Types of 3D Printers: Complete Buyer’s Guide for Makers
Understanding 3D Printer Types
3D printing has evolved from industrial manufacturing to accessible home crafting, but the variety of printer types can be overwhelming. The main technologies - FDM, resin (SLA/DLP/MSLA), and SLS - each excel at different applications, detail levels, and materials.
This comprehensive guide breaks down every type of 3D printer to help you choose the right technology for your creative projects or business.
Quick Comparison: 3D Printer Technologies
| Printer Type | Print Quality | Speed | Materials | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDM (Filament) | Good to excellent | Medium | Plastics (PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.) | $200-5,000 | Functional parts, large prints, beginners |
| Resin (SLA/MSLA) | Excellent to exceptional | Medium-Fast | UV-curing resins | $200-3,000 | Miniatures, jewelry, high detail |
| DLP Resin | Exceptional | Fast | UV-curing resins | $400-6,000 | Dental, jewelry, production |
| SLS | Very good | Medium | Nylon powder | $5,000-100,000+ | Functional parts, no supports |
| Multi-Material | Good to excellent | Slow | Multiple filaments | $1,500-15,000+ | Color prints, mixed materials |
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) Printers
What is FDM?
FDM printers work by melting plastic filament and depositing it layer-by-layer to build 3D objects. It’s the most common and accessible 3D printing technology, perfect for beginners and functional prints.
How it works:
- Plastic filament feeds into heated extruder
- Nozzle melts filament (180-260°C)
- Melted plastic deposits in precise patterns
- Layer cools and solidifies
- Build plate lowers, next layer prints on top
- Repeat until complete
FDM Printer Categories
Budget FDM Printers ($200-500)
| Model | Build Volume | Features | Best For | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ender 3 V3 | 220x220x250mm | Open-source, huge community | Learning, tinkering | $200-280 |
| Anycubic Kobra 2 | 250x220x220mm | Auto-leveling, faster speeds | Beginners | $250-320 |
| Sovol SV06 | 220x220x250mm | Direct drive, auto-level | Good value | $230-290 |
| Elegoo Neptune 3 | 220x220x280mm | Auto-level, silent drivers | Quiet printing | $240-300 |
Characteristics:
- Requires assembly (1-4 hours)
- Manual calibration or basic auto-leveling
- Open-frame (less safe around kids/pets)
- Great for: Learning, hobby projects, budget-conscious makers
Mid-Range FDM Printers ($500-1,500)
| Model | Build Volume | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab P1S | 256x256x256mm | Enclosed, multi-color ready, fast | $699 |
| Prusa MK4 | 250x210x220mm | Best reliability, excellent support | $1,099 (kit), $1,299 (assembled) |
| Creality K1 | 220x220x250mm | Enclosed, CoreXY, fast (600mm/s) | $599 |
| AnkerMake M5 | 235x235x250mm | AI camera, fast speeds | $799 |
Characteristics:
- Mostly assembled or fully built
- Auto-leveling standard
- Better print quality
- Great for: Serious hobbyists, small businesses
Premium FDM Printers ($1,500-5,000+)
| Model | Build Volume | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab X1 Carbon | 256x256x256mm | Multi-color (AMS), LiDAR, AI, fast | $1,449 + $349 AMS |
| Prusa XL (5-tool) | 360x360x360mm | Multi-material, large format | $3,999-5,499 |
| Ultimaker S5 | 330x240x300mm | Professional reliability | $6,000+ |
| Raise3D Pro3 | 300x300x300mm | Dual extruder, enclosed, reliable | $4,999 |
Characteristics:
- Professional-grade reliability
- Advanced features (multi-color, large format)
- Excellent support
- Great for: Businesses, production, demanding users
FDM Materials (Filaments)
Common Filaments
| Material | Properties | Printing Temp | Best For | Cost/kg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Easy, biodegradable, rigid | 190-220°C | Beginners, decorative, gifts | $15-25 |
| PETG | Strong, flexible, food-safe | 230-250°C | Functional parts, outdoor use | $20-30 |
| ABS | Strong, heat-resistant | 230-260°C | Functional parts, post-processing | $18-28 |
| TPU (flexible) | Rubber-like, stretchy | 210-230°C | Phone cases, gaskets, toys | $25-40 |
| PLA+ | Stronger than PLA | 200-230°C | Improved strength over PLA | $18-28 |
Specialty Filaments
| Material | Special Property | Applications | Cost/kg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wood-fill PLA | Looks/smells like wood | Decorative, rustic items | $25-40 |
