3D printing is a new generation technology that is taking over the world with a strong and precised hurricane giving no undisputed reason to remain behind.
This technology is breaking the self-proclaimed ideologies and rising above the theories and stories of mediocrity and ill beliefs.
It is the force of reckoning and you my friend have no valid reason to exclude from it when it’s making headlines and very cheaply available.
But, buying the right 3d printer (like 3D pen) is not such an easy task with the huge amount of 3d printers available, that are competing for your wallet.
However, we have made a convenient list of 10 best cheap 3D printers that are reviewed sequent below.
Best Cheap 3D Printers 2018 Reviews
| 3D Printer | Technology | Build Volume mm | PRIZE |
|---|---|---|---|
| QiDi Technology X–one | FDM | 140 x 140 x 140 | |
| Robo R2 (Editor Choice) | FDM | 197 x 197 x 250 | |
| Monoprice select mini | FDM | 120 x 120 x120 | |
| Flashforge Creator Pro | FDM | 225 x 145 x 150 | |
| ROBO 3D R1 Plus | FDM | 254 × 228.6 × 203.2 | |
| Bibo2 touch laser X | FDM | 140 x 140 x 140 | |
| lulzBot TAZ 6 | FFM | 280 x 280 x 250 | |
| Da Vinci 1.0 Pro | FDM | 198 x 198 x 198 | |
| MakerBot Replicator+ | FDM | 295 x 195 x 165 | |
| Dremel Digilab 3D20 | FDM | 230 x 150 x 140 |
1. QiDi Tech X-One2 -Cheap 3D Printer 2018 Under $500
The 140x140x140mm measurements of this stable printer made from quality parts makes the QiDi Technology X – one easy to set up thus preferable for novices, students and educators all over.
The simplicity of unboxing, operation this printer and setting it up and its functionality in supporting ABS, PLA filament printing besides the nozzle and rod that allows the switching of power supply makes it the go to printer.
Furthermore, it has exterior protective cover that has been upgraded to include injection mold as well as offer improved ventilation.
Features and Details
• Easy assembling
The printer comes when fully assembled and calibrated with the inclusion of one roll of filament, a box of spare parts, SD card with guidelines or manuals and test files. This makes it ready and easy to work with on delivery.
• Hardware
The CNC machined printer contains supports made of metal that support heated aluminum alloy platform of 6mm thickness that has been built to ensure the surface remains flat.
This platform can deal with heat of up to110C and is conducive to printing done by any type of filament.
Similarly, the presence of the improved 10mm guide rod enables the Z axis movement and also ensures high precision by avoiding platform deformation.
• Software
The printers slicing software for the computer with 3.5 inches touch screen gives the machine a more user friendly UI interface.
The touch screen enables the easy adjusting of the printing settings which makes printing easy and fast.
Outstanding Features
The touch 3.5 touch screen that makes adjusting of the printing setting easy and fast is an admirable feature.
Also the ventilation effect has been improved by upgraded outer protective cover.
- Comes fully assembled
- Easy and fast to use
- User friendly
- Contains a removal and repair kit
- Restricted to open spaces due to emissions
- Slightly expensive
2. Robo R2 – Best Cheap 3D Printer 2018 with WiFi (Editor Choice)
This printer is characterized by high performance with the ability to carry out workloads on a larger scale besides being Wi-Fi enabled.
All that is needed is the robo app in the phone to make the magic happen.
Features and Details
The Robo R2 includes a spacious print size of 8x8x10 inches which works perfectly when it comes to the printing of batch and exhaustive projects.
The touch screen also enables the slicing of your onboard.
This printer is flexible to any form of connectivity ranging from Wi-Fi or Ethernet and also provides an option for personal hotspot.
Once the filament runs out, the filament run out detections mandated to pause the printing and inform you. This is quite economical and time saving.
The printer is compatible with any device from iPad to phones with the ability for two extruder to that enables printing of two different colors at the same time.
The availability of safety features allows you to remotely control those who can access the printer.
Outstanding Features
The robo r2 is flexible to compatibility as well as connectivity which makes working with it very easy with less restrictions.
It produces great quality printing with the ability to add a second extruder and remotely control its access.
Final Words
This product is for those who treasure the simple things that increases the reliability of the product like the Wi-Fi enabled software, the easy setup of the assembled printer and most importantly the extreme follow up and support from the product producers.
