Buying a 3D printer and 3D printing accessories can be an intimidating process today. This is mainly because there are so many 3D printers and different technologies to choose from in the market today. And, you might think to yourself:
“Well, what if I just look up online my desired 3D printer reviews online? I bet that will help!”
It’s true - it might help. However, there are still hundreds of 3D printer reviews online. Some of these reviews might not provide accurate information because they have affiliate links. Which brings us to our topic today - how do you evaluate a 3D printer review?
That’s what we intend to cover in this article today - we'll discuss important aspects to consider, pitfalls to avoid, and practical tips to read between the lines of reviews. Join us on this journey as we navigate the world of 3D printer reviews and empower you to make informed choices.
Let’s get started!
Factors to Consider When Reading 3D Printer Reviews
First things first - reading one review is not enough. You’ll need to read several 3D printer reviews to find out which information tallies across all the reviews you have read. Here are some essential factors to consider when reading 3D printer reviews:
1. 3D Print Quality
One of the main factors that you’ll need to look out for when going through several 3D printer reviews is the 3D print quality. Nobody wants to spend a lot of hours designing and monitoring a 3D print only to get an ugly 3D model with a not-so-smooth surface.
When going through 3D printer reviews on 3D print quality, consider checking the 3D printer’s print resolution, layer height, and overall print quality of the 3D printer.
Remember, different 3D printing technologies have unique print qualities. It’s no secret that resin-based and wax-based 3D printers produce higher resolution and smooth-surfaced 3D models compared to FDM 3D printers.
And, a good review should also notify you of how you could improve your FDM 3D printer resolution for a finer 3D print.
2. 3D Printer Ease of Use
Another factor that you must never ignore when reading reviews is a 3D printer’s ease of use. Good reviews should always mention how to quickly and easily set up a 3D printer and how user-friendly its software interface is.
An easy-to-use 3D printer will help you go a long way in your 3D printing journey, especially because 3D printing is already complex as it is. Having an easy-to-set-up 3D printer that has a friendly user interface will save you from a lot of stress and frustration.
If you are going through real user reviews, consider looking for the 3D printer’s overall user experience.
Overall user experience is what helped Sandra Mendez, the brains behind sdruski.design, to get a Flashforge Finder 2.0 for her jewelry printing business. She indicated that before she bought that 3D printer, she did carry out in-depth research, including reading real-user reviews.
And, when she found out that the Finder 2.0 FDM 3D printer has awesome user reviews, she decided to buy one and grow her online business during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Reliability and Durability
When going through 3D printer reviews, another essential factor to put into consideration is reliability and durability. You wouldn’t want to spend several hundred (or a few thousand) dollars on a device that is going to fail repeatedly in the next few months.
A reliable and durable 3D printer is essential for consistent and long-term printing. And, in addition to lasting for longer durations, reliable and durable 3D printers often offer a consistent 3D printing quality.
Consistent performance is essential especially if you are working on complex and intricate designs that require accuracy and high precision. A reliable 3D printer minimizes the chances of print failures, reducing the wastage of time, materials, and effort.
And, finally, a reliable and durable 3D printer will help you save a lot of money in the long run. A reliable 3D printer is less likely to break down frequently, therefore, reducing repair and parts replacement costs.
Additionally, a durable printer is built to withstand wear and tear, minimizing the need for frequent part replacements. It offers better value for your money and can result in a lower total cost of ownership over time.
It also gives you peace of mind - one of the most underrated feelings when using 3D printers. Reliability and durability eliminate the frustration and inconvenience of dealing with constant breakdowns or poor print quality and allow you to enjoy a smoother and more enjoyable 3D printing experience.
4. Connectivity Options and Device Compatibility
You should also never overlook the different connectivity options and device compatibility when reading 3D printer reviews. A good 3D printer has multiple connectivity options (wired and wireless).
Having a 3D printer that can connect to the internet via WiFi and still has an ethernet port is great. It allows you to connect your 3D printer to the internet in multiple ways where you can update the 3D printer’s firmware and software.
Also, other connectivity options such as USB ports allow you to connect different devices that use a similar port - thus device compatibility.
Before buying a 3D printer, please ensure that you’ve checked out the device's connectivity options and how compatible it is with other devices.
5. Price
Most desktop 3D printers can cost several hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on the 3D printing technology and build volume. A good 3D printer review will always mention a 3D printer’s price which should help you consider your budget.
Here’s something worth noting:
Never compromise the quality of your desired 3D printer for a cheaper option. It is important to keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best in terms of quality and reliability.
In other words, cheap will certainly become expensive in the 3D printing industry.
6. Additional Features
Many 3D printers come with additional features such as auto bed leveling, filament runout sensors, heated beds, enclosures, touch probes, or built-in cameras.
A perfect example is Flashforge Creator 3 dual-extruder FDM 3D printer which has a heated bed, an enclosure, and a built-in camera. The built-in camera is designed to help you monitor the 3D printing process remotely.
Here’s the deal:
Additional features can enhance the convenience, reliability, and versatility of the printer, but may also impact the cost. Consider the additional features that are important for your specific needs and budget.
Making Sense of it All
3D printing has never been more important than it is today. Going through multiple resources, including real user reviews on online community platforms as well as online platforms (like Amazon) will help you make the right decision on which 3D printer to get.
We strongly recommend reading multiple sources to get a well-rounded understanding of the printer’s performance, features, and limitations. And, do not just read any reviews - some of them might be biased which could affect your decision-making.
Look for reviews from reputable sources and verified purchasers for more reliable feedback.
Also, consider getting in touch with customer support from a reputable 3D printer manufacturing company - we’ll certainly provide you with the necessary information about a 3D printer and even recommend 3D printers depending on your needs.
