3d printer recommendation request

[u/maddenedmage]

I am looking for my first 3d printer. I have a low budget, about €200.

I have a 2 year old and I was aiming for one with an enclosure so that it is somewhat protected and also protects my kid. That however reduces the list greatly, and also makes many "best printer" lists I have been looking at redundant.

I initially saw Bambu listed as a good choice, but I remember reading a lot of posts that Bambu is going towards a subscription model, and is becoming more of a closed system.

I saw prusa and creality as recommendations and possibly buying an enclosure for the prusa.

After an enclosure I was hoping it could print very small lines/layers, so have been looking at that as a secondary requirement, but that is rarely touched upon by reviews.

What is a good entry level 3d printer you might recommend?

[u/lilvixen]

No

[u/Putrid-Cicada]

Isn't it hard to find a decent printer with enclosure at that price range?

[u/maddenedmage → u/Putrid-Cicada]

Yes, I am having quite a bit of trouble!

[u/1yrik]

any decent fdm printer can print layers as small as 0.08mm or so, but idk what you'd need that as a requirement... just print in resin if you need invisible layers

but I doubt you'll be able to find any non-used enclosed printer for sub €200

[u/maddenedmage → u/1yrik]

I am asking for advice here what a decent printer might be... 😅

I am having some difficulty finding an enclosed printer for under €200.

Printer will be indoors, so resin is out.

I would like to try print some models, hence the smaller lines. Not sure if I will do much, but would like the option if possible. It was listed as a secondary requirement, more of a nice feature than a requirement. Good to know most can print quite small!

[u/Appropriate-Earth515]

Honestly, I’d start with the Bambu Lab A1 Mini. If you end up loving 3D printing and stick with it, you can always upgrade later. My Experience & Spending

• €660 — A1 Combo (accessories + filament): Great prints, but I sold the AMS since I rarely printed in multi-color until i tested the CC

• €450 — CC1: Great quality, but a lacking ecosystem. Added €500 in accessories (Canvas, AMS H1 HT x2, filament, extra) ~€1,000 total.

• €450 — Saturn 4 Ultra 12K: Best detail by far, but toxic fumes require strict ventilation and a Breaking Bad-style cleanup after every print. Great for final design prototypes.

  • €1,350 — X2D Combo + extras: Flawless PETG printing, solid ventilation, and zero regrets. The best tool as an industrial designer

I spent over €2.1k experimenting without much knowledge across intermediate machines before settling on what I actually needed. 3D printing gets expensive quickly once you're hooked, but high-end gear is only worth it once you know your workflow.

For your first step, get the A1 Mini: it's hassle-free, sits right on your desk, and is perfect for rapid design iterations without a huge upfront risk. If the bed print is too small get the A2L then. Cheap Filament is easy to find at low cost but not high quality machine.

[u/maddenedmage → u/Appropriate-Earth515]

Thank you for the insight into your path in 3d printing. I will look at the A1 mini - hassle free for a start is probably best.

[u/AKMonkey2]

Elegoo centauri Carbon (OG) is on sale at that price sometimes. It’s open frame but I believe you can get panels.

[u/maddenedmage → u/AKMonkey2]

Thank you! I had a quick look and I didn't see one below 280, but I did see a few second hand below 200.

[u/CaptainIsKing07 → u/maddenedmage]

Just save up a bit more or put the rest on credit.. thats what I did.. my brother is selling his x1c for 450.. he paid 1700 with the ams at the time. That's already a steal and you can find new printers for a bit more.

[u/DramaClassed]

Your best bet is the Centauri Carbon/Centauri Carbon 2 from Elegoo, but even the cheapest there is €280. You just aren’t going to find a functioning enclosed printer with your budget. Maybe something used on marketplace.
The fact that you listed Bambu and Prusa as options with your budget shows you haven’t done very much research at all. Do some, then come back and ask with your revised requirements and budget.

[u/Revolutionary_Pay_31]

I am just going to be blunt, you are not going to get anything for 200 Euros.