3D printers have never been more affordable and they can be used for all kinds of creative projects, from printing out models and pieces for gaming and crafts to producing DIY designs! Still, they're a big investment so we understand that you'll want to know everything before you buy - not only how they work, but also which features to look out for when shopping.
Our buying guide will explain the difference between printing technologies like filament fabrication and stereolithography. It'll also cover the types of materials that 3D printers can work with and why you might prefer an enclosed model. Then, we'll share our top 10 products to buy in the UK, from top-quality devices for professional use to cheaper options at home. You might not need a 3D printer, but you'll definitely want one after checking out our list!
Quick List - Top 3D Printers
Comgrow
A High-Performance, Flexible and Affordable 3D Printer That Works With Both PLA and ABS
BIBO
A High-Spec, High-Performance Dual Colour Printer With Plenty of Connectivity Options
Geeetech
Print Large Objects Using 3 Colours at Once With This Versatile but User-Friendly Machine
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Table of Contents
It goes without saying that the 3D printer you choose will primarily be determined by the size of the objects you want to print, so you'll need to think carefully about what it is you'll mostly be making.
You'll then need to check the dimensions for the print bed, which is the base onto which your 3D objects are printed. The bigger the print bed, the more space your new printer will take up!
If you'll be using your 3D printer at home, an average-sized printer with a print bed size of around 220-250mm should suffice for most of your printing needs. However, if you intend to use it for commercial or educational purposes then choosing a larger model will give you more flexibility, although it will of course take up more space.
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The build platform or bed is the base on which your objects will print, providing a foundation for the first piece to stick to while additional layers are printed on top. It's therefore important to pick one that will be conducive to the printing process.
Platforms are typically made from sturdy materials like glass and aluminium, plus some are heated or insulated. A platform that's warm is useful because the heat helps to prevent warping or curling on the edges of your print - this results in a better quality object that will be more durable.
Next, let's consider the style of the printer. There are two main types: open and enclosed. While open printers are perfectly fine for commercial use, we recommend an enclosed printer for home use.
Since the 3D printing process involves heating up the substrate, parts of the printer can get very hot and temperatures may reach up to 250 degrees Celcius as a result. If you have children or pets around, an enclosed model is safer as it will protect the object it’s printing as well as preventing curious onlookers from getting burnt!
In order to create your designs, your 3D printer will need to receive print commands. The most commonly used connections are USB or wireless networking which connect to a computer, but you can also use an SD card if you don't have access to this kind of tech.
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Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) or Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) is probably the most common method of 3D printing. It involves melting the material and squirting it in layers to build up the desired object.
Found in most entry-level 3D printers, it's simple yet effective, and the materials required are cheap and readily available. FDM is also a good option for home use as it creates less fumes than a machine working with resin. The only downside to this method is that the finish may not be as smooth as that of objects created using stereolithography.
Stereolithography is a very different process to that of FDM. This system involves UV lasers tracing designs directly onto photosensitive resin, before being cured in an alcohol bath. The process gives cleaner results and you'll get much finer detail on your prints compared to FDM prints.
However, as the printed objects need to be plunged into an alcohol bath at the end of the process, stereolithography is probably better suited to professional users or those who have a workroom where they won't be disturbed.
Polylactic Acid (PLA) is one of the cheapest substrates for 3D printing, making it accessible to everyone - especially beginners who don't want to splash out on materials straight away! It's also available in a wide range of colours and textures, so you can really get creative with your art projects.
Something to be aware of, however, is that although objects created using PLA have a lovely smooth finish, they're sadly not usually as strong as those made from other materials.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is a thermoplastic that has low resistance and is more flexible than some of the other substrates you can choose from. It's actually what toys like LEGO are made from!
ABS is a really useful and versatile material to work with but it does emit fumes when heated, so it's essential to make sure you have a well-ventilated work area if you want to use it.
Resin is generally used with stereolithography printers rather than the FDM printers used to create ABS or PLA-based objects. During the printing process, the laser in the printer creates the object in a pool of resin by solidifying the object line by line. As the resin is photosensitive, prints need to be washed and cured using UV light. The timeframe for this process can vary greatly depending on the type of resin used.
