Hi, I am totally new to 3D printing and want to have a printer. Budget is 400€. My background is computer science and programming and I want to be able to hack the device if I want but it should work fine OOTB (or with minimal effort). Which device would you guys suggest to me?

  • Rhs519
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    1 year ago

    What are you looking to do with your printer?

    I think primary use case really should drive the decision.

    The “Best bang-for-the-buck” really changes if you want to do functional parts vs. mini’s for example.

    I’ve run FDM printers for years, and I love them for functional parts (which is most of my prints). My prints are plenty strong, and weather resistant (as needed).

    That said… I’ve got a buddy who’s just starting and went resin because he’s all about mini’s. It doesn’t matter how I tune, my poor FDM printer just won’t keep pace for those crazy fine details.

    • bAZtARd@feddit.deOP
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      1 year ago

      I am definitely interested in printing useful functional parts rather than going into too much detail.

      • Rhs519
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        1 year ago

        My personal experience is with Prusa, so I’m sure that will color my answers.

        Knowing what I know now, if I had to start again the things I wouldn’t compromise on would be:

        1. Auto Mesh leveling
        2. Magnetic/Removal Print Bed
        3. Quality support

        For me, having those changes the hobby from “making the printer go” to “my printer enables me to make things” by ensuring the print process is convenient and reliable.

        A WiFi / octoprint is also a nice to have that changes the experience

        The prusa mini+ checks the boxes, but if you’re leaning in another direction, hopefully the extra commentary helps.