Category: 3Dprinting
Best 3D Printers of 2023! A Guide for Beginners, Budgets, & More!
~Low Budget~
- Elegoo Neptune 3 – $189 – https://www.elegoo.com/en-ca/collections/3d-printers/products/elegoo-neptune-3-pro-fdm-3d-printer-225x225x280mm
- Elegoo Neptune 4 -$239 – https://www.elegoo.com/collections/3d-printers/products/elegoo-neptune-4-fdm-3d-printer
- Bambu Lab A1 Mini – $299 – https://ca.store.bambulab.com/products/a1-mini
- Bambu Lab A1 Combo – $459 – https://ca.store.bambulab.com/products/a1?_pos=2&_sid=e97d0d489
- Creality K1 – $479 – https://store.creality.com/products/k1-3d-printer
~Medium Budget~
- Bambu Lab P1P – $539 – https://ca.store.bambulab.com/products/p1p?sscid=c1k7_l2ppk
- Bambu Lab P1S – $599 – https://ca.store.bambulab.com/products/p1s?variant=41211805696136
- Flashforge 5M Pro – $599 – https://www.flashforgeshop.com/product/adventurer-5m-pro-3d-printer
- Elegoo Neptune 3 PLUS – $279 – https://www.elegoo.com/collections/3d-printers/products/elegoo-neptune-3-plus-fdm-3d-printer-with-larger-build-volume-of-320x320x400mm
- Elegoo Neptune 4 PLUS – $350 – https://www.elegoo.com/collections/3d-printers/products/neptune-4-plus-fdm-3d-printer
~High Budget~
- Creality K1 MAX – $719 – https://store.creality.com/products/k1-max-3d-printer
- Prusa Mk4 (Kit) – $799 – https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-mk4-kit-2/
- Prusa Mk4 (Built) – $1099 – https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-mk4-2/
- FLsun V400 – $649 – https://store.flsun3d.com/products/flsun-v400
- Bambu Lab X1C – $1049 – https://ca.store.bambulab.com/products/x1-carbon-3d-printer
- Bambu Lab X1C AMS – $1299 – https://ca.store.bambulab.com/products/x1-carbon-combo
~Experienced User~
- Bambu Lab X1C – $1049 – https://ca.store.bambulab.com/products/x1-carbon-3d-printer
- Bambu Lab X1C AMS – $1299 – https://ca.store.bambulab.com/products/x1-carbon-combo
- Bambu Lab P1P – $539 – https://ca.store.bambulab.com/products/p1p
- Bambu Lab P1S – $599 – https://ca.store.bambulab.com/products/p1s
- Creality K1 MAX – $719 – https://store.creality.com/products/k1-max-3d-printer
- Prusa Mk4 (Kit) – $799 – https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-mk4-kit-2/
- Prusa Mk4 (Built) – $1099 – https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-mk4-2
- Elegoo Neptune 3 MAX – $380 – https://www.elegoo.com/collections/3d-printers/products/elegoo-neptune-3-max-fdm-3d-printer-massive-printing-size-of-420x420x500mm
- Prusa XL – $1999 – https://www.prusa3d.com/product/original-prusa-xl-2/
FDM vs Resin 3D Printing – Which is Better?
https://www.miniwargaming.com/content/matthews-3d-printing-recommendations
<strong>NOTE: Resin printing is known to suffer from bending or warping, so it is not suggested for structural or modular pieces</strong>
FDM: Bambu Lab P1S 3D Printer
Resin 3D printing beginners step by step guide
Supplies You Will Need
- A Respirator (for Resin printing)
- A Backup Power Supply (great for when the power goes out)
- Nitrile Gloves (Latex gloves will NOT be good enough)
- IPA Alcohol (99.9%) – For cleaning resin
- Many many paper towels
NOTE: Resin printing is known to suffer from bending or warping, so it is not suggested for structural or modular pieces
Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra Review – ACF Resin 3D printer
NOTE: You can use Anycubic water washable 8k resin with this printer.
What is ACF film (Advanced Composite Film) for resin printing?
The ACF Film features a bottom, frosted layer film that creates a softer and less suction force during printing. This remarkable attribute significantly enhances the success rate when printing challenging resins with high viscosity, ensuring exceptional results.
https://www.elegoo.com/en-ca/products/elegoo-saturn-3-ultra-resin-3d-printer-12k
Washing and curing
Most common ways to smooth 3D prints
https://www.xometry.com/resources/3d-printing/smooth-3d-prints/
- Using Paint and Sanding Material for PLA filaments
- Using Abrasive Smoothing Methods
- Using XTC-3D epoxy resin
- Using 3D Gloop
- Using PolyMaker PolySmooth PVB Filament
- Using Chemical Smoothing like Resin, Ethyl Acetate, Acetone for ABS filaments or Isopropyl Alcohol for PVB filaments
- Using Heat Gun
- Using hardware like Polymaker Polysher
- Automotive Spray Putty for PLA
Note: Some methods apply to only a few types of 3D print technologies
Elegoo Water Washable Resin Review – Elegoo Mars
Other Supplies You Will Need
- A Respirator (for Resin printing)
- A Backup Power Supply (great for when the power goes out)
- Nitrile Gloves (Latex gloves will NOT be good enough)
- IPA Alcohol (99.9%) – For cleaning resin
- Many many paper towels
Creality K1 Max Review – Large High Speed 3D Printer
- 300mm x 300mm x 300mm Build Volume
- Compatible Printing Materials Up to 300°C
- Quality of Life Features Like Hands-Free Auto Bed Leveling
- High-Speed CoreXY with 20000 mm/s² Acceleration
- Sturdy Unibody Die-cast Frame
- Assembled & Calibrated Out of the Box
- Max Print Speed: 600mm/s
- Average Print Speed: 300mm/s
- Print Acceleration: 20,000mm/s2
- 32mm³/s Max Flow Hotend
- G-sensor compensates for ringing
- Unibody die-cast frame adds stability
- Reduced Z-banding with upgraded Z-axis
- 0.6mm and 0.8mm sizes (compatible)
- Nozzle Diameter 0.4mm (included)
- Material Types: PLA, ABS, PETG, PET, TPU, PA, ABS, ASA, PC,
PLA-CF*, PA-CF*, PET-CF*
Stratasys J55 – full color 3D Printer
Margaret Dost’s Archer Elf in full color using the Stratasys J55 at Fonco Studios
Water-soluble support material with no sanding and no paint.