The 3D printer has now been around for 35 years and it is hard to imagine industry without it. In the meantime, it can also be used more and more in private. Innovative handicraft fans can easily give their ideas a shape – from key rings to smartphone cases, there are no limits to your imagination. But which 3D printers are particularly suitable for beginners and what should you pay attention to when buying?
Printing technology, printing material and the software are decisive factors in how quickly you can get to grips with the new device and whether it is the right one for your own needs. Some printing techniques require more post-processing, others less. The possibility of using different inexpensive materials is also part of the simplest possible handling. TECHBOOK presents 3D printers that will convince every budding technology enthusiast.
What makes a good 3D printer?
Depending on which technology is used with the respective 3D printer, you have to adapt to different printing processes: The products of printers who print with filament are manufactured quickly and are relatively stable. Since individual print layers are visible with them, they usually require post-processing. SLA and resin printers work with resin, their prints look as if they were cast. On average, less post-processing is necessary here, but a subsequent treatment with a solvent and some cleaning up work. In addition, the results show a high level of detail, but are relatively unstable.
When it comes to handling, the 3D printers differ with various connection options and displays. Whether with a practical LCD touchscreen, control using end devices connected via WLAN or navigation via the folder structure on a USB stick – saving and retrieving print samples should work perfectly.
The print quality depends on the factors layer height, print speed and positioning accuracy. All 3D printers presented by TECHBOOK perform better than average compared to other devices in the same price category.
Also read: The 5 most economical inkjet printers
The Rugged One: Prusa Original i3 MK3S Finished Device
The model Prusa Original i3 MK3S finished device is available as an inexpensive kit (construction time: approx. 8 hours) and as a finished device. If you want to get started right after delivery, we recommend the finished device. Due to its easy handling and very good print quality, this was awarded the test winner among the 3D printers by the Stiftung Warentest. This is a device that prints with filament, which is why it is particularly well suited for the production of stable, small objects. Print patterns are read from a memory card. The housing is robust, but the 3D printer also consumes a comparatively large amount of electricity during operation.
Equipment of the Prusa Original i3 MK3S finished device
| Prusa Original i3 MK3S finished device | |
|---|---|
| product type | 3D printer |
| technology | FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) |
| print speed | 200mm/s |
| printing materials | PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, PC, CPE, PVA/BVOH, PVB, HIPS, PP, Flex, Nylon |
| filament diameter | 1.75mm |
| print area | 250×210×210mm |
| nozzle diameter | 0.4mm |
| connections | card reader |
| card reader | SD |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 550×400×500mm |
| Weight | 11kg |
| colour | orange |
| scope of delivery | User manual, power adapter, 1kg spool of filament from Silver PLA |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Prusa Original i3 MK3S Finished Device
Rating at idealo: grade 1.7 | 4.5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + High print quality
- + Very fast print speed
- + Quiet operating noise
- – Relatively high power consumption
- – Without display for control
The user-friendly one: 3D System Cube2
Award-winning and praised by users: The 3D printer 3D System Cube2 is characterized by its user-friendliness. The device is delivered ready for operation, installation takes just a few clicks, the first print samples are quickly created using the manufacturer’s Cube software and a handy touch display with LCD. The 3D printer is compatible with both Macs and Windows PCs. The print results require little post-processing and are relatively stable. The samples can be easily transmitted via WLAN.
Equipment of the 3D System Cube2
| 3D System Cube2 | |
|---|---|
| product type | 3D printer |
| technology | PJP (Plastic Jet Printing) |
| print speed | 180mm/s |
| printing materials | ABS, PLA |
| print area | 140×140×140mm |
| layer thickness | 0.2mm |
| display type | LCD touch display |
| connections | USB 2.0, WiFi |
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 260×260×340mm |
| Weight | 4.3kg |
| Colours | Silver, different colors |
| scope of delivery | USB stick, Cube software, 25 3D data as samples |
Advantages and disadvantages of the 3D System Cube2
Rating at idealo: Grade 2.0 | 4 out of 5 stars
Per
- +Plug&Play
- + Practical control via WLAN
- + User-friendly operation with LCD touch display
- + Intuitive cube software
- + Relatively light, portable case
- – Push button sometimes hot
- – Printing aborts possible with filaments
Also Read: The 5 Best Multifunction Printers with WiFi
The price-performance winner: Qidi Tech X-Plus
3D printing with the Qidi Tech X-Plus is guaranteed to work, even if you have never used a 3D printer before. Handling is particularly easy, but the results are all the more impressive. The printed products made of filament hardly need any post-processing, if at all. Even with the standard setting, no plastic threads and hardly any layers can be seen. The device also allows manual fine tuning for even more delicate results. The design has been thought through down to the smallest detail: the housing is robust and durable. The pressure board is also made of coated, magnetic material, offers optimal support and can be removed for cleaning. The printed products are simply peeled off after cooling. Rear fans ensure that the printer does not overheat even during prolonged operation.