Resin is great for creating intricate prints, but unfortunately it only comes in very few colour options, so if the colour choice is important to you then maybe stick to ABS or PLA. The isopropyl alcohol used in the finishing process can also make this a less appealing option if you have children or boisterous pets at home.
When it comes to nozzle size, go as small as possible - this ensures a better quality print with a higher resolution. Most FDM 3D printers squirt molten plastic from a single 0.4mm nozzle, which should be good enough for most projects.
Some printers also have more than one nozzle, which is convenient as it allows you to apply additional colours without swapping out your reels. This is great if you often make multicoloured prints but might not be 100% necessary for all projects.
The print resolution of a 3D printer tells you how precisely the nozzle will deposit the substrate onto the bed. With 3D printers, a lower number means a higher resolution.
Most 3D printers print at 200 microns (0.2 mm), giving you decent quality prints. Some can print at a 100 micron level of detail, which offers even better print quality. While there are products out there that can print at 20 microns, these tend to cost more and take a long time. For most users, 200 microns is more than sufficient!
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Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Comgrow Creality Ender 3 3D Printer | ![]() | A High-Performance, Flexible and Affordable 3D Printer That Works With Both PLA and ABS | |
2 | Dremel Digilab 3D45 | ![]() | Award-Winning Printer That Automatically Adjusts Settings to Make Life Easier | |
3 | BIBO 2 Touch X 3D Printer | ![]() | A High-Spec, High-Performance Dual Colour Printer With Plenty of Connectivity Options | |
4 | Geeetech Mix-Color 3D Printer |A20M | ![]() | Print Large Objects Using 3 Colours at Once With This Versatile but User-Friendly Machine | |
5 | Anycubic Photon Mono X | ![]() | A Stereolithography Printer That Produces Intricate Resin Pieces Effortlessly | |
6 | FLSUN QQ-S Delta 3D Printer | ![]() | A Top-Selling 3D Printer With a 0.4 mm Nozzle and a Host of Fantastic Functions | |
7 | Flashforge 3D Printer Finder | ![]() | Sleek, Affordable, and Simple to Set Up Printer Featuring a 3.5 Inch Touch Screen | |
8 | MakerBot Replicator+ 3D Printer | ![]() | High-Quality, Fast Printing for Professionals That Use MakerBot PLA | |
9 | Monoprice Select Mini V2 | ![]() | A Pre-assembled Printer With Tonnes of Features That’s Perfect for Beginners | |
10 | Qidi TECH X-Plus | ![]() | User-Friendly and Durable 3D Printer Made From Aviation-Grade Aluminium |
This FDM printer can work with both PLA and ABS, giving you the flexibility to create a wide range of objects. It also provides wireless and SD card connectivity, so there's no need to plug it into a computer - or to even have a computer nearby at all! Plus, it benefits from the resume printing function, which is always a handy option to have.
This machine is designed to make the printing process a breeze, with a bed that heats up quickly and a precise 0.4mm nozzle that produces superb quality pieces. Best of all, it's fantastic value for money - that's why it takes our top spot!
This award-winning 3D printer has several advanced features that make it ideal for educational, professional, or home use. It accepts a variety of materials, allowing you to print everything from mini models to large prototypes. There’s no need to tweak your print settings either, as the sensor auto-detects the type of substrate and adjusts the settings for you.
The heated print bed helps to minimise warping on your prints while also making it easier to remove the finished products. The whole printer is enclosed too, reducing noise while keeping your project safe. Intelligent and built to last, we highly recommend this brilliant piece of machinery for your next craft project.
The BIBO 2 is a high-spec machine that's suitable for users at all levels of 3D printing proficiency. It has a full colour touch screen, as well as connectivity via Wi-Fi, USB, and SD cards. It can also detect when you’re running low on substrates so you can buy some more before you run out completely!
Perhaps the most exciting feature of this device is the fact that it's capable of printing two objects at the same time due to the twin nozzles. It's also able to print at resolutions as low as 50 microns, making it an amazing buy for those who want top-quality results.
With not just one but an impressive three nozzles, this FDM printer allows you to print several colours at once - this means it's possible to create objects with a gradient or ombre effect! It also has the ability to resume after a break, so there's no need to start the printing process all over again in the event of a power cut.