- Flexible compatibility
- Flexible connectivity
- Nylon uni-body
- Lifetime support from the company
- Availability of safety measures
- The availability of touch screen allows adjustable printing settings
- Understanding the supports needed can be hard
- Sometimes fan noise is too loud
3. Monoprice Select Mini – Cheap 3D Printer In The List
The mini 3D printer is a 0.4mm extruder diameter, an affordable machine. It comes with highly efficient and reliable working.
It comes assembled fully, calibrated and ready for the setup and working if the print bed is level.
The shipment includes a micro SD card with the filaments that ensures you are up and working in less time of delivery.
Its compatibility to any filaments enhances its economic friendliness, user friendliness as made possible by a heated build plate with a wide variety or range of extruder temperatures
Features and Details
• Open to all filament types
The printer allows the use of all filaments from basic to advanced given its heated build plate and extruder temperatures of varied ranges. This filaments may include ABS, PLA, conductive PLA, wood and metal composites.
• A desktop that is compact in design
The compactness of this 3D printer with the inclusion of a small footprint and ordinary design with open frame makes it a viable asset for any desk.
• Fully assembled
When it comes to printer pricing, most low and cheaply available printers tend to have a lot of manual work involved prior printing.
Assembling also includes calibration and microSDTM which makes this a perfect as far as arrive and print is concerned.
Outstanding Features.
The selling points of this piece of heaven is the price in relation to the efficiency of the work and the high degree of reliability as well as economic friendliness given its compatibility with any filament and its compact nature that makes it suitable for any given space or desk.
Final Words
The fully assembled and calibrated printer with the inclusive of the easy to use color LCD with the ability to release the steel gear’s filament feeder at a quicker rate makes this printer just perfect.
- Cheaply available
- Comes with a user manual
- Comes fully assembled and calibrated
- The compact desktop is designed to fit any desk
- Power consumption of 120watts
- Requires the reference to the manual before using
- Limited devices that are compactible
4. FlashForge Creator Pro – Best Metal 3d Printer Under $1000
Boasting of its fused filament fabrication printing technology and a maximum extruder quantity of two, the flashforge 3D printer creator pro is the perfect choice for a more powerful software flashprint saving you money for the otherwise aftermarket software purchases.
The stability of the printer depends as it remains strong and in a way that it can regulate temperatures.
Features and Details
The ABS prints are protected from the outside environment and insulated by the provision of the enclosed chamber laced with acrylic cover. The deformation and harm that might fall on the platform are guided against by the precise Z-axis movement that is enabled by metal platform support and a 10mm guide rod.
Certainly, sturdy metal frame maintains the stability of a printer. In case of any questions or clarifications, the immense support given by the company’s well versed technicians is a good reference point.
To ensure that the printing surface maintains its maximum flatness and will not warp once exposed to heat for a very long time, the printer includes the aviation level of 6.3mm thick aluminum plate.
Outstanding Features
The insulation and general protection given to the ABS prints by the acrylic cover makes it preferable.
The integrated LCD screen and the availability of the button board ensure the functioning of the printer is error free. While the convenience of the access has been improved with the repositioned SD card slot.
Final Words
The printer is more on the reliance on the high performance and safety of the machine ensuring you the worth for the money.
- Proper insulation protection of the ABS prints by the acrylic cover
- Has an extruder quantity of two
- Reliable
- Efficient
- Stable with measures against warping due to heat
- It requires space
- Lacks improved way of controlling
- Expensive and unaffordable
5. ROBO 3D R1 Plus – Best Budget 3D Printer
The 10x9x8 inches robo 3D R1 Plus is all about consistency, high performance and quality with the fusion of efficiency as a product of the new linear motion and lead screws.
In case of failure, the machine is designed in such a way that it is easy to replace things. It includes an automatic setting of 9 point levelling system every time a new bunch of printing work load starts in a way that avoids manual set ups of the bed.
The printing can be done from any material as enabled by the pre-installed hexagonal all metal hot end with and its capability to withstand a maximum of 290c.
Features and Details
If you want all the benefits that come with the purchase of robo 3D R1 plus, then buy it from Amazon. Because it is the only avenue to distribute this printer less you risk falling in the arms of frauds.
The linear motion and screws that are made of lead are meant to ensure that the machine produce printing that is of quality performance and consistent results by enhancing the feeding speed of the filament system and faster exchange of the extruder.
The provision of the additional components that enhances better levelling, guidance and performance makes the robo r3 plus a printer of pronounced efficiency.
The bigger build volume of the printer at a cheaper price enables it to print bigger and better, for instance, it involves in the fabrication of parts of the maximum measurement of 10x9x8 inches.
The heated print bed prevents the uneven printing and warping of the printed parts.
