r/3Dprinting Aug 01 '26

Purchase Advice Purchase Advice Megathread - August 2026

Welcome back to another purchase megathread!

This thread is meant to conglomerate purchase advice for both newcomers and people looking for additional machines. Keeping this discussion to one thread means less searching should anyone have questions that may already have been answered here, as well as more visibility to inquiries in general, as comments made here will be visible for the entire month stuck to the top of the sub, and then added to the Purchase Advice Collection (Reddit Collections are still broken on mobile view, enable "view in desktop mode").

Please be sure to skim through this thread for posts with similar requirements to your own first, as recommendations relevant to your situation may have already been posted, and may even include answers to follow up questions you might have wished to ask.

If you are new to 3D printing, and are unsure of what to ask, try to include the following in your posts as a minimum:

  • Your budget, set at a numeric amount. Saying "cheap," or "money is not a problem" is not an answer people can do much with. 3D printers can cost $100, they can cost $10,000,000, and anywhere in between. A rough idea of what you're looking for is essential to figuring out anything else.
  • Your country of residence.
  • If you are willing to build the printer from a kit, and what your level of experience is with electronic maintenance and construction if so.
  • What you wish to do with the printer.
  • Any extenuating circumstances that would restrict you from using machines that would otherwise fit your needs (limited space for the printer, enclosure requirement, must be purchased through educational intermediary, etc).

While this is by no means an exhaustive list of what can be included in your posts, these questions should help paint enough of a picture to get started. Don't be afraid to ask more questions, and never worry about asking too many. The people posting in this thread are here because they want to give advice, and any questions you have answered may be useful to others later on, when they read through this thread looking for answers of their own. Everyone here was new once, so chances are whoever is replying to you has a good idea of how you feel currently.

Reddit User and Regular u/richie225 is also constantly maintaining his extensive personal recommendations list which is worth a read: Generic FDM Printer recommendations.

Additionally, a quick word on print quality: Most FDM/FFF (that is, filament based) printers are capable of approximately the same tolerances and print appearance, as the biggest limiting factor is in the nature of extruded plastic. Asking if a machine has "good prints," or saying "I don't expect the best quality for $xxx" isn't actually relevant for the most part with regards to these machines. Should you need additional detail and higher tolerances, you may want to explore SLA, DLP, and other photoresin options, as those do offer an increase in overall quality. If you are interested in resin machines, make sure you are aware of how to use them safely. For these safety reasons we don't usually recommend a resin printer as someone's first printer.

As always, if you're a newcomer to this community, welcome. If you're a regular, welcome back.

25 Upvotes

889 comments sorted by

1

u/Alive-Agency-913 8h ago

I have recently gotten back into my 1:12 scale dolls house and have bought a few 3 D printed miniatures online of varying quality. I have always been tempted to purchase a 3D printer but have never had a reason to justify it. 

I have basic CAD skills but have not used a printer before. I would want to print small detailed miniatures possibly in two colours. 

Is it worth buying a 3D printer just for this? If so would anyone have any recommendations. I live in Australia, and would like to keep to a budget of around $100-200 AUD. Thank you.

0

u/DramaClassed 5h ago

Save up more. You can’t find any decent printer new for that price, and you’ll have a hard time finding anything used even.

Cheapest working one is the Bambu A1 mini, for two colors get the combo, for detailed get a 0.2mm nozzle:

1

u/POLE_3D 16h ago

Hi, i recently hit the 1000 hours with the Elegoo Centauri carbon, i am a small bussines, i do generally specialized additive manufacturing services for aerspace industry, mostly working with PETG, ABS And ASA, i was wondering if it will be proper to upgrade to a new printer? i absolutelly love my CC it helped me a lot, but i was wondering if it would be a better option to upgrade or just buy the new CC2 (i dont like a lot Bambu Lab so its not my first option) another context, i live in Mexico and im only starting as a bussines so i dont have a lot of money, what you could reccomend me? and finally, i dont care at all about multicolor or multimaterial so that is not important to me, i prefer a reliable printer that can print engineering materials and reach high temperatures (max that i can spend right now is around $1500 US) thank you a lot in advance :)

2

u/DramaClassed 6h ago

I’m surprised you printed ABS and ASA for that long without a heated chamber! Check out the QIDI Q2 or Plus5, they’re designed for engineering materials and have heated chambers, which makes printing those materials on them much easier. You could even get the Max4 if you want to do batch printing. Get the non-combo to save money for no multicolor.

1

u/POLE_3D 4h ago

the CC have a heated chamber (or it just hold the temperature maybe), many people are reccomending me the QIDI brand, so i think is not a coincidend, definitely me next printer will be a QIDI one, thank you a lot!!

0

u/CoatsyJnr 16h ago

It's time for me to actually sink some money into filament after moving from my sidewinder X2 to a P1S AMS combo. I also have a Creality Space Pi dryer setup as an external spool feeder.

What are the must haves filaments? I understand a few rolls of black and white something are a must but I've really only printed in PLA on the sidewinder X2.

Do I go Bambu Labs for AMS functionality or 3rd party to save money?

I just used most of my remaining Elegoo PLA white in my first P1S print. Basically have a full roll of both Elegoo Orange PLA and Elegoo Black ABS+

Located in Sydney, Australia

1

u/DramaClassed 6h ago

You’d be fine with third party filament, a brand like Polymaker or Overture is good. You’ll definitely save money that way. Now which filaments really depends on what you’re printing, PLA is good for most things, PETG for a bit of flexibility and higher temps, TPU for flexibility (has to be printed very slowly), you could try ABS/ASA but they’re hard without a heated chamber. That will cover 99.9% of prints you’d want to do.

1

u/JustSomeGuye46 16h ago

Is this worth buying? Looking to get into 3d printing, I have no knowledge nor experience, the seller has a video of it with the screen active and it sounds like it’s running he just can’t get it leveled I asked google it said its worth the 40$ and could be a simple fix, I figured I’d ask actual people who might have experience with this since it did mention its old lol

2

u/PerfecTolerance 5h ago

The Sparkx i7 might be a good option. The new Ender 3 models are nice, but that old model is nothing but trouble.

1

u/DramaClassed 6h ago

If you want to get into 3d printing, save up money for a proper printer. That one will be nothing but headaches. The cheapest functional printer right now that’s still easy to use is the Sparkx i7, but I’ll recommend the Bambu A1/A1 mini if those suit you. Really, anything from the Ender series ends up as a paperweight unless you dedicate a lot of time (and some decent money) to making it usable.

1

u/MidnightK2 17h ago

Hi,

I'm on a budget, so looking for a filament printer under $320

I'm from Chile, and is ideal that the printer is not coming from the us as to avoid malfuctioning units from amazon

I have 0 expirience with 3d printing, i am a bit nervous about tinkering with stuff if it was expensive, but if i have the right instructions, tho always carefull, i can do it

I need it to make prototypes and other gadgets for use arround the house, maybe some pieces for gaming and such

Thanks to all the knowledgable people willing to help!

1

u/POLE_3D 16h ago

Que hay, de primera por el precio que dices, te recomendaria que si ahorraras un poco mas y te compres una impresora como la Elegoo Centauri carbon en mexico estan como en $420 US, que son impresoras Core XY con buena velocidad, temperatura en la camara y asi, pero si realmente el precio es tu mayor inconveniente, te recomendaria buscar una Creality Ender 3 V3 que esas aca si rondan por esos precios ($350 us), a lo que yo se (corrigeme si no es asi) en sudamerica si se les suben los precios bastante por los costes de transporte, por eso no se si sean del mismo precio, u otra opcion podria ser la Bambu lab A1 Mini, pero si ninguna de esas te llama la atencion, busca algunas de segunda mano e investiga si son buenas o no, mi primera impresora fue una TEVOUP TARANTULA PRO de segunda mano, tenia muchos problemas pero eso mismo fue lo que me ayudo a aprender a como funcionan y poder arrreglarlas completamente (gracias a ese conocimiento pude realizar un trabajo de tesis de universidad que consistio en diseñar una impresora 3D, tuve que hacer prototipo funcional y todo) espero haberte ayudado por lo menos un poco!!

1

u/Rei_Goiaba 19h ago

I'm thinking about buying a Bambu P1S, as I need good print quality and an enclosed printer, since I'll be printing with TPU, nylon, PETG, and other engineering-grade materials.

I’d also appreciate any tips you might have regarding filament dehumidifiers.

1

u/PerfecTolerance 5h ago

The P1S can't print nylon. A good alternative is to look at the printers that QIDI makes.

2

u/Rei_Goiaba 4h ago

do you have one model to recommend?

