Best 3D Printers in 2022

Last update: November 27, 2022

Can you use a 3D printer without a computer?

Yes. Some 3D printers come with their own control panels and can be used without a computer. However, you will need a computer to design the objects you want to print.

Do 3D printers cost a lot of electricity?

3D printers are becoming increasingly popular, but there are still many people who are unsure about whether or not they are worth the investment. One of the main concerns that people have is the cost of electricity that is required to operate a 3D printer. To answer this question, we need to first understand how a 3D printer works. 3D printers use a process called additive manufacturing, which means that they create objects by adding layers of material on top of each other. The material is typically a plastic filament, which is melted and then extruded through a nozzle to create the desired

How long does it take to make something in a 3D printer?

3D printers are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a quick and easy way to create 3D objects. But how long does it actually take to print something in a 3D printer? The answer to this question depends on a few factors, including the size and complexity of the object being printed, the type of 3D printer being used, and the settings that are selected. In general, however, it takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours to print an object in a 3D printer. So, if you're looking for a quick and easy way

How long will 3D prints last?

3D printing technology is still in its infancy, which means that there is no definitive answer to how long 3D prints will last. However, it is generally accepted that 3D prints made with high-quality materials and proper post-processing will last for many years. Additionally, 3D prints made with lower-quality materials or without proper post-processing are more likely to degrade over time.


TECBOSS 3D Pen Mat, 3D Printing Pen Pad Silicone Template with Bonus 3 Patterns Mat 2 Finger Protectors, Best Tools for 3D Drawing, Gift Box Review:


I purchased a 3D pen for some modeling work and this small mat as a beginner kit for my young child, but I have been using it more frequently than he has. This mat is excellent for learning how to draw those neat, firm lines. A learning curve exists while using a 3D pen because you have never used one before. With its silicon foundation, this mat won't melt or get excessively hot to the touch and has been a huge help in creating some fantastic patterns. Additionally, it provides a solid foundation for shaping and molding your ideas, and the grid greatly facilitates keeping your drawings "in line" with one another. Without it, I frequently draw the Leaning Tower of Pisa.You can use it in a variety of inventive ways because it's roughly the size of a mouse pad. Hopefully, my child and I will start some seriously cool 3D modeling soon.



Nulaxy 3D Pen, First Robot 3D Drawing Printing Pens with Voice Prompt, LED Indicator, 3 Adjustable Speeds, 6 Colors PLA Filament Refills and Stencil Safe for Kids Adults Arts Crafts Model DIY Review:


This 3D pen is highly entertaining and simple to use. I had never used one before, but I performed well on my first attempt. Initially, I believed the instructions to be insufficient, but this product is so simple to use that I was wrong. You can simply follow the steps I've provided below to get going right now. Literally anything may be made from it. One layer was sufficient, when I had anticipated needing several layers to make it thick and solid, proving that you don't need a lot of filament. The pen is a sweet little robot that responds to commands clearly. It is a wonderful present for both kids and adults. I heartily urge you to do it!It only functions when plugged in, but the charging connection and filament are out of the way. The pen is incredibly portable. After pressing the function button (the smaller button), the pen is ready to use when the red indicator light changes to blue. You will enter the filament after this step, but DO NOT do so while the light is still red. Although the tip is not particularly hot, you should still use the provided finger protection. You may change the speed by pressing the smaller function button twice. When finished, you must press the function button once again to pause before swiftly restarting with that same button. You must cut the filament at the tip so it is flat before re-inserting it before pressing the larger button to remove the filament.



dikale 3D Pen with PLA Filament Refills 07A【Newest Version】 3D Drawing Printing Printer Pen Bonus 12 Colors 120 Feet PLA 250 Stencil eBook for Kids Adults Arts Crafts Model DIY, Non-Clogging … Review:


