A decade ago, 3D printing was not as affordable or diverse for home users as today. Printers were colossal, expensive machines reserved for factories and deep-pocketed corporations but unknown outside the small circles of professionals who made and used them. But now, for as low as $200, you can get a competent and compact machine that will quickly render your ideas into a high-quality physical life. As a result, these unique devices have become affordable, practical tools for designers, engineers, hobbyists, schools, and curious customers.

Today's 3D printers come in various styles optimized for different applications and printing. Its variants have been improved with multiple functions of technology. If you are in the market for one, it is essential to know how they differ to choose the decent model for your needs. According to ASTM standard F2792, this printing technology is divided into seven groups: binding jetting, directed energy accumulation, material extrusion, material jetting, powder bed fusion, sheet lamination, and vat photo polymerization. There is no dispute about which machine or technology works best because each has a targeted application.

Preparing to take the plunge? Here's what you need to consider.

This one is straightforward. The build area of ​​a printer refers to the maximum size of the object. Now, 3D printers come in all sorts of shapes, such as having a long or wide build area. You can still use most of the online templates, but you may have to rotate them first. Generally speaking, the larger the build area, the better. Unfortunately, more significant regions usually refer to higher price tags. So it would be best if you tried to create huge items and strike a balance between saving money in the long run.

The most commonly used filaments in printers are ABS and PLA. Even other materials like clay or sugar are used in it. These make durable, temperature-resistant items, but many more types are available. If you want to use one, make sure the printer supports it before buying.

Typically, most low-budget printers run at about 50mm per second, which means it can take a long time to create a large model. There is another problem: high-speed printers create a denser, clearer layer in the final product. It proves that in general slow and steady are good options.

We have tested many machines to bring your perspective on the best 3D printers you can buy right now.