3D printing is changing the manufacturing industry. It is called as a disruptive technology and experts are predicting rapid and inevitable adoption of the technology . However, it's a challenge for buyers to make a buying decision. Managers aren't aware about the primary factors to be considered when purchasing 3D printer Files 3d printing service and, as a result, are prone to making bad buying decision. The wide range of 3D printer options adds to the dilemma of making the right choice.Not every 3D printer is suitable to every individual user. 3D printing is a broad term in that many different technologies have emerged to address specific needs. A 3D printer designed for industrial prototyping might not be suitable for dental use or vice versa. We have put together a list with industry experts to help you choose the most suitable 3D printer for your requirements. These aspects can help you select the best 3D printer for you. ApplicationWhen buying an 3D printer the first step is determine the primary purpose to use 3D printing. Is it for hobby purpose home use, industrial prototyping, special applications for 3D printing such as dental, jewellery, or gifting? It all depends on this element. Different printing technologies work well for different type of printing applications. Choosing the right printer for your application will go a long way in ensuring a positive 3D printing experience. Material Compatibility Material compatibility is another important aspect to take into account when purchasing a industrial 3d printer. If the output of your 3D printing is going to be used in particular applications, then the part has to be printed using the appropriate manner. The product must possess the characteristics to function according to the specifications. Increase Volume The area of printing is called the volume of build. You should take into consideration the size of print that is used the most often when choosing the printer. Just buying a large printer that can be able to handle all sizes of print is not an alternative. The cost of printing increases, and can affect the quality offered for smaller delicate prints. Prints that are large can be outsourced if ordered in smaller quantities. For instance SLA/DLP printers can be tiny compared to other printers built in sizes. If larger prints are needed then an SLA printer will not be worth the cost. A larger FDM or SLS printer could print a somewhat coarse piece and it can be post-processed to achieve a fine quality finish. The right balance has to be considered when making such decisions. Material Availability & Cost The library of materials for nearly all 3D printing techniques is growing daily. However, the properties of the materials are not similar for every technology. So, carefully analysing the type of parts you have to 3D print in the future with your 3D printer as well as the type of material you will need for this will assist you in understanding which technology offers the best material for your project. FDM filaments are available everywhere in the world at a reasonable cost. However, special materials like flame retardant metallic and polymers might not be readily available and could require a long time to import , thus increasing the lead time and cost. A 3D printer's material costs can also be important as it can affect the price of prototyping. Powdered materials that are used in SLM and DMLS techniques are expensive and in certain sectors it may not be justified to use metal 3D printing as the material cost is higher. Powdered material also has an expiration date that is limited, the unused powder cannot be used again after having passed through 4-5 printing cycles. Resolution Resolution can have a direct impact on the printing of small features and finishing of the printed item. A 3d printed products that has a higher resolution can print the smallest of features, and the layer height will be thinner leading to a smooth surface that is finished. A 3D printer with high resolution is a great investment. Other Considerations to Take into consideration when purchasing a 3D Printer Single Color or Full-Colour It's not the most important factor to consider while buying a 3D but it can prove helpful if you are into printing 3D photos characters, figurines or even gifting items. If the final products you create require coloring, this is a great way to eliminate this step. Proprietary Slicing Software Application Many of the well-known 3D printer manufacturers offer their own slicing program. The advantage is that these programs are fully compatible with their 3D printers which means that you always get good print results. Without a proprietary program, you'll have to rely on slicing programs that are free, which are no doubt excellent, but they aren't specifically designed to fit your 3D printer. 3D Printer brands such as Ultimaker, MakerBot, Formlabs and a host of other brands provide their own software along with their 3D printers. Conclusion It isn't easy to buy a 3D printer, especially for those who aren't knowledgeable about the technology. Many people end up buying the wrong printer for their application.
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