Originally shared by Matthew Stile
Hi everyone. I’m new to the community. I’m debating on my first printer to buy. I’ve been looking at the Ultimaker 3 and raised3d 2n+. Wasn’t sure if maybe I’m thinking of over doing it on my first printer. Also what’s better use a Mac or pc for design. And if I was going to go a little cheaper maybe the I3 mk2s. But I’m wheeling to invest in the upper of they’re worth it
I have nothing yet I’m debating on purchasing one of these models. missing/deleted image from Google+
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I’m pretty much just starting out
I’m thinking what Thantik meant is what exactly you want to do… Details. 
Art project? Engineering some gears? Making toys? Demonstration in classrooms?
Disclaimer: I work for Ultimaker. So I cannot be trusted 
The Prusa i3 is the “odd ball” in your question. It’s a very different price point with a very different target market. It will require quite a bit more tinkering an maintenance to keep up&running compared to the Ultimaker and Raise3d.
Between the Raise3d and the Ultimaker3. I think they are on par print quality wise. The Raise3d has a bigger build volume, but in my limited experience it was a bit harder to use then the Ultimaker 3, where the UM3 feels more polished. The Raise3d is also a whole lot bigger on the outside. The UM3 is on your desk, the Raise3d stands next to it.
The UM3 is hands down the best printer I’ve used. Just a properly engineered machine. MK2s or MK3 is awesome for the money, but if you were willing to spend more, the UM3 is the best option. No opinions on the Raise.
@Griffin_Paquette thank u
What is the usage for the printer, what kind of designs? Are you making functional designs, or art?
@Stephanie_A I was planning of functional designs. Like making parts and maybe little pieces to help me with wood work. And some prototype tools for various things. I’ll probably do a little art but not as much.
For functional, I enjoy OnShape. Its free for public design, and works on any device with Chrome browser.
There are some open source options, but can be buggy.
Your first 3d printer is going to have a learning curve.
@Stephanie_A do u have a computer preference Mac or pc. I’m leaning towards a Mac, but not 100%. I haven’t had a use for a home computer for a while.
@Francis_Lee id like to get into the engineering side the most. But I can’t say I might not try to make a few toys lol.
@Daid_Braam I can handle maintenance, not at all afraid to get hands dirty. But from most reviews I see on YouTube of printers, people that own multiples seem to always have the Ultimaker in their group. I’ve read a good bit on the um3, can u mess with the nylon and carbon filaments on it? I thought I saw no at least factory wise because of the extruder nozzles, but then read yes with a slight mod. I think aftermarket extruder nozzle.
@Matthew_Stile Nylon is no problem at all. We even sell our own optimized Nylon which is guaranteed to be compatible and easy to use.
(Assuming Carbon fiber filled) Carbon filed filaments are difficult, they wear out our normal nozzles like crazy, so that becomes expensive really quickly. The after market “hard print core” seem to work, but I cannot give any guarantees on those (for obvious reasons)
Carbon filed is difficult for another reason, I guess the reason you want this is strength. But depending on the brand/fabrication method you might not actually get this strength you are looking for, only the matte look.
So far, I’ve personally never had the need for anything stronger then the common materials (PLA, PetG, Nylon). But I cannot judge that for you.
Also note that no printer is fully hassle free. Any machine needs maintenance and can and will break down from time to time. Any 3D printer operator is partially a 3D printer mechanic/doctor.
Oh, and I would recommend a Windows PC for 3D CAD work. Larger choice in applications to work with, better compatibility.
@Daid_Braam I’m not sure if I actually will ever need the carbon fiber was just curious I’m sure the nylon would handle most of my needs. I want to try to make a few custom tools and maybe some bicycle accessories, + whatever else my mind comes up with lol. I knows it’s already a good bit of money but should I invest the extra money into the extended edition?
Personally I’m a windows user for most things, for the reasons Daid mentioned. Mac makes good hardware but you’re gonna pay a lot for it. Get something with 16gb of memory or more, CAD eats up memory more than anything.
Exotic filaments take a lot of fiddling and require a hardened nozzle for any “filled” filaments. I’ve had regular brass nozzles wear out from a few Kgs of regular PLA, carbon fiber would destroy it.
You can run OnShape from your phone or tablet too, it’s not as quick or easy, but good for small fixes to models.
Theres other programs like AutoCAD 360 or freecad, and even openscad. Openscad is the only other one I’ve really used, but it requires a Lot of planning and math.
@Stephanie_A do u have a printer preference