| Silk/Metallic PLA | Shiny, premium appearance | Decorative, vases, art | $22-35 |
| Glow-in-dark | Phosphorescent | Novelty items, kids’ toys | $28-45 |
| Carbon fiber | Very strong, stiff | Functional parts, drones | $40-80 |
| Nylon | Extremely strong, flexible | Mechanical parts, hinges | $35-60 |
| ASA | UV-resistant, weatherproof | Outdoor items | $28-45 |
FDM Advantages
| Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Low cost | Entry models under $250 |
| Large build volumes | Print big objects (furniture parts, helmets) |
| Material variety | Dozens of filament types and colors |
| Functional strength | Prints are durable, usable for real applications |
| Easy post-processing | Sand, paint, glue, acetone-smooth |
| Huge community | Massive support, tutorials, mods |
| Open-source | Many models are customizable, hackable |
FDM Disadvantages
| Disadvantage | Impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Visible layer lines | Lower surface quality | Use small nozzles (0.2mm), post-process |
| Support structures needed | Waste material, cleanup time | Orient parts carefully, use breakaway supports |
| Stringing/blobs | Imperfect surface finish | Tune retraction settings |
| Warping (ABS, nylon) | Print failures | Use heated bed, enclosure |
| Nozzle clogs | Downtime | Regular maintenance, quality filament |
| Learning curve | Requires tuning, troubleshooting | Join communities, watch tutorials |
Resin 3D Printers
What is Resin Printing?
Resin printers use UV light to cure liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer, producing incredibly detailed prints. There are several resin technologies:
- SLA (Stereolithography): Laser scans each layer
- DLP (Digital Light Processing): Projector flashes entire layer
- MSLA (Masked SLA): LCD screen masks UV LED array (most common)
How MSLA works:
- Build plate lowers into resin vat
- LCD screen masks UV light in layer pattern
- UV LED array cures exposed resin
- Build plate lifts, peels layer from FEP film
- Vat recoats, process repeats
- Finished print is suspended upside-down
Resin Printer Categories
Budget Resin Printers ($200-400)
| Model | Build Volume | Resolution | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elegoo Mars 3 | 143x89x175mm | 4K (35µm XY) | Mono screen, fast | $230 |
| Anycubic Photon Mono 2 | 165x89x165mm | 4K (34µm XY) | WiFi, app control | $250 |
| Creality Halot-One | 127x80x160mm | 2K (50µm XY) | Entry-level | $200 |
| Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K | 165x72x180mm | 8K (22µm XY) | Ultra-high detail | $380 |
Characteristics:
- Small build volumes
- Excellent detail
- Messy resin handling
- Great for: Miniatures, jewelry, small detailed parts
Mid-Range Resin Printers ($400-1,000)
| Model | Build Volume | Resolution | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elegoo Saturn 3 | 219x123x260mm | 8K (28.5µm XY) | Large format, ultra-detailed | $450 |
| Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K | 197x122x245mm | 6K (34µm XY) | Larger prints, good detail | $480 |
| Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K | 330x185x400mm | 8K (43µm XY) | Extra-large format | $799 |
Characteristics:
- Larger build volumes
- 6K-8K resolution standard
- Better features (WiFi, auto-off)
- Great for: Production, larger models, businesses
Premium Resin Printers ($1,000-6,000+)
| Model | Build Volume | Technology | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Formlabs Form 3+ | 145x145x185mm | SLA (laser) | $3,500 | Professional, reliable |
| Phrozen Sonic Mighty 8K | 330x185x400mm | MSLA 8K | $1,599 | Production, large parts |
| Liqcreate Premium DLP | Varies | DLP (fast) | $2,000-6,000 | Dental, jewelry |
Resin Printer Resolution Explained
| Resolution | XY Pixel Size | Best For | Example Prints |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2K | 50-60µm | Basic details | Large functional parts |
| 4K | 30-40µm | Good details | Miniatures, prototypes |
| 6K | 28-35µm | Excellent details | High-quality miniatures |
| 8K | 22-28µm | Exceptional details | Jewelry, dental models |
| 12K | 15-20µm | Ultra-fine | Professional jewelry |
Note: Z-axis (layer height) is typically 25-100µm, adjustable in slicer
Resin Types
Standard Resins
| Resin Type | Properties | Cost/Liter | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard (general-purpose) | Rigid, brittle, paintable | $20-30 | Miniatures, models, prototypes |