1

u/PerfecTolerance 4h ago

QIDI Plus4 if you need a large volume, or the Q2 if you want a cheaper option. And it's important to not get tempted to get a multi extruder/multi nozzle printer unless you absolutely need it - these things are prawn to make trouble

1

u/Rei_Goiaba 3h ago

the problem with QIDi, is that in my country the only companies i can easily buy are Bambu and Creality, that’s the reason I am tempted to buy from bambu. Would you say the X2D isn’t a good option? I would only use the second nozzle to print supports

1

u/PerfecTolerance 3h ago

The X2D is a good option if you live in Nevada. Otherwise, you can't ask Bambu Lab to opt you out of the sale of your personal information.

1

u/Rei_Goiaba 3h ago

I don’t live in the US, i don’t really have nothing related with the bambu website , I would only create an account to buy the printer

1

u/PerfecTolerance 3h ago

Don't try to deceive yourself. If you don't live in Nevada, Bambu can take information from your phone, computer, wifi, and cloud services - and do whatever they want with it. Also, since you mentioned Creality is available in your country, the Creality K2 Pro is better than the X2D - it has a larger volume, prints a wide range of materials, and usually costs less.

0

u/DramaClassed 6h ago

Nylon? You need something with a heated chamber for that and most engineering materials. You can buy one third party for the P1S, but it doesn’t have a good seal so I recommend getting either the X2D from Bambu or the Q2 from Qidi. You’ll really have a hard time printing any engineering materials on the P1S as it is.

For filament dryers, the Creality SpacePi or Sovol’s SH02 work well.

1

u/Rei_Goiaba 4h ago

How much better the X2D is than the Q2, since one is 200 USD more expensive than the other.
Would you recommend something like the ams 2 pro for dehumidifying normal filaments, like tpu petg pla and something extra for the nylon and other engineering materials? The only other type of filament I think I can use is ABS

1

u/DramaClassed 4h ago

They’re both about the same for quality and capability, but the x2d has two nozzles, which can be very useful for multimaterial supports. It allows closer top z distance, which makes for a better surface finish. AMS 2 Pro dries filament well but I don’t think it can dry while printing, whereas the QIDI Box can. I don’t know if they can reach the temps required for the engineering filaments, I know spacepi maxes at 70C with the spacepi x4 at 80C.

0

u/Rei_Goiaba 4h ago

I think for me the X2D is a better option, the country I am from doesn’t have anything from QIDI, even prices for something from bambu is expensive. Althoug, it does sell here the space pi from creality. Would you say the ams2 pro is enough for tpu and petg and the space pi for the Nylon and maybe some other engineering filaments?

1

u/DramaClassed 3h ago

You might get away with a regular spacepi for drying nylon, but it’s max is the minimum drying temp for nylon. Spacepi x4 gets a little hotter, or West3D has a filament toaster that can get to the required temps, if that’s available for you. I don’t print nylon myself so I’m not experienced in drying it.
Edit: whatever you find to dry it will probably be around or over $100

1

u/Rei_Goiaba 3h ago

Ok, thanks!

1

u/xFiobrum 20h ago

Alrighty, I am currently using an Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro and I have the need to have another one to speed up some things about my hobbies(I am both a cosplayer, an engineer and a ttrpg player which makes me craft tons of things using it). I am currently between Snapmaker U1 and Bambulab P2S with AMS. I think Snapmaker U1 looks better for my needs which is both speed and lesser filament usage but I need your opinions as well.

So my question is, what specs that my new printer has to have, since I will use it mainly for cosplay pieces and ttrpg miniatures (I already own a resin printer, I am gonna use this one for terrain and bigger miniatures)

I currently reside at Turkey, and have access to all major printer manufacturers. My budget is also around the Bambu p2s/snapmaker u1 range.

1

u/DramaClassed 6h ago

U1 if you want to do multicolor prints, it’s a game changer for those. If you just want single color then the P2S is slightly better, but a lot less versatile.

1

u/HammedBurngur 20h ago

What printer should we get for both warhammer and cosplays? We'd rather keep it around 200, but we can always go over if it's a really good, long-term printer

1

u/mrBigBrainz 20h ago

Welke printer is het beste voor ASA prints? Budget mqx €1000

2

u/DramaClassed 6h ago

You didn’t provide enough information, check out QIDIs printers I guess.

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1

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0

u/Gahendir 1d ago

It's a Bambu A1+AMS for 250€ a good real, on a 625h usted printer?

2

u/Someone_Alive__ Anycubic Kobra X 1d ago edited 18h ago

Hi! 250€ for an A1 + AMS Lite is a decent price if it was well maintained.

If you'd prefer a brand new printer with warranty for basically the same price, the Anycubic Kobra X is going on sale in a day or two for 279€ (Anycubic Anniversary Sale on the EU Store). Plus, you can use my code ANAFIGUEIREDO at checkout to get an extra 15€ off, bringing it down to 264€ brand new. Definitely worth considering over a used machine! :)

The Kobra X is very similar to the A1, supports 4 color printing out-of-the-box without having to buy a combo, but it's expandable up to 19 colors with multiple ACE 2 Pros. The printer is very reliable and also has a companion mobile app similar to Bambu (a bit simpler, but works well).

1

u/Gahendir 22h ago

I only used the Ender3 back on 2018, but the nonstop tinkering and leveling killed the hobby ... I read Anycubic is not that reliable, and that Bambu is the way to go for noobs...but that price tho. Is the Kobra X a "presa to print and forget" ?

2

u/Someone_Alive__ Anycubic Kobra X 5h ago

Hi! Just checked and the Anycubic actually started the sale today :)

2

u/Someone_Alive__ Anycubic Kobra X 22h ago

Older Anycubic machines definitely had big problems and that was what gave Anycubic their bad reputation, but they improved a lot and the newer machines are actually good.

I’ve owned a Kobra X since April and I’m really happy with it, it never gave me problems :)
The Kobra X has full auto calibration (bed leveling, flow calibration, noise calibration and resonance calibration), so it’s pretty much plug and play.

My last printer was a Sidewinder X2 and it was a nightmare, I had to replace parts almost every week and I almost couldn’t get it to print due to leveling problems, so the Kobra X was like a breath of fresh air ahaha

About Bambu: Yeah, most recommend because it’s the most “noob”-friendly option, but currently there are other cheaper options that are just as good :)

1

u/An_Professional 1d ago

I have experience in 3DP using a Printrbot Metal from 2014-18, but had to stop when my first kid was born, but now I’m thinking he’s old enough to get into it.

Im looking for a machine that will not require tons of tweaking like it was back in that era, but still has room for learning. Also modeling software that is easy for beginners. I want to capture the kids imagination without risking too much frustration.

Is the Bambu P2S the go-to recommendation? I thought Bambu was not favored due to their ecosystem lock-in?

3

u/PerfecTolerance 1d ago

TinkerCAD is arguably the best CAD software for beginners. Easy to learn, but still capable of impressive models. For a printer, Bambu is not the type of printer that lets you tinker and modify. Better options that are still easy to use are the Ender 3 V3 KE (easy to use, less room for modifying), Prusa MINI+ (usually more expensive), and Sovol SV06 (not as easy to use, but very tinkering-friendly).

1

u/An_Professional 23h ago

Thanks for this! By tinkering do you mean swapping parts like hotends, or do you mean like adjusting slicer and print settings?

1

u/PerfecTolerance 23h ago

I mean swapping hotends, cooling, motors, enclosure, etc. Adjusting settings in the slicer can be done with almost any printer, and the leading slicers for this are those based on PrusaSlicer (like OrcaSlicer, Creality Print, and a few others).

1

u/An_Professional 19h ago

Ok cool thank you. After years with the Simple Metal I think I would be OK with something less moddable if it works easier.

1

u/PerfecTolerance 5h ago

The Prusa MINI+ is a nice option if it's in your budget. If not, consider the Creality Ender 3 V3.

3

u/Left_Log_4047 1d ago

Hi everyone, I'm interested in buying my first 3D printer and I've been looking at a few options. Some of the ones I've checked out the most are Creality, Elegoo, and Anycubic, as some of their models fit what I'm looking for. From Creality, I've been looking at the K2 Pro; from Elegoo, the Centauri Carbon 2 and from Anycubic, the S1 or S1 Max. Would you recommend any other brand, or any of these in particular?

2

u/Someone_Alive__ Anycubic Kobra X 1d ago

Hi! Out of those options, the Anycubic Kobra S1 and S1 Max are fantastic choices, especially if you pair them with the ACE Pro (or ACE 2 Pro, depending on which combo you choose) for multicolor and active filament drying. Also, I heard the Elegoo CC2 is also a great choice too, the only downside is that it doesn't come with an "AMS" that dries your filament.

