For example, I managed to print the entire blade of a Dune Crysknife, something that would have needed to be split into three parts if it wasn't for the extra build volume. For more oversized cosplay items, practical models or collections of gaming miniatures, you're going to need a bigger build area.Įnter the Anycubic Mono X, a resin printer that solves that issue by having a build plate nearly three times bigger than the standard Anycubic models.
Standard resin printers are fine if you want to print small items or miniatures. If you're willing to put a little effort into getting it set up correctly, it's a great printer for the price. I especially liked the auto-leveling, which worked well, and the color touchscreen, which is a feature that often gets chopped from low-cost models. It would make a great second 3D printer, or if you need to fit one into a small space. The included microSD card was so cheap and corrupted it never worked, the built-in Wi-Fi was never able to connect to my network, and the machine's arms got caught on some poorly installed plastic wire covers (I just ripped the paper-thin covers off).īut once I had all the problems ironed out, it was a reliable little machine for quick jobs. It required some tweaking and troubleshooting to get up and running. This is not the great low-cost entry-level printer I was hoping for. And I do like it, but it's for a specific audience. It's usually under $200 and requires no additional assembly. I had high hopes for this dirt-cheap 3D printer with a tiny footprint. And once you've decided to take the plunge into additive manufacturing - that's what 3D printing essentially is - there's an FAQ below. This list includes both small and large 3D printers, with attention paid to print speed, the size of the build plate, the cost of PLA filament, the kind of print head included and other important details. We've taken a deep dive into many of the best 3D printers available today. These models by Fotis Mint are extremely detailed. Even better, they're great for you to craft your own personalized designs if you're looking to open an Etsy shop or something similar.
Advanced printers are also using resin machines that create amazingly detailed prints.Ĭurrent 3D printers, which range from affordable (under $300) to high-end (over $4,000), are great gifts for a creative person in your life. Schools and libraries often have 3D printers, and the barrier to entry for hobbyists is lower than ever, with inexpensive machines offering excellent out-of-the-box results.īecause 3D printing technology has come a long way in recent years, I've doubled down on being creative and gotten into 3D scanning and laser cutting as well, which lets you sculpt real-world designs from leather and wood.
On his website you can find many examples of his work.In the last few years, 3D printing has crossed a rubicon into the mainstream consciousness. He is an enthusiastic user of Blender, owns a MakerBot printer, and is a big fan of anything open and shared. Whether you own your own 3D printer, or use online services such as ShapeWays, this 3+-hour training will help you join in this exciting new maker era! About Dolf Veenvlietĭolf Veenvliet is a Dutch artist who has been exploring 3D printing for sculpture design for many years. You will also find printable models to experiment with yourself. There are extensive chapters introducing Blender modeling for new users, and then going on to cover everything you need to know to create efficient, high-quality 3D prints – including color, wall thickness, and overhang problems. This training is for everyone who is into 3D printing, beginners and professionals alike. However, with Blender version 2.67 this now is even more accessible and powerful, thanks to the 3D Printing Toolbox and real-time Mesh Analysis features. Blender has supported 3D printing modeling and file formats since 2002.