If you have a higher budget, the or LulzBot Taz 6 are the gold standards. These machines offer "set it and forget it" reliability and are built for heavy, professional use. Hidden Costs to Budget For 💡 Don't spend your entire budget on the machine alone. Filament : A 1kg spool of quality PLA costs about $20–$30.
: You’ll need glue sticks or hairspray to help prints stick to the bed. buying a 3d printer 2017
In 2017, you no longer have to rely on sketchy crowdfunding campaigns. Stick to established retailers like , MatterHackers , or Printed Solid . This ensures you have a warranty and access to a community of users who can help you troubleshoot. If you have a higher budget, the or
: You must choose between a DIY Kit or a Pre-assembled unit. Kits like the RepRap variants save money but require 5–10 hours of build time. Filament : A 1kg spool of quality PLA costs about $20–$30
: Consider what you actually want to make. A standard 200mm x 200mm bed is the "sweet spot" for most projects.
Buying a 3D printer in 2017 is an exciting move as the technology has finally matured from a niche hobby into a reliable consumer tool. This year, the market is defined by a massive surge in "plug-and-play" reliability and a dramatic drop in price for high-quality machines. Key Considerations for 2017