| ABS-Like | Tougher, less brittle | $25-40 | Functional parts, snap-fits |
| Tough | Impact-resistant | $40-60 | Mechanical parts, tools |
| Flexible | Rubber-like | $35-50 | Gaskets, phone cases |
| Water-Washable | No IPA needed | $25-40 | Easier cleanup, beginner-friendly |
Specialty Resins
| Resin Type | Special Property | Applications | Cost/Liter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Castable | Burns out cleanly | Jewelry casting | $60-120 |
| Dental | Biocompatible | Dental appliances, models | $80-200 |
| Transparent | Clear when cured | Lenses, displays | $40-70 |
| High-temperature | Heat-resistant (100°C+) | Injection molds | $60-100 |
| Plant-based | Eco-friendly, lower odor | General printing | $35-50 |
Resin Printing Advantages
| Advantage | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Exceptional detail | Captures finest features (jewelry, miniatures) |
| Smooth surface finish | Minimal layer lines, beautiful results |
| No visible supports | Tiny contact points, easy removal |
| Great for miniatures | Tabletop gaming, collectibles |
| Isotropic strength | Equal strength in all directions |
| Complex geometries | Intricate details, overhangs |
Resin Printing Disadvantages
| Disadvantage | Impact | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Toxic, smelly resin | Health hazard, unpleasant | Ventilation, gloves, masks required |
| Messy cleanup | IPA washing, curing | Dedicated workspace, washing station |
| Limited build volumes | Smaller than FDM | Choose larger-format resin printer |
| Brittle prints (standard resin) | Not functional for stress | Use tough/ABS-like resins |
| Ongoing costs | Resin, FEP film, IPA | Budget for consumables |
| UV curing needed | Additional step | Purchase UV curing station ($50-150) |
Resin Post-Processing Workflow
| Step | Purpose | Equipment | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Remove from build plate | Detach print | Scraper, gloves | 2-5 min |
| 2. Wash in IPA | Remove uncured resin | Washing station, IPA | 5-10 min |
| 3. UV cure | Fully harden print | UV curing box, sunlight | 5-15 min |
| 4. Remove supports | Clean up print | Flush cutters | 5-20 min |
| 5. Sand (optional) | Smooth support marks | Sandpaper (400-1000 grit) | 10-30 min |
| 6. Prime & paint (optional) | Finish print | Primer, paints | Varies |
Total time: 30 minutes to 1 hour per print
Specialty 3D Printer Types
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
How it works: Laser fuses nylon powder layer by layer
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Material | Nylon powder (PA12, PA11) |
| Build volume | Medium to large (200-350mm cubed) |
| Print quality | Very good, slightly grainy surface |
| Supports | None needed! (powder supports itself) |
| Price | $5,000-100,000+ |
| Best for | Functional parts, living hinges, interlocking parts |
Advantages:
- No support structures (huge advantage)
- Excellent functional strength
- Isotropic properties
- Complex geometries
Disadvantages:
- Expensive (entry: $5,000+, professional: $20,000+)
- Limited materials (mostly nylon)
- Powder handling/recycling needed
- Learning curve
Affordable SLS Options:
- Sinterit Lisa Pro ($7,999): Entry-level SLS
- Formlabs Fuse 1+ ($18,499): Professional benchtop
Multi-Material / Multi-Color FDM
Technology: Multiple extruders or filament switching systems
Dual Extruder Systems
| Model | Method | Materials | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prusa XL (5-tool) | Tool changer | 5 different filaments | $3,999-5,499 |
| Raise3D Pro3 | IDEX (dual independent) | 2 filaments | $4,999 |
Uses:
- Print support material + model (dissolve supports)
- Two-color prints
- Flexible + rigid combinations
Filament Switching Systems
| Model | Method | Colors | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bambu Lab AMS | Automatic material system | 4 colors (expandable 16) | $349 add-on |
| Prusa MMU3 | Multi-material upgrade | 5 colors | $349 add-on |
| Mosaic Palette 3 | External splicing | 4 colors | $599 |
How it works:
- Filament is swapped at layer changes or mid-print
- Purge tower removes old color
- New color continues print
Disadvantages:
- Waste (purge towers use significant filament)
- Slower (color changes add time)
- More complex, more failures
Large-Format 3D Printers
For printing big objects (furniture, cosplay armor, etc.)
