By TECHBOOK | Apr 07, 2022 at 8:09 p.m
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.
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 type3D printer
Technology FFF
Printing speed 200mm/s
Printing MaterialsPLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, PC, CPE, PVA/BVOH, PVB, HIPS, PP, Flex, Nylon
Filament diameter 1.75mm
Printing area 250 × 210 × 210 mm
Nozzle diameter 0.4 mm
ConnectionsCard reader
Card readerSD
Dimensions 550 × 400 × 500 mm
Weight11 kg
Color orange
Scope of deliveryUser manual, power adapter, 1 kg filament spool 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 controlThe user-friendly: 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 type3D printer
Technology PJP
Printing speed 180mm/s
Printing MaterialsABS, PLA
Printing area 140 × 140 × 140 mm
Layer thickness 0.2 mm
Display typeLCD touch display
ConnectionsUSB 2.0, WLAN
Supported Operating SystemsWindows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Mac OS X
Dimensions 260 × 260 × 340 mm
Weight 4.3 kg
ColorsSilver, various colors
Scope of deliveryUSB 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 housing
– Push button sometimes hot– With filaments, print interruptions are possible
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 type3D printer
Technology FFF
Printing speed 100mm/s
Printing MaterialsTPU, PLA, Nylon, ABS
Filament diameter 1.75mm
Printing area 270 × 200 × 200 mm
Nozzle diameter 0.4 mm
Display typeLCD touch display
ConnectionsWLAN, USB
Supported operating systemsWindows, Mac OS X
Dimensions 662 × 57 × 558 mm
Weight 23 kg
Color: Black
Package ContentsPower 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
+ Fully assembled, ready to use+ Very good equipment+ Impressive print quality+ 0.05 mm high-precision printing+ Quiet operating noise+ Safe, closed printing space
Cons
– No integrated filament sensor – Relatively heavy housingThe best price: Elegoo MARS UV LCD
Features of the Elegoo MARS UV LCD
Elegoo MARS UV LCD
Product type3D printer
Technology LCD UV light curing
Print MaterialsRésine
Printing speed 22.5 mm/h
Printing area 115 × 65 × 150 mm
Display typeLCD touch display
ConnectionsUSB
Dimensions 56 × 286 × 278 mm
Weight7.5kg
ColoursBlack, Red
Included in 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 in delivery + Quick and easy start-up
Cons
Product type3D printer
Technology SLA
Print MaterialsRésine
Printing speed 60 mm/h
Printing area 192 × 120 × 245 mm
Display typeLCD display
Supported Operating SystemsWindows (7+), Mac OS X (10.7+)
ConnectionsUSB, WiFi
Power consumption in operation 120 W
Dimensions 290 × 270 × 475 mm
Weight 10.75 kg
ColoursBlack, Yellow
Package ContentsUser Guide, SD Card, Tool Kit, SD Card Reader, Scraper, Resin Vat, Platform, Power Cord, Service Card, WiFi Antenna, Gloves
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
– Software with bugs 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
Laser printers leave secret traces on every piece of paperHere come edible steaks from a 3D printerInexpensive printers often have a big problemBig rip-off? Why printer cartridges cost so much
You can also read from our colleagues at myHOMEBOOK how 3D printers can be used sensibly in the home.
For those who want to keep up to date with the latest technological 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.
