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Are you considering acquiring a 3D printer? 3D printers have revolutionized the production process. They are simplifying the production process and making it possible to create anything that the mind can imagine. Whether you want to purchase a 3D printer for your hobby or to set up a small business in your home, 3D printers are a great investment. However, you may be wondering how much of an investment you should make when purchasing a 3D printer. Below, we offer some insight into how expensive 3D printers can be and what influences the costs of 3D printers.
General Guide to 3D Printer Pricing
If you have searched online to buy 3D printer online, you've probably already noted that 3D printer prices vary greatly. You can purchase a 3D printer for as little as $400. You may also have come across printers that cost over $200,000. If you're shopping for a 3D printer to use in the home for business or as a hobbyist, you're probably not looking into purchasing an industrial printer. You, therefore, don't have to worry about the 3D printers at the higher end of the scale. We will instead look at the printers that you can use in the home and for small businesses.
3D printer prices often depend on the capabilities and technology of the printer. Based on their prices, 3D printers can be classified as follows:
- Entry-level 3D printers
These printers go for prices ranging from $100 to $500. They include DIY printers and budget 3D printers. You are likely to spend a lot of time assembling, testing, and calibrating these machines before you can get any printing done. When you do get around to printing, you can expect to experience several breakdowns. If you're the kind of person that likes to tinker with machines, you may be able to get by with a DIY 3D printer.
If you're just getting started with 3D printing, these budget printers may put you off, especially if you're not able to achieve quality results with them. These printers can also be very slow and aren't very durable. You may also be limited to only using materials such as PLA for 3D printing as they may only be able to print at lower temperatures. However, they are a great place to get started if your budget is very constrictive.
- 3D printers for hobbyists
These printers can go for anything between $500 and $1500. These printers are a great place to get started if you're just getting started with 3D printing and have more room in your budget. Hobbyist printers offer better quality printing and more durability than budget printers and DIY 3D printers. You will save a considerable amount of time with the assembly of these printers. You will probably still have to spend a significant amount of time calibrating and testing them to ensure you have the best settings for optimum results.
These printers are somehow faster than budget printers. They also allow you to use a wide variety of materials. It should be noted that many of the printers in this category cannot run for a long time. You will also find that you have to do repairs on the machines often. The running cost of these printers is therefore high.
- Enthusiast and Professional 3D printers
If you want to achieve great results with printing, you should go with a professional 3D printer. Many 3D printing enthusiasts go for printers within this category. These printers are also suitable for application in small business settings where the demand for the 3D printer is great. The price of these printers is anything between $1000 and $5000.
You will have a greater selection of materials to choose from for 3D printing with these printers. These printers are able to achieve high-quality results too. Many printers in this category are very durable. However, they will require maintenance every now and then, especially with frequent use.
If you have some room in your budget, you should go for a 3D printer within this category. If not, it may be worth saving money to purchase a printer in this category instead of starting out with printers from the previous two categories.
Other Considerations when Purchasing a 3D Printer
There's much more to consider when it comes to the cost of 3D printers than just the sticker price. You also need to consider the long-term costs of owning, operating and maintaining your 3D printer. Some of the costs to consider include:
- The cost of repair
Invest in a durable printer. A printer that requires regular repair and maintenance may be cheap upfront but is actually expensive in the long term.
- The type of materials the printer uses
It is a good idea to spend more and invest in a printer that allows you to use a wide variety of materials for 3D printing. Being limited to specific products could end up being more costly.
- The quality of the prints
If your printer does not provide quality prints, you will spend more time and money on reworks as well as post-processing. It would be much better to have a printer that provides quality prints the first time around.
Conclusion
Are 3D printers expensive? 3D printers can be expensive, and some can be affordable. There are 3D printers to fit every budget. However, when it comes to 3D printers, you pay for what you get. If you want to achieve high-quality results and have an overall good experience with 3D printing, you should be prepared to pay more for the printer. Take some time to carry out research on the specific printer you are interested in and others in the same price range. You may find that you could spend a little more and be able to acquire a 3D printer that meets your needs and requirements. Search online for 3D printers at different price ranges to find a 3D printer within your budget. Compare these printers based on the factors outlined above.