| Printer | Build Volume | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Creality CR-10 Smart Pro | 300x300x400mm | $699 | Large prints, budget |
| Elegoo Neptune 4 Max | 420x420x480mm | $549 | Very large, affordable |
| Prusa XL | 360x360x360mm | $2,499-5,499 | Large + multi-material |
| Modix Big-60 | 600x600x660mm | $3,500+ | Massive prints |
When you need large-format:
- Cosplay helmets, armor
- Furniture parts
- Large vases, planters
- Prototypes that don’t fit on standard printers
Industrial 3D Printers
Professional-grade for production environments
| Technology | Examples | Price Range | Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Industrial FDM | Stratasys F370, Ultimaker S7 | $15,000-100,000 | Production parts, tooling |
| Industrial SLA | Formlabs Form 3L, 3D Systems | $10,000-250,000 | Jewelry, dental, hearing aids |
| SLS | Formlabs Fuse 1+, EOS | $18,000-500,000 | Functional parts, end-use |
| Metal 3D Printing | Markforged, Desktop Metal | $100,000-500,000+ | Aerospace, medical |
Not for most crafters, but good to understand the ecosystem!
Choosing the Right 3D Printer for Your Needs
Decision Matrix by Primary Use
| Your Goal | Recommended Printer | Budget | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learning 3D printing | FDM: Ender 3 V3, Sovol SV06 | $200-300 | Low cost, huge community, forgiving |
| Miniatures & models | Resin: Elegoo Mars 3, Anycubic Photon | $230-280 | Incredible detail, affordable |
| Functional parts (home) | FDM: Bambu P1S, Prusa MK4 | $700-1,300 | Reliable, strong parts, good size |
| Jewelry prototypes | Resin 8K: Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K | $380-600 | Ultra-fine detail, castable resins |
| Small business (gifts) | FDM: Bambu X1C + AMS | $1,800 | Multi-color, fast, reliable |
| Large cosplay/props | FDM large-format: Elegoo Neptune 4 Max | $549-699 | Huge build volume, affordable |
| Professional production | FDM: Prusa XL or Industrial | $3,000-15,000+ | Multi-material, reliability, support |
Material Needs Guide
| If you mainly need… | Choose… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Strength, durability | FDM | PETG, nylon, carbon fiber filaments |
| Fine detail, smooth finish | Resin | Superior resolution, minimal layer lines |
| Large objects | FDM (large-format) | Bigger build volumes than resin |
| Multi-color prints | FDM with AMS/MMU | Filament switching systems |
| Flexibility | FDM (TPU filament) | Flexible filaments widely available |
| Metal-like appearance | FDM or resin | Metallic PLA or metallized resin |
| Outdoor use | FDM (ASA, PETG) | Weather-resistant filaments |
| Food safety | FDM (PETG) | Food-safe filaments available |
Budget-Based Recommendations
Under $300: Entry-Level
FDM:
- Ender 3 V3 ($200-250): Best value FDM
- Sovol SV06 ($230): Direct drive, auto-level
Resin:
- Creality Halot-One ($200): Basic detail
- Elegoo Mars 3 ($230): 4K detail, great value
$300-800: Serious Hobby
FDM:
- Bambu Lab P1S ($699): Enclosed, fast, multi-color ready
- Creality K1 ($599): Fast speeds, CoreXY
Resin:
- Elegoo Saturn 3 ($450): 8K, large format
- Anycubic Photon Mono X ($480): 6K, bigger prints
$800-2,000: Advanced/Small Business
FDM:
- Prusa MK4 ($1,099 kit): Best reliability, support
- Bambu X1C + AMS ($1,800): Multi-color, ultra-fast
Resin:
- Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K ($799): Extra large, 8K detail
- Formlabs Form 3 ($2,450): Professional quality (refurb ~$1,500)
$2,000-5,000: Professional
FDM:
- Prusa XL ($2,499-5,499): Multi-material, large
