The topic I want to discuss today is a much debated issue in the 3D printing community: in 2016, how to chose the best desktop 3D printer? Here are some thoughts I wanted to share today, a few steps to hopefully help you find the best 3D printer - for you!
As you can imagine there are many ways to answers this question. My personal take on this is: you should take all the articles pretending to give the authoritative list of "the best 2016 3D printers" with a grain of salt (including this post!).
First, as for any tech object, you should do your own research well ahead of the actual purchase. In the case of 3D printers and additive manufacturing devices, you'll be dealing with a fairly new technology - and the potential issues that can come with it. Buying your first 3D printer can be envisioned as a learning experience. By researching which 3D printer is the best for you, you will learn a great dal regarding the technical specs of these machines, the potential risks, the pros and cons of the different categories of 3D printers and the best suites for the application you have in mind. This pre-purchase research phase is paramount and you should not neglect it and go with the first recommandation you read online!
A great place to start your quest for the perfect 3D printer is Aniwaa.com, a website that contains a lot of valuable information about 3D printing, along with a huge database of all the 3D printers available on the market.
The first step is to determine which type of 3D printer is good for you, for example a kit 3D printer if you're a DIYer with hands-on experience in electronics, or a plug and play desktop 3D printer if you're looking for something easy to use. You have to consider not only your level as a maker but also the application you have in mind: what do you intend to 3D print?
Then depending on your budget, the list of options will narrow quite quickly. Again, you can use this comparison tool for 3D printers to identify machines within your budget. Once you have a shortlist of potential good 3D printers that look right for you, you should ask advice to experienced makers on forums or Facebook groups about 3D printing and additive manufacturing. The advise of current users and experienced makers is invaluable... Another important point: you should always try to purchase your printer from a reseller or online store based in your country, in order to benefit from after sales support, product guarantees etc.
Finally, don't research for too long or you might never pull the trigger :)
There are so many things to take into account for the choice of your first 3D printer that you cannot possibly think of everything. When you feel ready, just make a call for the best available option you have and begin the adventure.
Congratulations, you're in for a quite awesome ride!