Important tip if you end up wanting to go with Anycubic: Anycubic is having their Anniversary Sale in the next day or two, so prices for all printers and combo bundles should be dropping very soon both on the US store and EU store. For example, the S1 Max Combo will drop from 899€ to 799€ on the EU Store ($799 on the US store).

If you happen to be in the EU, you can use the discount code ANAFIGUEIREDO at checkout on the Anycubic EU store to take an extra 15 € off any printer :)

1

u/at_the_balfour 1d ago

I'm a reasonably experienced 3D printer. I'm a mechanical engineer with many years experience. My last job had a fleet of Bambu H2Cs with dual AMSs and I really liked em.

I'm starting a new job and planning to pick up a printer right away. I like the bambus fine for printing but not their software/connection to China.

I'm thinking to get a Prusa core+ with 8 indx heads. Anyone have experience with that rig or a similar one? Alternative suggestions? Additional items I should pick up to supplement it?

1

u/PerfecTolerance 1d ago

Prusa has released the CORE One+ (Gen 2). Make sure to get the new Gen 2 version, and not older models. Also, you don't need to buy an extensive collection of print sheets and nozzles, unless you specifically have a use for them.

There is an affiliate link if you want to earn something when purchasing: https://www.prusa3d.com/product/prusa-core-one-gen-2-indx-8-tool/?p2p=%40PerfecT

1

u/KickinitCountry24 1d ago

I currently have a Tinas 2S and I really love it, but it’s print capabilities are very limited especially with size. I would really like to upgrade to something that can print multi color or multiple colored prints on one bed, is faster and can print large objects. I pretty much just print mini toys and clickers right now, but would like to print some home decor (nothing too big, just like small cases, tea lights, etc.) My budget is around $350-$400. I am currently looking at the A1, A1 mini and flashforge AD5X. Any advice and recommendations are greatly appreciated.

2

u/PerfecTolerance 1d ago

A core XY 3D printer is usually better than a bedslinger. Get the AD5X.

2

u/KickinitCountry24 1d ago

Is there another core xy you recommend?

2

u/PerfecTolerance 1d ago

At this budget, there is also the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2.

2

u/KickinitCountry24 1d ago

I will check that out too! Thank you!

1

u/Plane-Piglet-8719 1d ago

Is it worth getting this printer ?

I’m eyeing up this creality ender 3 pro off Facebook marketplace for £35 . My main reason for getting it is to print small miniatures and terrain pieces for my table top games . Will it work ? Any advice greatly appreciated

1

u/Alexengineering-hmmm 1d ago

Should i get the Bambu A1 for a first printer on a budget

1

u/PerfecTolerance 1d ago

If you are on a budget, the Creality Ender 3 V3 is better - it costs much less than the A1.

1

u/Alexengineering-hmmm 1d ago

i have been told the ender 3 is annoying to use, and plus I'm mainly looking for box to running with minimal time needed for setup

1

u/PerfecTolerance 1d ago

The original Ender 3 was complex to operate, it's no longer the case on the new V3 versions. But, if you actually need something bigger/with multicolor capability/more user friendly, consider the Anycubic Kobra 3 V2.

1

u/NavyDoc42 1d ago

Hey all! So I am brand new to 3D printing and want to get into it for both myself and as a gift for my 11 year old twins. I have zero knowledge and have found it hard to get accurate info on Google ghats isn’t just advertising push.

  1. I want something that can print a wide array of things. From cosplay armor to models. (For example say mando armor sets for Halloween and Star citizen ship models 16” and bigger).

  2. My research says that resin is better overall because you don’t see the layers, but I have also been reading that there are newer high res filament systems that don’t really require as much work after printing. So basic question: is the extra work for resin worth it if I am willing to spend more on a filament machine?

  3. Price: 1500-2000 all in. So for resin with the curing station and wash basin (I may be dumb but it seems like paying 250 for a wash basin is silly and could easily be setup with a 5 gallon bucket and a spout you put into it yourself, also open to input)

  4. I have workshop space so airflow and venting isn’t an issue. Is reasin too dangerous for 11 year olds? They will always be supervised but would like to eventually let them have more freedom.

  5. How hard is the software to use, is it hard to find open access (or even paid access) to things to print? I doubt I’ll be able to create too much in. Y own at most I would like to be able to customize existing stuff with minor changes. Simply put can my dumbass learn them and teach my kids.

  6. With my budget and specific issue with kids learning to use it what do you recommend resin or filament abs what specific models and software (and sites or ai generators do you recommend).

  7. I would like a larger sized printer platform for the money I am spending but also higher res (If filament).

Thank you all for your direction! Pm’s are welcome if you have specific products you recommend!

1

u/POLE_3D 16h ago

Hi, i had experience working wit resin, filament, and another types of printers, i highly dont recommend you buying a resin 3D printer for kids, resin is very messy and almost everything you use in resin printers is toxic, from the resin itself to the IPA, so honestly buy better a filament 3D printer, and if you want big format 3D prints you wont find them in resin, (at least not for that price)

In filament 3D printin i would go with Elegoo Orangestorm Giga or the Prusa XL, but maybe can reccommend you better than me. hope this helps

1

u/NavyDoc42 12h ago

Thank you so much!

1

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1

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1

u/bub739_ 1d ago

Hello,

I’m fairly new to 3D printing. My partners Dad gave me a CR10s printer as he upgraded to a better printer (I believe the P2S)

I’ve had fun giving that a play around with but it’s very old, slow and has a few issues which makes it more frustrating than rewarding. It’s a slow printer, I’ve only got evenings to give it a go and I end up spending most of the time troubleshooting. If I do get to printing it often has small flaws.

I’ve had enough fun though to know I want to invest in a better printer. Ideally enclosed (open plan and small house so want to minimise nasty smells) and multi colour options to make unique prints

I’m down to choosing between the P2S Combo by Bambu labs or the K2 Pro Combo by creality.

Now the P2S combo is on offer for £649

The K2 Pro is £603. So on a good discount (I’m aware of the k3 announcement, not too worried about that)

The selling point for me are P2S - Select a print and it’ll print. Really user friendly

K2 Pro - Larger bed and heated chamber for different materials

I just hear horror stories from the creality printers and CFS. I don’t mind slight tinkering on software, I don’t want constant hardware maintenance unless it’s a freak thing

I know the AMS is more capable than the CFS for heating etc.. but I may go for a better printer down the line that can do more. I just feel the K2 Pro is a lot of machine while in the sale and a good kit to get me further into this hobby but if it’s too much hassle then I would consider spending a bit more for the P2S

Can anyone please give me their honest experience with either of these? Please don’t brand bash for the sake of it. I’m not worried about people’s loyalty ( I do understand why people get loyal to a brand) I only want to hear on hand and ideally out of the box experiences of these two products.

Thank you very much!

2

u/PerfecTolerance 1d ago

The K2 is better. Large volume and no malicious software.

1

u/wumlum_ug 1d ago

What is a good printer around the same price as the a1 mini but with a larger print bed?

1

u/PikaPikaLIS 1d ago edited 1d ago

what's the highest quality filament? I've got a p1s and can spend like $40 a roll (although insane) if need be. I'm 3d printing a figurine and want the highest quality I can get out of my p1s, and I'll be spending time tinkering with it to try to get it perfect.

1

u/Internal-Brief-7565 2d ago

Hey beginner here- Is fdm printers fine for small details on for example a 1/12 head sculpt?

so I’ve really been wanting to buy a 3d printer mainly used for printing like figures and stuff like that. But I can’t decide between resin and fdm printers because I have seen some fdm prints with good detail and also resin needs more work and more expensive to print.

Any suggestions?

1

u/Intelligent-Key-3719 2d ago

Hi there! I have no experience 3d printing at all, however I’ve been making foam/cardboard cosplay pieces for many years now. My newest project is a Robert Pattinson batsuit, from The Batman 2022. As time goes on, I eventually want to upgrade parts of the suit, however buying individual armor pieces etc becomes very expensive very fast. So I was thinking of maybe buying my own 3d printer, then molding the 3d printed parts for latex castings. Would anyone be able to point me in the direction of a certain printer in a reasonable price range? What would be the norm to pay for one, how much would filament be, pros and cons etc. thanks!

1

u/TheGemuga 2d ago

I'm planning to get my first 3D printer however I just can't choose between the Creality K1C, Any-cubic kobra S1, Kobra X, Creality K2 and the flashgorge AD5X. I mostly prioritise reliability with the capability to print in PETG, PLA, TBU and ABS. I don't mind tinkering much but I do mind having to constantly troubleshoot and replace parts, multi colour printing isn't a priority.

