The 5 Cheapest 3D Printers: A Review from Amazon

ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M5s 12K Resin 3D Printer, with Smart Leveling-Free, 3X Faster Printing Speed, 10.1" Monochrome LCD Screen, Printing Size of 7.87" x 8.58" x 4.84" (HWD), Add The High-speed Resin

$499.99 (as of July 4, 2024 03:16 GMT +00:00 - )

You recently purchased the five cheapest 3D printers on Amazon and put them to the test. Ranging in price from $79 to $110, these printers were small and compact in size. Some came fully assembled, while others required minimal assembly. Unfortunately, one printer didn’t come with screws or a screwdriver for assembly, but you were able to get a refund and purchase a different one. None of the printers have a heated bed, which limits the types of materials that can be used. Additionally, four out of the five printers have limited interface functionality, making them a bit tricky to navigate. Bed leveling on these printers is also difficult and requires manual adjustments. However, all the printers were able to successfully print the same test file provided, although custom prints using Cura slicer software were less successful. The filaments provided with the printers were of low quality, and the accuracy in print measurements varied when tested with an XYZ calibration cube. Overall, the results were mixed, with some printers performing better than others. Interestingly, the Minnie 3D printer, despite being the most expensive, performed the worst, while the more affordable K1 printer was the most recommended. Other recommended printers include the Ender 3 and Ender 3 V2 for larger printing capabilities, and the Longer LK5 Pro for larger prints with more features.

Table of Contents

Review of the 5 Cheapest 3D Printers

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Introduction

Welcome to the review of the 5 cheapest 3D printers available on Amazon. In this review, we will discuss the price range, size, assembly process, interface functionality, bed leveling, printing success, filament quality, print accuracy and speed, as well as the test results. If you’re looking for an affordable 3D printer, this review will provide you with valuable insights.

Price Range and Size

The 5 printers in this review range in price from $79 to $110, making them incredibly affordable options for those on a tight budget. Despite their low cost, these printers are compact in size, with a print volume of approximately 100 by 100 by 100 millimeters. While they may not be suitable for large-scale projects, they are perfect for smaller prints and hobbyists with limited space.

Assembly

The assembly process for these 3D printers varies. Some printers come fully assembled, allowing you to start printing right out of the box. Others require minimal assembly, which is relatively easy and straightforward. However, there was an issue with one printer in this review as it arrived without screws or a screwdriver for assembly. Fortunately, after contacting Amazon, a full refund was issued for the missing components.

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Interface Functionality

Four out of the five printers in this review have limited interface functionality. They feature four buttons for navigation and control, with one printer sporting a small LCD screen. While the interface is simple to use and navigate, the lack of advanced features and comprehensive settings may be limiting for more experienced users. It’s essential to consider your needs and experience level when choosing a 3D printer based on its interface functionality.

Bed Leveling

Bed leveling is an important step in the 3D printing process to ensure optimal print quality. However, bed leveling on these printers can be challenging and requires manual adjustments. The process involves zeroing the printer, unplugging it, moving the head over the X and Y axes, and adjusting the screws in the corners to level the bed. While some printers have traditional turning knobs for easier adjustments, others rely on small screwdrivers. It’s important to be careful and precise during this process to avoid compromising the bed leveling.

Printing Success and Filament Quality

All of the printers in this review come with a flexible magnetic bed for adhesion during printing. This feature allows for good adhesion to the bed and easy removal of prints. When using the provided test file, all printers were able to print it successfully with varying levels of quality. However, issues arose when attempting to print custom files using Cura slicer software. The results were less successful, highlighting the limitations of these printers when it comes to complex prints. Additionally, the filaments provided with the printers were of low quality, which can impact print results.

Print Accuracy and Speed

To test print accuracy, an XYZ calibration cube was printed using each of the 3D printers. The results varied among the printers, with differences in print measurements observed. Slowing down the print speed improved the print quality for some printers, highlighting the need for adjustments to achieve desired accuracy. The print speed also differed among the printers, with each one having its own speed capabilities and limitations.

Test Results

In the first test, a self-watering plant pot was printed using each printer. The print quality varied among the printers, with some producing better results than others. Surprisingly, the Minnie 3D printer, despite its performance issues, produced the highest quality print. The K7 printer did a decent job, followed by the K1 and T8000 printers. However, the X1 printer exhibited significant layer shift and poor bridging. In the second test, the Minnie printer failed to produce a successful print, while the other printers achieved varying levels of quality. The K1 printer stood out as the best performer in terms of print quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 5 cheapest 3D printers in this review offer affordable options for those interested in exploring the world of 3D printing. While they may have some limitations, such as limited interface functionality and challenging bed leveling, they can still produce satisfactory prints with the right adjustments. The Minnie printer, despite being the most expensive, performed the worst in the tests, while the K1 printer, a more affordable option, was the most recommended. Additional recommended printers include the Ender 3 and Ender 3 V2 for larger printing capabilities, and the Longer LK5 Pro for larger prints with more features. We appreciate your support through the use of affiliate links. Happy 3D printing!

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