DIY 3D Printer vs Pre-Assembled 3D Printer - Which One is Best for Beginners?
3D printing has seen a rapid advancement in recent years. With high demand, it is now more accessible than ever before. However, there's a new confusion that has popped up; whether to go for a DIY 3D printer or a pre-assembled 3D printer. This blog post aims to provide a comparison to help beginners choose the best option.
DIY 3D Printer
DIY 3D printer kits can be an excellent choice for people who enjoy assembling things on their own. When you assemble a printer from scratch, you learn a great deal about 3D printing in general. You can also save some money as DIY kits are generally cheaper. Additionally, these kits are customizable and enable you to upgrade parts as per your needs.
But be warned, it can be a challenging and time-consuming task to assemble the printer. The instructions can be overwhelming, especially for beginners. The quality of print can be a bit disappointing too.
Pre-Assembled 3D Printer
Pre-assembled printers are a no-brainer for people who just want to plug in and start printing. Of course, they are much easier and quicker to set up than DIY printers. They have already been checked and tested by the manufacturer, and you can expect excellent print quality. The print settings and software are pre-installed, which means you just have to switch it on and start printing.
The disadvantage of pre-assembled printers, though, is that they are expensive. There's no scope for customization or upgrading parts. You also won't have the knowledge that comes with assembling a printer yourself.
So, which one is best for beginners?
It all depends on the individual's preferences. If you have the patience, knowledge and time to assemble a printer, then the DIY kit is a good choice. But, if you just want to start printing without the hassle of setup and calibration, go for the pre-assembled one.
In conclusion, both kits have their advantages and disadvantages, and it's up to you to decide which one suits you best!
References
- Groot Jebbink, E. (2020, July 13). Pre-made or DIY 3D printer build – what's your preference? 3D Printing Industry. https://3dprintingindustry.com/news/pre-made-or-diy-3d-printer-build-whats-your-preference-173081/