There are various brands of 3D printers for models and these use different types of technology. It’s important to understand what makes one device differ from another. Hence, you should be aware of the factors to consider before purchasing one.
Read the following carefully to understand the implication of each factor on your buying decision.
Precision
Since the models and miniatures are just that – miniatures – it’s important to know how detailed output the device can churn out. Precision is measured in millimeters and hence, you ought to know how small and detailed prints you can get.
Technology
This is the main part of any 3D printer for models. Digital Light Processing or DLP and Stereolithography or SLA are better technologies than Fused Filament Fabrication or FFF or FDM. FFF technology is based on the filament.
FFF or FDM technology uses an extruder with a heated end to melt the filament. The melted filament is then dropped on a platform to create the model layer by layer. This type of technology is easy to use and gives you the maximum scope for large volume printing.
It also offers value for money with lower costs of operation. In addition, FFF technology doesn’t leave a mess behind after you’ve done the printing. That’s not the case when you use resin-based or SLA technology.
There are a few cons of using a printer that uses FFF technology. You can get a lot of hassle if you’re using this for printing smaller models. In general, the overall quality and resolution are inferior to SLA technology 3D printers. You can’t beat an SLA operated printer when it comes to precision and detail.
Size Of The Build
Although the build size should not matter for printing miniatures, it’s good to have in case you want to print larger models. So, it’s wise to find out if the printer is capable of taking large outputs.
User-Friendliness
A very important factor to consider is how easy it is to use the printer for 3D models. It’s basically essential to know how much blood, sweat, and tears you have to put in to get a standard and acceptable model from your printer. The extent of post-printing processes and fine-tuning required will determine this.
If you have to manually level the bed of the printer or you get worried over the possibility of the model getting botched up, then the printer is not user-friendly.
Printing Materials
Two types of plastic are used for making miniatures.
Poly Lactic Acid: PLA is a plant-based plastic that is recommended for beginners. These are bio-degradable and therefore, environment-friendly. As this type of plastic cools down fast, it prevents the model from getting warped.
PLA results in miniatures with a glossy look and is available in both solid and translucent colors. The downside of this plastic type is that it’s difficult when you try to work with it on joints and interlocking elements. Another con is that under high heat, its low melting point can result in a deformed model.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene: The second type of plastic is ABS. That’s a mouthful! It’s the more recommended one as it’s petroleum-based. This gives it flexibility and strength features. It’s great for working with interlocking parts.
With a higher melting point, you won’t get deformed models. However, as it takes a longer time to cool down, there’s a chance of warping. Plus, another downside is the fume emission when it’s in process.
Therefore, depending on the final product you want, you need to choose the right 3D printer. All printers don’t accept both types of plastic to work with.
Filament size is another consideration. There are two options of 1.75 millimeters and 3-millimeter diameter. More renowned brands opt for a 1.75 millimeter one.
Quality
Quality factors in both printing speed and print resolution. The latter is measured in microns and tells you how many details you can get. The smaller the micron, the higher is the detail level you can get from your 3D miniature printers.
A higher print speed translates to a faster printing process. If the printer can move its extruder fast, then its printing speed is high. However, acceleration and deceleration features of a printer can also affect the printing speed.
Additional Features
Some printers, especially the high-end ones, come with additional features to make the process of printing 3D models easier. One such feature is the touchscreen one, where the user has the benefit of the smoother operation. As no pressing buttons are involved, touchscreens provide a better interface.
There are other 3d miniature printer models that have a way of detecting when you’re nearly running out of filament. With such a filament detection system, refills become timely and easier.
Threading the filament can be a tedious job. Not so with some 3D printers that have a pre-constructed cartridge already filled with filaments. Another important feature is the failsafe. This means if you’ve run out of filament or electricity,