Not long ago, 3d printers came in the size of elephants and at very exorbitant prices. They were not only difficult to use but also the overall quality of the final product was not as pleasant as most people would have hoped. But thanks to innovations and technology, we now operate on a completely different field when it comes to 3d printers.
With the introduction of RepRap 3d printers, artists and DIY enthusiasts now have a chance to not only bring back their artistic endeavors to life but also have the convenience of assembling the printers at home. There is no more worrying about the size or the need to have any technical skills to get your printer working at home.
RepRap simply means replicating a rapid prototype. There are dozens of such printers in the market today and shopping for one may not be the easiest thing in the world if you don’t know how best to go about it. For this reason, we have compiled this review to highlight some of the top brands that you can trust straight out of the box.
The review features some of the best RepRap 3d printers in the market today, highlighting on their specific features, pros, cons and our verdict on each. We have also included a detailed buyers’ guide so that you have the freedom to walk into any store and choose the right printer at will.
How we came up with This List
RepRap 3D printers are relatively new in the industry, and as such, there is not too much information about them. However, we did some digging and were able to find solid information that you can rely on. We started by visiting the sites of the top RepRap 3 printer manufacturers – starting with Josef Prusa’s models.
We then scoured the internet for other manufacturers, looking at the models they specialize in and analyzing their features in comparison to the demands of the market. A good chunk of our research was also centered on reading blogs about 3d printing.
This was to have a better understanding of the printers that the majority were preferring for their printing needs. Once we had a solid list, we went through the reviews posted by past buyers.
This is a sure way of catching the true sentiments of the real users. This helped us to understand the kind of sentiments the buyers had, which further made it possible for us to present the products in the right light.
Best RepRap 3D Printers Review
RepRapGuru is not a new name when it comes to RepRap printers. It suffices to say that they offer some of the best printers in this category. As such, it is not surprising that their product leads our list of the best RepRap 3D printer kits.
REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 V2 Black 3D Printer Kit is available in two variations – black and a clear version. They are the same in specification and price, with the only difference that the clear on makes it possible for you to see through its parts.
The REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 V2 Black 3D Printer Kit features an acrylic frame – a common trend among Prusa I3 designs. It is lightweight and strong and will withstand most of the minor impacts the machine may come under during shipping or use.
The printer measures about 8 inches x 8 inches x 7 inches. This makes it of decent size and one which will not demand a lot of space in your workshop. Additionally, its versatile size will go well for most of your painting projects.
The printer comes with a single extruder that supports 1.75mm filament. You should know that with a single extruder, you are only capable of printing color objects only. This is a feature that many might find limiting. But hopefully, it should be updated in the future with the inclusion of firmware.
The REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 V2 Black 3D Printer Kit features a cone nozzle with a 0.5mm tip. This is usually the standard among these printer types which typically supports only one nozzle.
As such, it should be obvious that you can only get one single print with the REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 V2 Black 3D Printer Kit.
Another feature worth pointing out in this product is the Borosilicate heat bed glass. This has a size of 8 inches x 8 inches.
The heated bed has dual power capacity. It works with both 12V and 24V, with the former being the default setup. One of the greatest benefits of this heated bed is that it can print ABS filament objects.
The printer also features an LCD panel which makes it a breeze for you to work with the printer without having to always connect it to the computer. Additionally, it has an SD slot which further enhances its versatility as far as its operations are concerned.
The printer can work with both PC and Mac, so you have the convenience of choice. It also has support for Ubuntu 14 and Linux. Its default control software is Repieter Host, though you are also free to use it with programs such as Pronterface and Cura.
Pros
- Decently sized heat bed
- Comes with user-friendly instructions
- High level of customer support from the manufacturer
- Not bulky
Cons
- Constructed with an acrylic frame – not the strongest for such applications
- Doesn’t have auto-leveling
Verdict
The REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 V2 Black 3D Printer Kit is a great choice for professional and DIY enthusiasts keen on a versatile printer from a reputable manufacturer. It comes with the features and performance you would desire from a 3d printer if you are interested in printing only in single colors.
For those keen on using multiple colors on the same project, however, this may not be the very best choice for you.
RepRapGuru has always been a favorite for most DIY 3d printer enthusiasts. It is among the finest qualities you will find in the market today, with the REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 V2 3D Printer Kit being a favorite for the majority looking for printers in this category.
It is nicely designed, with beautiful aesthetics and functionalities, and its size is also one that will not make you worry about creating lots of extra space to accommodate it.
One of the major highlights of this printer is the 1.75mm MK8 direct feed extruder. This is compatible with PLA, conductive PLA, metal composites, dissolvable PVA, wood, and ABS. This brings a great deal of versatility on what kinds of materials you can use with this machine.
The REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 V2 3D Printer Kit features a heated bed with borosilicate glass. It measures about 8 inches by 8 inches and can accommodate both 12V and 24V power supply, with the former being the default set up.
One thing you will admire about this heated bed is that it has the ability to print ABS filaments. The only problem is the possibility of warping under high temperatures because of the acrylic.
The spool holder is another enviable feature worth mentioning about this product. Sometimes things can get messy if the filament is allowed to run loose when work is in progress. It is this unique feature that makes it possible for the filament to hang off the frame. This is both for convenience and safety.
Another great feature you will like about the REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 V2 3D Printer Kit is its ease of assembly. If you can follow simple instructions then you will have no problem putting it together once you receive it. You will be pleased to know that there is no cutting, soldering or drilling needed, and it comes with a simple and clear set of instructions on how to set the machine up.
