The Best 3D Printer for Beginners
A question we often get from readers is: ‘What is the best 3D printer for beginners?’. To answer that question we need to know what you want to learn / create. There are two questions you might want to ask yourself prior to making a decision:
- Are you in search of a plug-and-play 3D printer?
- On a budget and looking for a cheap machine?
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Heads up: our content may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won’t pay a penny more, but we’ll get a small commission. Read more here.When do you choose a pre-assembled 3D printer?
Go for a fully assembled 3D printer when you don’t want to worry about the hardware – a reliable plug-and-play machine that takes away the hassle of tweaking electronics. You can start your first print right after you’ve unboxed the printer. Below you’ll find a list of the best pre-assembled 3D printers for beginners.
Of course there are more aspects you might want to consider when deciding which 3D printer is right for you. Is safety an issue, and are you looking for a 3D printer that is safe to use in the classroom? Then skip the DIY kits and limit your search to the pre-assembled 3D printers.
When do you choose a semi-assembled 3D printer?
Semi-assembled 3D printers can be the perfect solution for beginners that don’t want to spend too much money but are also not interested in the hassle of building a complete kit. Semi-assembled 3D printers basically have the best of both worlds. They’re easy to set up (30 minutes) and they’re relatively affordable.
When do you choose a DIY Kit?
I started my journey into 3D printing a few years ago by building an Ultimaker original DIY kit. I didn’t have a clue about what to expect. As an electronics newcomer, assembling a 3D printer kit was certainly not easy and the learning curve was definitely steep, but it was worth every moment of my time.
3D Printers for Beginners
FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite
This is the FlashForge Adventurer 3 Lite. The only difference in comparison to the Adventurer 3 is that this Lite version doesn't come with a built-in camera.
Features we like:
- - Heats up fast - within 50 seconds to 200°C (392°F)
- - Low operating sound - perfect for in the office
- - Quick nozzle switch system
- - Flexible and removable print bed
- Manufacturer:
- FlashForge
- Manufacturer country:
- China
- Launched in:
- 2018
- Technology:
- FFF FDM
- Print size millimeters:
- 150 x 150 x 150 mm
- Print size inches:
- 5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches
- Printable material(s):
- ABS, PLA
Dremel DigiLab 3D40 Flex
This is Dremel's DigiLab 3D40 Flex. Features we like:
- - Flexible and removable build plate
- - Wi-Fi enabled cloud printing
- - Perfect for beginner and intermediate K-12 education institutions
- Manufacturer:
- Dremel
- Manufacturer country:
- USA
- Launched in:
- 2019
- Technology:
- FFF FDM
- Print size millimeters:
- 254 x 152 x 170 mm
- Print size inches:
- 10 x 6 x 6.7 inches
- Printable material(s):
- PLA
Ultimaker 3
The Ultimaker 3 is an easy to use and reliable 3D printer. Features we like:
- - Swappable print core (makes it easy & fast to switch between nozzle sizes / nozzle types)
- - Wide range of printable materials
- Manufacturer:
- Ultimaker
- Manufacturer country:
- The Netherlands
- Launched in:
- 2016
- Technology:
- FFF FDM
- Print size millimeters:
- 197 x 215 x 200 mm
- Print size inches:
- 7.8 x 8.5 x 7.9 inches
- Printable material(s):
- ABS, CPE, PETG, PLA, PVA
Best 3D Printing Tools for Beginners
3D Printer Tool Kit
Eva-dry E-333 Renewable Mini Dehumidifier
$14.97 in stock
2 used from $13.77
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Storage Boxes
2 used from $37.98
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Suresh Panchal says
Very Helping knowledge
Cathy Nealey says
How does the Snapmaker 3 in 1 3D printer rate?
Peter Strikwerda says
We haven’t tested it yet
Andrew says
I need to make parts for vehicles, is there a scanning tool that will allow me to scan the part I need and basically have the printer build it to the specs it scans? Is it already included in these machines? I’m totally new to this. Please help
Peter Strikwerda says
Hey Andrew – scanners are not included in these machines. 3D scanning is not something we are very familiar with – we only know it’s not as easy as one might think. We have a few scanners listed here: https://3dprinting.com/3d-scanners/
alan flwtt says
have recently acquired a 2nd generation ctc 3d printer which ive been told has never been used and by the way it was packaged i don’t have any reason to doubt it but when i go to install the drivers my MacAfee comes up that it has a virus or trojan on it and wont install the drivers
any assistance would be gratefull
Peter Strikwerda says
Hello Allan. It’s best to reach out to CTC directly or if that’s difficult try to find a CTC Facebook community you can join.