It’s no secret that getting into 3D printing can be an expensive hobby. So you may be wondering whether it makes sense to buy a 3D printer, and if so, which one should you buy? Black Friday is a time for large-scale sales and since it starts this November, it could be the right time to make money.
It doesn’t hurt to do a little research before the biggest annual sales event of the year – in fact, we’d recommend it. We have guides for the best 3D printers and 3D printer deals that are definitely worth reading through before buying. While we can’t say for sure, it’s likely that prices will fall below their usual levels on Black Friday.
At the bottom of this page you’ll find some of our favorite deals on top models for you to keep an eye on. It’s also important to know what to expect and what to look for on Black Friday, not just the biggest discount available.
Unfortunately, you may also need to consider the price of post-processing equipment. A filament 3D printer may not require much equipment, but a resin 3D printer requires numerous additional add-ons, making the overall cost higher. Hopefully, though, there will be some tasty deals on 3D printers on Black Friday that should bring the final price down.
What is the difference between resin 3D printers and filament 3D printers?
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Examples of 3D resin prints(Image credit: Future)
Examples of 3D resin prints(Image credit: Future)Examples of 3D resin prints(Image credit: Future)Examples of 3D resin prints(Image credit: Future)
Resin 3D printers and filament 3D printers are two different technologies, both of which use different specialized materials to produce printed parts.
Resin 3D printers use a liquid photopolymer (commonly called resin) that is cured layer by layer to create detailed 3D prints. Resin is dirty and can be dangerous to handle. Therefore, special equipment is required to wash and cure printed parts so that they can be handled safely. Parts made with a resin printer can be very detailed (like the models made with the Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K), but are often brittle and delicate.
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Examples of 3D filament printing(Image credit: Future)Examples of 3D filament printing(Image credit: Future)Examples of 3D filament printing(Image credit: Future)Examples of 3D filament printing(Image credit: Future)
Filament 3D printers use a heated nozzle to apply filament to a build platform, almost like a hot glue gun that moves in three dimensions. This type of printer can produce strong, durable parts that require little post-processing, but the dimensional accuracy and resolution are typically lower than comparable resin printers.
When you’re thinking about what type of 3D printer you’re interested in, it’s worth thinking about post-processing. If you’re looking for a printer that allows you to take models directly from a build platform into a shipping box, a filament printer would probably be a good solution. If you don’t mind the cleanup and need the absolute highest resolution possible, a resin printer would be a good choice.
How much do 3D printers cost?
Less expensive 3D printers typically have smaller build volumes, software with fewer features, and lower print resolution than more expensive machines. Before purchasing, always make sure you are familiar with the build volume (maximum build size) of a 3D printer as this specification cannot be easily changed.
The Anycubic Kobra Max 3D printer is an FDM printer (uses filament). (Image credit: Anycubic)
An inexpensive FDM (fused deposition modeling) 3D printer costs between $199 and $399, while larger models with more advanced features can be purchased for $999 and up. On the low end, printers like the Elegoo Neptune 2 can typically be found for around $200, and with Black Friday deals, that price could potentially be even lower. The massive Anycubic Kobra Max (one of the best 3D printers on our test list) costs $750, but holiday promotions could bring the price down even further – the Anycubic Kobra Max is currently $489 on their website (both the Neptune 2 as well as the cobra). Max are on offer).
The Anycubic Photon M3 Premium is a 3D resin printer. (Image credit: Future)
Inexpensive resin desktop 3D printers start as low as $149, while higher resolution and larger build volume models typically range in price from $499 to $699. The Elegoo Mars range of resin printers is great and the company currently offers some of the best prices on Elegoo resin 3D printers. With the larger build volume and higher resolution is the Anycubic Mono
Is the construction volume important?
(Image credit: Future)
Build volume is usually defined as the XYZ dimensions of a printer and refers to the maximum available dimensions of a printed part on a given axis. When thinking about purchasing a printer, you should think about the size of the typical things you want to print. If you primarily print small board game miniatures but occasionally want to produce a large model, it may make more sense to purchase a smaller printer and print the larger portion in pieces rather than purchasing a larger printer with unused build volume.
Resin printers with smaller build volumes are typically capable of higher resolution, while larger build volumes offer slightly lower resolution in exchange for the larger size available. Filament printers with a large build volume tend to print slower than smaller volumes because the build platform and other parts of the machine are typically larger and heavier.
Should you buy a 3D printer on Black Friday?
(Image credit: Future)
There’s never been a better time to get into 3D printing, and Black Friday deals are making 3D printers even more affordable. Since 3D printer prices start at $150 (excluding special offers), it’s easy to purchase a device and the accessories you need while staying within almost any budget.
If you’re interested in large-scale 3D printing to produce large models, printers like the Anycubic Kobra Max offer a huge build volume and can be easily assembled by inexperienced users. Additionally, they don’t require much additional specialized equipment to clean printed parts. Currently on sale for $489, the Kobra Max is a printer to keep an eye on this Black Friday.
If you want to create ultra-high resolution 3D prints and aren’t afraid of the typical resin 3D printer cleaning routine, the Elegoo Mars 3 Pro 4K Resin Printer for less than $250 and a wash/cure station (the Elegoo Mercury Plus) is available for around $100. Just add some gloves, cleaning supplies, and isopropyl alcohol and you’ve got everything you need to get started.
If you’re interested in purchasing a 3D printer this Black Friday, be sure to check out our list of the best 3D printers available. With plenty of reviews available here on Space.com, it’s easy to find great deals on 3D printers.