3D printing kits are the more convenient option of the two, as they contain all the parts you need. Kits also often come with essential tools and a step-by-step instruction manual. The print qualities of the fully-assembled machine and the 3D printer kit are similar, but the latter can be much cheaper.
Order Your Kit
There are several 3D printer kits that are widely recommended and easily purchased online. Some of the most popular options are Creality's Ender series, like the Ender 5 Pro, the Prusa i3 MK3S, and several Tronxy printers, like the X5SA.
As the name suggests, a 3D printer kit contains all the parts you'll need, so you don't have to do any collecting, drilling, or soldering of parts. What's more, you don't have to worry about matching the voltage requirement of each component, since all the parts are matched by the manufacturer. Your job is to simply put them together, as instructed.
Assembly tips
Follow the instructions: Although it may seem obvious, it's important to make sure you understand and follow the included instructions. Normally 3D printer kits provide detailed instruction and troubleshooting guides, and it's a good idea to read through them before you start working. Additionally, some kit manufacturers upload detailed videos of the assembly process. In most cases, you can also find solutions to specific problems with a simple Google search.
Be patient: Most likely you won't get everything right the first time, so remember to be patient with yourself and the process. The good news is that you'll get a great 3D printer after all your hard work!
Level the bed: Bed leveling is critical in order to get a successful print. If you have any doubts about how to properly do this, take a look at our step-by-step tutorial on bed leveling.
Find the best software: 3D printers kits usually come with default programs, but you'll likely want additional software and firmware. There are many great free options to download, all of which can improve your printer's performance and increase its capabilities. To get started, check out our list of the best free 3D printing software.
Helpful Resources
Building a 3D printer from scratch, though challenging, can be even more fun than building one from a kit. Naturally, it requires some knowledge about how 3D printers work. In particular, you'll need to know what parts to get and how to assemble them.
Getting Ready
Printer size: You'll need to decide the size of the printer you want, which will determine what type of frame you'll need to buy or make. Have a look at our article on frame choices if you're not sure what's out there.
Type of printer: This will determine the movement of the bed and print head. For instance, Cartesian printers have print heads that move on both the X- and Y-axes but a bed that moves on the Z-axis. For more information, check out our article all about axes on 3D printers.
Type of nozzle: You'll need to decide how high you want your print resolution to be. Since 3D printer nozzles directly relate to print resolution, you can always refer our article on which nozzle size and material to buy. The standard nozzle size is 0.4 mm, but you can buy a nozzle with a diameter as small as 0.1 mm or as large as 1 mm.
Number of extruders: Most printers have just one extruder, but if you want two, make sure the control board supports two extruders and you configure your printer to support them. If you're unsure, you can look over our article on dual extrusion.
3D Printer Parts
Once you decide on all the 3D printer specifications you want, you can start looking for the parts. The basic parts you'll need to build a functioning 3D printer include the following:
Controller: SKR and RAMPS boards are commonly used, but check out our article on the best control boards for more options.
Stepper motors: You'll need at least four motors for your printer: one for each of the X- and Y-axes, two for the Z-axis, and at least one motor per extruder. You'll be very lucky if you can get all your motors working on your first try. You'll usually need to adjust the potentiometer on the top of the motor driver to match the current motor. It's also important to pair the wires for the motors. This video on identifying and pairing wires can help.
Print head (extruder, element, sensor, fan): You can choose either a direct extruder (motor on the extruder) or Bowden extruder (motor on the frame). Have a look at our article comparing these two types of extruders to decide which one you want. We also recommend including a fan.
End stops: The origin (0, 0, 0) or home position is the starting point for print head movement, and end stops are placed at the zero position of each axis so that the print head knows when the zero position is reached.
Print bed: The print bed provides a flat surface and adhesion for your print. Popular options include glass plates or adding a flexible sheet on top, like BuildTek's FlexPlate. You can check out our article on how to choose the right build plate for more guidance.
Power supply: You can calculate what level of power you'll need for your 3D printer, but normally the minimal power supply is 12V/20A. Usually 12 and 24 volts are standard for 3D printers, as 12 V is sufficient for printing 1.75-mm PLA filament and 24 V for 3-mm ABS filament. You'll need to make sure other 3D printer parts, including your extruder, fan, and bed, are designed for the same voltage. For more information, you can always refer to our article on choosing the right power supply for your printer.