In all honesty, I bought this pen so I could do a few crafts for some Halloween gifts my daughter could give out. I had been considering trying one of these out for a while, and the whole "helping my daughter out" thing fit right into my scheme.The majority of these pens appear to be promoted as either high-end "maker" equipment or children's toys (alarmingly cheap). I made the decision to get the Dikale since it seemed to be a reliable entry-level device with positive reviews and a reasonable price because I knew I would receive my wife's "what are you junking up my dining room table with now" look otherwise.I opened the box as soon as I got the pen and got to work. I can't compare this to other 3D pens because it's my first one, but I thought the construction was good. Although I haven't experienced one, my impression is that this kind of product is notoriously problematic with filament jams. A sizable supply of beginning PLA filaments, which have seen a commendable amount of use, were included in the box I received. Given the finicky nature of this kind of equipment and the fact that the English instructions were not written by a native English speaker, I thought them to be intelligible and instructive enough (as I said, no filament jams to date).For a medium-sized hand, the pen's controls are suitable and conveniently located. A feed-forward button is used to feed filament onto the project. An unload button is used to discharge unmelted filament when changing colors or turning off the machine. A mode switch button allows switching between different plastic types (such as PLA or ABS) or feed rates. The pen may be powered by the same kind of portable battery pack you'd use for your mobile devices because it uses a normal micro-USB connector.I can only really fault the product on these issues:- The feed speed is skewed too heavily toward faster speeds. This might be beneficial if you are an expert with 3D pens, but I'm not, and the medium is a little too quick for my level of competence. The third (and quickest) speed should only be used for running lengthy beads or filling empty space. It would be nice to have a speed control with 5 or 7 stages rather of only 3.- On/Off Switch. I completely understand the need for a simple on/off toggle when printing longer lengths of filament, however push-to-feed and release-to-stop buttons would be ideal for smaller tasks. For beginners like me, this would notably help to reduce filament waste.I'd like to say that I've spent a lot of time using the product already, but when my 7-year-old daughter saw me flaunting the pen, she swiftly seized control of it, and I haven't been able to "steal" it from her since. She has probably spent more time practicing the pen than I have, and she is beginning to get really good at it. However, I believe that the fact that a 7-year-old can take up (i.e., steal from dad) the Dikale pen and begin scribbling furiously is a good illustration of the pen's simplicity and approachability. I am very proud of her because she thinks she can genuinely "create" toys to play with.



Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer 8.6" x 8.6" x 9.8" with Meanwell Power Supply and Removable Cmagnet Build Surface Plates Review:


I had to test out this printer after reading reviews and seeing the price. I was a little concerned that, given my lack of familiarity with 3D printers, I wouldn't be able to configure it and get this printing done with a respectable level of quality. I was completely mistaken in my assessment. Setup went as planned; you receive a box of components with the base put together and must put the rest together. There were no issues with the instructions because they were excellent. I was prepared for this because I had already seen a few tutorials on setup and installation. I disassembled everything during setup to make sure it was square, level, tightly packed, and could move without slop, and I'm pleased I did. Assembly took the majority of the afternoon, and that evening I was printing test prints. The default settings were found to be VERY CLOSE to what I considered to be the best after going through the usual testing (hot end temps, retraction tests, etc.). Since then, I have successfully printed a few kg of PLA, and everything is going fine! The magnetic build plate is a godsend for removing prints; all you have to do is take it off and "roll" the mat away from the part; it comes off quite easily and cleanly.Overall, I would HIGHLY suggest this printer for a hobbyist level user; however, as that is not what I use it for, I am unable to comment on its suitability for usage in a production situation. I have successfully printed a few boxes for the Pi 3 B and a few for buck converters. The quality that can be obtained with only a small amount of tinkering has me really happy that I took a chance on purchasing such a cheap printer.



TECBOSS 3D Pen, SL300 Intelligent 3D Printing Pen with LED Display,USB Charging, 8 Speed Printing&Temperature Control, Simple Handled 3D Printer Pen for Your Kids Toys, Interesting Gifts for All Age Review:


After acquiring one of the very first 3D Pens to hit the market years ago, I am now using a second one. I must admit that I am rather astonished by how far technology has advanced in such a short period of time. This pen is a significant improvement over the first ones I tried and has a lot of new features. For instance, the heating process is substantially quicker, and the little digital screen shows the precise temperature. But let's start with the packing before delving more deeply into the features. The box is stylish and has some items I did not anticipate. The first two that come to mind are: Suction cup holders are a great way to keep track of how much space you're using in a tiny makerspace at home. Personally, I like to sit directly next to a window. With this, I can put my pen on show where it will be useful and accessible. Even though it sounds insignificant, it made a lot of sense to me. 2. A little finger protector sleeve: If you've ever used a 3D pen or 3D printing in general, you know that eventually you're going to get a little burned. In fact, I'm pretty shocked that this idea for protecting hasn't been thought of previously. Yet another seemingly insignificant detail that, in my opinion, really improves the finished product The item itself is of a respectable size and has a good, elegant appearance. It is visually appealing and not bulky (I got the black model.) Extrusion is a simple operation with variable speeds. Put some painters tape down on a layer of cardboard or another material of your choice. This is something I discovered to be handy once I got the hang of it, just like with normal 3D printing. I discovered that the PLA had a lot better ability to stick and gave me more control over the overall appearance of my works. The only restriction on what you may write with a pen is how imaginative you are and what you have in mind. I mostly use the pen to correct flaws in my own 3D printers. It is a useful tool for joining together multipart prints and removing imperfections or undesirable lines. I was able to sit down and explore with some simple shapes when it came to my own inventions, which eventually led to larger items. I believe you may take this as far as you like. If you're interested in producing 2D art that you can touch, that is fair game. However, using the pen to create 3D objects is also a possibility.



Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer with Removable Build Surface Plate and UL Certified Power Supply 220x220x250mm Review:


This printer exceeded my expectations in every way. The Mendelmax2 was my disastrous first 3D printing experience. It was simply too difficult to set up and print correctly. However, this item lives up to the hype. Mostly pre-assembled, with the exception of the vertical components. It is incredibly well-thought-out. You'll find this easy if you've used 3D printers before. It will take longer if you lack mechanical or electrical aptitude because you are undoubtedly being too careful.I purchased the Pro model, which includes a new power supply and a magnetic build surface/plate. The main issues I had with my MM2 were print adherence and bed leveling. Similar to voodoo, However, printing PLA on a cmagnet plate is a pipe dream. Prints adhere to it tenaciously and literally peel off as soon as they have cooled. A plate that isn't precisely flat causes some production problems, and bed leveling can be a little frustrating. That may be related to how the y-carriage is linked below, which results in a slight bent in the bed plate. That's my educated guess, although I could be wrong. Whatever the reason, my still prints exceptionally well with stock components. directly from the box Simply level the bed, then begin printing.Although I'm currently in the tuning stage, I'm extremely pleased with the outcomes thus far. There are a few minor issues that, as others have pointed out, you should deal with right away and print fixes for.-The z-axis connection requires some adjustment to get it lined up properly and prevent the leadscrew from becoming stuck at the top.-To properly dial it in and eliminate any wobble, pay close attention to the eccentric nuts that tighten the wheels around the printer.-A filament guide or barrier must be printed in advance to prevent the filament from rubbing against the leadscrew and picking up oil. To attach to the 2020 extrusion, print the filament guide arm as well.-look for the calibration video by Teaching Tech on YouTube. The numbers for your printer and filament MUST be obtained. Once you have those, you have a base from which to make adjustments.For less than $300, this printer is just remarkable. I'm ashamed to admit how much money I spent on its predecessor, which rarely functioned properly. I'm printing models, making necessary adjustments, and then printing again. I have no reservations about recommending this printer.



3D Printing Pen Silicone Design Mat with Basic Template, with 2 Silicone Finger Caps, Great 3D Pen Drawing Tools MIKA3D Review:


If you're new to 3D pen crafting, having this item is an excellent idea. This mat greatly aids my daughter and me as we learn how to use a 3D pen since it has grooves that allow us to create precise squares, circles, and even triangles. Alternatively, you can turn the mat over and utilize the smooth backside if you only want to "free-hand" it (not sure if that is by design, lol). The finger guards are a wonderful addition as well (no pun intended) for when you need to remove a small piece of filament that is stubbornly stuck to the pen's extremely hot tip. Overall, I'm quite happy with my purchase.



UV Resin Curing Light for SLA 3D Printer/DLP 3D Printer solidify photosensitive Resin 405nm UV Resin with 60w Output Affect Review:


Works Perfectly. I got this to power a solar-powered turntable and cure 3D UV resin prints. Just just excellent. I leave it going for extended periods of time and have never noticed the LED growing hot. The inbuilt power switch is another fantastic feature. This is a good option for UV resin curing.



Comgrow Creality Ender 3 3D Printer Aluminum DIY with Resume Print 220x220x250mm Review:


