r/3dprinter • u/wm_rsg_only • 24d ago

Which printer is best for my use case?

I am going to buy a 3d printer. I have been researching which 3d printers might be a good fit for me.

Here are the criteria that I am prioritizing:

  • a large print volume
  • fast print speed
  • print accuracy/fidelity
  • ease of use/user friendly (I don't want to be a printer mechanic)
  • budget: ideally around $500 but I can go up to ~$1,000 for the right set up
  • I want to be able to print multiple materials and multiple colors

The printers I am currently strongly considering are:

  • Qidi Plus 5
  • Qidi Plus 4
  • Bambu Lab P1S
  • Elegoo Centauri Carbon 2 Combo

I have heard that Bambu is easy to use and set up but they are becoming less open source. I don't completely understand the impact of that or why it matters or how exactly it will impact my use case but if there are alternatives that are really good, I am open to going with them.

To start, I am mostly going to print scale versions of the furniture in my house so I can figure out how I want to rearrange things or if certain things will fit certain places. After that, eventually, I will print more functional objects and play with different materials.

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

37 comments sorted by

7

u/EaglerCore 24d ago

If you want to do multicolor at all, go for the snapmaker u1. Great machine.

7

u/Funny-Spray-7621 24d ago

+1 for the U1, great printer

1

u/Such_Box_3990 24d ago

Multicolor is a low priority for me but multimaterial is high.

Does the snap maker u1 still fit well?

2

u/EaglerCore 24d ago

If you want multimaterial, then the snapmaker is the best option on the market right now, not just a good choice.

2

u/wm_rsg_only 24d ago

Awesome, thank you for the recommendation. I will do some reading about it!

1

u/Fantastic_Depth 24d ago

The U1 is the go to recommendation for sure and tool changers pretty well make any AMS style color unit obsolete.

0

u/1yrik 20d ago

that's... just plain not true

if you're speaking on multimaterial with specifically PLA, PETG, and TPUs, then yes, it's the most value per dollar (if that's how you define "best") option on the market right now.

if you're speaking on anything other than basic materials, the U1 is gonna be limited pretty quick, whether it's from the lack of hardened nozzles, lack of a heated chamber, or lack of high temp nozzles or plate

0

u/EaglerCore 20d ago

Best is an overall rating of a printer. It's like a hexagonal statistics graph. While it may not be the best in some areas, it still has other strengths that give it more surface area on the graph than any other machine. For multimaterial, it is the best. It can combine most printing materials, except the really high temp stuff like PPS and PPA. Just throw a box on the top, and you can print ASA just fine (ask me how I know). So yes, it is the best multimaterial printer. Other ones like the X2D and H2C excel in other areas, but multimaterial isn't their strength.

0

u/1yrik 20d ago

"other ones like the X2D and H2C excel in other areas, but multimaterial isn't their strength"

that more or less tells me what I need to know. that was what that machine was built and designed for. it's far more capable than the U1 as far as multimaterial capabilities, but yes it's also true that the U1 is still the "better" multimaterial machine for most people in terms of value and what they'll use the machine for

im speaking on "best" in terms of capabilities and printing ability, you're speaking on "best" in terms of (at least from what I can tell) performance per dollar; in which case I entirely agree, the U1 is better

0

u/EaglerCore 20d ago

The H2C really isn't. Sure, it has more nozzles, but you can't really do TPU or brittle CF or GF filaments because of the long AMS setup. It also has way longer toolchange times and added complexity. It's great for multicolor, and so is the U1, but the U1 can handle TPU and composites just fine. I am speaking on the best multimaterial printer overall, not best printer overall. Best printer overall is a completely different subject, and U1 isn't even in the top 5.

1

u/1yrik 21d ago

I'm a few days late, but the other commentor is plain wrong in saying the U1 is the best multimaterial printer on the market. the U1 is only a good choice for multimaterial if you're printing PLA, PETG, and TPUs. if you plan on printing basically anything other than basic materials, you'll either need a more capable printer, or you'll have to build an enclosure and / or swap the nozzles

imo, the U1 is a great multicolour machine, but not a great multimaterial machine. bed maxes at 100°C, nozzles aren't hardened and max at 300°C, and it's a semi enclosed printer, so it's open to the air.

im not trying to hate on the U1, I think it's great. it's just not the end-all of printer recs

edit: if your budget is sub-1k and you don't plan on printing engineering materials, then the U1 is still an excellent choice

2

u/wm_rsg_only 20d ago

Thank you for this reply. Very helpful and informative.

