How Many Types of 3D Printer are There?

There are ten basic types of 3D printer models: Stereolithography (SLA) Digital Light Processing (DLP) Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) (also known as Fused Deposition Modeling - FDM) Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Selective Laser Melting (SLM) Electronic Beam Melting (EBM) Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) Binder Jetting (BJ) Material Jetting (MJ) SLA, FFF and SLS are the most widely used. SLA was the first 3D printing technique developed. It works by exposing light-sensitive liquid resin to a laser beam. The object is built up layer by layer and the resin hardens. FFF is the technique typically used in 3D printers in the hobbyist sector. Objects are created from the bottom up as layers of heated filament are deposited. It is also a cost-effective solution for small businesses, engineering firms and design studios. SLS involves solidifying and bonding fine beads of material - typically plastics or ceramics - and forming a 3D object from these. A laser etches a pattern onto the powdered raw material. This then lowers and the next layer is deposited over the previous one.

Are 3D Printers Expensive to Run?

There is no simple answer to this question. The cost depends on the model you buy and how frequently you use it. However, it may be helpful to consider the following factors: Printer Purchase Price Many different models are available, from simple budget printers to high-end, fully-featured designs. You should always choose the model that best suits your budget. However, it is also sensible to consider the cost of spares and the replacement 3D printer parts you may require if you encounter technical problems - for example, extruder jams. Component upgrades are another potential future cost to remember. Filament Costs Costs vary according to the quality of the filament chosen and the size of the objects you intend to produce. A regularly used printer is likely to require a one-kilogram roll of filament per month. Costs can be reduced by minimising filament waste. Electricity The average 3D printer consumes about the same amount of electricity as a household fridge - approximately £60 per year. Accurate, exact figures are difficult to specify. However, a reasonable estimate of the average running costs of a mid-range 3D printer is around £300+ per year.

How Long has 3D Printing Technology Been Around?

3D printing technology was first devised in the mid-1970s and developed into a commercial product the following decade. Further innovations followed in the 1990s.

Do 3D Printers Only Use Plastic?

No. Plastic is the most widely used fabrication material but some higher-end models can also mould resins, ceramics and even metal.

Do 3D Printers Need Ventilation?

Standard 3D printers using PLA filament emit a mist of ultrafine particles and volatile chemical compounds. In addition, they emit a substance called styrene, which is a constituent of plastic. Although researchers have not identified a clear link between ill health and this mist inhalation, ventilation is recommended where possible.

Should I Buy a 3D Printer?

Deciding whether to buy a 3D printer depends on several factors, including your needs, budget, and level of interest in 3D printing. If you decide to invest, choosing which 3D printer to buy will ultimately be the key decision you need to make.

What Should I Look for When Buying a 3D Printer?

When buying a 3D printer, several factors should be considered to ensure you select the right model for your needs. Here's what to look for in a 3D printer: Printing technology Build volume Professional vs hobbyist printer Print quality and resolution Material compatibility Ease of use Software compatibility Connectivity and workflow integration

What to Know Before Buying a 3D Printer?

When it comes to what to consider when buying a 3D printer, it's helpful to understand various factors that can influence your decision. 3D printer advice is essential to making an informed choice. Considerations include: Initial Cost: 3D printer costs vary significantly, depending on quality and features Maintenance and Upkeep: Regular maintenance is required to keep the printer in proper working condition Learning Curve: Requires time to learn how to use the printer and troubleshoot issues Space: Needs dedicated space for printer and materials Material Costs: Filament and resin can add to ongoing costs

What Type of 3D Printer Should I Buy?

Figuring out how to choose a 3D printer can be daunting, but there are ways to simplify the process. One of the easiest ways is to ask yourself the following questions: What do you want to print? Depending on the type of project or item you are planning to build, different 3D printer models will be best suited How often will you use it? If you plan to use it frequently, a higher-end, more robust printer may be ideal Is it for professional or hobbyist use? A wide range of printers are available to cater to the different requirements of professionals and DIY hobbyists What is your budget: Do you have the budget for both the initial purchase and ongoing costs of materials?

How Much Electricity Does a 3D Printer Use in the UK?

The electricity consumption of a 3D printer depends on several factors including the type of printer, the duration of operation, the printing temperature, and the printer's power rating. However, as a general guideline, typical 3D printers in the UK will consume around the same electricity as a domestic fridge - roughly £60 per annum. Some models will also switch into idle mode if left unattended for long periods, burning electricity.

- Published 1 Feb 2023
- Last Modified 21 May 2024
14 min

A Complete 3D Printer Buying Guide

A useful 3D printer guide comparing the different types of 3D printers, helping you choose which 3D printer is best for your needs.

