The world of technology has erupted allowing for kids to enjoy some of the best tech toys available. 3d printers are amazing even have kid-friendly options for certain ages to enjoy. As a parent, you might wonder what type of objects can be printed as this can be a concern. Nearly anything can be printed as long as it fits inside of the printer. The creativity this can unleash in your kids can be immense when seeing an object come to life from their computer screen.
While some parents could be a bit wary about bringing this technology into the home, it is important to realize the object being printed is fully enclosed. The 3d printer can even be something that you can enjoy and allow you to create something that you need. Below you'll find the best 3d printers for kids that both do and do not have 3d printing experience.
What is the best 3d printer for home use?
For those that have not taken on the responsibility of researching 3d printers, it is important to realize that some can be loud. The best 3d printers for kids might not be the best for home use for a variety of reasons. Size is another issue depending on what size of objects you will be 3d printing. For some, there might not be a space where noise can be muffled or space with a home full of children that the printer will be safe from accidental damage.
The FlashForge Finder has many of the same features of other 3d printers yet it has been shrunk and customized for younger users. The printer great option for parents that do not want loud noises while printing due to having another younger child sleeping. Complicated prints can take hours so the volume the printer completes prints at is important.
The slide-in plate makes it easier to put materials in to be printed and to be removed after completion. This leads to the reduction of potential damage which is important in a 3d printer for kids. There is the option to print via Wi-Fi, the cloud, or even the traditional thumb drive. This can be perfect for a first-time 3d printing venture or for those with more experience.
What is the best 3d printer for beginners?
The printers that are mentioned below are great for beginners but some come with a larger price tag than others. Combining quality with affordability when purchasing a 3d printer for beginners should be a focus. Understanding terms like that of a print bed or a build plate will take some research. The best 3d printers for expert-level printing might not be the best for beginners which is something to keep in mind.
There are some beginners that want to build large and complex models eventually which the Monoprice Maker Select 3D Printer V2 can deliver on. This printer is large and comes with a heated build plate. A beginner will need to dedicate a certain space to the printer due to its size. The versatility of being able to use a plethora of different types of filaments can allow for wise spending when just starting out and using cheaper filaments.
The affordability due to the quality and versatility of the machine is quite reasonable. The printer is nearly fully assembled when it arrives with a few simple steps to fully complete setup. A 1-year warranty can come in handy especially if utilizing the printer very often. You will not need to learn another operating system as this printer is compatible with a large majority of operating systems.
What is the best 3d printer for kids?
Kids that have experience with 3d printing might know what the best 3d printers are already. Matching up their expectations with the family budget might be required as these top of the line printers can cost thousands of dollars. The requirement of the printer being easy to use will be less of an issue for experienced children.
For those children that are just getting into 3d printing, simplicity is important as some printers can be far too complex for those just starting out. Your child can use this printer for personal reasons or even school projects where they can build the project solely by using the 3d printer. A parent being able to use the printer as well can act as a form of bonding. Learning together can also provide hours of fun and endless projects completed together.
QIDI Tech is one of the leading companies in the 3d printing industry today. The X-One2 bleeds conveniences as the printer comes fully assembled and calibrated so you can start printing almost immediately. For beginners, this can be a great way to learn to 3d print on a printer that produces incredible results. Opening the package and being able to print in under an hour is a feature that most buyers of a 3d printer find important.
Print settings can be changed during the print using slicing software that will be provided free of charge. Weighing in at 43 pounds it is a large printer that is sturdy that also comes with a 6-month warranty on parts and repairs. The support that a customer receives is also important as not all questions can easily be answered by a manual or Google.
The ability to get the help of an expert via email or by phone allows for great customer service. You do not want the printer to stop working only to take weeks for it to be fixed when a simple jam occurred.
What 3d printers are great for the entire family?
The kids being able to use the printer is very important but there is additional value if multiple people in the family use the printer regularly. Taking the time to do family projects on the 3d printer will take patience but can act as a great family bonding activity. Solving family problems like messes by printing boxes for particular items or even a key hook near the door can easily be done with a large build plate.
The 3D20 from Dremel can be expensive at around $600 but can print larger items than the previous two 3d printers for kids. This printer is fully enclosed so it can be safe for children of all ages. The customer support that Dremel offers can allow for questions or concerns to be addressed in an immediate fashion.
There is a 1-year warranty to quell the fears that somehow the kids will break this beautiful example of a 3d printer for kids. The fear can also be quelled that you as a parent will somehow break the item and take the brunt of the blame from the entire family!
The Digilab 3D20 also uses PLA filament that is non-toxic and plant-based for the informed family of consumers. The full-color LCD screen will make it seamless to find files or change settings as needed. A parent can create small objects that help with organization or something as simple as hooks to hang coats on. Do not underestimate how much the entire family will enjoy and use the Digilab 3D20 on a daily basis.
Print settings can be changed during the print using slicing software that will be provided free of charge. Weighing in at 43 pounds it is a large printer that is sturdy that also comes with a 6-month warranty on parts and repairs. The support that a customer receives is also important as not all questions can easily be answered by a manual or Google.
The ability to get the help of an expert via email or by phone allows for great customer service. You do not want the printer to stop working only to take weeks for it to be fixed when a simple jam occurred.
How Much is a 3d Printer for Kids?
The costs for a 3d printer for kids depends on a variety of factors. Larger 3d printers are going to be more expensive as they have the capability to produce items. Very few, if any 3d printers for kids come in under $100 so a destructive kid might not be the best recipient of a 3d printer. Larger printers can be over $1000 but will be able to be used by the entire family. The costs will start to go down over the course of time as the technology becomes more prevalent.
The filaments that are used to print are expensive as well so a hobby of 3d printing is not going to be cheap. PLA filament is going to be the cheapest while others can make costs increase. The printer is going to require replacement of filaments or powder much like a traditional printer needs an ink cartridge from time to time.
Where Should You Keep Your 3d Printer?
The 3d printer even in its most sturdy form is a sensitive piece of equipment. The last thing anyone wants is to knock over one of these printers rendering it useless or requiring hours to recalibrate the printer. 3d models utilize precision so a blunt impact from a ball or an overzealous sibling wrestling match can spell disaster. Keep your 3d printer in an area where it can print throughout the night and stay safe so a room used for an office would be ideal.
Take the time to consider how much enjoyment your child will get out of a 3d printer. 3d printing is only going to improve with time and also become more affordable. Finding a durable, easy to use, affordable, and high-quality 3d printer is as easy as referring to the printers for kids mentioned above!
