3D printing has become an increasingly popular hobby and tool for makers, designers, and even small businesses in recent years. One of the biggest considerations for people looking to get into 3D printing is cost, as high-end 3D printers can be quite expensive.
However, there are also a number of affordable options and cheap 3D printers on the market that offer good print quality and reliability for a lower price.
When looking for a cheap 3D printer, it’s important to consider more than just the price tag. Print quality, reliability, and ease of use are all important factors to consider as well. It’s also a good idea to do your research and read reviews from other users before making a purchase.
Top Ten Quality and Cheap 3D Printers and their Pricing
- Monoprice Mini Delta – This compact 3D printer is priced at just under $200 and is a great option for beginners. It has a small build volume and is known for its high print quality.
- Anet A8 – The Anet A8 is a popular budget 3D printer that can be found for around $150. It’s a kit printer, which means it requires some assembly, but it offers good print quality for the price.
- Creality Ender 3 – The Creality Ender 3 is another budget-friendly option, priced at around $200. It has a larger build volume than the Monoprice Mini Delta and is known for its reliability.
- QIDI TECH X-One2 – The QIDI TECH X-One2 is a bit more expensive than some of the other printers on this list, coming in at around $400. However, it is a professional-grade printer that is suitable for use in a small business or workshop.
- FlashForge Finder – The FlashForge Finder is a compact, user-friendly 3D printer that is priced at around $400. It’s a good option for beginners and has a small build volume.
- XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 – The XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 is a budget-friendly 3D printer that is easy to use and comes with a number of features such as automatic bed leveling and a filament run-out sensor. It’s priced at around $300.
- Monoprice Maker Select – The Monoprice Maker Select is a more advanced 3D printer that is suitable for intermediate to advanced users. It’s priced at around $500 and has a large build volume.
- Ultimaker 2+ – The Ultimaker 2+ is a high-quality 3D printer that is known for its precise prints. It’s a bit more expensive than some of the other printers on this list, coming in at around $2,500.
- MakerBot Replicator+ – The MakerBot Replicator+ is a professional-grade 3D printer that is suitable for use in a small business or workshop. It’s priced at around $1,500 and has a large build volume.
- LulzBot Mini 2 – The LulzBot Mini 2 is another professional-grade 3D printer that is suitable for intermediate to advanced users. It’s priced at around $1,500 and has a small build volume.
If purchasing a 3D printer is out of your budget or you don’t need one on a regular basis, there are also alternatives to consider.
Local makerspaces or online 3D printing services can be a good option for accessing 3D printing capabilities without the upfront cost of purchasing one. You can search through this to choose your desired model, design, and price at good cost.
Alternatives to Purchasing a 3D Printer You Might Consider
- Renting or leasing a 3D printer: This can be a good option if you only need a 3D printer for a short period of time or if you want to try out a variety of different models before committing to purchasing one.
- Using a 3D printing service: There are many online services that will print 3D objects for you. You can upload your 3D design to their website and they will print it and ship it to you.
- Using a 3D printing lab or makerspace: Some libraries, schools, and community centers have 3D printers that you can use for a fee or for free.
- Asking a friend or colleague to print your object: If you know someone who has a 3D printer, you may be able to ask them to print your object for you.
- Buying a pre-printed object: In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to purchase a pre-printed object rather than printing it yourself. You can find pre-printed objects for sale online or at retail stores that specialize in 3D printing. You can search through this to choose your desired model, design, and price at good cost.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a 3D Printer
- Cost: 3D printers range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Consider your budget and the features that are important to you before making a purchase.
- Printing material: Different 3D printers are capable of using different materials, such as plastic, metal, or resin. Consider what materials you want to use and make sure the printer you choose is capable of handling them.
- Printing size: 3D printers have a maximum build volume, which determines the size of the objects they can print. Make sure the printer you choose has a large enough build volume for the objects you want to print.
- Resolution: The resolution of a 3D printer determines the level of detail it can achieve in its prints. Higher resolution printers are more expensive, but produce higher quality prints.
- Ease of use: Some 3D printers are easier to use than others. If you are new to 3D printing, you may want to choose a printer that is user-friendly and has a good support system.
- Support and community: Look for a 3D printer that has a strong support system, either through the manufacturer or through an online community of users. This can be helpful if you encounter any issues with your printer.
- Brand reputation: Research the reputation of the brands you are considering. Read reviews from other users and consider the overall quality and reliability of the printers produced by each brand.
As mentioned earlier, while price is an important factor to consider when shopping for a 3D printer, it’s not the only factor. Print quality, reliability, and ease of use are all important considerations as well. By doing your research and reading reviews from other users, it’s possible to find a high-quality, reliable 3D printer at an affordable price.
It’s also a good idea to consider your specific needs and what you will be using the 3D printer for. If you only need a printer for occasional, small prints, a budget-friendly option may be sufficient.
On the other hand, if you are a professional or business looking to use the printer frequently or for larger prints, it may be worth investing in a more expensive, high-quality model. You can search through this to choose your desired model, design, and price at good cost.
Overall, the key to finding a good deal on a 3D printer is to do your research and carefully consider all factors before making a purchase. With a little bit of effort, it’s possible to find a reliable, high-quality 3D printer at an affordable price. Check out our post on best 3D printers with good value for money.