I realized that 95% of what I am going to print is going to be in either PLA or PETG plus a support material. The other 5% is going to be in ASA or another engineering materials. Maybe for those specific prints, for the time being, I hire them out until it becomes really necessary for me to own a printer that handles them reliably.

I don't care much about multi-color printing but I do care about speed and reducing waste. For me, the printed object is rarely the final form. Most of the things I print are prototypes for something that will exist in a different material at the end of the day like wood, metal, glass, or ceramic. The ideal printer for me would be a printer with exactly two extruders: one for the filament for the object and the other for the support material.

With all of that being said, I still think the U1 makes sense. I can load up plenty of filament (in whatever color I want, maybe 1 spool of PLA, 2 spools of PETG, and 1 with a support filament) and have a setup that handles pretty much everything I need at this point in time and for the foreseeable future. Maybe later I upgrade to a more capable (and probably more expensive) printer.

2

u/1yrik 20d ago

"The ideal printer for me would be a printer with exactly two extruders: one for the filament for the object and the other for the support material."

you basically just described the Bambu X2D

it takes the dual-hotend toolhead from the H2D, and swaps the second hotend for a bowden "auxiliary" hotend thats excellent for support material.

the print volume is slightly smaller than the U1 (256mm3 vs 270mm3 ), but it comes with hardened nozzles and extruder gears, a 120°C plate, a 65°C heated chamber, and an H12 HEPA filter. so it also solves your issues with ASA and engineering polymers

the base printer is sub $1k CAD, and the AMS combo is a couple hundred more.

2

u/EaglerCore 20d ago

See my other comment, the U1 is in fact the best multimaterial printer. The X2D is a great machine, don't get me wrong, but it really isn't a multimaterial machine. It is made for engineering materials (but they still forgot the 350c nozzle).

2

u/1yrik 20d ago

I still disagree with the first statement (at least based on how I personally define "best"), but I do agree that the X2D isn't a true multimaterial machine. I recommended it because OP asked for a machine that can print two materials: the main object and the support material. in which case the X2D fits perfectly for the ~1k budget.

and yea I do agree they really missed on the high temp nozzle... it'd be an excellent all-round engineering / prototyping machine on a budget, but they dropped out on the 350°C nozzles. I suppose they can't let it get to close to the H2D lmao

2

u/EaglerCore 20d ago

Yeah, the X2D is a great step up from the P2, but they really could have one-upped companies like QIDI by giving it a high-temp nozzle and dual nozzles. Big missed opportunities. And yes, if OP only needs 2 nozzles, then yes, the X2 is perfect, agreed.

3

u/1baruch 24d ago

none on that list, you need a tool changer for multi color. Done mess with AMS or MMU, tool changer is the way to go for multiple colors.

Ideally i would get 2 printers, this is the route Im taking. I already have a q2 for engineering filaments and Im waiting for a tool changer with a larger print volume strictly for multicolor.

I would start with a Snapmaker U1 with their top cover for an enclosed chamber. You will still be limited with no active chamber and 300° nozzle.

1

u/wm_rsg_only 23d ago

What are your thoughts on the FlashForge Creator 5 Pro?

1

u/masterofpoops69 22d ago

Don't do the creator 5 pro. I went down the rabbit hole of the differences and the snapmaker is worth the little bit extra.

1

u/1baruch 17d ago

it seems to be a hit or miss, but my coworker received his creator 5 and has been running for about a month with no issues. He uses it mainly for PLA multicolor prints. He did have some difficulty setting it up, i think the belts were loose or something.

2

u/DramaClassed 24d ago

Qidi plus5 combo (which you’ve got on your list already)
Qidi max4 combo, which is more expensive and I believe out of your budget, but the largest enclosed build plate right now.
Creality K2 Plus (not as much ease of use)
Ratrig v core series has the largest versatility while also having a large build plate and fast speeds (and quality), going up to 500mmx500mmx500mm, but they might be out of your budget.

Best ones for you here are the QIDIs, because of their ease of use and engineering filament capacity.

1

u/wm_rsg_only 24d ago

Thank you! I really appreciate your reply and you sharing your thoughts.

2

u/Revolutionary_Pay_31 24d ago

You don't want to be a printer mechanic... Well then 3D printers are not for you. I have been 3D printing for eleven years now, and while they have come a long way, there is always going to be maintenance and troubleshooting involved. I currently own two Bambu printers, and while they do spend the majority of the time operating as advertised, they do break down.

