Actions
Forum Thread Details
  • State Suggested Answer
  • Replies 2 replies
  • Answers 1 answer
  • Subscribers 30 subscribers
  • Views 439 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Related

Is it worth the investment for a 3D printer?

toxxn

I have been intrigued by 3D printers for some time now and have been wanting to get one. It seems they are extremely useful in many different ways, especially as an engineer/ hobbyist. I have also noticed there are quite a few different companies our there that make them and with that a wide variety of prices as well. The price is what deters me the most, even the least expensive ones are $300-500 and with that they are also rather small. I want an honest opinion from someone who owns or uses a 3D printer frequently. As useful as they are, are they truly worth the investment?

  • 0

    The usefulness is a very subjective issue. If you are only looking to 3D print objects infrequently a third-party printing service may be more cost effective.

  • 0 in reply to gadget.iom

    I can see how the usefulness could considered a subjective topic, however in my personal opinion, depending on the size of the 3D printer you have, the possibilities are almost endless. Albeit 3D prints are not perfect by any means and depending on how you decide to print the object, the integrity of the object could also be questionable.

    There are a lot to take into consideration when purchasing a 3D printer I understand, especially when you weight out all the pros and cons.

     

    Paul, I marked your answer helpful simply for mentioning the option of a third-party printing service as an alternative, which is a helpful comment, however I don't believe your answer fully answers my question.

     

    I understand the size, quality, and plastic types that can be extruded all determine the prise of a 3D printer, but are they worth the cost?

    Obviously the size of the printer is going be taken into a larger account here, with that a larger price tag.