Browse All 3D Printers

Reviewed by Peter Kendall, Technical Support Engineer (June 2021)

This 3D printer buyer's guide is part of our Industrial Automation hub where you can discover more about AI, automation and control.

3D printers represent one of the most innovative and interesting technologies to enter both the business world and the hobbyist sector in decades. This 3D printing guide compares a range of printers to help you choose the best device for your requirements.

What is a 3D Printer?

Put simply, 3D printers are computer-controlled fabrication devices. A wide variety of objects designed and defined within software can be created in three dimensions within the printing device from different plastics and polymers - the possibilities depend on the size and model of the printer used. Our guide to 3D printers covers everything from the basics to advanced concepts.

The objects are formed via the rapid addition of multiple layers of material, each covering the previous layer. The printing material is applied via a nozzle called an ‘extruder’. It is supplied as filament lengths which become soft and moldable when heat is applied. They then become solid again once cooled. This construction process accounts for another term used to describe 3D printing in an industrial context - additive manufacturing.

3D printers allow the rapid and flexible production of prototypes, models, spare parts and many other items across the industrial, commercial and even domestic spheres. Models available range from high-capacity designs intended for the factory floor to small and affordable machines for home use.

Designs intended for printing are normally created in 3D printing software as CAD (Computer-Aided Design) or AMI (Amazon Machine Image) files. These precisely define the dimensions of the object to be built and many designers make their creations available for download and reuse.

Before printing can occur, the CAD or AMI file describing the 3D object must be converted into the programming language G-code. This will be easily readable by the device. The conversion is undertaken by 'slicer' software.

Take a Look for Yourself!

Check out our handy video for a clear and concise introduction to 3D printing.

With the help of Adrian Bowyer from RepRap, learn why 3D printing technology is so important and discover how it is used today.

Professional 3D Printers

Here are our picks for the best 3D printers in the UK for professional users.

UltiMaker S7

3D printing with the UltiMaker S7 is the ideal way to start with the UltiMaker platform. Thanks to various plugins and programs, it allows you to find every tool you need, monitor and manage prints safely, and become more knowledgeable about 3D printing.

This professional 3D printer is designed with efficiency and quality in mind. It features inductive sensor-enabled bed levelling and a built-in air manager to maintain build volume at an optimally regulated temperature.

Key Features of 3D Printer:

Easy monitoring and set-up
Flexible, PEI-coated build plate
User-friendly interface and experience
Reliable print adhesion and removal
Advanced active levelling

Shop UltiMaker S7

Raise3D Pro3 Plus

The Raise3D Pro3 Plus is designed to ensure high-quality print performance. Created with user experience in mind, this product can effortlessly produce 3D-printed parts quickly and easily.

As one of the best large 3D printers in the UK and part of the prestigious Pro3 series, this professional printer features single-side nozzle lifting technology. This enables fast nozzle switching for efficient, stable performance. The Raise3D Pro3 Plus also features a flexible build plate to allow effortless removal of 3D-printed parts.

Key 3D Printer Features:

Integrated airflow manager
EVE smart assistant
Hot-end and extruder covers are interchangeable
Single-side nozzle lifting technology
75% increase in Z-axis rod stiffness

Shop Raise3D Pro3 Plus

UltiMaker S3

The UltiMaker S3 features advanced active levelling, professional build, composite material compatibility, and high-quality yet cost-effective performance.

Featuring seamless hardware, software and material integration, the UltiMaker S3 enables designers, engineers and manufacturers to approach innovation in a flexible and accessible way.

Key Features of 3D Printer:

Dual extrusion
Touch screen functionality
Composite material compatibility
Integrated camera
Advanced active bed levelling

Shop UltiMaker S3

Raise3D E2CF

The Raise3D E2CF is a professional 3D printer with a dual direct drive extruder system. It is also optimised for 3D printing carbon fibre-reinforced filaments, making it ideal for prototyping and manufacturing applications.

Key 3D Printer Features:

Idea maker slicing profiles
Highly durable nozzles
Dual direct drive extrusion system
Optimised for use with carbon fibre-reinforced filaments
Desktop model

Shop Raise3D E2CF

Budget 3D Printers

Here is a selection of the best budget 3D printers in the UK well-suited to non-professional use. These models deliver outstanding performance in a smaller price range.

Zortrax M200 Plus

As one of the best-value 3D printers in the UK we stock here at RS, the Zortrax M200 Plus is a strong choice. This innovative model includes a built-in camera to monitor build progress. It also features high dimensional accuracy, an integrated Zortrax Ecosystem, and wireless compatibility for increased reliability and ease of use.