Printer frame: You can order a standard frame or be creative and design and make a custom frame yourself. Our article on frame choices can be a good place to start
3D printing kits are the more convenient option of the two, as they contain all the parts you need. Kits also often come with essential tools and a step-by-step instruction manual. The print qualities of the fully-assembled machine and the 3D printer kit are similar, but the latter can be much cheaper.
Order Your Kit
There are several 3D printer kits that are widely recommended and easily purchased online. Some of the most popular options are Creality's Ender series, like the Ender 5 Pro, the Prusa i3 MK3S, and several Tronxy printers, like the X5SA.
As the name suggests, a 3D printer kit contains all the parts you'll need, so you don't have to do any collecting, drilling, or soldering of parts. What's more, you don't have to worry about matching the voltage requirement of each component, since all the parts are matched by the manufacturer. Your job is to simply put them together, as instructed.
Assembly tips
Follow the instructions: Although it may seem obvious, it's important to make sure you understand and follow the included instructions. Normally 3D printer kits provide detailed instruction and troubleshooting guides, and it's a good idea to read through them before you start working. Additionally, some kit manufacturers upload detailed videos of the assembly process. In most cases, you can also find solutions to specific problems with a simple Google search.
Be patient: Most likely you won't get everything right the first time, so remember to be patient with yourself and the process. The good news is that you'll get a great 3D printer after all your hard work!
Level the bed: Bed leveling is critical in order to get a successful print. If you have any doubts about how to properly do this, take a look at our step-by-step tutorial on bed leveling.
Find the best software: 3D printers kits usually come with default programs, but you'll likely want additional software and firmware. There are many great free options to download, all of which can improve your printer's performance and increase its capabilities. To get started, check out our list of the best free 3D printing software.
Helpful Resources
Building a 3D printer from scratch, though challenging, can be even more fun than building one from a kit. Naturally, it requires some knowledge about how 3D printers work. In particular, you'll need to know what parts to get and how to assemble them.
Getting Ready
Printer size: You'll need to decide the size of the printer you want, which will determine what type of frame you'll need to buy or make. Have a look at our article on frame choices if you're not sure what's out there.
Type of printer: This will determine the movement of the bed and print head. For instance, Cartesian printers have print heads that move on both the X- and Y-axes but a bed that moves on the Z-axis. For more information, check out our article all about axes on 3D printers.
Type of nozzle: You'll need to decide how high you want your print resolution to be. Since 3D printer nozzles directly relate to print resolution, you can always refer our article on which nozzle size and material to buy. The standard nozzle size is 0.4 mm, but you can buy a nozzle with a diameter as small as 0.1 mm or as large as 1 mm.
Number of extruders: Most printers have just one extruder, but if you want two, make sure the control board supports two extruders and you configure your printer to support them. If you're unsure, you can look over our article on dual extrusion.
3D Printer Parts
Once you decide on all the 3D printer specifications you want, you can start looking for the parts. The basic parts you'll need to build a functioning 3D printer include the following:
Controller: SKR and RAMPS boards are commonly used, but check out our article on the best control boards for more options.
Stepper motors: You'll need at least four motors for your printer: one for each of the X- and Y-axes, two for the Z-axis, and at least one motor per extruder. You'll be very lucky if you can get all your motors working on your first try. You'll usually need to adjust the potentiometer on the top of the motor driver to match the current motor. It's also important to pair the wires for the motors. This video on identifying and pairing wires can help.
Print head (extruder, element, sensor, fan): You can choose either a direct extruder (motor on the extruder) or Bowden extruder (motor on the frame). Have a look at our article comparing these two types of extruders to decide which one you want. We also recommend including a fan.
End stops: The origin (0, 0, 0) or home position is the starting point for print head movement, and end stops are placed at the zero position of each axis so that the print head knows when the zero position is reached.
Print bed: The print bed provides a flat surface and adhesion for your print. Popular options include glass plates or adding a flexible sheet on top, like BuildTek's FlexPlate. You can check out our article on how to choose the right build plate for more guidance.
Power supply: You can calculate what level of power you'll need for your 3D printer, but normally the minimal power supply is 12V/20A. Usually 12 and 24 volts are standard for 3D printers, as 12 V is sufficient for printing 1.75-mm PLA filament and 24 V for 3-mm ABS filament. You'll need to make sure other 3D printer parts, including your extruder, fan, and bed, are designed for the same voltage. For more information, you can always refer to our article on choosing the right power supply for your printer.
Printer frame: You can order a standard frame or be creative and design and make a custom frame yourself. Our article on frame choices can be a good place to start
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