Best 3D printer at around $3k - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Harb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2018, 11:59:27 am
content: I am in the market for a 3D printer at up to $3k.....Does anyone have an opinion on currently available models...... ?It will be used for a variety of things in the Lab.

author: Sudo_apt-get_install_yum
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2018, 12:47:32 pm
content: I’m a huge fan of 3D printers have owned quite a few and built some. I’ve had great experience with the Ultimaker 2 (FDM printer) and Form labs Form 2 (SLA printer)But may I ask why such a high price and what are you going to use the printer for?The only reason I can see a practical use for such ”low cost" 3D printers is for rapid prototyping or playing around, it’s very handy but the parts don’t have any mechanical strength, don’t have a nice surface finish (Quite grainy surfaces that collects much in lab environments) and you can’t use them for production (Not that youd be using it for that).A printer that id personally buy nowadays is the Prusa i3 MK3 it costs much less than 3K but is just as good an one from that price point. I’ve owned the i3 MK2 and it was a great printer.Hope this helped!

author: ChrisLX200
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 26, 2018, 01:16:49 pm
content: Raise3D N2 would be my choice..https://www.raise3d.com/pages/raise3d-n2

author: DerekG
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2018, 10:35:15 pm
content: Quote from: ChrisLX200 on March 26, 2018, 01:16:49 pmI wonder if they are still making 3D printers? All three models are now shown as "sold out"https://www.raise3d.asia/collections/3d-printer

author: Harb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 26, 2018, 10:36:45 pm
content: Thanks for the replies......well its more about the quality than the price........I just thought 3k was about as much as I am wanting to spend at the moment.I think it will mainly be used for custom fittings and one off stuff that I do in the lab.I currently am doing stuff on a Milling Machine and lathe but it takes more time and cost (having to be there operating the machine) so I figured a 3D printer would be more practical for the stuff I do......I would like to get absolute best finishes on the item without spending a zillion dollars, but being a complete newbie to 3D printing I am not sure what the best way to go is....I have seen the stuff that comes off cheap units, and it seems to have very poor finish.......I should also qualify Speed although attractive is not going to break the deal.......finish is probably ahead of speed

author: ChrisLX200
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 27, 2018, 01:05:53 am
content: Quote from: DerekG on March 26, 2018, 10:35:15 pmStill made yes, but very desirable and sell quickly so stocks tend to be low. My local dealer still has a few left. The N2 is very solidly built, twin large-diameter ball screws on the Z-axis (for e.g.) meaning the build plate hardly ever needs levelling. The N2 and N2+ machines are popular with smaller pro print houses (i.e., commercial use) for good reason. Nothing is ever perfect but the Raise3D machines try hard.

author: ChrisLX200
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 27, 2018, 01:15:30 am
content: Quote from: Harb on March 26, 2018, 10:36:45 pmBe prepared for a learning curve. For any given machine, the print quality that an inexperienced operator gets is quite different from that produced by someone who is able to tweak the settings. Yes, top quality machines print OK 'out of the box' but the very best performance requires an understanding of the material you're using and the quirks of your particular printer. Don't forget there are different 'types' of printer (fused filament, resin bath) which have different strengths and weaknesses, think what you want to achieve.

author: Harb
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: March 27, 2018, 02:49:30 am
content: QuoteYes I imagine that its like most things.....if you understand the machine you will get better results so I am up to the task of spending the time to learn the process.......I just wanted to make sure the machine itself is not the limitation.......I will have a look at all the machines suggested so far.....as mentioned, I know zero about 3D printers.