FFF 3D printer: 5 features to consider when buying

With an abundant and still developing market, buying a FFF 3D printer that would bring value to you and your work is becoming a bit of a hustle. If you are somehow new to their technological developments, the struggle will be even harder. So this is why we put together a list of top 5 features to consider when buying a 3D printer:

Why a FFF 3D Printer

It is crucial that you know for what role your new investment will be used for. Think about what you would like to print and what do you want to do with the prints after. Is this just a hobby or maybe you would like to get in business and start selling your prints? Will you be using it for educational purposes or maybe in an industrial environment? These are all questions you should ask yourself before even starting your search.

Size

Size is an important matter when talking about FFF 3D printers. It is important to know how big your printed object will be and if it can fit on the print bed. The size of the print bed can also provide for a more production-oriented solution, as more objects can be printed in one print job. When searching for this feature you should be looking in the technical specifications for the actual size and build volume. Although choosing a bigger printer will also increase the price you pay for it, you should be careful not compromising when it comes to its other qualities.

3D printed shelfs

Extrusion

The extrusion is the main process in 3D printing consisting of melting and positioning the material in layers on top of each other. Most printers offer you single extrusion which is great for beginners or for creating simple to medium parts. But what about the more complicated models or the dual coloured and material ones?  This is where the dual extrusion models come in handy. Keep in mind that after learning the basic steps in 3D printing you will want to start making more complicated designs and prints. So dual extrusion can give you a long-term solution for all your future 3D printing needs.

Budget

Of course, the budget is one of the most important parts, as it is with any other purchase. In most cases, the printers’ price is given by its’ features and qualities. Try to think about what a FFF 3D printer could mean for you and make an estimate about that value. Then choose the best printer within your price range. Filaments will be your biggest spender in 3D printing to a printer which accepts any filament can be a great choice as well.

Printing materials

Another crucial aspect to have in mind is the printing materials you would like to use. It is true that a lot of effort is put by companies into researching new materials to print with but not all printers can print with them. If you would like to use multiple types of materials in your models, then be sure to look for a versatile printer which is up for the task. Here is a link to different materials: filaments

A good mix of all these features, chosen with care and related to how much you can invest in these solutions should bring the best result for you.

Enjoy your shopping!

Spiral 3D print - Photo credit: fdecomite via Foter.com / CC BY
Furniture 3D print - Photo credit: designmilk via Foter.com / CC BY-SA