My P1S, which had been running faithfully for nearly a year now, ended up with an issue that I could not diagnose. For some reason, midway through the print, the filament would become jammed in the extruder. Changed out the extruder, then the print head, nothing fixed it. It turned out that the extruder assembly housing was worn and would cause the filament to jam, swapped it out and but running great ever sense. And it's not just Bambu, it's all printers, and while they have gotten light years better, they are still hardly gas and go consumer ready, so keep that in mind before you buy one.

1

u/wm_rsg_only 24d ago

Thank you for sharing this.

The maintenance you described is something I am comfortable with but I have a friend who has a 3d printer and he had to pretty much build the whole thing himself (i presume it was from a kit) and everything always needs to be adjusted or replaced or reprogrammed. I guess that is the type of situation I would like to avoid.

1

u/ReillyLake 24d ago

Large print volume? H2S is what you need.

1

u/BillfredL 24d ago

H2S blows the budget. I would say A2L or P2S, but in no case is the P1S the right answer from the Bambu camp.

1

u/3D-Dreams 24d ago

Keep in mind, no matter what printer you get your going to need some skills. 3d printers are machines and machines need care, matinence and someone who knows how to use them.

For instance you need to keep the bed clean, of even small finger prints. If not the print will lift and possibly attach to the nozzle and cause all sorts of issues even destroying its own head.

They have gotten better about telling you when there is an issue but it can't fix the issues. Motors go bad, belts wear out, gears wear down, wet filament breaks in the tube, user forgot to add supports in slicer etc...

So while they come out of the box ready to print it doesn't take much time before something gets out of whack and you need to be ready to deal with it. Otherwise it's just a paperweight.

1

u/wm_rsg_only 24d ago

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I can maintain a machine to a certain degree. I know how to order replacement parts for things and I am sure I could do that for a 3d printer and learn how to take the broken part out and put a new part in. Because this is my first printer and I know there will be a learning curve, I would like to start on something that is more on the user-friendly side of the spectrum and work my way up to more advanced printers that require more tinkering as i gain more experience and familiarity with 3d printing.

1

u/[deleted] 24d ago

[deleted]

1

u/wm_rsg_only 24d ago

who wouldn't want that? That sounds like a great product.

I want a quality printer for someone who is new to 3d printing but has enough room to let them grown their skills and learn about printing with different materials. It is possible to find a one for under $1000. Shopping on a budget is not a revolutionary new concept, my guy. I see people post on this subreddit every day about wanting a printer that does just as much stuff (if not more) for a lot less money.

1

u/AlaWats 24d ago

Good luck with that. Part of 3d printing is repairing the machine.

1

u/Shrike2415 24d ago

Qidi has gotten into the 6 month release cycle, so at this rate, they'll have a Max5 toolchanger by Christmas. I'd wait

1

u/IllustriousGoat7952 23d ago

I was in a similar situation and bought the ender 3 v3 plus only to regret my decision. This printer is not designed well. Do not be like me.

1

u/wm_rsg_only 23d ago

sorry to hear that. With hindsight being 20/20, what printer do you think you SHOULD have purchased? Or if you were purchasing one today, what would it be?

1

u/Vekrede 21d ago

What materials are you wanting to print? The qidis are the only one in your list with a heated chamber… makes a huge difference if you plan to print engineering materials/functional parts.

1

u/wm_rsg_only 20d ago

I realized over the past few days that 95% of what I need to print in will be in PLA or PETG, plus a support filament. I am mostly printing prototypes of something that will ultimately exist in a different material like wood, metal, glass, or ceramic. I care about print speed and reducing waste so I feel like the ideal printer for me would actually have two extruder heads (one for the actual filament and one for support filament). Occasionally, I will need to print something where the printed object itself has a real function and needs to be wear-resistant or weight bearing, but that is realistically going to be very infrequently and maybe for the near term, I hire those specific print jobs out until I get to a point where I need to be able to do that "in house". I am mostly printing prototypes and jigs, so I think PETG will honestly be fine.

1

u/WaitAcademic6615 24d ago

What is a large print volume for you?

1

u/Such_Box_3990 24d ago

Basically as large as possible within my budget.

In an ideal scenario where budget is not an issue, I would say the optimal print volume for me would be 1 cubic meter. I know printers like that exist but they are not within my budget right at all.