What is the best 3d Printer for someone just starting out? Specifically,

3D Printing
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1

What is the best 3d Printer for someone just starting out? Specifically, I am interested in a printer that can make housings for the Raspberry Pi. Any suggestions?

Thanks

2

Prusa i3 will do, I think. It’s cheap and easy to repair, lots of parts etc.
Printed this few weeks ago:

3

Thanks for the advice. I will look into the Prusa i3…

4

I3 is ok but if it the casing will fit I would look at the Printrbot play. It’s a great first printer!

5

What is your budget?

Are you prepared to build it yourself to save money, or would you pay more for fully assembled?

Are you expecting to call a help desk if you run into problems, or are you prepared to figure things out for yourself, with the help of online communities?

(Note that just about any 3d printer can make raspberry pi cases.)

There is a lot of choice out there, so you need to narrow it down with your specific needs.

6

I can recommend you bq Prusa i3 Hephestos plus heatbed kit (both available at http://reprap.me). Wanhao i3 should be also good. For cheaper options search in aliexpress for tarantula 3d printer.

If you want spend more money and want more precise prints, then take a look at bq Prusa i3 Hephestos 2.

Anyway, when buying a 3D Printer, you should look for a metal frame and that it has or can be outfitted with a heat bed.

7

Look based on experience and if this is going to be ur first 3d printer don’t go with custom build as this always leads people to think 3d printing is not were it should be. Find either a pre build or a kit with everything u’ll need. Also plan out what u want to print and the material u want to use.

If pi cases is what u know u want to print Griffin is right a good pb is the way to go for the first printer. U get a good base plus auto probe level which helps out most first time 3d printers. Also u have a good base for upgrades. Heated bed, larger print volumne etc.

8

For Pi cases, you may want to go for the Printrbot Simple of the y axis upgrade for the play :wink:
Brook

9

M3D printers are built nice if your a hobbyist with a conservative budget. I have two co-workers who have one, and they have had little to no problem with theirs.
https://printm3d.com/themicro/?gclid=CjwKEAiA27G1BRCEopST9M39gykSJADQyqAlF668x1pH-cg_K7yZbMacxRuZdJlZTJW2ZNAKvcskPRoC2Hnw_wcB

10

FYI: the M3D doesn’t have a heated bed and only prints PLA currently. Also it would be a printer you probably wouldn’t mod. Other than making an external spool holder for it. The prints they have brought into work are very nice. The firmware is updated regularly and the software they use has a lot of built in presets for best results.