Features of the Qidi Tech X-Plus
| Qidi Tech X Plus | |
|---|---|
| product type | 3D printer |
| technology | FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication) |
| print speed | 100mm/s |
| printing materials | TPU, PLA, Nylon, ABS |
| filament diameter | 1.75mm |
| print area | 270×200×200mm |
| nozzle diameter | 0.4mm |
| display type | LCD touch display |
| connections | WiFi, USB |
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows, Mac OS X |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 662×57×558mm |
| Weight | 23kg |
| colour | black |
| scope of delivery | Power Adapter, User Manual, Screwdriver, 16GB USB Flash Drive, Acrylic Cover, Filament, LAN Cable, Spare Parts |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Qidi Tech X-Plus
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.0 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Completely assembled, immediately ready for use
- + Very good equipment
- + Impressive print quality
- + 0.05mm high precision printing
- + Quiet operating noise
- + Safe closed pressure room
cons
- – No integrated filament sensor
- – Relatively heavy case
The price hit: Elegoo MARS UV LCD
One of the cheapest and best models currently on the market: The Elegoo MARS UV LCD 3D printer, which prints using LCD UV light curing with resin. He can therefore implement small objects in particular in a particularly filigree manner. The integrated light sources emit even light, so that the print size is exactly guaranteed and the exposure time can also be saved. The housing is also light and stable and can be easily transported. It also has a user-friendly touch display with LCD. This makes handling the printer intuitive and fast.
Features of the Elegoo MARS UV LCD
| Elegoo MARS UV LCD | |
|---|---|
| product type | 3D printer |
| technology | LCD UV light curing |
| printing materials | resin |
| light source | Integrated UV light (wavelength 405 nm) |
| print speed | 22.5mm/hr |
| print area | 115×65×150mm |
| display type | LCD touch display |
| connections | USB |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 56×286×278mm |
| Weight | 7.5kg |
| Colours | Black red |
| scope of delivery | Pressure plate, resin tank, U disk, gloves, metal scraper, plastic scraper, measuring cup, spare screws, funnel, UL adapter, tool box, user manual |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Elegoo MARS UV LCD
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.0 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Very good print quality, especially for smaller objects
- + Good equipment included
- + Quick and easy commissioning
cons
- – Holes possible in larger print products
- – Ventilation relatively noisy
The precise one: Anycubic Photon Mono X
Attractive design and filigree printing thanks to SLA technology at high speed – that’s what the Anycubic Photon Mono X offers. The 8.9-inch LC display in 4K resolution enables precision and the manufacturer’s own slicer software with practical functions ensures fast and easy model cutting and labeling. Operate print processes, monitor print progress, adjust print settings – works conveniently with the Anycubic app. The housing is also easy to transport and has been thought out down to the smallest detail for the best possible printing result. For example, the active UV cooling ensures stable printing performance and a longer service life. The large construction area invites printing enthusiasts to dare to build larger objects.
Features of the Anycubic Photon Mono X
| Anycubic Photon Mono X | |
|---|---|
| product type | 3D printer |
| technology | SLA (Stereolithography) |
| light source | Integrated UV light (wavelength 405 nm) |
| printing materials | resin |
| print speed | 60mm/hr |
| print area | 192×120×245mm |
| display type | LCD display |
| Supported Operating Systems | Windows (7+), Mac OS X (10.7+) |
| connections | USB, WiFi |
| power consumption during operation | 120W |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 290×270×475mm |
| Weight | 10.75kg |
| Colours | Black yellow |
| scope of delivery | User Manual, SD Card, Tool Kit, SD Card Reader, Scraper, Resin Vat, Platform, Power Cord, Service Card, WiFi Antenna, Gloves |
Advantages and disadvantages of the Anycubic Photon Mono X
Rating at idealo: Grade 1.2 | 5 out of 5 stars
Per
- + Relatively large construction volume for devices in this price range
- + Practical remote control via app
- + Reliable UV cooling system
- + Precise 8.9-inch 4K monochrome LCD display
Conclusion
If you decide to buy a 3D printer, you have to make a small investment – but with the models presented, it will be worth it. Depending on the use for which the device is intended, some printing technologies may be more suitable than others. Although they are equally easy to use, they are operationally diverse. The inexpensive 3D printer Elegoo MARS UV LCD is suitable for beginners. However, if you can invest in a powerful all-rounder right away, TECHBOOK recommends the Qidi Tech X-Plus, which prints with filament.
More worth knowing articles about printers
You can also read from our colleagues from myHOMEBOOK, How to use 3D printers in the home sensibly.
For those who want to keep up to date with the latest technology innovations, TECHBOOK has many more articles with practical advice, product tests and trending topics related to various printing technologies. Different device overviews, manufacturer insights and market innovations – the editors offer a whole compendium of recommendations and background knowledge.