3D printers might be one of the most exciting – and newest – technologies to hit the market in decades. Now, it’s possible to build 3D objects on-demand in the comfort of your office. Yet, if you’ve never used a 3D printer before, or you’re new to this type of technology, it can be difficult to know what to look for, the different types of print technologies, and the other specs you should consider.

Many of the consumer 3D printers are traditionally smaller in size, but can print materials up to the size of about a loaf of bread. So what do you need to consider when buying a 3D printer? Here are the few features you should think about:

• Build Area Size and Shape: There is the area in which the object is printed. Depending on the type of objects you will be printing, you should consider how big the print box needs to be. Fortunately, 3D printing makes it easy to print multiple parts and fit them together later.
• Printing Technology: There are several different types of technologies used in 3D printing. One of the most common is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). FDM printers build high-quality parts using plastics, and because of this, they’re widely used in production manufacturing. Additionally, more advanced FDM printers can use multiple print nozzles, which are known as extruders, and have the ability to print in finer detail.
• XY Resolution: 3D printers are like paper printers in that both can print up to a specific resolution. XY resolution is a measure of the 3D printer’s ability to print in detail. A finer resolution will enable the printer to print finer details. This resolution is measured in millimeters. Typically, XY resolution ranges around .3 millimeters.
• Extruder Type: Budget 3D printers tend to use a single extruder, which is the nozzle from which the melted plastic is layered onto the object. Having a single extruder limits the printer to a single material/color at one time. Higher end printers have dual extruders, which yields a faster print speed, as well as the ability to print in multiple colors/materials at the same time.
• Print Speed: This is the faster speed the extruder moves around the build area. Yet, material type as well as the level of detail in a particular print can slow down the print speed.
• Layer Resolution: This is a measure of the thickness of a particular layer that can be laid in a single pass. Typically, budget 3D printers have larger layer resolutions, meaning they aren’t capable of laying down fine details. Finer resolutions, though, can create very fine details. This resolution is typically measured in microns, or fractions of a mm. On average, layer thickness for many printers is about .3 millimeters, yet some have the ability to go down to 1 micron or finer.

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