As they have become more common in recent years, most hobbyists confirm that 3D printers have become more reliable. Aside from hardware advancements and the fact that the final results depend on the skills of the operator, you can now even get a lot of benefits from some affordable 3D printers available in the market. Low-end Elegoo products, for example, allow you to start creating impressive creations for as little as $220, which is an absolute plus for the entire community (the more the merrier, after all). While $220 is affordable, you don’t want to throw money down the drain, no matter how small it may be. So, how long does a 3D printer last?
This is a delicate question. There are too many manufacturers to count and too many variables that can skew the numbers. Still, users say most printers will run (read, print) for at least 1,000 hours of use, including affordable ones, before needing to take your first TLC steps, like replacing the nozzle. On the other hand, others say that the “payback period,” during which you will need to replace parts, begins between 1,500 and 3,000 hours. Good news in any case, since some report having accumulated up to 10,000 hours on their machines.
In terms of age, owners say most printers can last between three and seven years. Many Redditors have revealed that their 10-year-old 3D printers are still working fine. Sure, some of these machines include expensive specimens like the Prusa Mk2S, but it seems the affordable printers are just as robust. For example, many users claim that their Bambu Labs A1 (an entry-level device) performed well for several years, with many well over 1,000 hours.
What will you need to replace on a 3D printer?
Take for example this Prusa Mk2S with 10,000 hours under its belt. Most likely he is still alive, but work has been done, so to speak. Almost a Ship of Theseus, the owner claims to have replaced over five extruder carriages, several sets of ball bearings and two PEI sheets. This is probably what you’ll experience too if you stick to one machine.
Fortunately, as one Reddit user points out, many machines are modular, so a decent number of people never have their printer fall apart as they replace moving parts. Of course, the lifespan of individual parts varies. For example, you may need to replace nozzles every few months, while other “consumables” like belts can easily last more than a year. Community members say checking the tension of the belts frequently and tightening them, if necessary, while also pointing out that lubrication of the axles is necessary to keep things running smoothly. Aside from that, bearings can wear out, as can flex wires, controller chips, or a host of other components that are mostly replaceable.
Overall, it seems that the wider 3D community doesn’t care much about the lifespan of individual machines. You might even end up acquiring a variety of printers, as this seems to be very common in the hobby. To paraphrase a savvy enthusiast, chances are you’ll want a new machine before the old one dies. That is, unless you’re buying low-quality printers that users recommend you avoid like the plague because they’re more likely to fall apart after a few months. But if you go with a recommended brand, you’re probably safe for the foreseeable future.
