AET LABS BLOG
October 31, 2016

Four Considerations To Think About When Purchasing A 3D Printer

3D printers are probably one of the coolest inventions created in the last few years. Not only are people using 3D printers to create organs, food, and car parts, but as our knowledge of technology advances, we might be able to even make more than those essentials to enhance our quality of life. It’s been discussed on a few occasions that 3D printers might even be able to solve world hunger or help with diseases we haven’t found a cure for yet. Recently, a bladder was made due to a 3D printer. It’s hard to believe that technology is becoming so advanced that we can make these items out of what appears to be nothing. 3D printers very well may be the way of the future, which means that when you purchase one either professionally or personally you should know what you need to look for. 3D printers are expensive and each have their own niche to create something different. The needs you may have personally don’t necessarily match the ones you may have professionally either.

At AET Labs, we cater to your professional 3D printer needs. We offer on-site training, local support, and maintenance so you are able to have the best 3D experience possible. Despite AET Labs catering to a majority of professional 3D printers, these tips are still good to follow for anyone interested in buying a 3D printer.

Tip One: Types of 3D Printers To Pick From

At this point, there are quite a few 3D printers to pick from. However, like everything, there are good types of 3D printers and others that are not as good for what you may be looking for. The term 3D printer is used to couple a broad spectrum of technologies that produce physical materials. The types of printers we have at AET Labs are Makerbot 3D printers and Stratasys 3D printers. Depending on what you are looking for, both types of printers are superb. Each type of printer offers something a little different and have different models. Check out both the Makerbot 3D printer and the Stratasys 3D printer.

Tip Two: Price Can Be Everything

Pricing can be a determining factor for anything that you do. A price between one item and another might be the difference between higher and lower quality. The pricing of a 3D printer, like everything, is determined by the quality of the 3D printer, similar to buying an Apple product, versus buying a Windows one. 3D printers range in quality, size, and price. The professional 3D printers will be higher quality as well as higher in price in comparison to the smaller 3D printers that might be lower in price and quality. Professional 3D printers are also able to do a lot more because they are made for mass production. However, like everything in a market the more competition there is with the 3D printer market the more the price will fluctuate.

Tip Three: The Materials You Need For Your 3D Printer

For 3D printers you’ll need Poly Lactic Acid and Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene materials. You need these materials because they are pliable when heated and frozen when cold. These materials are sold as filament spools in packs of 2.2 pounds. Poly Lactic Acid is made from corn starch and is a really great material for you if you are only starting to get into the 3D printer game. It is biodegradable and environmentally friendly. Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene is petroleum-based and more flexible and stronger. In addition, it has a higher melting point, which means your creations will be less likely to distort.

Tip Four: Where To Buy A 3D Printer?

This question is excellent because AET Labs can help you figure out the 3D printer system for your needs. Whether you’re looking for a color 3D printer, a professional 3D printer, or something for you personally, we can meet you needs. At AET Labs we are able to find the 3D printer that is right for you. We were founded on passion of bringing real-world industry experience to a technical training environment. We want to allow more hands-on training to professionals and others who want more foundational skills. AET Labs will point you in the right direction to allow you to find the 3D printer that is perfect for you.

Request a quote today for a 3D printer today, or if you have any questions please feel free to contact us.