If you’re even indirectly interested in creative projects, you’ve probably already considered the idea of ​​purchasing a 3D printer. On paper, this seems almost too good to be true; you can create virtually anything, from storage hooks to figurines, and it’s all endlessly customizable. The reality, however, is not so rosy.
While 3D printers are great for prototyping and reducing your carbon footprint (since you can now print some things you otherwise would have shipped), they’re not for the faint of heart. Almost every aspect of the printing process, from setup to removal of the finished item, requires a learning curve, and gaining experience often means wasting time and possibly materials. Ideally, you would view a printer as a long-term educational experience rather than something you can master immediately.
As long as you know in advance what you’re getting into, you should be fine. That said, a quick look online shows that many people regret purchasing their 3D printer. Let’s break down the most common reasons for buyer’s remorse so you don’t make the same mistakes.
They bought without fully understanding the material
Deciding which 3D printer to buy can be tricky. There are several types to choose from, with each type, brand and model having its own particularities. For example, the downside of open-frame 3D printers is that they are more prone to warping due to temperature fluctuations. Resin printers, on the other hand, require you to wear protective gear and work in a well-ventilated area due to the toxic fumes released during the printing process. Buying expensive gadgets without fully understanding their limitations and what their daily use looks like almost guarantees that you will soon regret your purchase.
Instead, if you’re interested in a printer, spend some time reading the basics. Key things you need to know before purchasing a 3D printer include the materials it is compatible with, its build volume size, and its maximum printing speed. Compare these specifications to other printers in the same price range. You can even find one that offers the same (or better) performance for less money. Don’t stop there, though: it’s always a good idea to check out user reviews and see what people who bought the printer actually think about it.
Buyers underestimated running costs
Entry-level printers typically cost around $200; However, it’s not just the initial investment that you’ll need to consider; these devices also have relatively high operating costs. This obviously depends on how often you print and what materials you use, but for context, a 2.2 pound spool of basic PLA filament costs around $15. This doesn’t mean you’ll get 2.2 pounds of usable prints – there’s always a risk of print failure and often, some filaments are used as scaffolding, providing structural support to overhanging areas of the model.
As your comfort level increases, you may want to upgrade your printer with an enclosure, a camera to monitor progress, or nozzles of different sizes and materials. Additionally, after enough use, the printer parts (usually the nozzle, extruder gears, and build plate) will eventually become less efficient and will need to be replaced. You may even become completely overwhelmed by your first printer and decide to upgrade to something larger, more reliable, or capable of printing in multiple colors simultaneously.
They didn’t realize how long it took
There’s nothing fast about 3D printing. Assembling the printer for the first time can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and initial calibration can easily take twice that. Then there are the usual pre-print tasks which include leveling the bed and waiting for the nozzle to heat up. Some devices, like the Creality Ender-3 V3 Plus, save time by automating parts of this process, but even these models take around 11 minutes to complete a self-check. Nonetheless, the reduction in required effort is an important factor in why self-leveling beds are a non-negotiable feature of modern 3D printers.
Then there is printing time to consider. A simple 48mm tall Benchy model (the boat used to compare 3D printers) typically takes around an hour to print. This time increases if you want to create smooth surfaces, print a larger model, or increase infill density. Adding complexity also leads to a higher time commitment. For example, getting around build volume limitations by creating segmented parts that fit together requires multiple separate prints, which takes more time.
Everything mentioned so far assumes that you are using a print-ready model. Learning how to make your own is a challenge in its own right. CAD programs are often difficult to master initially, and not everything you design will translate well when printed. It takes research and persistence, as well as trial and error, to find what works and what doesn’t for your printer.
They wanted to monetize their 3D printer
3D printers, like commercially available laser cutters and engravers, may seem like an easy way to make high-quality, custom products. This makes it, on the face of it, an attractive investment for anyone looking to start a small business or venture into a side hustle. Unfortunately, a quick glance at Etsy, AliExpress or eBay reveals dozens of identical 3D printed products, so there is clearly no shortage of competition. In-person events aren’t necessarily better either, with these products becoming more common at conventions, craft fairs, and local markets.
If everyone is selling the same products, the only way to stand out is to create something new (which takes time and effort) or change the materials/colors (which increases costs). Either way, 3D printing likely won’t be the quick money maker buyers might expect. Without a proper plan, any printer you buy for this purpose will likely end up collecting dust.
I hope that at this point you are not completely discouraged. 3D printers can be extremely useful and a great way to solve everyday problems, as long as you understand that there are significant barriers to entry. If you enjoy learning or tinkering with machines, you may find 3D printing to be a practical and rewarding hobby. On the other hand, if you have limited free time or get easily frustrated, you might want to think twice before making that purchase.