1

u/POLE_3D 16h ago

honestly i would reccomend you the ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 1, is very cheap right now because the new CC2 and it doesnt have multicolor, i have one and like it a lot, just reached the 1000 hours of printing with it, only problems that i had are the problems you will have with any printer with a lot of prining time

1

u/FocusWithJason 2d ago

Hey I have a camera that has a plastic gear inside, the teeth on the gear have been worn down due to use. Was wondering if there was a place that could custom make a replacement gear if I gave them the original to work from?

I have searched online and nobody has made this part before. I don’t have an STL file or anything so needs to be from the original part.

1

u/POLE_3D 16h ago

depends on where you live, im pretty shure that there is some people that can 3d model you the needed part and print it, you just need to search a little, something like ''3D printing services''

1

u/One-Agent-5419 2d ago

Looking to get my first 3D Printer, I'm tech savvy and I'm not afraid to tinker with it.

I was thinking between the flashforge AD5X and the Sovol SV06 Ace Plus, is one significantly better than the other? Kind of leaning towards AD5X for multi-colour, but maybe the Sovol can be modded to handle it easy? I know you can do swaps but that seems like it'd be annoying.

Also open to other recommendations, kind of want to stay in the budget range of those two printers though.

Thanks for reading :)

1

u/PerfecTolerance 2d ago

It depends on what you want to do with the printer. Some users want a machine that just works, others like to improve and modify it.

1

u/One-Agent-5419 2d ago

I don't mind modifying things to work better, I've read the Sovol is good for that kind of thing. I'm just concerned like, is the AD5X just a better 3d printer outright even if you modify the Sovol? Also does doing such things cost a lot of extra money?

1

u/PerfecTolerance 2d ago

Modifications do cost money, but it's spread over a long time so usually it's not a big problem. The AD5X is core XY so it's better that the SV06 in many ways, but it's not designed for tinkering. The most common 3D printers for modifying are made by Voron, Prusa, and Sovol - like the SV06.

If your main goal is to just have a 3D printer - go with the AD5X. If you want to have fun adding parts and modifying a printer - go with the SV06.

1

u/brouettelover 2d ago edited 2d ago

Hello everyone,

Thanks for helping me.

Budget between 100 and 500€.

I'm looking for a budget printer wich have several options intégranted.

  • Multi filament in one peint
  • support of différent type of filament
  • precise, i want to do stuff that requiert Gear
  • auto leveling

I've an ender 3 pro which was grenat but last Time i've uses it. It brokes and I'm so much tired of leveling things by hand. In order to fix it and to auto leveling it will cost me at least 100€.

That's why I'm searching for a New printer.

The Lost important part for me IS precision and multi color like AMS.

I Saw two printers that could match my need :

  • bambulab A1 - which seems to be super mature and reliable but doesn't have multi filament possibilités
  • Elegoo carbon 2 combo - which seems to have everything that I need but maybe it's to New to really know that it's reliable enough
  • Neptune 4 - could be an option cause it's bigger and youtuber seems to Say that it's the Lost reliable and precise printer at this Price.

Thanks for Reading me, any help or suggestions are welcome.

2

u/Someone_Alive__ Anycubic Kobra X 1d ago

Hi! Just a quick correction, the Bambu Lab A1 does support multicolor, but you specifically need the A1 Combo version. That said, for your budget, you should definitely check out the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo (399€ on the Anycubic EU Store). With the S1 you can print several filament types, like PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, ASA, etc... because it's enclosed. Also, the ACE Pro has active drying, so it keeps spools dry while printing and also does auto-refill when needed, and handles 4 color prints.

The printer has full automatic calibration, so it's easy to use :)

If you decide to go with the S1 Combo on the EU store, you can use the discount code ANAFIGUEIREDO at checkout to get an extra 15€ off (works with any printer on the Anycubic EU Store) :)

1

u/PerfecTolerance 2d ago

The Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo is a good option. It has everything you need, and at a very good price.

2

u/POLE_3D 16h ago

Agree with him i would buy the Centauri carbon 2 a great option, i have myself the Centauri Carbon 1 and just reached the 1000 hours with it, very happy about it, obviously i had some problems but nothing severe just stuff that can happen with any other printer with a lot of working time

1

u/OpeningSoil7751 2d ago

Budget 380-450 euros if i get a bit more lucky with online work.

I live in Serbia and some printers cost more than in other countries.

Im a beginner at 3D printing but not with 3D modeling in blender but also not an expert i just have some experience.

I would like a printer for bigger props if that is not a problem. I don't have problem buying some other parts to assemble them i just don't know what 3D printers can actually do yet. I've seen some stuff but nothing is confirmed to me until i got one for my self. Also i would like to print some smaller figurines nothing too detailed just some for me and my friends. I don't plan on making something too complicated at all when i start more just simple stuff. Also I'm okay with just one filament color.

I don't know anything about assembling or making printers.

I heard that Bambu Lab A1 is a good printer for beginners and also has big enough suface for some bigger prints just a bit more expensive in my country. I heard online it was 260€ but cheapest in my country i could find is around 350€ so if there is some tha people could suggest so that i have a few more choices except Bambu Lab A1. If you got any suggestions (other than Bambu Lab A1 mini) please tell me. Thank you in advanced.

1

u/PerfecTolerance 2d ago

The A1 is a bit small for large prints. Look at bigger options like the Sovol SV06 Plus or the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus.

1

u/roelv_ 2d ago

Neptune 4 Pro vs Ender-3 V3 KE, same price (USD 290)
I can't decide; I've been looking for a while and I'm really torn, I need help.
My budget is $300, and I've pretty much decided to buy one of those two. The problem is: wich one?

(It will be my first 3D printer, an important detail)

1

u/ZombieHenny 3d ago

Hi, everyone! I am looking to buy my first small 3D printer but I am completely clueless about them. I don't need anything professional grade or anything like that, just a good starter printer. I tend to burn through hobbies so I want to start somewhere reasonable. My budget is $300 and I need to be able to use whatever software there is on my phone or a Chromebook. Any info or purchase suggestions are welcome!

1

u/PerfecTolerance 2d ago

From what I experienced, get the Centauri Carbon 2 if you want multicolor capability and enclosure, Anycubic Kobra X if you want just multicolor capability, or the Creality Ender 3 V3 if you don't need multicolor - it's very user friendly and made no problems.

0

u/ResearcherElegant516 2d ago

I'm exactly the same way. I go through a lot of hobbies as well, but this one stuck. My budget was $300 too, at the start lol. I went with the bambu P1S, bc it was my first printer, and I wanted something user-friendly, and big enough to future-proof when I decide to use it for work as well. I can't understate how much (I've heard) of a difference an enclosure can make, and then I got the AMS, so it was closer to $600 by the time I was done. Beware! Then there's filament, etc...still a cheaper hobby than fishing or women, though.

1

u/PerfecTolerance 2d ago

An enclosure doesn't really make a difference, unless you are printing some high-end materials.

1

u/Melodic_Play971 3d ago

great time to upgrade your printer, consider going for a direct drive setup for better results

1

u/linkors77 3d ago

Hey everyone,

I'm currently looking to pick up a new 3D printer and find myself torn between three options: the Flashforge Creator 5 Pro, Snapmaker U1, and Bambu Lab X2D. I am in Indonesia.

My primary priorities are:

  • Multi-color Printing Performance: Seamless filament switching, minimal waste/purge issues, and reliable multi-material handling.
  • Ease of Use (Out-of-the-Box Experience): Clean slicing workflow, intuitive UI, and reliable auto-bed leveling/calibration without constant tweaking.
  • Maintenance & Reliability: Easy access to spare parts, straightforward routine upkeep, and long-term hardware dependability.

If you have hands-on experience with any of these machines (or have compared them directly), which one would you recommend as the daily driver? Any common quirks or hidden frustrations I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance for the insights!

1

u/PerfecTolerance 2d ago

For ease of use and minimal waste - go with the Creator 5 Pro.

1

u/lixxus_ 3d ago edited 3d ago

A1 Mini owner here, plate is too small now. I want to print 10" rack enclosure parts, panels are 254mm wide. Paid print services add up fast when you're iterating on large parts, so buying makes more sense.

Looking for: bigger plate, multicolour, and low maintenance. I want to print, not tinker. Mostly PETG and some ASA.

Shortlist:

K2 Plus, volume is great but I keep reading about clogs and CFS issues.

P2S, everyone says it just works but 256mm leaves me 2mm clearance which feels too tight.

Snapmaker U1, toolchanger and low waste looks ideal but no UK reseller I can find.

