Let’s take a look at the alternatives to buying a brand new 3D printer, their pros, cons and some advice on how to best navigate the market for second-hand / refurbished and used 3D printers.
The most obvious advantage of buying a second hand or refurbished 3D printer is price. Although it can be tricky considering there isn’t that much precedent on what the ideal price for second-hand or refurbished should be. This type of purchase may require a bit of prior research and browsing through forums.
Dragging down costs is especially important if you need to buy a 3D printer for industrial applications. Industrial Second-hand / used 3D printers are more common due than refurbished. Even though they are cheaper and can have potential advantages over a standard purchase, potential buyers should keep an eye on the purchase agreements. Refurbished and factory restored printers can have stringent warranties and return policies. Many companies might sell them without their standard contract. It’s important to know what you’re getting into.