms online where you can learn a thing or two about how to make efficient use of the 3D printer you want to buy.

9. Price

This is what you’re probably thinking about while you visited this page. The price of 3D printers varies from product to product and from brand to brand. Typically, the higher the price, the greater the quality of the object you will create.

You have to put that into your consideration when deciding on which 3D printer kits to purchase.

Best DIY Printer Kits Worth Every Dime.

With further ado, we explore the best DIY 3D printer kits you should buy. Let’s check them out:

Creality Ender 3 Pro

One 3D printer kit you should consider for your work is the Creality Ender 3 Pro. This printer follows the success of its predecessor, the Ender 2. The Ender 3 Pro features a magnetic build surface which allows it to provide sufficient protection to the printer build plate. This also ensures that the temperature on the build surface is consistent—which is a good thing. After it has cooled down, it’d be quite easy to remove the object created.

This product also boasts of high precision printing. So, you can rest assured that your designed models would come out great with this printer. With a sufficient print volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm, this printer is a great choice for beginners.

It also comes with a Mean Well UL Certified power supply which protects the machine against sudden power outages and allows it to heat the hotbed quickly—reaching 110℃ within 5 minutes!

One cool feature about the Ender 3 Pro is that it can resume printing even after an unexpected power outage. So, you don’t have to worry that you’d need to start all over again. It also has a filament detector which notifies when the filaments are out. As soon as the filaments are replaced, it will resume printing.

Check it out here.

FLSUN QQ-S

Another 3D Printer kit you should consider buying is the Flsun QQ-S. This machine is an upgraded version of the previously released Flsun QQ. This printer comes 90% pre-assembled, so you have to waste time coupling the remaining parts of the machine for use.

It features a 255 x 255 x 360 mm print volume, perfect for tall designs. Due to its high-quality metal casing and lattice glass platform, the printed object will be much more stable and the details much more precise. The glass platform makes for fast heating, printing, and easy removal of objects after cooling.

Flsun QQ-S also comes with a three-axis linkage—which increases the print speed by over 60% compared to the regular ones. It also features a smart technology—Wi-Fi module and touch screen support for quick navigation and production.

Also included is the resume features, allowing the printer to continue printing an object as soon as power is restored. The print bed is auto-level, so you don’t need to move it during printing.

You may be wondering if this printer would make a lot of noise seeing all these unique features all wrapped in it. Fun fact, the noise is very moderate with 50dB.

If you have beginner or intermediate experience with 3D printing, this printer is highly recommended for you. It is worth the price and so much more.

Check it out here.

Tronxy X5SA Pro

The Tronxy X5SA Pro is yet another wonderful 3D printer kit to check out. This product packs in an amazing 330 x 330 x 400 mm print volume, an impressive feature you will love.

When it comes to precision, the Tronxy X5SA Pro stands out as one of the best printers in the market today. It’s ultra-high precision tech ensures that the printed objects come out perfectly.

It features a sturdy frame which makes for a well-balanced object on the hotbed. This printer can handle several filament materials including ABS, PLA, Aluminum, High Impact Polystyrene Sheet, and Thermoplastic Polyurethane.

It also comes with a 30P integrated cable with a 24V power supply, ensuring optimum power to warm up the hotbed within 5 minutes.

You can assemble this printer within hours with the step-by-step instructional guide that comes with the pack. This printer is a top selection for intermediate and experienced 3D operators.

You can order here.

Geeetech A10

If you’re looking for a compact yet efficient 3D printer kit, then the Geeetech A10 is your best bet.

Though it may appear small, this 3D printer packs in an impressive 220 x 220 x 260 mm print volume for relatively decent objects. This printer can accommodate a wide assortment of filaments including PLA, ABS, HIPS, PETG, and wood-filled filaments.

It also offers remote printing using a 3D printing app at your convenience. Notably impressive is the embedded filament detectors which notify you when the filament runs out.

If you’re worried that your work will be ruined due to lack of filament, worry no more. This printer is designed with the ability to resume printing as soon as you have replaced the filaments. It also features a high-performance gear train that allows it to amplify printing speed and the experience that comes with it. Within 30 minutes, you can set this printer up and get it working.

Click here to order.

Anet A8 Plus

The Anet A8 Plus is another brilliant 3D printer kit you should consider for your worktable. This printer is the upgraded version of the popular Anet 8 printer and comes with a lot of impressive features.

It comes in an all-metal frame body, encouraging stable printing and structure

This printer throws in an amazing 300 x 300 x 350 mm print volume that is perfect for tall designs. It features an Aluminum substrate hotbed which makes for a smooth design and quick removal after cooling.

This printer also features an upgraded motherboard which protects the printer from over-current. It also comes with an upgraded belt adjustment to adjust the axis of the printer properly.

With the upgraded LCD, you can operate this printer with ease. It is also magnetic movable, giving you complete ease.

The machine comes unassembled but after going through the instructional manual, you’d be able to do so in no time. This printer is recommended for beginner, intermediate and expert-level operators.

Check it out here.

Tevo Tarantula Pro

The Tevo Tarantula Pro 3D printer kit is a unique printer with several features. This printer has a print volume of 235 x 235 x 250 mm, perfect for standard-sized objects. You’re also assured of optimum speed when you buy this printer.

