Choosing the best open source 3D printer depends on your needs, budget, and familiarity with the technology. Consider the accuracy and materials used, and whether you want to build it yourself or buy a pre-made unit. Open source 3D printing has made the technology more accessible and affordable, with various designs and modifications available. Different printing methods are better suited for different tasks, and cost is a major factor to consider. Kits and fully assembled models are available for those with varying levels of technical expertise.
There are several three-dimensional (3D) printers that use open source designs and software, and even more vendors that have made use of these open source designs, so it can seem difficult to choose. The best open source 3D printer for your particular needs may depend on the type of objects you would like to manufacture, your familiarity with the technology, and your budget. You’ll need to pay attention to the accuracy of any printer you consider if you need to manufacture parts that meet tight tolerances. The type of material an open source 3D printer uses to manufacture objects can also matter, as some are stronger than others. You might also want to consider getting a printer you can build yourself, as it can cost about half as much as buying a pre-made unit.
3D printing is a small-scale manufacturing and prototyping process that has existed in commercial and industrial settings since the 1980s, although various additive manufacturing techniques have been described and trialled previously. Desktop 3D printing didn’t arrive until late and failed to significantly gain in popularity until the introduction of open source 3D printers. There are a number of 3D printer designs using the open source model, including both the hardware and software needed to build these devices. Due to the nature of open source concepts, many 3D printers are based on the same original designs with varying degrees of modification.
The first factor to consider when looking for an open source 3D printer is what you need it for. There are many different three-dimensional printing methods, each of which may be better suited to particular tasks. Photopolymers typically provide high quality finished products, while gypsum composites can often be produced very quickly. Many open source 3D printers work via thermoplastic extrusion, which typically can use many different types of plastic, including high-density polyethylene (HDPE), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), and polylactic acid (PLA). If you want to create plastic parts and need flexibility, one of these might be the best open source 3D printer for you.
Another major concern when choosing an open source 3D printer is cost. Most additive manufacturing devices are very expensive, including most commercial and desktop 3D printers. Open source units tend to be less expensive than traditional 3D printers, especially models that can be built with off-the-shelf parts. If budget is an issue and you have a lot of technical expertise, you might want to get open source projects and build your own printer. Kits that come with all the necessary parts can be both more expensive and affordable, and some companies even sell fully assembled models if you lack the time or skills to build one yourself.
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