Key Features of 3D Printer:

Wireless compatibility
Z-SUITE slicing software
Built-in camera
FDM technology
Multi material printing capability

Shop Zortrax M200 Plus

UltiMaker 2+ Connect

The UltiMaker 2+ Connect could be considered the best beginner 3D printer in the UK thanks to its reliability, efficiency, and precision. Offering superior quality at a reasonable price, it's no surprise that this is a top contender for the best 3D printer for beginners in the UK.

This printer provides users with a wide choice of materials, easy operation, and a clean and intuitive design. With accelerated networking capabilities, lower prototyping costs, increased production flexibility, and easy product customisation, an UltiMaker 3D printing solution will surely give you a competitive edge.

Key 3D Printer Features:

Compatibility with 9 printing materials
Cloud-enabled remote printing
Touchscreen functionality
Swappable nozzles
Simple, easy setup

Shop UltiMaker 2+ Connect

BCN3D Sigma D25

With the BCN3D Sigma D25, hailed as one of the best starter 3D printers in the UK, you can print high-quality 3D pieces efficiently and conveniently. This printer also features a fully enclosed passive heated chamber, touchscreen functionality, and both offline and online printing capabilities.

Key Features of 3D Printer:

CE/FCC certified
Cloud-enabled online printing
Independent dual extractor
Suitable for multi-material printing
Range of modes including single, duplication, and mirror

Shop BCN3D Sigma D25

Top 3D Printer Brands

In the rapidly evolving world of additive manufacturing, identifying good 3D printer brands is crucial. Here are some of the best 3D printer manufacturers on the market:

UltiMaker

Click the button below to see our UltiMaker range.

UltiMaker 3D Printers

Raise3D

See our full range of Raise3D devices.

Raise3D Printers

BCN3D

Browse BCN3D printers.

BCN3D Printers

Zortrax

Check out our selection of Zortrax machines.

Zortrax 3D Printers

How Do You Use a 3D Printer?

1. Prepare Your Build Plate

The build plate is the area where your item will be built. It is critical to ensure the plate adheres firmly to the bed beneath it.

2. Select Your Filament

Various materials are available, each with specific strengths. Two of the most widely used are ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PLA (Polylactic Acid). Both are thermoplastics (plastics that become malleable when heated, then solid when they cool). PLA is made from corn starch or sugarcane and is biodegradable.

3. Switch on Your Printer and Allow it to Heat

Different filaments require specific heat settings, so familiarise yourself with them.

4. Load the Filament

The precise loading process varies but it is normally necessary to heat the extruder (filament nozzle) to a specific temperature, apply a release lever and then insert a length of filament. It is not uncommon to see melted filament protrude through the extruder.

5. Ensure the Bed is Correctly Positioned

An uneven or incorrectly positioned bed can lead to inaccurate or uneven prints. As a result, it's imperative to ensure that the bed supporting the build plate is level and positioned at the correct height. Some models require manual levelling, while others have automatic levelling mechanisms.

6. Input the Required Information

You will need to measure the height and level and type these into the printer software to define the precise gap between the nozzle and the build plate.

7. Start Printing!

Once you've completed the above steps, all that's left to do is open your G-Code file and begin printing!

Need Some Filament? Look No Further...

Black Filament

Browse our selection of black filament, including products from 3D printer brands such as Verbatim and Ultimaker.

Shop Black Filament

Blue Filament

Explore our selection of blue 3D printing filament (including turquoise and translucent blue).

Shop Blue Filament

Red Filament

Find our range of red 3D printing filament (including translucent red) from the best 3D printer brands including materials from leading manufacturers such as our very own RS PRO.

Shop Red Filament

White Filament

Check out our white filament selection (including off-white and pearl-white).

Shop White Filament

What Can You Print with a 3D Printer?

Common uses include:

Rapid production of replacement parts or custom components
Creating solid models for use in architecture, design, commercial presentations or simply for display
Customised medical equipment - for example, prosthetic limb components or personalised tools and apparatus

3D Printing is Changing People's Lives

Check out this video featuring Ben Ryan, Ambionics creator.

Learn how evolving technologies helped him form a prosthetic arm for his son and discover how he is planning to expand this technology to help many more people.

The Possibilities are Endless!

Check out this video of an RS 3D printing demonstration. See for yourself how this progressing technology allows us to easily create items as varied as whistles, children's toys, and highly detailed paperweights of individual portraits.

FAQs

Summary

With our comprehensive guide to buying a 3D printer, you now have the essential information you need to make an informed decision. This 3D printing buying guide covers all aspects from budget to professional models, ensuring you find the best device for your requirements. Use our 3D printer selection guide to choose the best 3D printer. Happy printing!