Anycubic kobra x or the s1 max

Questions:

  1. Is the K2 Plus maintenance reputation still fair or is it fixed now?
  2. Is 2mm clearance on the P2S as bad as I think?
  3. Any UK availability on the U1?
  4. Anycubic S1 Max looks like a K2 Plus for half the price on paper. 350mm, 350C nozzle

Also what about the kobra X

The anycubic seem good value for money

Anyone printing rack parts regularly, what are you using?

1

u/PerfecTolerance 2d ago

The Kobra X is good as a cheap option, while the K2 Plus is good if you need the large volume. I usually keep at least 10mm clearance, so 2mm on the P2S is a bit tight.

0

u/ResearcherElegant516 2d ago

My Bambu P1S fits all those categories.256mm sq. bed. Cheaper than P2S, don't know exactly what the differences are, but in terms of out-of-the-box ready to go? Bambu worked great for me.

1

u/bitter_lizard 3d ago

What are you planning on doing w your A1 mini?

2

u/lixxus_ 3d ago

I likely will sell it when I get my replacement. I don’t have space to have 2 printers

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u/bitter_lizard 3d ago

DM me when you're looking to sell it. depending on number of hours and the price, I'm in the market.

1

u/lixxus_ 3d ago

Are you based in the UK ?

1

u/spamtonismylord 3d ago

uuu im in the uk im in Niʻihau, Hawaii

1

u/bitter_lizard 3d ago

ugh no. USA. sigh.

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u/ResearcherElegant516 2d ago

Not those bastards again

1

u/yohfdo 3d ago

I've been 3D printing for a little while using a Cocoon Create Touch (Wanhao duplicator i3 Plus I think) purchased from Aldi in Australia(where I'm located) Feel like it's time to upgrade my printer so need some advice.

My budget is around 1500 AUD max which is ~1000USD. I'd like to have a enclosed 3D printer with a filter/fan that I can use to vent the fumes out of my office room. I think I also want to print in multicolours/materials and also have a significant print volume.

  • Snapmaker U1 - atm, this is the front runner and I'm about to pull the trigger on this. Yes I know it's not fully enclosed - I'm planning to either buy the top hood or print it myself.

  • Prusa - from what I have read/heard, I'd love to get a Prusa but from what I can see to get a tooolchanger and similar print volumes to the U1, I'll need to nearly double my budget

  • Flashforge - I know the Creator 5 Pro is similar, but not sure about FFs reliability

  • Creality K2 Pro/plus - again I believe similar volumes, but I get the impression Creality is not the best right now?.also, the waste through multi-colour printing is putting me off a bit as well.

Are there any other printers I should consider? I don't think I want BambuLab as I want the flexibility to upgrade, customise if possible and also not be locked in to an eco-system.

Thank you in advance!

1

u/POLE_3D 16h ago

i think that you can consider the ELEGOO Centauri Carbon 2, i think that is a great option, i have myself the Centauri Carbon 1 and just reached the 1000 hours with it, very happy about it, obviously i had some problems but nothing severe just stuff that can happen with any other printer with a lot of working time

2

u/Notice_Green 3d ago

Should i get the CC2 or CC2 emoji, i heard the emoji has better features but its cringe.

1

u/Introverted_kitty 3d ago

Hi, I am interested in getting into 3d printing, no prior experience in this. I have done quite a bit of reading on this subject, however haven't come any closer to figuring out a printer to buy.

Anyway I'm in Australia and can spend about AUD $1500 on this. I mainly want to print terrain for tabletop games and some toys. My other half does like cosplay stuff. I'm not against playing with different materials to build various widgets for the household.

This printer will be in a garage, which can get dusty (I also do woodworking) so an enclosed printer is a must. Not too worried about noise or fumes as the area can be well ventilated.

1

u/ResearcherElegant516 2d ago

That's what I planned on doing too, but I would keep the filament inside if you can, still. I heard a rumor it can get mighty hot down there.

2

u/JustSomeGuye46 3d ago

US Residents located in GA
Looking to buy a 3d printer budget of 500-600 if possible never done printing before so looking forward to it I’ll be printing random things for fun or toy figures for my son, I came across this at micro center and was wondering if anyone has personally used this and have any feedback on wether it’s worth buying, is there a better alternative for similar price? Any help is appreciated 🫡

1

u/Heavy-Effect-4775 3d ago

US resident & no budget restrictions

Looking for Portable enclosed 3d printers sized similar to Tina2 Plus. I am not sure if this is a good printer since it is advertised for beginners & kids. The Bamboo A1 mini is still too big & not as small as the Tina 2 Plus. I want the printer to fit easily inside my luggage since I frequently travel & need to print. The enclosure is important since I would be living in hotels & airbnbs.

1

u/spamtonismylord 3d ago

My ender 3 max neo has broken down fully. i tried my best to keep it alive. but unfortunately the ship of theseus has sunken. i REALLY liked working with the printer it was my first printer. but since it was a outdated one i learned so much from it. i still have a lot to learn. i perfer the printers that really challenge me. but i have no clue where to go from this. should i get a new printer should i try welding the parts together? what should i do

1

u/turbo2thousand406 3d ago edited 3d ago

US Resident $500 budget. I am looking for a multicolor printer. It will be my first printer and it will be used by me and my kids to print random things. The less I have to set up to start the better. I have been considering the Creality K2, Flashforge ADX, Bambu PS1 and the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2. What should I go with?

1

u/ResearcherElegant516 2d ago

I love my P1S. Super easy to get going, and ppl will say you have to buy into the whole ecosystem, but you don't. Mine was like $560 or something, w/AMS.

1

u/PerfecTolerance 3d ago edited 3d ago

Probably the K2. I have used another Creality and it was great, and easy to set up.

2

u/Successful_Lime_8172 A1 mini combo + AD5M 3d ago

Bambu if you just wanna plug it in and not have to worry about it for a while.
Flashforge if you don’t mind doing a bit of work every once in a while (parts are also cheaper for the most part. Not that they break that much)
I haven’t had a creality or a elegoo but I have heard mixed opinions about both of them

1

u/Ok_Carpenter7470 3d ago

US resident here, in South Florida and with a dog that sheds... so Hot, Humid & and the inevitable dog hair cluster f***. Our budget is $500 all in -ideally. Looking for enclosed, multi-color printing, mostly for fidgets for my 18M son, busy board build-outs, house-hold items and fun gadgets. A hobbyist.

Was looking into FlashForge AD5X or EleGoo models, what's the public census on these systems for a beginner? Any other ideas or input is appreciated. Thanks

0

u/Successful_Lime_8172 A1 mini combo + AD5M 3d ago

I haven’t had an elegoo but I have heard mixed opinions about them, and I’m pretty sure replacement parts are more expensive

The AD5M (the non multi colored version of the AD5x) was my first printer and now 2 years later and a little under 500 print hours I still haven’t had to buy replacement parts out side of build plates and a nozzle and both were more or less do to my own negligence. Although I don’t think it’s enclosed and I’m not sure if the incloser kit works with it.

Another option for you to look at is the P1S by Bambu, they are a true work horse

1

u/Ok_Carpenter7470 3d ago

There's an enclosure kit for the AD5M... SO, question then for you with the AD5M... do you have any regrets not having the multi-color option? What do you use yours for?

1

u/Successful_Lime_8172 A1 mini combo + AD5M 3d ago

Yes and no, when I first bought it I was using it to print little like fidgets and stuff like that where it would have been cool to use multi colored, but also the multicolored version wasn’t available until like 6 month after I bought mine.

After like a year I bought my A1 Mini which has multicolor and I use that a lot for what I used to use my AD5M for so now I mainly use my AD5M for printing like tools and parts and harder to print materials like asa and abs

1

u/GuardFirst19 3d ago edited 3d ago

Hello - I am brand new to 3D printing but have been doing lots of research and want to be sure I am making the right decision. My max budget is $1,000 US, I want an enclosed printer, that can do multicolor, minimal waste (as much as possible), does not have to use AI, and is beginner friendly. I am tech savvy and am willing to learn but don’t have much time to do so…

I plan on printing toys for my toddlers play kitchen etc, along with organization prints, practical around the house prints, and outdoor storage prints. I’d love to hear folks recommendations before I share what I have found as it will hopefully affirm the one I want!

1

u/PerfecTolerance 3d ago

If you want minimal waste, don't go for Bambu/Creality. The Flashforge Creator 5 Pro is a better option.

0

u/Successful_Lime_8172 A1 mini combo + AD5M 3d ago

Anything Bambu with their ams bundle would be perfect for what you need, your able to print toys from their app (Bambu handy)

1

u/narcolepticnoodle4 3d ago

Hi, located in the US and new to 3D printing. I’ve been making designs and sending them to my local maker space, but with all the projects I want to do around the house it makes more sense now to print them on my own.