You might be able to put this printer together in a few hours, but you can't actually construct it in that time. The difference between correctly constructing something and assembling it is substantial. Anyone can put things together during assembly, which is the simple part. The construction took four to five hours to complete properly.It is obvious that the extremities of the Z axis are not squarely machined when you stand the uprights on their ends on a granite surface plate. After the ends were machined, they were sufficiently flat and square to be assembled. The leadscrew needed to be straightened to make it parallel to the Z uprights so that it would line up with the coupler since the Z axis bracket that the leadscrew nut bolts to was not entirely bent. Verify that the bracket on yours was bent at a 90-degree angle. In order for the X axis rail to move up and down in a straight line without binding, the two uprights needed to be shimmered until they were parallel to one other and square to the bottom supports. Your success in this situation depends heavily on having colored plastic shim stock in different thicknesses and a precise machinist square. The uprights could be made square to the base with the help of even a small framing square or a plastic triangle from an office supply store. For the top rail to mate up properly, the two uprights must be parallel to one another and, ideally, square to the base.The X and Y axes must be able to move parallel to one another if you want accurate prints. Once the X and Y axes are square, the Z axis must be moved such that it is perpendicular to the construction plate. Your print quality will suffer if this is not accurate. After the mechanics are constructed, the wiring needs to be cleaned up, the hot end and plate heating checked, and the extruder's ability to extrude plastic from the nozzle verified.Direct prints to the build plate, prints to borosilicate glass, mirror glass, or prints to tempered plate glass resting on the heated bed are all options. You can level the bed plate with a stainless steel feeler gauge when the Z stop is adjusted closely enough so that the Z homes with the nozzle near to the bed plate, and you should be ready to go. As a starting point, I would choose a.005" feeler gage because a piece of paper with a similar thickness is.004".1. Excellent value for the money.2. Everything was fastened and functional.3. Spare parts were a thoughtful addition that was much appreciated.4. A good assortment of STL file handling and slicing software5. The fastener quality was enough for the task.Cons: 1. Terrible instructions. For someone who has no prior expertise with small CNC type electronics, the images are too small, the explanations are inadequate, and there are a severe lack of references. In summary, the directions are barely sufficient to do the task, but a novice will find it difficult.2. Build photos would be quite useful. You can't rely on a lot of online users to make up for your mistakes with YouTube videos and websites that might have done it improperly in the first place. It has to belong to the factory.3. Use an SD card that is full size. Micro SD cards are suitable for use in smartphones and tablets since they are installed and remain there; nevertheless, they are just too small to be used continuously in 3D printers.4. To prevent a potential short, heat shrink had to be applied to the insulation nicks on the and - wires of the 24V wiring coming from the power source. Check your screws and see if they are as snug as the ones on the terminal block at the base of the power supply.5. XT 60 connectors were never intended to be permanent connections, despite having a continuous 65 amp rating. The packs are separated after 5 to 10 minutes of flight in RC model applications. The connectors aren't even typically in use. For the power connections, I would love to see a metal casing with a terminal strip.6. The uprights are cut using a cold saw; this is a typical extrusions procedure. The resultant surface isn't flat, straight, or square, which is the problem. The uprights are not square and parallel when they are bolted to the lower frame. They need to be shimmied to become square and perpendicular. Factory, take note: You can do better.Ideas for Creativity:Consider the positives and negatives, record any problems, and make adjustments to the new Chinese kits. Making something wrong takes equally as long as making it right. Correcting it is simpler to do.A movable Z stop should be used instead of a permanent one.Due to excessive hot end and table contact during homing, the homing speed needs to be somewhat reduced. I can accomplish this using the Marlin Firmware, however the factory only needs to gently reduce the speed.Overall, the print quality is excellent, especially for the price, and this is a terrific way to spend a couple of evenings. This printer is excellent despite its problems. Don't let the problems influence your choice not to purchase it. You, the builder, are able to fix every problem. This printer should get a rating of 3.5 stars, but with a little factory effort, it may achieve a rating of 5.Suggestions:



ANYCUBIC Photon UV LCD 3D Printer Assembled Innovation with 2.8'' Smart Touch Color Screen Off-line Print 4.53"(L) x 2.56"(W) x 6.1"(H) Printing Size Review:


