3D printing isn’t anything new. It’s been going on on an industrial scale for a few decades now. But starting a few years ago, 3D printing left the purview of industry and came to the masses thanks to advances in engineering and the components used to make smaller, more affordable 3D printers.
Nowadays there is a host of consumer 3D printer options out there ranging from units that cost thousands down to some that only cost a few hundred. If you’ve been thinking about getting a 3D printer, there’s never been a better time to buy than now. Here are some of our favorite 3D printers on the market right now.
Flashforge 3D Printer Finder Single Extruder Printer
The Flashforge 3D is the most expensive printer on our list, but it’s also the best looking. Its red Star Trek-is body has no visible wires or heat plate, making it one of the most approachable 3D printers on the market. It’s also got an assisted leveling feature and a filament run-out reminder, plus it features a 3.5in touchscreen panel, which makes controlling the printer a snap. That touchscreen also provides instant previews of 3D model files. Grab the Flashforge on Amazon for £607.96.
QIDI TECHNOLOGY Dual Extruder Desktop 3D Printer
Only slightly cheaper than the Flashforge is the QIDI. Like the former, it’s got an enclosed space where all the moving parts and 3D printing is contained in. QIDI boasts that this printer is the most precise and dependable 3d printer and from the reviews, people seem to agree. It also features a new high heat-resistant metal platform and an aviation-level aluminum plate the company says is completely flat and will not warp during the heating process. The QIDI is available now on Amazon for £599.00.
Wanhao i3 V2 Duplicator 3D-Printer
The Wanhao is the first 3D printer on this list that gets down into the really affordable range. It doesn’t feature an enclosed workspace, but it more than makes up for that with other features. The Wanhao i3 comes with a heated build plate, an SD card reader, and an LCD screen. It also sports a brand new MK10 extruder, which means that you are free to use almost any filament you like: PLA, ABS, or PETG. Pick one up on Amazon for £295.95.
Monoprice 124166 Select Mini 3D Printer
An even more cost-effective 3D printer is the Monoprice. Yes, it looks a little ad-hoc with its design, but for around £200 it’s not a bad option at all. The Monoprice take any 1.75mm filament type and–best of all–ships fully assembled. That’s right: most other 3D printers you need to put together when you buy them. This could lead to errors or imprecise printing. Not so with the Monoprice. You can grab one on Amazon for only £216.99.
Geeetech Acrylic Prusa I3 Pro
The Geeetech is the lowest priced 3D printer on this list, but it’s a great option for those who want to get into 3D printing without spending a lot of money. The printer works with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and Geeetech says is so popular it’s used in a wide array of fields including household, education, engineer, medical treatment, and product prototype design. Best of all is that they offer tech support via WhatsApp if you need some extra help getting started! Pick one up now on Amazon for just £169.00.
