Hey, I was looking at a good printer to buy on a $600 budget or maybe $700. I want to print phone cases with it, do you think its possible guys and what printer would you recommend ? I looked at da vinci, rigid bot, asterid 100HB so far. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
You aren’t going to make a 3d printing business selling phone cases if that’s what you think you are going to attempt.
Why not ?
It doesn’t have the profit margins required not to mention the PLETHORA of other things like not being as durable, being limited to 1 or 2 colors, being lower quality, taking 1hr+ to print, etc I could probably list 20 other reasons it’s a terrible idea.
From what I’ve seen around here, the less you spend up front, the more you’re going to spend dialing it in and maintaining it. So either way won’t be cheap.
If you just want to be up and running, then its best to save up for a better one out of the box like an Ultimaker 2 or RoBo 3D.
If you enjoy fiddling and learning how all the bits and bobs work, and don’t mind a lot of failures along the way, then the lower end ones might be your thing.
Oh, and if you want to do serious scale manufacturing, then expect to jump up into $10k+ prices, but with much more stability and no fiddling at all to speak of.
There’s a market for 3D printed things, but it’s not about making generic things that could be injection molded - injection molding is cheaper unit cost and higher quality, because they’re cranking out thousands of units in bulk. Better to focus on things that can’t be mass produced because they’re unique or very niche. Then you’re doing something unique that hopefully people value more than the mass produced stuff.
Many people say that when you get paid to 3D print stuff, you’re really getting paid for your design work, designing the thing to then print.
For printers in that range, perhaps a Printrbot or a low-end (wood) FlashForge? They’re both good printers, fairly cheap. The Printrbot Simple is cheap and a great printer for the price. The FF is better - larger print area, two extruders, heated print bed, etc., but it’s at the top of your price range.
I haven’t see a Da Vinci in real life yet, but what I’ve read makes me a bit nervous - proprietary filament and software feels like getting locked in, which I’m not a fan of.
We have two printers that would do it- the $349 Simple makers kit + xl upgrade or the metal Simple. Before forming a business, get any printer you can afford and learn. Then storm out and try the market. I have printed thousands of objects, but the thought of doing it for a print service business does not appeal at all. You need super high end equipment and lots of cash to compete with shapeways and the like. It’s a very steep barrier to entry.
best best is @Brook_Drumm 's printerbot simple (metal) I had the chance to test drive one and there actually really nice. plus he has a heated bed upgrade in the works if i remember correctly.
then once you get your printer, forget about making fat stacks of cash. Do local prototyping. people don’t like to wait for a simple item but will pay to have it quickly made even if its of lower quality.
In comparison, i have a friend with upwards of 20 printers running non stop a few cnc’s big ones, and laser cutters. He’s not doing to bad, but he does rapid prototyping for other people and still has to hold day job to keep it all running.
not truly disappointed, i built a I2 about 2 years ago and i love and hate the damned thing. currently building a graber I3 and so far it has only cost me around 300$
if you build it yourself you gain a better appreciation for the equipment.
Thanks for the comments
Make you phone cases, dont let people discourage you. The worst you can do is fail, but the beauty of 3D printing is that your next idea can be made right away, no retooling a factory.
@Ashton_BG well that’s a bit random and off topic… no one was discouraging him, just letting him know the options and what to expect with each option.
@Daniel_ShadowDrakken Thanks for the feedback, but I believe that Anthony Morris was the first to comment and he was quite discouraging. Where I live most people think that 3D printing is science fiction, and when I was getting started I had NO support, now I make a decent second income.
If the @A_kerr was genuinely thinking of making a business 3D printing phone cases then @ThantiK was absolutely correct to discourage. Theres a big difference between spending $600/$700 on 3D printing as a hobby and making a couple of cases for friends and family compared to making a business doing it. One is fun, the other is unachievable and hence a complete waste of time and money.
To certain commenters, see @Laird_Popkin for how to give a constructive comment.
Thanks +jerry .
I should add that @Brook_Drumm is awesome, and supporting him (by buying his products) is helping support the Maker community.
Thanks. Buy what ever suits you from any company you like. Supporting the community is supporting the community 
seriously, if you jump in go become an expert and teach someone else what you’ve learned.
Happy printing
Brook