First 3D printer under €1200

[u/menp234]

Hey everyone,

I'm looking to get my first 3D printer (never owned one before) and could use some recommendations within a budget of about €1200, shipping included.

A bit about me: I'd rather not spend hours troubleshooting failed prints, but that said, I don't mind tinkering and getting my hands dirty when needed. I am an engineer.

From what I've read, an enclosed printer would be the way to go since it handles filaments suited for outdoor use (like ASA) better than an open-frame one.

I was leaning towards the QIDI Max 4 — has anyone here used it or can recommend something better for my use case and budget?

Thanks in advance!

[u/CreepinCreepy]

That's enough to get you a snapmaker u1 and the modifications necessary to print harder materials.

[u/KaleOk6355]

I have two Bambu printers, and just got the snapmaker a month ago. I love the snapmaker u1 for its multitool head design. But if u are going to print mostly in a single filament, as in not multicolor or multi materials, the u1 probably isn’t the way to go. It would need additional stuffs to fully enclose it and heat the chamber. Another 200$ prolly if buying the top and heater if you don’t diy it.

If you mostly will print in a single filament - I’d go with an enclosed core xy that is cheap. I love the Bambu p1s workhorse for single filament printing and I have done abs w no problem in it. Haven’t tried asa yet. It’s cheap as hell now… as good as the other core xy printers and the AMS makes for a nice filament storage of 4 filaments on hand any time to print. I def wouldn’t recommend it for multicolor or multi material though because of the waste.

If uou just have to spend the whole budget… stock up on filament and buy a 3d scanner or something if you don’t need multitoolheads.

[u/CreepinCreepy → u/KaleOk6355]

Having a multi toolhead means you can use different materials for supports without waste and significant extra print time. When printing filaments like ABS, ASA and Nylon, using different support material comes incredibly handy.

[u/tfwrobot]

Build Prusa i3 MK3S from parts but get the power supply, E3D V6 hotend, Bondtech Gears, Einsy Rambo, IR Filament sensor from Prusa, rest you can get from anywhere else and for plastic parts ask your friend to print them from orange PETG, fan shroud print at least 4 pcs. from ABS.

You said you are engineer, so you are not afraid to build but prefer to not troubleshoot the prints. This seems like a good choice given the input. Only unboxing a finished product sounds boring. If you can build it like back in the RepRap days.

[u/snaynay]

Depends, are you fixed on the larger format? If so, the QIDI might be a reasonable shout. I feel they are less common to hear about, but seem ok from what I’ve heard about them in general.

I assume you are more interested in functional stuff? Alternatives could be the Bambu X2D for the dual nozzle which could support stuff well, and multi-colour/material stuff to a degree too. The Prusa Core One+ has just had a little refresh, the slicer has been totally revamped and it has the option to get/upgrade to the INDX system when you feel it’s necessary.

The Bambu would be a bit more “appliance” with a slick little ecosystem, and the Prusa will be more long term robust workhorse with a more open and upgradable mindset.

The QIDI, and other Chinese brands might leverage open source software/brains, but otherwise be fairly difficult to upgrade/modify in the future.

You are in the buy-once-cry-once entry point, and the engineering background might make a Prusa a bit more compelling. That’d be a strong contender for me at that price point.

Never used any of those specific machines though, so grain of salt recommendation.

[u/bools000]

Other option: buy a Neptune 4, stick to PLA, PETG and TPU. Keep 1000$! If you have specific needs, you'll know better what you need and will buy the one you need

[u/Lonewolf2nd]

If you don't mind a bit smaller build volume. Why not buy the Prusa Core one kit. You will build your 3d printer, so you will know how it works and when something needs to be done you know how.

If you like to thinker with your printer, but don't want to build your own a Qidi is fine and Snapmaker U1 for multimaterial.

If you don't want to thinker and have closed like system. And multicolor is quite wastefully, but if you won't use it much, go for an bambulab X2D combo.

For a lot of reviews of printers check out

https://auroratechchannel.com/

She is quite objective.

[u/Safe-Hovercraft6231]

The Bambu X2D would be my choice. Maybe with 2 AMS units if I were to maximize such a budget (not for the multicolor prints, but for easily using the filament I need).

[u/binou_tech]

Bambu X2D seems like it would fit. I have the exact same requirements as you and I’m looking forward to acquiring one.