Do you want to use 3D printing in the development of a new product? Or do you just enjoy playing with 3D printing in your spare time? Nowadays, you can get a hobby 3D printer for less than CZK 20,000. On the other hand, you have to remember that you will never achieve a professional result with a cheap hobby printer.
Not all 3D printing is the same.
It is necessary to distinguish between professional and hobby 3D printing. Hobby 3D printers are ideal for home use and for students who are just getting to know 3D printing. They have many limitations that prevent professional use. The main disadvantages include the limited size of the product and the smaller options for different printing materials. Hobby 3D printers also fall short of the resolution and accuracy of professional printers. Hobby printers usually do not have temperature control.
In contrast, professional 3D printers are suitable for prototyping and professional production. They achieve high accuracy and print significantly faster. Professional 3D printers enable the printing of larger products and guarantee the exact repeatability of the product. They give you the opportunity to use a wide range of materials and can use dissolvable supports. They also pay more attention to operator safety.
However, a quality professional printer comes at a cost. So if your 3D printing supplier uses printers priced below CZK 50,000, it absolutely cannot be considered professional work.
With this, we are definitely not dismissing hobby 3D printing in any way. For many DIYers who just want to play around with 3D printing, they are often completely sufficient. On the other hand, you should know about the differences between hobby and professional 3D printers so that you can make the right decision when buying, taking into account what you will use the printer for and what quality output you need.
Are you serious about prototyping?
If you are really serious about prototyping and have no experience with 3D printing yet, we recommend contacting a professional company that deals with 3D printing and owns professional 3D printers. It is the same as in other professions. You always want a contractor that uses professional tools that are carefully maintained. Well, tell yourself, would you like to have your hair cut by a barber who uses cheap stationery scissors? Or would you prefer a professional with more expensive but much better quality barber scissors?
How do you recognize a professional 3D printing provider?
Thanks to the coming 3D printing boom, you will find a large number of 3D printing providers on the market today. But as in everything, not everyone is a real professional and not everyone uses professional 3D printers.
Before sending an inquiry, ask your supplier for answers to a few questions:
What 3D printers do you use?
Then Google the printers and find out if they are professional 3D printers.
What material do you print from?
It is usually a PLA material, which is biodegradable, but at the same time the surface is unworkable and will gradually disintegrate on its own. Therefore, it is not suitable for printing professional models or prototypes. PLA material is absolutely unsuitable for final printing of finished products. It can be used just for the first 3D prints, on which you can check the initial design.
Can you show us or send us a sample?
You can best see the quality of work on real prints. Therefore, ask the supplier if you can visit his establishment, view samples of work and the entire production process. If you do not have the opportunity to visit, ask the manufacturer to send a sample. Ideally, have a sample sent to you based on your own 3D model. Sometimes, as a sample, companies send specially prepared prints that hide the shortcomings of their printers as much as possible. The advantage of 3D printing is that you can feel the quality of the prints with your own hands. Do not hesitate and use this opportunity to contact us..