The bed also ensures automated calibrations while bed levels maintains the high precision of prints that allows a layering maximum of 100 microns.
Outstanding Features
The new linear motion and lead screws are the most pronounced features of this printer. They ensure quality, performance, and consistency.
The improved feeding of the filament which results to faster exchange of the extruder is also a highly viable feature.
Final Words
This printer is all about consistency and quality performance in regards to feeding speed and the extruder exchange rate in the results of the work produced.
- Produces consistent and better quality performance
- Reliable
- Efficient with a maximum layering of 100 microns
- Able to print directly from the SD card
- Faster feeding of the filament system
- It comes fully assembled
- It has a bigger building volume
- It may be hard to use for beginners without a manual
6. Bibo2 Touch Laser – Best Cheap 3D Printer With Touch Screen, WiFi, Metal Frame
The magnificent BIBO2 touch laser is not only the most featured 3D printer with Wi-Fi module setting, but it is also a laser engraver. So, it has the ability to engrave on wood, cut paper as well as cardboard at a very affordable price.
The printer has a color touch-screen with a maximum extruder number of two and two plastic extruded fans. It is designed with a sturdy 6mm aluminum alloy frame, ability to continue printing even after the power has been cut, and a detection to alert you when the filament runs out.
It is restricted to the ABS, PLA, dissolvable filaments (HIPS) types of filaments and able to withstand maximum temperature of 270c.
Features and Details
A threshold less full color touch screen makes the using and operation of this friendly and easier.
On the other hand, laser engraving feature makes the engravings on materials like wood, plastic, as well as leather and paper doable besides being able to cut thing materials like plastic paper.
When it comes to bulky printing, filament detection is essential. Through this way printing is automatically paused should the run out of the filament until the spool is refilled.
The printer also provides an optional feature of controlling the printing process via phone or pc through the use of Wi-Fi control.
The printer is set for copy printing. It allows you to copy the same work at the same time thus saving you time.
Outstanding Features
This precise printer contains customer friendly features but the copy printing, touch screen and filament detection which makes bulk printing not as risky as it used to be.
Laser engraving is perfect if you are into experimenting with engraving of various materials.
Final Words
Enjoy the various gifting that come with bibo printer and the benefits of dual extruders that amy include copy printing, two color printing and easier to print support structure provided by different filament type and structure.
- Saves time through copy printing
- It has a filament detection feature
- The touch screen feature makes the use of bibo2 laser user friendly and easy
- Has the ability to continue printing after power cut
- Sturdy frame and removable enclosed acrylic cover
- Quite expensive
- Requires manual or experience for better operation
7. LulzBot TAZ 6 – Best 3d Printer For Cool 3D Prints
With the growth for the need for consistent excellent and reliable production of prints, the 280x280x250mm lulzbot TAZ 6 3D printer is easy to use. It is characterized by self-leveling and self-cleaning mechanism seems to be the perfect choice for that printing workload of a wide variety. It includes with general purpose plastic, conductive PLA and ABS, NYLON and alloy 910.
This printer is really reliable, an excellent choice for hobbyists.
The printer does its job effectively. The hot end extruder that is able to withstand a maximum of 300c, two cooling fans, a modular design help the printer flexible printing of the material.
Lulzbot taz is built for durability given the quality of components selected and the power supply and also with the ability to support more than 30 filament materials.
Features and Details
Armed with the features that enables the lulzbot taz 6 to self-level and self-clean and be able to provide a tetherless printing as it runs on integrated power supply eases the production of the 3D printing for this machine.
Furthermore, the ability to be able to withstand maximum temperatures of 300~c gives a wider range of materials that could be used for printing.
The printer is a free software and open source hardware product which allows you to create your options.
Outstanding Features
The ability to print both small and large prints at the same time is quite notable besides its self-cleaning and leveling feature.
Final Words
The reliability of this printer is admirable which is further enhanced with the dual printing, self-cleaning and leveling aspects. It definitely avoids the extra piece work involvement.
The use of cura software ensures the easy loading and slicing of model files for printing.
- Self-cleaning
- Self-leveling
- Enables production of large and small prints
- Easy production of 3d printing
- Its open t many risks of software attacks
- Prone to confusion between large and small prints among beginners
- Had access to advanced options
8. Da Vinci 1.0 Pro 3 In 1 – Best Affordable 3D Printer
With a very high heating speed that is adjustable and retraction settings, the da vinci 1.0 pro 3 in 1 is a printer for those in need of prolific, efficient and high end results of the 3D printing.