- Raise3D Pro3 ($4,999): Dual extruder, reliable
Resin:
- Formlabs Form 3+ ($3,500): Industry standard
- Multiple resin printers for production
$5,000+: Industrial/Production
- SLS: Sinterit Lisa Pro ($7,999), Formlabs Fuse 1+ ($18,499)
- Industrial FDM: Ultimaker S7, Stratasys
- High-end resin: Formlabs Form 3L (large format)
Key Features to Consider
Build Volume
| Size Category | Typical Dimensions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Small | 120x120x150mm | Jewelry, miniatures, small parts |
| Standard | 220x220x250mm | General purpose, most projects |
| Large | 300x300x400mm | Props, larger functional parts |
| Extra Large | 400x400x500mm+ | Cosplay, furniture, huge prints |
Rule of thumb: Get bigger than you think you need!
Auto-Leveling
| Method | Accuracy | Ease of Use | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manual leveling | Fair (if done well) | Difficult for beginners | Included (budget printers) |
| BLTouch/CR-Touch | Good | Easy | $40-60 add-on |
| Load cell / strain gauge | Excellent | Very easy | Included (modern printers) |
| LiDAR | Exceptional | Automatic | Included (Bambu X1C) |
Recommendation: Essential for beginners, even mid-range users benefit
Enclosed vs. Open-Frame
| Feature | Enclosed | Open-Frame |
|---|---|---|
| Temperature stability | Excellent (critical for ABS, nylon) | Poor (PLA only) |
| Safety | Better (enclosed heat, moving parts) | Exposed hazards |
| Noise | Quieter | Louder |
| VOC containment | Better | Fumes escape |
| Cost | More expensive | Cheaper |
| Footprint | Larger | Smaller |
For crafters: Enclosed is better for safety, material versatility
Print Speed
| Printer Class | Typical Speed | “Fast” Speed | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget FDM | 50-80mm/s | 100mm/s | Ender 3 |
| Standard FDM | 60-100mm/s | 150mm/s | Prusa MK4 |
| Fast FDM | 150-300mm/s | 500-600mm/s | Bambu X1C, Creality K1 |
| Resin | 30-50mm/s (Z-axis) | 80-100mm/s | Modern mono screens |
Note: Speed matters less than reliability and quality!
Operating Costs & Maintenance
Annual Costs by Printer Type
| Printer Type | Filament/Resin | Maintenance | Total/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget FDM | $200-400 (PLA) | $50-100 | $250-500 |
| Premium FDM | $300-600 | $100-200 | $400-800 |
| Resin (hobby) | $300-600 | $150-300 (FEP, IPA) | $450-900 |
| SLS | $1,000-3,000 (powder) | $200-500 | $1,200-3,500 |
Assumes moderate use (10-20 hours/week)
Replacement Parts & Consumables
FDM Printers
| Part | Lifespan | Replacement Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nozzle | 200-500 hours | $5-20 | Cheap, easy to replace |
| PTFE tube | 500-1,000 hours | $10-20 | Wear item, replace yearly |
| Bed surface | 500-2,000 hours | $20-50 | PEI sheets, BuildTak |
| Belts | 1,000-3,000 hours | $15-30 | Eventual wear |
| Hotend | 1,000-3,000 hours | $30-100 | Usually just nozzle needs replacing |
Resin Printers
| Part | Lifespan | Replacement Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FEP film | 50-200 prints | $10-25 | Wear item, check regularly |
| LCD screen | 500-2,000 hours | $50-150 | UV degradation |
| Resin | - | $20-120/liter | Ongoing consumable |
| IPA (isopropyl alcohol) | - | $20-40/gallon | Cleaning fluid |
| Nitrile gloves | - | $10-20/100 pack | Safety essential |
Safety Considerations
FDM Printer Safety
| Hazard | Risk Level | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Hot nozzle (250°C+) | Burn risk | Don’t touch during/after printing |
