What to Look for When Buying a 3D PrinterWhat to Look for When Buying a 3D Printer
With advancements in technology, some manufacturing practices such as 3D are now popular than ever. It is estimated that this industry will grow in double digits in the next five years. Also, small and medium-sized businesses are likely to utilize web-based 3D printing services. Therefore, this manufacturing technique is not only for specialty shops. Over time, technology continues to become affordable, and a lot of businesses are utilizing it.
If you are a novice in this industry, buying the right 3D printer is not as straightforward as it may seem. The following are some of the things you ought to look for when purchasing a 3D printer.
Printing Technology
Remember that no two-three printers’ models are equal. There are different polymer printing technologies, and each has its share of pros and cons. Some 3D printers use fused deposition modeling techniques or what is commonly known as plastic jet printing. Another technique used by 3D printers is stereolithography, which uses an ultraviolet laser that solidifies the printing material to make the part. Another technique is selective laser sintering. This technique uses powdered raw materials that include silicates, polystyrene, and metal.
Material Compatibility
The filament is the common 3D printing material. It is widely used in low-cost applications. There are several 3D printers out there that use this material. Other types of material include polylactic acid and ABS. Since these materials are thermoplastics, they can be heated and cooled continuously to get the 3D shapes desired.
Size of the Object
There is a need to consider the size of the object that should be printed. A parameter to look for is the build volume. This is measured in millimeters or inches. The large build volume helps you print large objects. Some desktop printers have average build volume. Therefore, you ought to choose accordingly. You can overcome the build volume limitation by printing large objects in small, several parts that can be joined together.
Printing Speed
Another factor to consider when choosing a 3D printer is the printing speed. The compromise here is that it is indirectly related to the resolution. Therefore, if you want to print high-resolution products, then you need slower printing speeds. Also, the configuration and quality of the print will have an effect on printing speed. As far as printing speed is concerned, SLA technology is faster than FDM. The highest printing speed at the moment is 1200mm/hour.