The large print bed on this machine allows you to print big objects, making it very versatile. Although you do need to partly assemble the machine yourself, the thoughtful modular design doesn't make it too tricky. User-friendly and moderately-priced, this is a bargain if you ask us!
With a 2.5-inch colour screen and offline printing support, this stereolithography printer will make sure that every step of the process is effortless. As well as being enclosed, it has a dual-fan ventilation system that keeps fumes to a minimum.
While there is a steep learning curve with this printer, it's the ideal machine for those who want to work with resin. The build quality is superb, with anodised aluminium used throughout for durability. If you've decided to dip your toe into the world of intricate resin printing, you can’t go wrong with this device!
One of the top-selling 3D printers online, the QQ-S Delta printer comes with a 0.4mm nozzle but is also compatible with 0.2 and 0.3mm parts in order to deliver finer resolution printing. Printing time is fast and the quality is brilliant for the price.
Wi-Fi compatibility allows you to print offline or via your smartphone, making this a wonderfully convenient product. Plus, in the event of a power cut or your computer crashing, the resume function will allow you to continue your printing from where you left off. We just wish that the print bed was heated - that would make this product even better!
The Finder is part of Flashforge's range of affordable printers designed for home and educational institutions. It's an enclosed model, with sleek, rounded corners and eye-catching red casing. It's pretty large, but features like the 3.5-inch touch screen offering an instant preview make it worth the space that it takes up.
Although it will only print using PLA, this a well-designed machine that can even be used by kids - all wires and sharp or delicate parts are tucked away, making it safe and secure. Simple to set up and suitable for all ages, this is a fantastic entry-level 3D printer.
Aimed at the education market, this reliable printer works fast and is easy to set up. Printing is simple via Wi-fi, USB, or ethernet, and the built-in camera allows you to monitor your print progress remotely.
This is certainly one of the pricier models out there and it's only really suitable for use with MakerBot’s proprietary PLA - luckily, there are many colour options available. If you're after a high quality, high volume printing device for professional use then definitely consider the Replicator+.
The best-selling Select Mini V2 offers a lot of features for a very small price tag. It boasts a 3.7 inch control screen and a heated print bed with insulation. Connectivity is a breeze, with the option of Wi-Fi, USB, or micro SD compatibility.
One of the few 3D printers to come already assembled, this product is ready to use straight away - perfect for beginners who might be intimidated by the thought of putting it together! However, it lacks enclosure, which is a shame as it ticks every other box.
This dual nozzle FDM printer is packed full of great features, such as a 4.3-inch touch screen and connectivity via Wi-Fi, ethernet, or a USB stick. The build quality is excellent, as it's made from aviation-grade aluminium that's incredibly durable.
This printer is very user friendly too - the heated print bed is even removable, to make it easier for you to retrieve your finished prints. It's just a shame that it's a tad expensive and isn't as widely available in the UK as some of our other picks.
Essentially, while a standard inkjet printer sprays dots of liquid ink onto paper and a laser printer sprays toner powder onto paper, a 3D printer melts materials such as resin or plastics. It then deposits them onto the desired surface, building up layers of the material to create the finished 3D piece.
There are a few different types of 3D printing technology available and the printers themselves vary in terms of size, print quality, features, and price. However, it's entirely possible to buy a good quality 3D printer for under £500 and use it to make yourself everything from keyrings and magnets to large-scale models. In fact, the only thing that limits their output is your imagination!
All electrical household appliances could pose a risk of starting a fire in your home, the key is to not leave electronics running unattended. This is also true of 3D printers, so to avoid the risk of excessive fire damage, keep checking on your printer as it is running and keep a CO2 extinguisher nearby.
It is possible to print with metal but you will need a printer that has a DMLS (direct metal laser sintering) function. This is usually more popular in industrial machines but if you want to print metal structures at home, look out for a DMLS marker.
Nylon is a relatively versatile material for 3D printing as it can be used in multiple different printer types. You can print with nylon on your 3D printer if it uses FDM, SLS, or MJF printing technologies.
Written and researched by Sonata Winchester
No. 1: Comgrow|Creality Ender 3 3D Printer
No. 2: Dremel|Digilab 3D45
No. 3: BIBO|2 Touch X 3D Printer
No. 4: Geeetech|Mix-Color 3D Printer |A20M
No. 5: Anycubic|Photon Mono X
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