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I tried 3 budget 3D printers — here’s how it went

September 24, 2024

Discover the Best Budget 3D Printers for 2024

From fishnet dresses to boyfriend blush, the top summer trends are reviving our wardrobes and vanities this season. So why would we neglect our tech gadgets? Like the standout runway fashion that is now touching down on the streets, the 2024 budget 3D printer trends will imbue your creative projects and DIY endeavors with a fresh reset.

From New York to Paris, 3D printers have played a key role in themes of countless recent collections. Case in point: In February in Manhattan, the Anycubic Cobra Neo’s innovative features were a “nod to the concept of making the everyday sublime—even a simple hobby project,” the show notes said. The momentum of high-performance budget 3D printers remained strong through Paris Tech Week. With their Fall/Winter 2024 collections, both young tech brands such as Elegoo and heritage houses like Creality gave us archetypes of makers who embraced 3D printing with abandon, asking: Why not? Why not upgrade to a high-speed printer for your next project, à la Creality? Or explore multi-material printing, as displayed by Elegoo?

The teeming supply of budget-friendly 3D printers has magnified the transformative power of technology in a creative workspace and made the case for enjoying it every day. From compact models primed for small spaces to versatile machines that embrace a wide range of materials, here are the top budget 3D printers to enjoy this year.

Anycubic Cobra Neo

Anycubic Cobra Neo

The Anycubic Cobra Neo strikes a balance between affordability and performance, making it an ideal choice for both beginners and experienced users. It offers a range of features that enhance the printing experience, such as a direct drive system, auto-leveling, and a PEI-coated spring steel flex plate. This 3D printer is suitable for beginners due to its user-friendly design and features, as well as for experienced users looking for a budget-friendly option with reliable performance.

Key Features:

  • Direct Drive System: Simplifies filament loading and ensures consistent filament feeding.
  • Auto-Leveling: Provides 25-point intelligent and precise calibration.
  • PEI-Coated Spring Steel Flex Plate: Offers better adhesion and easy release of prints.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Features a color LCD screen with knob control.
  • Material Compatibility: Supports PLA, PETG, TPU, and ABS.

Pros:

  • Easy assembly and setup.
  • High-quality prints with smooth and clean finishes.
  • Affordable price point.

Cons:

  • Z height adjustment may be less intuitive for some users.
  • Manual adjustments may be needed for optimal results.

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Creality Ender 3 V3 SE

Creality Ender 3 V3 SE

The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE simplifies creativity with its user-friendly features, structural stability, and impressive speed. It's a valuable addition to any creative workspace, making 3D printing accessible and enjoyable for all. This 3D printer is ideal for both beginners and experienced users who value ease of use and high-speed printing capabilities.

Key Features:

  • Build Volume: 220x220x250mm.
  • Printing Speed: Up to 250mm/s with an average speed of 180mm/s.
  • Dual Z-Axis Design: Ensures structural stability and high precision.
  • Auto-Leveling: Features a CR Touch sensor for precise leveling.
  • Direct Drive Extruder: Provides smooth filament feeding and supports flexible materials.

Pros:

  • Hassle-free bed leveling.
  • Automatic filament loading and unloading.
  • Intuitive dynamic UI display.

Cons:

  • Print speed may need to be adjusted for improved results.
  • Limited to a 220 x 220 x 250 build volume.

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Elegoo Mars 3

Elegoo Mars 3

The Elegoo Mars 3 is a formidable addition to the resin 3D printer market. Its 4K resolution, exceptional print quality, user-friendly interface, and reliable performance make it a compelling choice for both beginners and experienced 3D printing enthusiasts. This 3D printer is suitable for those who need high-quality prints for intricate and complex projects, whether they are seasoned enthusiasts or newcomers.

Key Features:

  • 4K Resolution: Provides sharp and detailed prints.
  • Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: Easy to navigate and use.
  • Robust Construction: Ensures precision and durability.
  • Generous Build Volume: Suitable for larger projects.
  • Integrated Air Filtration: Reduces resin odor and improves safety.

Pros:

  • High print resolution of up to 0.05 mm per layer.
  • UV photocuring LCD lighting system.
  • Excellent heat dissipation and light emission.

Cons:

  • Limited build volume (5.1 x 3.1 x 6.3 inches).
  • Print speed depends on design complexity and resin type.

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Conclusion

The world of budget 3D printers is brimming with options that cater to both beginners and seasoned makers. Whether you're looking for a compact model like the Anycubic Cobra Neo, a versatile workhorse like the Creality Ender 3 V3 SE, or a high-resolution resin printer like the Elegoo Mars 3, there's a perfect match for every need and budget. Embrace the transformative power of 3D printing and elevate your creative projects with these top picks for 2024.

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