Pros
- Heated bed
- Easy to assemble and use
- Dual power capacity
- LCD with an SD slot
Cons
- Has an acrylic frame
- Has no auto-leveling
Verdict
REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 V2 3D Printer Kit is a decent kit if you are looking for convenience and versatility in your DIY projects. It is not only easy to assemble but also using it is a real breeze. Though made from an acrylic frame, if you are careful enough, especially with the temperatures and general handling, there are no reasons why the printer should not serve you for ages.
This is the clear version of the above REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 3D Printer Kit. Nearly everything matches, with the major differences being the transparency and lack of LCD. This version is made of clear materials that make it possible for you to see through it. This is more of an aesthetic advantage than an improvement in functionality.
This model also doesn’t have an LCD, though it comes with an SD slot which makes it possible for you to use it with a computer. It is compatible with both PC and MAC as well as Linux and Ubuntu 14.
It runs on the Repieter Host software and can also work with programs such as Pronterface and Cura. Detailed instructions on how to use all of these are available upon purchase.
Apart from the above, every other feature is nearly similar to the two already reviewed models.
Pros
- Has a heated bed
- Features a user-friendly construction
- Has high quality replacement parts available in the US
- Comes with high-level customer service and support
Cons
- Constructed with an acrylic frame
- Doesn’t have auto-leveling
- Has no LCD
Verdict
This is just like any other REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 3D Printer Kit. It is clear and doesn’t come with an LCD. If this is a compromise you can leave with, then it is a decent printer that will serve you well in your 3d printing endeavors.
The Anet A6 High Precision Big Size Desktop 3D Printer Kit not only makes 3D printing a breeze but also comes with the unique sense of gratification following the assembly and the learning process of the machine’s inner workings.
It features a black laser-cut acrylic frame that measures about 220 x 220 x 240mm in printing volume. You can use it with a variety of materials including PLA, ABS, Nylon, PP, and wood among others.
Some of its top-line features designed to improve its functionality and enhance its performance include quick-release feed gears, efficient filament extrusion, all-metal pulleys, and stainless steel rail rods.
As far as compatibility with PC goes, the Anet A6 High Precision Big Size Desktop 3D Printer Kit is compatible with nearly all versions of Windows. It also has the versatility to work with Mac and Linux.
Pros
- Easy to assemble
- Cost-effective
- Constructed on a solid frame
- Ships with sample filament and micro SD card
- Modifiable
Cons
- Ships unassembled
- Some bolts and nuts don’t hold so tightly
- Some parts and components are badly exposed to elements
Verdict
This Anet A6 High Precision Big Size Desktop 3D Printer Kit boasts an overall great printing experience. It is easy to assemble and also affordable. If you are looking for a low-cost RepRap printer that you will enjoy assembling and using, and which will grant you an exceedingly satisfactory experience, then this is one of the best you will find in the market today.
Best RepRap 3D Printers Buyers Guide
Now that you have a solid idea of what the best RepRap 3D printers are, it is also liberating to know how to make independent choices should you not like any of our recommendations above. Here is a brief buyers’ guide to give you all the information you need in choosing the right RepRap 3D printer.If you are looking for best deals for 3D printer visit here
1. Determine What you want to Print
Before you buy a 3d printer, begin by determining the kind of things you will be printing using that machine. The gap between 3D printers is wide and varied, and each is designed for different kinds of printing materials.
Also, consider the frequency of your printing and the amount of time you intend to commit to printing. All these variables play a great role in picking up the right machine.
2. Know your most Preferred 3D Printer Style
There are different 3D printer styles, and different hobbyists will have varying preferences. Some of the common printer styles are Fused Deposition Modeling – FDM, Digital Light Processing – DLP, Selective Laser Sintering – SLS, and Stereolithography – SLA. Once you determine your ideal 3D printer style, it will be easy for you to make your choice when you get shopping.
3. The Printer’s Safety Features
Safety features in 3D printers are vital for two reasons – to protect the machine and enhance its versatility and to protect the operator. Sometimes the temperatures can go through the rooftops and this may not be good for the printer and the operator.
Some of these printers may cool the nozzle and the bed after a job is done, while others may move the nozzle away from the object when the job is done or when you pause to prevent heat damage. Check out for these features because they will give you great peace of mind and prevent unnecessary damages.
4. The Printer’s Resolution
The resolution of these printers is usually measured in microns. The resolution will always have an impact on the quality of the final print. Some printers have resolutions that can be easily adjusted for smooth printing.
Some printers, on the other hand, don’t make it easy for users to play around with the resolutions. Therefore, check that the printer you want to buy has a resolution that you can easily adjust, and if possible, it allows for higher resolution numbers.
5. The Brand and The Support
Not all 3D printer manufacturers are reputable and not all of them offer great after-sale support. Remember, the printer is likely to come unassembled. The last thing you want is to get stuck during the assembly process and you have no one reliable to call. Therefore, check reviews for top brands and whose level of customer support is of no doubts.
Also Check: Best 3D Printer Wood Filament 2020
Conclusion
From our reviews of the best RepRap 3D printer kits, our highly favored kit would be the REPRAPGURU DIY RepRap Prusa I3 V2 Black 3D Printer Kit. It comes with the design, features, and functionalities that you may desire for a satisfactory 3d printing experience.
Then the inclusion of the LCD, SD slots, compatibility with both Mac and Windows, and the ability to print on different materials greatly increases its versatility.
If perhaps, it is on the higher end in terms of cost, then we would definitely go for Anet A6 High Precision Big Size Desktop 3D Printer Kit. Its simplicity and ease of use make it a great alternative to the REPRAPGURU DIY kits.