With two FDM printers, I like 3D printing. I required a printer with more precise printing capabilities. After reading favorable reviews on YouTube and Amazon, I chose to try the Photon. I have owned my AnyCubic Photon for about two months. I'll share one instance:1. It produces stunning prints. The print quality is fantastic at the.05mm setting I'm using. It excels at capturing minute details.2. Simple to use The slicing software is simple but effective. The auto help feature is dependable thus far. No prints have failed on me because of inadequate supports. The program runs smoothly on Windows 10. Although I've installed the beta version on my Mac, I haven't used it much, so I can't speak to its stability. A bed may be leveled quickly and easily. Rarely have I had to start over.3. Dependable mechanics The resin vat and construction plate are made of anodized aluminum. The Z-axis is a rod with an acme thread. So far, I have not noticed any Z-axis wobble.4. The printer is compatible with AnyCubic resin. There are several resins made by third parties, which is why I bring it up. Since I haven't utilized any resin from a third party, I can't make any comparisons. The suggested exposure/printer settings are, however, printed on the bottle of Anycubic resins. I've seen good printer performance using these settings.5. The user base is expanding. Numerous users are discussing their achievements and setbacks with the printer on Facebook, Reddit, and GitHub. Both new and seasoned users will find this to be very helpful.Cons/Cautions1. The power supply that came with my printer was defective. The AnyCubic support team responded quickly. They shipped me a new power supply and UV LED array after some debugging (just in case that was faulty too).2. There is glitchy firmware. I've had one random printer issue when the Z-axis and internal fans stopped working, and error messages are often obscure. A firmware upgrade made available on the GitHub page and via AnyCubic support fixed this problem.3. In addition to UV resin, the printer also employs FEP film and a 2K LCD screen as consumables. Although the FEP film is durable, you must take care not to nick or scratch it. FEP film is already included with AnyCubic, however it will ultimately need to be replaced because it is a consumable. Additionally regarded as a consumable is the 2K LED screen. Throughout the course of a print, the screen is repeatedly projecting UV pictures with a high level of intensity. It will gradually start to lose pixels, fade, etc. Please be aware that this is normal for this technology. The LCD's expected lifespan escapes me. A time estimate from AnyCubic would be fantastic.4. The support team for AnyCubic is headquartered in China and follows a different time zone. Therefore, the response time for emails can range from 12 to 24 hours. They are highly responsive, although due to time zone differences, they are not always quick to respond.The Photon is an excellent entry-level UV printer that generates incredible print quality, in my opinion. Its printing abilities have really wowed me. I can't emphasize enough how well it prints! My printer, however, has had a few minor hardware issues. The issues have been resolved thanks in large part to AnyCubic support. Nevertheless, in my opinion, this printer is excellent for someone who understands that affordability has drawbacks. Users who anticipate a perfect piece of hardware that can operate without error around-the-clock will be let down. You should be prepared to comprehend the equipment's hardware, software, and operational essentials, as is the case with most 3D printing technologies. As an illustration, AnyCubic asked me to check the voltage at several spots INSIDE the printer when I was debugging the power supply issue. These are things I am capable of doing and am at ease doing. I gained a lot of knowledge about the printer, particularly its main electrical subassemblies and how they function within the larger system. A low-priced piece of hardware is more likely to have problems. Jump in! Just dive in cautiously.I'd advise the majority of people to use this printer. Those who purchase it should also be prepared to work around its flaws, engage with the AnyCubic Photon communities, collaborate with AnyCubic tech support as necessary, and take pleasure in the outcomes. I've included pictures of a Star Wars Y-Wing that I'm making at studio scale. The Photon provided all green components.ten out of ten for print quality (if I could). Overall rating of 4.5 stars, understanding there are some small drawbacks.


How much does 3D printing cost per hour?

3D printing technology has been around for a while now, but it's only recently that the cost of 3D printers has come down enough to make them affordable for the average person. So, how much does 3D printing cost per hour? The answer to that question depends on a few factors, including the type of 3D printer you're using and the materials you're printing with. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $5 and $15 per hour of printing time. Of course, the cost of 3D printing isn't just about the printer

How much does a 3D printer cost for beginners?

3D printers have come down in cost significantly in recent years, making them more accessible for hobbyists and small businesses. The price of a basic 3D printer starts at around $200, but can go up to several thousand dollars for more advanced models. The cost of materials, such as filament, is also a factor to consider. Overall, 3D printing can be a relatively affordable technology to get into, especially when compared to other methods of manufacturing.

Is 3D printing a good hobby?

3D printing is a great hobby for those who are interested in technology and design. It can be used to create anything from simple objects to complex models and sculptures. It is also a relatively affordable hobby, with printers costing as little as a few hundred dollars.

Is 3D printing at home worth it?

3D printing technology has come a long way in recent years, making it more accessible and affordable for consumers. But is it worth it to invest in a 3D printer for your home? There are a few things to consider before making the purchase. First, what do you want to use your 3D printer for? If you're interested in printing small objects or trinkets, there are less expensive options available that may be more suitable. But if you're looking to create larger, more complex objects, then a 3D printer is worth the investment. Another thing

Is 3D printing expensive hobby?

3D printing can be an expensive hobby, depending on the type of printer you purchase and the materials you use. However, there are ways to save money on 3D printing, such as by using recycled materials or by joining a 3D printing community that shares resources.

Is 3D printing hard to learn?

3D printing technology has been around for several decades, but it has only recently become more widely available and affordable for consumers. Despite its growing popularity, 3D printing can still be a bit of a mystery to those who are not familiar with the technology. So, is 3D printing hard to learn? The short answer is no, 3D printing is not difficult to learn. However, like any new technology, it does take some time and practice to become proficient at using a 3D printer. If you are interested in learning more about 3D printing, there are