The aluminum print bed reduces any chances of warping. The machine also features an inbuilt 3D scanner and a setting that allows laser engraving.
The 1.75mm open source filaments enables the printing in third party in ABS and PLA.
Features and Details
The dual laser scanning technology ensures that no distortion occurs during the capturing of the of an object.
It only takes a maximum of five images to have the results of the automatic imaging which can be edited by scaling, reposition and then finally the use of post-production software for a well finished print.
There is also an option of multi scans where models are aligned in multiple angles. The software merges them into one for the most convenient results.
Aluminum print bed ensures equal and even distribution of heat. Equal heat is necessary to minimize the chances of warping whilst the guidance into doing what is right is provided by the knobs and detection software. This is the product of the new system of calibration.
Outstanding Features
The use of dual laser scanning technology, multi scanning new system calibration as well as upgradeable laser engraving makes this printer sort of like a small company with the ability to do scans, prints and engravings.
Final Words
This 3D cheap printer is perfect, especially gives the desires of venturing into print production.
- There is the provision of technical support and online gallery
- Guidance from the new system calibration is provided
- Its open to the option of multi scanning
- Includes upgradable laser engraving
- Makes use of the dual laser scanning technology
- It’s too technical especially for beginners
- It is very costly
9. MakerBot Replicator+ – Best Faster & Easier 3D Printer
If you desire easy connectivity and use when it comes to your prolific printing needs, makerbot replicator 3D printer got your back.
The large built volume of this printer makes prototyping and model making faster as well as easier and efficient.
It is majority uses for educational purposes where craft, creation and imagination, and 3D printing is encouraged highly for the future jobs or just for fun.
Features and Details
The extruders have been manufactured with improved components to guarantee exemplary printing performance that is flawless.
Using the use of on board camera feed, there is remote monitoring as well as getting notifications from your makerbot printer.
The inch full color display allows the user to create an interface and intuitive dial for a better and explore user experience. It also allows the access to the library and 3D model files.
Outstanding Features
Being able to provide an easier ways of achieving 3D print is the most outstanding feature besides the factor that it supports on board cameras that enable remote monitoring of the printer is a major plus.
Final Words
This is important printer for heavy duty work with requisition of reliability and easy ways to obtain 3D prints.
- Availability of on board cameras
- Its mobile control enabled
- It’s larger in volume
- Provides easier way from 3D model to 3D print
- Quite technical
- Large and heavy
10. Dremel Digilab 3D20 – Cheap & Reliable Low-Cost 3D Printer
Dremel digilab 3D printer works best who consider the process as a hobby or for those ho are still getting familiar with the whole 3D printing process.
The simply designed printer comes when fully assembled with the inclusion 0.5kg of dremel spool filament with detailed instructions to get you started.
The design enables it to print with PLA filament on a non-heated build plate that makes use of black build take to enable prints work on the available surface.
Printing can commence from high quality models that have been preloaded on the printer or load your own files.
This is basically a beginner’s printer with all the baby steps that are necessary for amateur 3D printing yet it’s still under improvement with newer models.
Features and Details
The dremel 3D20 is fully enclosed to ensure better results are achieved during printing by enhancing the stability of temperatures inside the printer.
The enclosure also protects the printer from the outside environment.
Dremel uses PLA filament that is environmental friendly and manufactured in a way that it produces quality printing hence making it okay to use at home and around children.
Outstanding Features
The 3D20 has the UL safety that enables the printer to print for longer hours without worry.
The printer also uses environment-friendly filaments. For, it is easy to use and safe to use at home or within the vicinity of children.
Final Words
This printer is for those light printing needs in bulk as not much attention is required with the right setting. It also gives room to engage in multitasking due to this viability.
- Easy to use with Reliable
- Uses environment friendly filament
- Comes with a one year warrant
- UL-cerified
- Limited to light 3D printing
- Too cheap in terms of print production
Cheap 3D Printer Buyer’s Guide :
A buying guide is quite necessary on occasions you want to throw your dimes in a product as an investment and in this case, cheap 3D printers.
Buying guide helps to make your search for the perfect product easy and smooth. To get the perfect buying guide for cheap 3D printers, you need to know what a 3D printer is, its features, how well it functions among other things.
1. What is a 3D Printer
A 3D printer is a new generation machine that can converts a digital file into three dimensional solid objects 0f different kind and materials.
It has a long history behind 3D printing, though you may start today. It is older than you in case you are under 30. History of 3D printing such an issue as important as you desire.
