Which 3D printer to buy if you are just starting out

If you are researching which 3D printer to buy, you are probably not after the most powerful or the most expensive one, but a printer you can learn with, enjoy and not get frustrated by.
We can assure you that getting started in 3D printing is far easier when you choose well from the outset.

At Winkle we want to give you some professional tips so you make a good decision and turn 3D printing into your own little creative workshop at home. Don’t worry about the filament — at Winkle we have it covered.

If the 3D world has started to excite you, let us tell you what you will be able to do:

1. Create personalised objects.
2. Make useful parts for your home.
3. Learn technology in a hands-on way.
4. Enjoy a creative hobby with real results.

For many people, getting started in 3D printing means going from consuming to creating, and that is part of the appeal.

Before buying your first 3D printer

The 3D printer market is very broad. To get started in this world it is worth looking for printers that come pre-assembled or almost ready to go, with automatic levelling or a clear interface.

1. 1. The first thing you need to ask yourself is: what do you want a 3D printer for? Printing decorative figures is not the same as printing functional parts. If you are starting out, the usual path is: running tests, trying filaments, printing simple objects…
   2. Bear in mind these printers take up a fair amount of space. You need to know where you will put it and give it the room it needs. Build your own workspace to suit you!
   3. An extra tip from Winkle: 3D printers need a stable surface and some space around them. They can be noisy and they need ventilation.
   4. How much you want to spend to begin with.

   Getting started in 3D printing does not require a big investment, but it is best to avoid anything excessively cheap. A printer that is too basic can cause problems and put you off. You now have a few pointers to work out which 3D printer to buy.

What type of 3D printer is best for beginners

This is where many users get stuck. It all depends on what you want, but at Winkle we recommend a filament (FDM) 3D printer: it is the best option to start with

1. They are easy to use.
2. They need less maintenance.
3. They use affordable materials.
4. They are suitable for the home.

Why a resin printer is not ideal at the start

Resin 3D printers stand out for their high level of detail, but they also involve a more complex experience, especially for anyone starting out. This type of printer requires:

• Handling liquid resins and chemical products.
• Frequent cleaning of parts and components.
• Additional curing with UV light.
• Greater attention to ventilation and safety.

They are not usually the best option for beginners, since the learning curve is more demanding and can lead to frustration. Resin printers make sense when:

1. You want very small, highly detailed parts.
2. You already have previous experience in 3D printing.
3. You are willing to spend more time on post-processing.

What you need besides the 3D printer

After the 3D printer comes the filament. Without this 3D thread you will not be able to print.

Filament is the material that gets printed and gives the parts their colour. Low-quality filament can cause jams, poor layers and frustration. Using reliable filament, like Winkle’s, lets you focus on learning and enjoying yourself rather than on troubleshooting.

Which filament should you choose if you are starting out?

PLA is the ideal filament for beginners because:

• It is easy to print.
• It does not need high temperatures.
• It gives a good finish.
• It is the best option for your first prints.
• Our PLA is a guarantee of quality.

Don’t leave without visiting our STL files: how to start printing without complications.
STL files are the models the printer turns into physical objects. Starting with well-designed models helps a great deal.

Winkle’s advice on choosing 3D printers

Something very important is getting to know each part of the printer. In this article we tell you everything you need to know about the parts of a 3D printer.

Which 3D printer is best for beginners?
A filament (FDM) 3D printer, because it is easy to use and needs little maintenance.

Is it hard to learn to use a 3D printer?
No. With a suitable printer and good material, learning is gradual and hands-on.

Which filament is best to start with?
PLA is the most recommended option for beginners.

Do I need to know 3D design to get started?
No. You can begin by printing ready-made STL files.

Is it worth buying a 3D printer these days?
Yes, especially if you like creating, learning and making your own objects.