Best 3d priter

[Sentinel]

I’m looking into getting a 3d printer for making custom parts, but with a huge selection I don’t know what to get. What do you guys think the best quality for price option is?

[deehtha]

I really enjoy my Creality Ender 3 V2. The quality is good, but you definitely should upgrade the bed leveling screws. I am also working on printing up the parts to move the extruder motor to the print head itself. The nice part about it is it can resume prints if there is power loss. There is a lot of different bits you can print to upgrade it. The only thing is, some assembly is required and the bed, unless you upgrade the levelers, needs constant leveling. You can find them for around $199 US.

I also have great luck with Inland brand filament. It is a little cheaper than some of the other brands. Just make sure you have a way to keep the humidity low, PLA absorbs water and can mess up prints in a humid environment.

[aminnich]

I have 2 prusa MK3s+ and a MK4 being delivered this week. I absolutely love them. I have printed some technic parts, but I think a finer nozzle than the stock 0.4mm would work better for LEGO parts. 

I’ve heard positive reviews about the Ender 3 but a lot of people mod them for better quality prints. It’s also a more affordable option. 
 

Personally, I’d recommend an ender 3 

Edited June 17, 2023 by aminnich

[2GodBDGlory]

I've been using a standard Ender 3, and it's a very solid printer for the price. However, my recommendation would be the Ender 3 Neo, which is only $20-30 more than the standard one, with some important upgrades like a silent motherboard, auto bed leveling, a better buildplate, and a metal extruder, all of which are upgrades that I did, for much more than that $20 to 30.

[ukbajadave]

5 hours ago, aminnich said:

... also a more adorable option...

Nothing to add (except I'm also looking at good value 3d printers) but I do like the idea of an adorable printer 

[Sentinel]

Thanks for everyone’s suggestions, I will look into these 

[aeh5040]

+1 for Prusa. I have a MINI and love it. And they come across as a really thoughtful company that cares about its customers (including novices).

[Krxlion]

Hi everyone!

Sorry to refresh kinda old topic, but I am in need as well of 3d printer. The 3d printers topic is a wild and constantly changing environment so I would like to know if there is an update to the mentioned 3d printers? My budget is around 300 USD and I will like to print casings for RC components that are also suited for Lego Technic builds. I will use probably this site: https://marian42.de/partdesigner/. Any other options than Ender V2 Neo with PLA filament?

[Krzychups]

1 hour ago, Krxlion said:

Hi everyone!

Sorry to refresh kinda old topic, but I am in need as well of 3d printer. The 3d printers topic is a wild and constantly changing environment so I would like to know if there is an update to the mentioned 3d printers? My budget is around 300 USD and I will like to print casings for RC components that are also suited for Lego Technic builds. I will use probably this site: https://marian42.de/partdesigner/. Any other options than Ender V2 Neo with PLA filament?

Hi @Krxlion, I have Creality Ender 3 S1 pro. I have chosen it because I sometimes want to print from nylon (nylon needs to be heated to a high temperature - on this 3d printer it's possible). It doesn't have to be this particular printer. What I want to point out is that you will probably need a dryer for the filaments (some filaments absorb moisture) and filaments for printing - not sure if you will fit into the budget.

I've made a battery case for now, but I'll probably start making other cases (I have a receiver for a Dumborc x6fg remote control, and also an esc 35a same as you have) ;)

[allanp]

I haven't felt much of a need to upgrade from my ender 3 v2. I did add a bltouch auto levelling upgrade and aluminium pinch roller arm but that's been fine for me.

[2GodBDGlory]

I'd agree that it's a good idea to get some updated advice, since the printer market is changing fast! Here's three suggestions, all of which are new since the last time this thread was updated:

