As more and more types of 3D printers are coming on the market, each year they become more affordable and viable as a home solution and not just for commercial use. This year 3D printers will make a nice gift for the holidays since the newest non-commercial models are not only affordable, but also compact. Here are 10 of the best 3D printers for the 2017 holidays for under $1,000.
- Original Prusa i3 MK2S 3D Printer
Original Prusa i3 MK2S 3D Printer Image Credit: Prusa3D.com
This is definitely one of the best 3D printers you can buy in 2017. It is an open source design engineered by Josef Průša himself. It is available in kit form or already assembled. Price range is $845. Features include:
- Technology: FDM
- Material: PLA, ABS, PET, HIPS, Exotics
- Build Volume: 250 x 210 x 200 mm
- Min Layer Height: 50 microns
- Extruder Head: 1
- Open Source: Hardware & Software
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Platform: Yes
- Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
- Onboard Control Panel: Yes
- Connectivity: USB, SD card
- Printbot Simple Pro
PrintBot Simple Pro Image Credit: PrintBot.com
The open design shows the printer functioning from all angles. The sturdy metal construction is compact and portable. Price range is $699. Features include:
- Technology: FDM
- Material: ABS (optional), PLA, Exotics
- Build Volume: 200 x 150 x 200mm
- Min Layer Height: 50 microns
- Extruder Head: 1
- Open Source: Hardware & Software
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Platform: Optional
- Filament Diameter: 1.75mm
- Onboard Control Panel: Yes
- Connectivity: USB, SD Card, Wifi
- Monoprice MP Select Mini
Monoprice MP Select Mini Image Credit: Monoprice.com
This is definitely a budget priced 3D printer and one of the least expensive ones on the market. Of course, you get what you pay for, and that means it is limited to smaller dimensions on 120x 120 x 120. Price range is $219. Features include:
- Printer Type: FDM
- Materials: ABS, PLA, Exotic
- Build Volume: 120 x 120 x 120 mm
- Min Layer Height: 100 microns
- Extruder Head: 1
- Printing Speed: 55 mm/s
- Open Source: Software
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Platform: Yes
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- On-Printer Controls: Yes
- Connectivity: SD Card, USB
- Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus
Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus Image Credit: Wanhao3DPrinter.com
The Wanhao Duplicator i3 Plus is a solidly constructed derivative of the open source Prusa i3 design. It features a build volume of 200 x 200 x 180 mm, has a metal frame for rigidity, a touchscreen interface and a full-sized SD card slot. Price range is $359. Features include:
- Printer Type: FDM
- Material: ABS, PLA, Exotics
- Build Volume: 200 x 200 x 180 mm
- Min Layer Height: 100 microns
- Extruder Head: 1
- Open Source: Software
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Platform: Yes
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Onboard Printer Controls: Yes
- Connectivity: USB, SD Card
- Anet A8 3D Printer
Anet A8 3D Printer Image Credit: Anet3D.com
This printer is also one of the cheapest 3D printers on the market. With that, it has some advantages and some faults. It is a DIY kit that you assemble yourself. Once assembled, you will need to add upgrades and add-ons in order to get the printer up to an acceptable standard. Price range is $254. Features include:
- Printer Type: FDM
- Material: ABS, PLA, Exotics
- Build Volume: 220 x 220 x 240 mm
- Min Layer Height: 100 microns
- Extruder Head: 1
- Open Source: Hardware & Software
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Platform: Yes
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Onboard Printer Controls: Yes
- Connectivity: USB, SD Card
- Creality CR-10
Creality CR-10 3D Printer Image Credit: Creality3D.cn
For a budget 3D printer, the Creality CR-10 outputs very high-quality prints and it has a very large build space at 300 x 300 x 400. You can even upgrade it to bring the capacity up to 500 x 500 x 500 mm. Price range is $519. Features include:
- Printer Type: FDM
- Material: ABS, PLA, Exotics
- Build Volume: 300 x 300 x 400 mm
- Min Layer Height: 50 microns
- Extruder Head: 1
- Open Source: Software
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Platform: Yes
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Onboard Printer Controls: Yes
- Connectivity: USB, SD Card, Wifi
- Tiertime UP Mini 2 3D Printer
Tiertime UP Mini 2 3D Printer Image Credit: Tiertime.com
This plug and play 3D printer has some great high-end features. It makes our top ten list for features like touch screen controls, wifi connectivity, power failure protection, and a built-in HEPA filtration system. The only negative for the Tiertime UP Mini is the small build space, which is just 120 x 120 x 120 mm. Price range is $600. Features include:
- Technology: FDM
- Material: PLA, ABS
- Build Volume: 120 x 120 x 120 mm
- Min Layer Height: 150 microns
- Max Layer Height: 350 microns
- Extruder Head: 1
- Open Source: No
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Platform: Yes
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Onboard Controls: Yes
- Connectivity: USB, Wifi
- FlashForge Creator Pro 2017
FlashForge Creator Pro 2017 Image Credit: Flashforge.com
The FlashForge Creator Pro is one of the most popular 3D printers on the market in 2017. This is a popular pick because of its durability and stabilization with a metal build plate and guide rod. Price range is $600. Features include:
- Technology: FDM
- Materials: ABS, PLA, Exotics
- Build Volume: 225 x 145 x 150 mm
- Min Layer Height: 100 microns
- Max Layer Height: 500 microns
- Extruder Head: 2
- XY Precision: 11 microns
- Printing Speed: 40-100 mm/s
- Open Source: Hardware & Software
- Compatible with 3rd Party Material: Yes
- Heated Platform: Yes
- Filament Diameter: 1.75
- Onboard Control Panel: Yes
- Connectivity: USB, SD Card
- Flashforge Finder 3D Printer
Flashforge Finder 3D Printer Image Credit: Flashforge.com
The Flashforge Finder 3D Printer has an open frame design with and LED/LCD screen. It is a great 3D printer considering the low price and long list of features. Price range is $399. Features include:
- Dimensions 16.5 by 16.5 by 16.5 inches
- 28 lbs
- Maximum Build Area: 5.5 by 5.5 by 5.5 inches
- Fused Filament Fabrication
- Highest Resolution: 100 microns
- USB 2.0 Port
- USB Type A Port
- Wireless Connectivity
- XYZprinting da Vinci Mini
XYZprinting da Vinci Mini 3D Printer Image Credit: XYZEshop.com
This is a great budget 3D printer that is easy to use. It is compact, which makes it easy to store and produces great 3D objects. Price range is $259. Features include:
- Fused Filament Fabrication
- Minimum layer resolution: 100 microns
- Maximum layer resolution: 400 microns
- Dimensions 390 x 335 x 360 mm
- Weight 10kg
Summary and Takeaways
We at Selby Acoustics keep on top of the latest and greatest tech products whether we carry them or not. We hope you have enjoyed the list of 3D printers and have learned how to choose the right one for your needs. These 3D printers make a great holiday gift for the techy you love or even for yourself.