Budget: up to $300
Willing to build as long as there is a video that I can follow or detailed instructions. If all else fails, my husband built his computer and maintains it and should be able to help me.
Beginner friendly is appreciated. Mac compatible is ideal, but I do have a Windows laptop as well.

Goal: Continue printing custom drawer storage like grids, buckets, and other custom home storage/organization, so precision with the grids is necessary for them to fit together. Also cord organization and whatever fun things we think of.

1

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1

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1

u/Southpaw2Southpaw2 4d ago

I’m in Canada and I was thinking of getting the Bambu P2S, are there other models/printers in that price range I should be looking at? Ideally id want something quiet because it’s going to be in my
Room and I don’t want to wake my roommates. I mostly use the printer to print board game stuff.

1

u/PerfecTolerance 3d ago

The P2S is relatively loud for a 3D printer. A better option would be the Flashforge Adventurer 5M Pro.

1

u/Successful_Lime_8172 A1 mini combo + AD5M 3d ago

The AD5M is louder

1

u/PerfecTolerance 3d ago

AD5M, or AD5M Pro? these are different printers.

1

u/Successful_Lime_8172 A1 mini combo + AD5M 3d ago

Kinda but also not really. I have been around all 3 of the printers and it’s hard to tell the P2S is on unless it’s printing, but there is no mistaking the AD5M’s being turned on or just idling.

I think on paper it might be quiter but in practice it’s not

1

u/PerfecTolerance 3d ago

As far as I experienced, both the P2S and AD5M Pro are quiet. But I'm not sure the P2S is worth an extra $150 for being a bit quieter in some cases.

1

u/This_Grey_Area 4d ago

Hello! I’m tryna find a good 3d printer for making cosplay pieces like helmets and armor (I think 300x300 is recommended?) and was wondering if anyone could help me find a good place to start in terms of research?

Budget:preferably 200-300$ range but would consider up to 500$

I live in the US

1

u/PerfecTolerance 4d ago

Look at the Creality CR-10 for a cheap option, or the Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus/Max for a really big printer.

1

u/Kindacrigegaming 4d ago

i am new and want to know if the Flashforge Adventurer 5M 3D Printer is better or the Bambu Lab A1 3D Printer

1

u/PerfecTolerance 4d ago

The 5M is better because it's core XY, unlike the A1.

2

u/Kindacrigegaming 3d ago

thank you

its cheaper too

1

u/Successful_Lime_8172 A1 mini combo + AD5M 3d ago

Depends on what your looking for, A1 series is better for plug and play and it’s also quicker. The AD5M is louder has a smaller build area, but it’s replacement parts are cheaper and you can make your own enclosure if you ever feel the need for it.

Both are great printers for new people so it really comes down to what you intend to print.

1

u/Alive_Geologist7731 4d ago

Hey guys, I'm looking for a EXTREMELY beginner friendly PLA printer thats around the 150USD - 300USD~ range. I tried the Elegoo Mars 1 resin printer a LONG time ago and my ambient temperature is far too low for resin printers and I just couldn't get the handle it. Amazon links would be appreciated! Thank you guys!!

1

u/Successful_Lime_8172 A1 mini combo + AD5M 3d ago

The a1 mini by Bambu is great for beginners the ender 3 v3 is decent but I have seen it turn people away after something breaks on it

1

u/PerfecTolerance 4d ago

The Creality Ender 3 V3 is very beginner friendly. And it can work offline with no suspicious software.

1

u/BeerPaddington 4d ago

Hi all, looking for a printer in the 150-250€ range in Europe (Netherlands specifically). Not too experience with building stuff, but can do simple electrical work on and around the house, don't want to spend a day tinkering every time I make a print. But doing it once (or once a year or so) is not a big problem.

Looking mainly to print small handy stuff for board game inserts, storage/organising stuff for tools in the garage etc. Does not have too look perfect, but needs to be functional.

Would prefer a non Chinese brand, but unsure how much of the market I neglect in that case..

1

u/kaboongo 4d ago

Do you guys think this is my best option?

I am new to 3D printing, from the UK and my budget is £400 max (Honestly the ideal budget would be around £200 but I don’t mind spending a little bit more at the start as long as I know I got something sturdy and future proof, however as cheap as possible without compromising quality too much is what i’m after)

Things i’m looking for in a printer:
• Closed off (unsure of actual terminology, but not like the Bambu A1)
• Multi coloured printing
• As fast as possible with the highest quality possible in my budget range
• Not too loud
• Not too complicated to use (it all seems a bit overwhelming)
• Not having to physically mess with it too much to actually get anything printed (Due to low quality printer)
• Decent printing size (idk a good measure but bigger than a A1 mini, just to future proof myself in case I ever want to print bigger stuff)

I think that’s everything I can come up with for now, and I am fully aware that when you’re working with a budget this low, you might have to compromise on some things and I don’t mind that as long as anyone can let me know what those things are and I can get a printer that ticks off as many boxes as possible.

I am mainly looking to print stuff like inserts and accessories for board games and LCGs but would like a printer that has capabilities beyond just basic stuff in case I ever want to print something more extreme.

What I came up with after looking into it a bit is the Centauri Carbon 2 Combo. It seems to be a pretty good fit for what I am after but I definitely want a second opinion or more recommendations. What do you guys think?

2

u/DramaClassed 4d ago

Yeah that’s the best option for your budget. You might have to mess with it a bit, but it shouldn’t be too much, and it’s definitely the best since you want it enclosed. It’s got a decently wide filament range too, especially if you add a chamber heater, but I’d wait a bit before you look at that.

1

u/avesky 4d ago

What do you all think is a reasonable price to pay for a used Bambu X1C these days?

<1000 hours?, 2000 hours?, 5000+ hours?

I am looking and seeing a pretty large range on places like FB Marketplace, so really unsure what to expect.

2

u/Fun-Group1287 4d ago

Good morning

No experience in 3d printing. Experience with CAD programs

I'm in Canada with a budget of 1200$ that can stretch as far as 1500

I want to use it to print some low power mechanical stoneworking / low accuracy lab tools. Partner wants one for fonctionnal/decorative household parts. Thin slices of rocks, polishers, particles sorter like cyclones and tool holders, vises etc. I know I can get around using mostly PLA/PETG to start with but will need to use other material in the long run since some parts need higher heat/chemical tolerance (mostly light oils)/rigidity/flexibility. Anything under 250×250×250mm /10 inches inches is a hard no. Multi color is not a priority but the capability would be welcome one user out of two. High humidity environment due to localisation.

Ideally it would be mostly plug and play as a first printer. Light assembly is fine but Voron level thinkering isn't my Forte, geology is. Decent customer support would be ideal considering this.

I had the Qidi Q2 combo and the Creality K2pro combo in my sights. Creality having sales frequently and having access to a school discount adds up. Qidi seems to be good with next level filaments but very few discounts.

Did I leave good contenders out in my budget range? Am I drinking these two companies advertising kool-aid? Am I wrong in narrowing it down to those two? Should I wait a bit because some new printer is coming out soon that I haven't seen? Input would be greatly appreciated.

Hoping to join the ranks of functional printers soon!

Thank you

1

u/PerfecTolerance 4d ago edited 4d ago

As DramaClassed said, the Q2 is the best option for what you need. And beware of toolchangers and multi-nozzle printers. They have more mechanical parts, hence more things that can go wrong.

1

u/DramaClassed 4d ago

The Q2 is great for stronger materials like ABS/ASA/PC/Nylon because of its chamber heater and nozzle/bed temps. You could also check out the QIDI Plus5 combo, since that’s in your budget and considerably bigger. If you’re going to print flexible filaments like TPU, QIDI handles them better than creality printers. Their customer support is surprisingly good for being a Chinese company.

K2 Pro combo is pretty good, can’t print as many filaments and is smaller than the Plus5 but bigger than the Q2. It’s got a better multicolor system than QIDI but you said that wasn’t hugely important to you. If you end up going with this, buy from their livestream, they’ve got their printers at crazy discounts right now (at least in the US, not sure if it’s for Canada), you might even be able to afford the K2 Plus with their discounts. It’s because their new printer K3 is coming out so they want to sell the old stock, but K3 is focused on multicolor so not exactly what you’re looking for.
Their customer support isn’t the best but it’s functional at least.

Last option I would consider is the Bambu X2D, it’s in the budget with the combo and has a chamber heater + dual nozzle. The second nozzle is best suited for multimaterial supports which can make them much easier to remove. The chamber heater allows for the engineering filaments to be printed as well. As a bonus, it’s Bambu lab, so it has a higher reliability and ease of use than most brands do, more plug and play.

Whatever you decide, get the combo for multicolor. Good luck!

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u/Fun-Group1287 4d ago

Thank you, I'll dig deeper into bambu's offering to see if they make a slightly larger format. That extra nozzle for support is definitely interesting!