• The Ender 3 V3 SE is the latest version of the classic Ender 3, but despite being significantly fancier than earlier versions, it's still available at essentially the same price, at $200 USD currently. It's got good features like auto bed leveling, dual Z-axis, and a direct extruder, but it's slower than my other recommendations at an advertised 250mm/s. Perhaps its biggest advantages are low price and the kind of community support that comes from being part of a long line of super-popular printers https://store.creality.com/products/ender-3-v3-se-3d-printer?sscid=21k8_9erc8&
  • It appears that there's a fancier version, the Ender 3 V3 KE, which has some more smart features for wireless control and faster, advertised 500 mm/s printing. It might be worth it at $280 USD https://store.creality.com/products/ender-3-v3-ke-3d-printer?spm=..collection_90778a1d-d845-4ff0-a8c4-48fded4b7d74.albums_1.1
• The Elegoo Neptune 4 is one that a friend of mine got recently, and it's pretty impressive! It's got the same 500 mm/s printing, auto bed leveling, dual Z-axis, and a direct extruder. Perhaps its only downfall is that it requires a little more work, and either a USB WiFi adapter or an ethernet cable if you care about using a web interface, compared to the more premium Ender or the next suggestion. It's at a very reasonable $220 USD, and is probably the way I'd go personally if I needed an upgrade https://www.elegoo.com/en-ca/products/elegoo-neptune-4-fdm-3d-printer
• The Bambu Labs A1 Mini is perhaps the closest thing to an "appliance-grade" 3D printer that you can get in this price range, with intuitive control from a web interface, lots of sensors for reliability, and the same 500 mm/s speed rating. It's a high-tech, high-feature machine that's ideal for someone who wants reliable, ready-to-go, 3D printing, and is willing to spend slightly more for a machine that doesn't really need or support tinkering. It's main downside compared to the other two is that it has a smaller build plate, but 180mm^3 is still plenty for Technic parts. This one also has an option for a super-cool multi-color add-on option, but that adds $160 and isn't really necessary for functional Technic parts. This one is right on $300. https://us.store.bambulab.com/products/a1-mini?variant=41513493627016

 

As far as what @Krzychups is saying about filament dryers, I'd say that they are important for some filaments, (like the nylon he mentioned, I believe), but aren't necessary for a lot of printing. I've primarily printed with easy-to-use PLA, which is strong enough for most Technic purposes, and doesn't require any kind of drying. I just keep mine in the open air, and the worst that happens is the occasional time filament will break, and that's usually when I'm moving stuff around on the printer, not when I'm printing. I've also used PETG (stronger) and TPU (rubbery) from time to time, and those I keep in sealed bags with desiccant packets, which has worked fine for me.

Hope that helps!

[Aurorasaurus]

Building on 2GodBDGlory's post.

I have a bambu lab P1S and if the A1 mini is anything like it, its definitely more of an appliance than another hobby. If you want something that "just works" then I think bambu lab might be the way to go.

[Krxlion]

I would really like to have out of box functionality. I can dig deeper into polishing the model in CAD or any 3d software, but tuning the printer might be just too much. Have anyone of you heard about recent Sidewinder X4 Pro? My friend is getting it soon and I don't know how to compare it to previous models, even Bambu Labs A1 Mini. :D The price of Bambu is kinda scary, but I am willing to pay extra if I would not scratch my head over and over to configure the 3d printer.

EDIT: Just noticed the quality difference between Bambu and previous ones. The difference is real! If it is out of the box functionality I am in. :D

Edited February 8, 2024 by Krxlion

[Bensch55]

1 hour ago, Aurorasaurus said:

If you want something that "just works" then I think bambu lab might be the way to go.

I can only second that. My P1S is a reliable tool to use, not another project in itself.

[Aurorasaurus]

1 hour ago, Krxlion said:

If it is out of the box functionality I am in. :D

I (a complete novice) was printing within an hour.

[2GodBDGlory]

3 hours ago, Krxlion said:

I would really like to have out of box functionality. I can dig deeper into polishing the model in CAD or any 3d software, but tuning the printer might be just too much. Have anyone of you heard about recent Sidewinder X4 Pro? My friend is getting it soon and I don't know how to compare it to previous models, even Bambu Labs A1 Mini. :D The price of Bambu is kinda scary, but I am willing to pay extra if I would not scratch my head over and over to configure the 3d printer.

EDIT: Just noticed the quality difference between Bambu and previous ones. The difference is real! If it is out of the box functionality I am in. :D

I hadn't known anything about that Sidewinder X4 Pro, but after looking it up, I'd say it looks pretty cool! All the features one would want, high speeds, good volume, and linear rails on all axes! You don't get linear rails in that price point much, so that's a pretty nice selling point!