2. How Does 3D Printer Work
To kick off, the designing is done on an ordinary home pc. The pc is then connected to the 3D printer and then the print button pressed to unravel the magic.
The results are obtained from the ability of the printer to break down the object into tiny pieces and then rebuilding it from the bottom up to form a solid object. The complexity of each layer is undeniable and that is why moving parts like wheels can be created as part of the object.
3. Types of 3D Printers
As much as the following are types of the 3D printers, sometimes they are referred to as 3D printing technologies.
The following are the widely used filaments although many more varieties are in the market
⇒Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM)
The 3D objects in FDM or sometimes called fused filament fabrication are produced by the use grade thermal plastic materials. The technology has gained a whole popularity in the production of prototypes that are functional, aids used for manufacturing as well as concept models.
This technology has the ability to accurately create details with incomparable weight ratio. It is available in multi material and full color but cannot sustain mechanical parts and needs higher costs for visual purposes.
⇒Stereo lithography technology (SLA)
The use of this technology denotes the desire to achieve high level of accuracy and precision as it is it a fast prototyping process given its ability to produce objects from 3D CAD data files in just a few minutes.
Due to its subjectivity to detail and exactness, the machines that makes use of this technology are mandated with the ability to produce unique models, patterns and prototypes as well as production parts by converting liquid photopolymers into solid 3D objects layer after layer using ultraviolet laser as directed by 2 scanning mirrors.
⇒ABS
This filament is especially formulated to making parts that are durable able to withstand high amount of heat which makes it easy to print with strong plastics.
Especially, uses in sporting equipments, instruments, car phone mounts toys and wedding rings.
It has a printing temperature of between 280-250*c. it is glow in the dark and available in 1.73mm
⇒PLA
The filament or technology has no scent, characterized by low chances of warping.
It requires little amounts of energy during processing and for various reasons, it is very eco-friendly. It is available in 1.75mm/3mm with an aspect of glowing in the dark
The technology prints in the environment of between 190-230c. This may use in the manufacturing of food containers as well as bio-degradable medical implants models and prototype parts.
4. Factors to Consider When Buying a 3D Printer
#3D printing education
This means that you will have to learn how 3D printing works and all kind of activities, soft wares, filaments and vocabularies associated with the task. How the knowledge of calibrations and the whole set up to familiarize.
#The price
This is basically the amount of money you are willing to spend on a 3D printer without destabilizing your economic stands.
This will depend on the quality of the prints that you desire which in one or another dictates the use and function of the prints.
With growing need for the printers, the prices will eventually go down with proving qualities, therefore, for starters, I recommend cheap printers,
#Materials used to print
This one will test your knowledge of the technologies used in printing which is determined by the type of material that you think will be suitable for your final product.
Check out the materials your desired printer is compatible with. Some printers accept all filaments while others use strictly one
#Safety
You safety is paramount, therefore keep in mind that 33D printing involves the use of heat and the toxic fumes involved in the production.
Ensure that the products obtained from this printing are harmless. The printer should have a heat safety given the amount of heat involved in the printing.
Closed frame and open frame, this are determiners of how much heat is release to the environment.
#Quality
Quality 3D printing products requires the consideration of the level of detail the printer can get which is measures in microns and how fast the extruder is moved by the printer.
The smaller the microns the more detailed the final product while on the other hand the higher the speed of print the faster it will print.
#Assembling
This aspect is very important as it lets you choose if you want a delivery of the already assembled printer or you want to do it yourself.
For 3D printing beginners, it is advisable to purchase an assembles one if you have no help, for the rest, row your boat sensei.
5. What Makes The best 3D Printer
6. Care and Maintenance of 3D Printers
You should have an idea of how to best take care and maintain your 3D printer. Generally you should clean it often to avoid dirt and dust accumulation and keep it dry.
#Extruder
Pre-heat the extruder 120-150 degrees then separate it from the printer in order to remove filament remains using tweezers.
#Nozzle
Remember to clean it while using PLA due to carbonization, otherwise clean it periodically with a small drill
#Heat bed
Cleaning of heat bed is more so important when using ABS filaments which is done by preheating it between 35-40 degrees Celsius, spray it with a window cleaner then peel the ABS leftovers after a while.
Conclusion
The accuracy to detail, highly efficient and reliability of these cheaply available new generational technology have proven to know where the world is heading and what the people in it want.
Faster methods of gaining the desired products at a cheaper price making them just a mere fraction of the sophisticated and technical RP machines.
The 3D cheap printing machines is the new globalized generation aspect bestowed upon us. We ought to embrace it in our live and daily activities.
Leave a Reply