Many people assume that a high-quality 3D printer requires a powerful computer. However, this isn’t necessarily the case. The cost of a 3d Computer Printer isn’t directly linked to the complexity of models it can create or the need for a high-spec computer to operate it. In reality, the computer’s role in the 3D printing process is quite limited.
Computers primarily come into play for tasks like sending files to the printer and monitoring progress. Some 3D printers can connect via USB, allowing you to send the design file (gcode) and track the printing progress visually through slicer software. But even this monitoring is basic, not like a live camera feed. Most users simply load the gcode onto a USB drive or SD card, insert it into the printer, and start the print job independently.
You can achieve impressive results, even with more affordable printers. For example, the Creality CR6-SE, a relatively inexpensive printer, can handle complex models, like intricate clock movements and highly detailed miniatures. These examples demonstrate that printer cost doesn’t dictate model complexity. Expensive printers like Makerbots exist, but their price is often associated with factors beyond basic print complexity.
Complex 3D printed model showcasing detail achievable on a Creality CR6-SE 3D computer printer.
Makerbot, for instance, while pricier, focuses on delivering highly accurate prints with minimal imperfections. A significant cost factor for brands like Makerbot (now part of Stratasys) is their advanced features like multi-material printing and proprietary materials, often sold in cartridges. Features like dual nozzles, where one nozzle prints the model and another prints water-soluble supports, justify the higher cost. These soluble supports simplify post-processing, dissolving in water for clean removal. However, often the items printed on these high-end machines are geometrically simple but require durable materials for manufacturing prototypes.
In conclusion, when considering a 3D computer printer, remember that the price tag isn’t primarily about the computer power needed or the ability to print complex models. Instead, higher costs often reflect advanced features like multi-material capabilities, proprietary material systems, and streamlined support removal, catering to specific professional needs rather than just model complexity.
