For Beginners
What is a 3D Printer (Basic Explanation)
FDM Mechanism (Melt and Stack)
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is a 3D printing technology that creates three-dimensional objects by melting plastic filament at high temperature and stacking thin layers. Molten plastic is extruded from a nozzle and formed layer by layer based on design data.
Advantages / Disadvantages
Advantages
- • Relatively affordable and easy to introduce
- • Wide variety of materials
- • Can create complex shapes
- • Ideal for prototyping
- • Custom parts production
Disadvantages
- • Layer lines remain
- • Long printing time
- • Support material may be needed
- • Limited accuracy
- • Regular maintenance required
Suitable Applications
Prototyping
Creating prototypes for design verification and functional testing
Custom Parts
Creating specialized parts that off-the-shelf products cannot handle
Education & Learning
STEM education and acquiring design skills
Things to Know Before Purchasing
Recommended Environment
- • Wi-Fi environment: Useful for remote operation if available
- • Installation location: Noise and vibration are significant, so detached houses are preferable to apartments. Vibration and soundproofing measures are necessary for those concerned
- • Ventilation: Odors and gases (especially ABS-based) often occur during operation, so a ventilated environment is desirable
- • Pet safety: In environments with pets, models with enclosures are recommended for safety
Expenses Beyond Unit Price
Initial Costs
- • Filament (material)
- • Basic tool set
- • Workbench and installation space preparation
- • Ventilation equipment (recommended)
Running Costs
- • Electricity
- • Nozzle replacement
- • Bed sheets
- • Maintenance supplies
Material Characteristics Summary
| Material | Difficulty | Features | Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | Beginner | Easy to handle, low odor | Prototypes, decorative items |
| PETG | Intermediate | Transparent, chemical resistant | Containers, mechanical parts |
| ABS | Advanced | High strength, heat resistant | Functional parts, tools |
Manufacturer Warranty / Support
Since 3D printers are precision equipment, it is important to check the following points when purchasing:
- • Warranty period: Usually 1 year, may vary by part
- • Technical support: Availability of Japanese language support, support hours
- • Parts supply: Availability of consumables and replacement parts
- • Community: Activity of user forums and information sharing
Specs to Check When Considering Purchase
Build Size
256×256mm has abundant third-party build plates and is easy to handle. Consider models 300mm or larger if large-scale printing is needed.
Nozzle Temperature / Bed Temperature
Important specs directly related to compatible filaments. Nozzle 300°C or higher and bed 110°C or higher can handle high-temperature materials like ABS and PC.
Wi-Fi Support
Enables remote operation and progress monitoring. Many models support control from smartphone apps.
Auto-Leveling Support
Automates bed leveling. Especially recommended for beginners, significantly reducing setup time.
CoreXY or Standard Cartesian System
CoreXY is advantageous for high-speed printing but maintenance is somewhat complex. Cartesian system has simple structure and is beginner-friendly.
Enclosure Presence
Enclosed housing. Facilitates temperature management and is advantageous for warping-prone materials like ABS. Also improves safety.
Additional Features with Enclosure
Built-in Camera
Convenient for remote monitoring. Can monitor printing status in real-time.
Built-in Light
Improves workability. Useful for checking details and taking photos.
Heat Chamber
Advantageous for high-temperature materials like ABS and PC. Significantly reduces warping.
Other Convenient Features
AMS (Automatic Multi-Material Supply)
System that automatically switches and supplies multiple filaments. Enables multi-color printing and automatic support material switching. Bambu Lab's AMS is representative, supporting up to 4 colors.
Dual Nozzle / Quick Nozzle Change Mechanism
Dual nozzle models enable simultaneous printing or combination of different materials with two nozzles. Quick nozzle change mechanism allows fast nozzle changes without tools, making diameter changes according to materials easy.
Things to Buy at the Same Time
Filament
PLA is recommended for beginners. 1-2 colors are sufficient.
Hex Wrenches, Phillips Screwdriver
Used for assembly and adjustment. Included standard with many 3D printers.
Maintenance Grease
Used for lubricating moving parts. Silicone-based is recommended.
Filament Storage Supplies
Filament box or vacuum pack. Essential for moisture protection.
Filament Dryer
Dries moisture-absorbed filament. Important for maintaining print quality.
Convenient Peripheral Items
Digital Caliper
Convenient for dimension measurement. Recommended ones that can measure in 0.01mm units.
Nippers
Used for removing support material and cutting filament. Precision work type is convenient.
Thermometer / Humidity Management Supplies
Important for managing filament storage environment. Also set with sealed container and desiccant. *Many 3D printers have built-in thermometers.
Replacement Nozzles
Nozzles of different diameters. 0.6mm or larger especially recommended for CF-based filaments. Prepare spares for wear.
AMS (Multi-Material Device)
Automatic switching of multiple filaments. Convenient for multi-color printing and efficiency.
Cutter
For post-processing. Used for removing support material and fine adjustment work.
Electric Screwdriver
Convenient for nozzle replacement. Torque adjustment function recommended.
Rotary Tool
For finishing work. Used for deburring, drilling, and polishing.