If you don't want to have to do much tuning, I'd go with the Bambu, but if you want to save money and acquire another hobby, other stuff is good too! My main printer started as a super-basic Ender 3, and I've had a lot of fun upgrading and modifying it, so it can be a fun hobby to start on the lower end! It's just a question of whether you have the interest and energy in getting into that

Edited February 8, 2024 by 2GodBDGlory

[Krxlion]

Thanks everyone for the input. I went for Bambu Labs A1 Mini. I might share an opinion with you as a novice user of 3d printing. Also, my friend probably will buy Sidewinder X4 Pro which is slightly cheaper in my country, so I might do some comparison in this thread later. :)

Edited February 8, 2024 by Krxlion

[Azeng]

If I have to choose, I think I can choose the ELEGOO brand. I used the Revopoint 3D scanner with this brand of printer to make some models. The overall experience is good. And I use the Saturn sub-series, there are many other series to try.

I have read an article about 3D printing before, you can read this article: https://www.revopoint3d.com/blogs/blog/different-types-of-3d-printer. The materials of the commonly used printing materials can meet the general needs. I think elegoo is a good try.

[2GodBDGlory]

I haven't been able to find a dedicated 3D printing topic on Eurobricks, so I'll just ask here:

Does anyone have any recommendations for a 3D printer filament that approximates the color of Lego LBG? I'd love to be able to print parts for MOCs, which I typically build in LBG, but I don't have any filament in that shade, and I'd hate to gamble buying one that just looks close

Thanks!

[Aurorasaurus]

11 minutes ago, 2GodBDGlory said:

Does anyone have any recommendations for a 3D printer filament that approximates the color of Lego LBG? I'd love to be able to print parts for MOCs, which I typically build in LBG, but I don't have any filament in that shade

Would you be bothered by the layer lines? Or are you planning to use them just for mechanical parts, not bodywork?

The only filament I've used that matches lego colors nicely is black :)

Good luck anyhow, I'd be curious to see what you find. Maybe you can order filament samples instead of full spools?

[2GodBDGlory]

No, I wouldn't be bothered too much by the layer lines. I've used black parts in bodywork before, but I guess the layer lines aren't as visible in those, but I'd still hope they'd be acceptable in a lighter color n

I do recall hearing about a filament color matching resource online; I might have to try digging it up and seeing if it's helpful

[Krzychups]

I can only recomend Fiberlogy filaments with graphite color but for DBG (dark grey) color, not LBG. This is ideal when you mesh Lego DBG parts with it. I don't know if it is available in Canada or New Zealand because it is a Polish brand.

Edited October 30, 2024 by Krzychups

[2GodBDGlory]

4 minutes ago, Krzychups said:

I can only recomend Fiberlogy filaments with graphite color but for DBG (dark grey) color, not LBG. This is ideal when you mesh Lego DBG parts with it. I don't know if it is available in Canada or New Zealand because it is a Polish brand.

Thanks! I do have a filament that's pretty close to DBG, which is good to have. 

I wonder if there'll ever be a market for specialized filaments designed to directly relocate Lego colors 

[HorcikDesigns]

1 hour ago, 2GodBDGlory said:

Thanks! I do have a filament that's pretty close to DBG, which is good to have. 

I wonder if there'll ever be a market for specialized filaments designed to directly relocate Lego colors 

Aurapol has quite matching red, blue, green and yellow PLA in their L-EGO product line. Light gray is acceptable but not exact. Not sure if it is available worldwide, again, manufacturer is located in central Europe. 

@Krzychups Thanks for recommendation on DBG filament, have to try it instead of c-tech PLA that is really brittle over time and does not match perfectly.

Edited October 30, 2024 by HorcikDesigns

[tseary]

I also have an Ender 3 V2. Although it's a few years old now, it's still going strong with minimal maintenance. The only upgrades I've done are to add a Capricorn tube and replace the bed springs.

I use it to make custom Lego gears and liftarms from time to time. Today I'm printing a mount for a 540 size DC motor.

One of the best filaments I've used is Duramic PLA+. I suspect it has a bit of ABS in it, because it prints at a higher temperature and the finish is a nice match for black Lego.