| Heated bed (80-110°C) | Burn risk | Let cool before handling prints |
| VOCs (ABS, nylon) | Respiratory | Use enclosure + ventilation |
| Moving parts | Pinch/crush | Don’t reach into moving printer |
| Fire risk | Low (but possible) | Never leave unattended, smoke detector |
For kids: Supervise closely, use enclosed printers, stick to PLA
Resin Printer Safety
| Hazard | Risk Level | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|
| Toxic resin | High | Gloves always, avoid skin contact |
| Resin fumes | Moderate-High | Ventilation essential, outdoors or fume hood |
| IPA flammability | Moderate | Store safely, no open flames |
| UV light | Eye damage | Don’t look directly at UV source |
| Resin spills | Cleanup hassle | Paper towels, IPA, UV cure to solidify |
For kids: Not recommended under 16, adult supervision essential
Top 3D Printer Recommendations
Best Overall FDM for Beginners
Bambu Lab P1S ($699)
- Enclosed, safe
- Auto-leveling, auto-calibration
- Multi-color ready (add AMS for $349)
- Fast, reliable
- Excellent print quality
Why: Easiest “just works” experience, grow into multi-color later
Best Budget FDM
Ender 3 V3 ($200-250)
- Huge community, endless tutorials
- Auto-leveling (CR-Touch)
- Great print quality when tuned
- Upgradeable, hackable
Why: Best learning platform, amazing value
Best Resin for Miniatures
Elegoo Saturn 3 ($450)
- 8K resolution (28.5µm)
- Large format (219x123x260mm)
- Fast printing (mono screen)
- Great value
Why: High detail + big enough for larger models/batches
Best All-Arounder (Money No Object)
Bambu Lab X1 Carbon + AMS ($1,800 total)
- Multi-color (4 colors, expandable to 16)
- Extremely fast (up to 500mm/s)
- AI camera failure detection
- Enclosed, LiDAR leveling
- Beautiful results
Why: Does everything exceptionally well
Best Value Resin
Elegoo Mars 3 ($230)
- 4K resolution
- Proven reliability
- Huge user community
- Great detail for price
Why: Affordable entry to resin, excellent results
FDM vs. Resin: Which Should You Choose?
| Factor | Choose FDM | Choose Resin |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | <$300 for basics | $230+ for decent detail |
| Print size | Larger objects (helmets, vases) | Small detailed items |
| Detail level | “Good enough” for most | Exceptional, miniature-level |
| Strength | Functional parts, tools | Brittle (unless tough resin) |
| Material variety | Huge (50+ filament types) | Limited (resins only) |
| Mess/safety | Cleaner, safer | Messy, toxic |
| Ease of use | Easier (modern printers) | More post-processing |
| Ongoing cost | Lower (filament cheap) | Higher (resin, FEP, IPA) |
Can’t decide? Start with FDM (more versatile), add resin later for detailed work!
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect 3D Printer
The best 3D printer depends on what you want to make, your budget, and your experience level:
- Beginners: FDM (Ender 3 V3 or Bambu P1S)
- Miniatures/jewelry: Resin (Elegoo Mars 3 or Saturn 3)
- Functional parts: FDM with PETG/nylon (Prusa MK4, Bambu P1S)
- Multi-color crafts: Bambu X1C + AMS
- Large props: Large-format FDM (Elegoo Neptune 4 Max)
- Professional/business: Prusa XL, Formlabs, or industrial
Start by asking:
- What will I print most?
- How much space do I have?
- What’s my realistic budget (including materials)?
- Do I need multi-color or multi-material?
- How much post-processing am I willing to do?
Ready to print? Research specific models on YouTube, join r/3Dprinting, and remember: the best printer is the one you’ll actually use!
Layer by layer, bring your ideas to life!