It wasn’t that long ago that 3D printing was solely in the domain of science fiction. Once it became a reality, it was still something reserved for large companies with a lot of resources. Today, though, you can buy a reasonably-priced 3D printer and put it right in your own house. If you’ve been waiting for this technology to become accessible, wait no more. Here are some of the best options for in-home 3D printing that are readily available.
Flashforge Finder Model 3D Printer
This 24-pound printer is small enough to sit in a home office and offers some very good print quality. While it’s limited to using polylactic acid filament (PLA) instead of a range of materials like some other printer models, it does offer many connectivity routes including USB and WiFi. It’s build dimensions are 5.5 by 5.5. by 5.5 inches, which puts it in the mid-range for size capabilities. Its build plate is non-heated for added safety, and it features an attractive cube-shaped design with a touchscreen interface. It can be purchased on Amazon for $399.
Anet A6 High Precision Desktop
Featuring higher quality prints at a fraction of the price of some of its competitors, the Anet A6 is an excellent way to get into the 3D printing world. While assembly can be a little tricky and its design is mostly open with exposed elements requiring some careful maneuvering to keep the prints steady (but making after-factory add-ons easier to install), the A6 has the ability to print with multiple materials including PLA and ABS. It also offers a huge community of support to help steer you in the right direction as you dip your toe into the world of 3D printing. It is available for a very reasonable $239.99 on Amazon.
This entirely enclosed printer is deemed safe enough for classrooms, making it an excellent option for homes with kids. It is also intuitively designed and includes a full-color touch screen for controls, which makes it a great choice for beginners who want to build their confidence in this hobby. It prints using PLA and is compact enough to fit into a home office without sacrificing a lot of space. Its price point of $599 on Amazon makes it a little pricier than its competitors on this list, but it is still reasonable enough for a hobbyist.
Now is a great time to get started with at-home 3D printing. The technology has gotten affordable and accessible enough to make it a reality, and the stability of the designs across devices make for fun collaborations and a great opportunity to learn and grow as the technology improves.