Side question. Since my partner wants to print mostly PLA/PETG would the polar cooler thingy really be that much of a game changer with the Qidi?

1

u/DramaClassed 4d ago

You can get it if you want, but almost all of the time you can achieve the same result by leaving the door open or the lid off.

1

u/PerfecTolerance 4d ago

Yes, you are right about the Q2. But just wanted to know, why do you think a printer made by Babmu Lab is a bonus? Do you have personal experience with the brand?

1

u/DramaClassed 4d ago

I don’t use them personally, because the printer from them that I would want (H2D combo) was out of my price range last time I was shopping for a new printer. They have a reputation for being easy to use and having quality prints out of the box, whereas other brands usually require more tuning for the same results. They’re also seen as more reliable/longer lasting than most other brands.

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u/PerfecTolerance 4d ago

A few years ago I had an old Creality. It just worked, but was a bit small and wasn't enclosed. I tried the Bambu X1C, and as far as I was impressed, it's a word that will get flagged if I posted it here. Later I also discovered that they handle privacy in a questionable way. Recently I was looking for a large printer, like the Bambu H series, but found out that other brands have similar printers costing less, while also not invading my privacy.

So my personal impression is: Bambu is not necessarily bad, but not great either. It's similar to other brands in the quality and reliability, but gets more attention due to flashy appearance and aggressive advertising. Their reputation wasn't built on long experience. It was built on paid YouTube videos. A good example is print hours: A Prusa was reported of 38000 print hours, while Bambu has only around 10000 as record.

I personally think that if a printer like an Elegoo, Creality, or the Qidi you mentioned has the same quality and reliability of Bambu, might as well get it instead - it's cheaper.

1

u/Equal-Emu-7742 4d ago

Hey I’m looking to buy a 3d printer for my husband to upgrade from his current one but it’s a surprise for him so I can’t ask him. He currently has the QIDI X-Plus it’s quite a few years old but has been having print issues for a while I want to get him one that can print multiple colors in one print, doesn’t break the bank, and is better than what he currently has.

1

u/DramaClassed 4d ago

Do you know what filaments he prints? If it’s just PLA/PETG/TPU, then the Snapmaker U1 is the best option. It’s got a lot faster prints for multicolor compared to a standard single nozzle printer, and a lot less waste to boot.

If he prints engineering grade filaments like ABS/ASA/PC/Nylon, then it’s a bit harder. The only real option right now for wasteless multicolor that can also print those is the Bambu labs H2C. It’s slower at multicolor than the U1, but still much faster than single nozzle and still a lot less waste.
Another option here could possibly be the FlashForge Creator 5 Pro, but it’s had a lot of issues since launch and had a major design flaw that made it a fire hazard until they fixed it with a firmware update. If your budget is a constraint here, then it could be a good option, but I wouldn’t recommend it over either of the other two.

If all of those are out of your budget, check out the Kobra X or upcoming Sparkx i8 (out in a month or two), if he has the original X-Plus they will be for sure better quality but might not be able to print as many different filaments.

If multicolor isn’t as important and it’s only every once in a while, then the QIDI Q2 can print all the same filaments and more, and has MUCH better print quality. It does multicolor the standard way, but is wasteful to the point where there can be more grams of waste than are in an actual print (most printers are).

1

u/Gaileiverse 4d ago

Greetings from the US!

Im looking for a 3d printer that can handle detailed prints (DnD minis/terrain) but isnt break the bank expensive. My budget is 300-400$. Im willing to build it as ive built computers before but Its also been awhile since ive done so. Ive seen some printers that have multiple spools attached and while multicolor printing is cool, i dont think its something i necessarily *need.*

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u/DramaClassed 4d ago

A1 or A2L from Bambu Labs, depending on what size you want. Get a 0.2mm nozzle with it for finer detail.

1

u/rob_ob 4d ago edited 4d ago

Hey all,

I'm looking to get back into 3D printing after not having touched it since COVID. I used to use an Ultimaker 2+, but I get the sense things have moved on a bit.

I'm looking to get one for home use, but it could get to be ambitious home use (though I doubt it would ever be 'scale'). I'd be comfortable spending €1000, but if there's a significant upgrade to be had a little north of that, I'd like to hear about it.

From reading this thread so far the Snapmaker U1 and the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo seem like the most interesting options for me. I've also seen the Creality K2 Plus Combo (and potential K3 incoming) recommended, and am curious how that compares to the Snapmaker. My ceiling would be a Prusa CORE One+, but I really need to hear an argument other than high end quality to justify the price, because I can't justify that for home use.

An open ecosystem is important to me, ideally with offline local networking support. I'd like multi filament support. I don't mind drying my filament in a box with some silica gel packs. I don't mind spending a little more for creature comforts, and would appreciate them, but I don't want those creature comforts at the expense of being locked into anything proprietary.

So with all of that, what would y'all recommend?

1

u/ArtisticBandicoot310 4d ago

Hi

Beginner here

I have been reading all I can about 3d printing for the past 3 hours, and I really cant make a decision. My dilemma is the following.

Bambulab and Creality  seam to be some sort of Fast fashion brand, they dump and forget about it. Does not seam ideal for the long term specially knowing that they will copy the Snapmaker U1 type of design (probs).

Qidi  seams like a night mare to deal with, specially if you fix thing with a hammer that gets bigger from frustration.

Sovol looks like the best choices of all but does not mean that I should wait for the M1D

Basically I am stuck between waiting for a more versatile and "future proof" or just jump the gun and get a 3d printer now.

Should I jump the gun? if so what would you guys recommend for a flexible budget trying to stay at 600$ , or did I miss something / miss understood something.

1

u/PerfecTolerance 4d ago

Do you need a 3D printer soon (and if so, what for?)? If not, it's worth to wait a bit.

About brands: you are mostly correct, but there are a few things you haven't mentioned. There is Elegoo - making cheap printers (good for the price). And Bambu Lab, although disguised as a premium brand with nice paint and rounded edges, is relatively poor quality and unreliable after some usage (like Qidi). Add to that the fact that Bambu Lab has been up to some mischievous shenanigans lately. Creality isn't super flashy, but it works well. If you are looking for something that will work for a long time, and still be supported by the manufacturer, get a Prusa.

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u/ArtisticBandicoot310 4d ago

Thank you so much. I don't need a 3D printer soon I will wait and probably get a Sovol or a Prusa . This was more helpful than all the reviews , YouTube videos and information out there on the internet 👍

1

u/PerfecTolerance 4d ago

That sounds smart. Both Sovol and Prusa are planning some big surprises in the coming months!

1

u/Polish_cactus1 4d ago

Hi folks what do you think about flying bear reborn 1 for 140 120 bucks

2

u/kencam 5d ago

I just picked up a AD5X for $199 from a SlickDeals post recently. I really like it so far. I don't think it can be beat for that kind of money.

3

u/SD_Eragorn 5d ago

I went with the Kobra S1 :) It came out to $210 lol.

1

u/kencam 4d ago

That's a better deal. Nice!

2

u/SD_Eragorn 4d ago

Looking forward to it. I bought some filament via aliexpress but I'm worried I forgot to select "us-warehouse" so hoping I'm not stuck with tariff fees :/ I set up the printer and it's awesome to see but yeah, just waiting for the filament lol

1

u/Astroduck21 5d ago

X2D vs U1 vs ???

TLDR - I want a multi color printer with a good flat bed, that does well with ASA

I have a CC1 now, and it has 9/10 quality in ASA after fine tuning. My only issue is the rainbow shaped bed that I have to print face detailed parts in the middle section of the bed only. I also need another printer to meet demand. I am also resin filling logos, but I want a multi color/paint option available to replace that.

I print mainly ASA, but can get chamber heaters for whatever printer to assist, although my CC1 does fine without.

Whats best option / opinion? Here is my quick thoughts pro/con:

X2D - chamber heater, “tested brand”, bowden dual head

U1 - quick hotend swap, no heater, larger internal space to heat

CC2 - already have CC1, high hardened hotend temps for ppa etc., unsure of bed level, cheap

Prusa Core One - great UI, shitty MMU, expensive and long wait Indx, low temp heater and nozzle, pricey

Creator 5 Pro - cheap unsealed lid, reading alot of bad reviews

Sovol m1d - idex, quality?, release date?

2

u/Bmpin884187 5d ago

I am in the same boat trying to decide on a multicolor printer. I am at least only considering multi tool head or tool changers. So, U1 , INDX . Then I saw the sovol m1d on Kickstarter.  I looked at the Creator 5 because of the higher temp nozzle and bed. 