This printer features a volcano hotbed coupled with an XZ-Cartesian frame which allows you to print objects easily and take them off when the platform has cooled. It also gives the printer the needed stability to effectively print objects. The auto-leveling is also important as you won’t need to manually adjust the print bed during operation.

This printer supports a wide range of filaments including PLA, HIPS, and even wood-fitted filaments. Navigation around the printer is user-friendly, and with little or no supervision, you’re good to go.

The Tevo Tarantula Pro comes almost assembled. You won’t be spending time to re-couple the remaining parts.

Click here to check it out.

Monoprice Printer V2

Don’t let its size fool you. The Monoprice Printer V2 is one compact yet impressive 3D printer you should purchase.

This printer has a maximum price volume of 120 x 120 x 120 mm. This is perfect if you want to focus on printing miniature objects. This printer also supports all kinds of filaments—a great addition.

It features an open frame design. Still, it is stable in operation. It also comes with a heated nozzle and mainboard cooling fans to cool the systems after the operation. It also has a Micro USB and MicroSD card connectivity with an IPS color screen to match. Wi-Fi connectivity is also enabled for this printer as well.

What’s more? The Monoprice Printer V2 comes fully assembled and has been calibrated for optimum performance when you switch it on. It also comes with a sample PLA filament and a MicroSD memory card loaded with preinstalled models for your use.

Check it out here.

Dremel Digilab 3D45

Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert operator, you might want to consider the Dremel Digilab 3D45 printer. It features an impressive 254 x 153 x 170 mm print volume for your designs.

It comes with a high-quality extruder that is clog-resistant and delivers a smooth 3D print. This extruder is fully capable of heating up to 280℃ within minutes. It comes with a heated build plate that heats up to 100℃ within 5 minutes. This powerful printer is fully designed to handle all manner of filaments during operation.

Its auto-leveler is calibrated to adjust itself according to the design and give you the best print in a short time.

The printer also features an inbuilt HD camera which can be connected via Wi-Fi to your smartphone. So, wherever you are in your home or office, you can monitor the progress of the print remotely. It also comes with a Full Colored screen-touch display that is user-friendly.

It is worth every penny. Check it out here.

QIDI Tech

The QIDI Tech 3D printer kit is another powerful printer that is recommended for your home or office. It offers an impressive 300 x 250 x 300 mm maximum print volume with full metal support to achieve stability.

This printer features double extruders; one pre-installed extruder for printing PLA, ABS, and TPU filaments, and the other for printing with PC, carbon fiber, and nylon filaments. It also comes with a removable heated build plate that can heat up to 100℃ within minutes.

It features a 5-inch touchscreen with navigation that is quite easy to understand, even for beginners. It can resume printing when the power comes back on. It also supports air purification, noiseless operation, and Wi-Fi connectivity.

Check it out here.

LulzBot Mini 2

The LulzBot Mini 2 Desktop 3D printer is a sophisticated and impressive printer that you should seriously consider. This printer comes with a maximum print size of 160 x 160 x 180 mm and a maximum temperature of 290℃. This machine is not only suitable for experts but beginners as well.

 It features a reversible PEI/Glass heated print bed that offers stability to your printed objects. It also comes with a belt-driven Z-axis that fosters fast cycle times and high-quality prints. This machine also handles a wide range of filaments, creating the best rigid and flexible objects.

With a user-friendly LCD screen attached to the printer, you can navigate around its features smoothly. It also features a whisper-quiet operation which is a result of the high-grade motor drivers and polymer bearings.

A unique printer worth the price and much more. Click here to place an order.

Flashforge Finder Lite

Another portable yet powerful 3D printer on our recommended list is the Flashforge Finder Lite.

With a maximum print volume of 140 x 140 x 140 mm, this printer can efficiently print industrial, mechanical, and even architectural designs. It features a compact and portable frame which makes for smooth mobility from one point to another.

It also comes with a patented extruder structure that is best suitable for several filament materials. It also comes with a removable platform which is quite handy when you want to remove a printed object.

This machine also offers a touch screen fully equipped with a user-friendly interface. You also get to see the preview of what you’re about to print before doing so. You don’t have to worry about sky-high energy bills as this printer has a low-energy consumption.

Production sound is very low, so you don’t have to worry that you’re going to wake up the neighbors. Included in the pack are sample filament, SD card, solid glue, instructional materials, and other much-needed tools.

Check it out here.

Creality Ender 5 Pro

The Creality Ender 5 Pro 3D printer is an upgraded version of the Ender 3 we’ve previously discussed. This printer boasts of a 220 x 220 x 300 mm maximum print volume and a metal frame that supports stability and precision in production.

It also comes with a Capricorn blue Teflon tube that is high-temperature resistant, ensuring that objects all have a smooth texture. This printer features a high-grade extruder designed with a strong pressure to channel the melted filaments into the nozzle.

In case of unexpected power outages, you don’t have to worry. The Creality Ender 5 Pro has the resume feature and will continue printing as soon as the light is back on. With an upgraded silent mainboard, you’re bound to enjoy a noiseless production.

Place an order here.

3D printers are right in the center of innovation and technology. And with several 3D printers available on the market today, it is important that you buy a product that is worth every penny spent. We’ve curated the aforementioned 3D printer kits for you to purchase and create awesome designs and models.

What are you waiting for?