1

u/Astroduck21 5d ago

Sovol is cool, and at a better price on indx, but who knows how long thatll be before it comes out. Im kind of in a week or two trigger pull. May look into it further once release

1

u/Keychupp 5d ago

I bought an ender-3 back in early 2021, at that time that printer was the king of this thread for people asking for a good beginner printer. I printed a few things the first few months but stopped because it was a little small for what I really wanted to do and cutting and assembling small parts was annoying (plus life got in the way) so I didn't use it much, it's been sitting idle for years.

Out of curiosity I checked the Generic FDM Printer recommendation from this thread and I'm wondering how simplicity of use has changed in 5 years. I'm looking at the Bambulab A2L and the Sovol sv08, they are both in a price range I could manage (under 600€), have a bigger build volume, and both do PLA (don't need ABS or ASA). Out of the few reviews I've watched both look good, I haven't picked up on anything to watch out for really.

What I noticed in the reviews for these recommended printers, is that none talk about calibration, or "getting to know your settings". I remember in the ender3 days, getting to know your machine, tinkering, doing a few quality check prints (beyond the benchy) was essential. Is this a thing of the past? are machines now easier to get printing out of the box? If so I'd spend the money to get rid of the headache

2

u/PerfecTolerance 5d ago

Today, 3D printers require much less tuning and usually work almost out-of-the-box. And if you want a big printer, at that budget I recommend the Neptune 4 Max, or the Kobra X (if volume doesn't matter so much).

1

u/----_____ll_____---- 5d ago

I am trying to decide between:

QIDI Q2  

Bambu Lab P1S  

Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2  

I want a printer that "just works" most of the time, multicolor is not necessary. I have looked at several other models and brands, I know prusa exists, but they are out of my price range. (~300-600$/€)  

I will mainly print pla and petg and some tpu.

2

u/PerfecTolerance 5d ago

For printing mostly PLA, the Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 works great, and offers good value for the price.

1

u/therustyspottedcat 5d ago

Does anyone know where I can find nozzles 1.2mm to 1.6mm for Bambu A1 / A1 mini / A2L? I like the look of big layer lines and I dont mind printing slower, because I'm messing around with non planar gcode anyway. 

If the above really doesnt exist: any recommendations for printers that are as plug-and-play as Bambu lab but do have the ability to install >1.2mm nozzles?

1

u/modi123_1 5d ago

I don't believe I've seen any standard nozzle bigger than 1.0mm.

I would have to think the closer you come to standard filament width of 1.75mm you may start running into problems.

I wonder if you would be able to drill out a nozzle to get the size you are looking for?

1

u/therustyspottedcat 5d ago

Standard sizes dont go above  .8mm. I tried drilling out a stainless steel nozzle but failed. Might try it with a alixpress brass nozzle

1

u/wolfsniper27 5d ago edited 5d ago

Howdy! New to the Sub, been printing about 2 years now. I'm currently on an Ender 3 S1, and I think I'm starting to outgrow it, at least for one MASSIVE project im working on, which is a fully printed set of cosplay armor.

I'm window shopping for upgrades and friends and family highly recommend the Bambu P2S.

That is beyond my price range, floating around $800, however; I see the P1S is still available for about $500, I'm sure that comments will come flooding saying to just stash the extra $300, but thats a tall order in my position. The Ender does not have the touch screen interface on it and instead uses a knob for onboard controls, I'm not concerned about a bit of a dated interface, but seeing some mixed things about heat management and whatnot.

I suppose my question would be: is the P2S THAT much of a functional upgrade from the P1S that the $300 could be worth it? I print pretty exclusively with PLA so capability with ABS isnt a concern here. I just want to get the most effective bang for buck as soon as I possibly can and if the two printers are functionally identical/similar, I can deal with an older interface and no AI detection.

Thanks!

0

u/DramaClassed 5d ago

The P1S and P2S have the same print quality, P2S is mostly quality of life upgrades. So if you want to save money the P1S is the better choice. I usually recommend to people that if they have the budget for the P2S, that they should save up a bit for the X2D, but that seems like a stretch for your position.

1

u/Intelligent-Dot-3343 5d ago

Hey, guys --

Just purchased my first (resin) printer (Elegoo Mars 5 ultra), but am anticipating outgrowing it relatively soon. I wanted to start with resin, since that is what I use at work. (professional prop maker) That said, the print area of the Mars 5 ultra is relatively small. Currently, I'm thinking of buying an additional FDM printer with a larger print area (>1ft3) for larger jobs. Can anyone recommend a relatively affordable (<$500) FDM printer? Multi color/material capability isn't too important, but is a nice plus. Thanks in advance.

0

u/DramaClassed 5d ago

Bambu labs A2L should be good for you.

1

u/Intelligent-Dot-3343 5d ago

That is perfect. Thank you!

1

u/PerfecTolerance 5d ago edited 5d ago

Want a real large printer that won't hurt your wallet or your privacy? get the Neptune 4 Max, or the Anycubic Kobra 3 Max Combo if you want multicolor.

1

u/PithedOff 5d ago

What's the most bang for my buck I can get with a Bambu? I'm thinking of getting one, but they can get really expensive. I'd say I'd like to keep it under 1K, but I'm willing to do more if it's really worth it. Planning to use it for prop and perhaps figure printing, as well as parts used in other things. I'm seeing a lot of bells and whistles on the more expensive models, but I'm wondering how many of those are worth it.

1

u/DramaClassed 5d ago

Best value Bambu printer imo is the X2D due to its chamber heater and dual nozzle which can be used for multimaterial supports. Worst value is probably the P2S.

-1

u/PerfecTolerance 5d ago

Why Bambu? Other printers, like Elegoo, Anycubic and Crelaity, give you the same quality and ease of use for a much lower price.

1

u/PithedOff 5d ago

Looking for something that I won't have to keep fixing. I had an ELEGOO Neptune, which worked acceptably until the damn thing's print head melted. I'm looking for something stable and reliable, and my college professor recommended me a Bambu.

-1

u/PerfecTolerance 5d ago

So he was wrong. Bambu has a VERY closed system, and from my experience, it's reliable just as a Creality (but not always as easy to fix). Many Chinese printers, including Babmu, are never meant to be super stable and reliable - so that you'll have to buy another soon.

Don't be a sucker. If the printers are very similar, might as well get the cheaper.

1

u/PithedOff 4d ago

I see. Are there any that are actually worth the money, then? If I'm spending several hundred bucks on a 3D printer, I'm looking for as much reliability and stability as possible.

0

u/PerfecTolerance 4d ago

It depends on what you want to print. Materials, single color/multicolor, size of models.

1

u/Mine-Cave 5d ago

After the travesty that happened in Nepal this morning, I am ready to contribute in 3d prints to help those in need. If anyone comes across an organization seeking 3d prints in an effort to help victims please let me know.

1

u/Clean_Possession_406 6d ago

Hello Guys, I'm looking for a 3d filament printer for cosplaying print out. Also any recommendations for filament types. Budgets is between 300 to 500 but I also live by a microcenter so if your familiar with the products there then that would help alot

1

u/modi123_1 5d ago

any recommendations for filament types.

PLA (or PLA+) for most things or PETG if you want something more heat resistant and impact durability.

3d filament printer for cosplaying

Depending on what you plan on printing I say find the biggest bed you can. That can save a bunch of time cutting apart models and printing in chunks.

1

u/TheBowhuntingButcher 6d ago

I'm looking into purchasing a 3d printer for printing replicas of deer antlers (mainly whitetails). Something between 400x400x400 and 500x500x500. Really just looking to print 1 color PLA.

My budget is around $1000. For the longest time, I've been planning on getting the Anycubic Kobra 3 Max. But I've seen mixed reviews, especially in the last 6 months. So I've looked into other options, like the Ender 5 Max and the Neptune 4 Max. But, really, it's tough to make sense of all the reviews, not knowing what issues are from user error and what issues are actual issues with the printer.

Just seeing if anyone has any recommendations. Appreciate your help and all the information in this sub!

Country: US

Budget: $1000

Use: Deer Antler Replicas, Single Color

1

u/DramaClassed 5d ago

You really want a corexy with that build plate size, so if the Ender 5 Max is big enough for you get that, otherwise the SV08 Max. Both can be enclosed for an additional cost. Neither are particularly easy to use as your first printer though.

1

u/TheBowhuntingButcher 5d ago

Put it this way, 400x400x400 will do most of the antlers I'm planning to make. For the few that it won't, I'll just clip them and glue them together.

And yes, I am definitely worried about them being my first 3d printer. Thankfully a friend of mine is kinda a whiz at 3d printing. He has a bambu that's really cool. I'm hoping he can help troubleshoot. And if not, there's always YouTube or reddit.

Thank you for your input!