A 3D printer is a device used to create three-dimensional objects like toys, tools, model airplane parts and more from a digital 3D file. Around 10 years ago, 3D printing was relatively unknown and unused beyond the professional community. The machines were very expensive and sophisticated, specially designed for industrial use and not really affordable for the general public and were used mostly by designers and engineers to make complex pre-production prototypes, or one-off devices. Nowadays, 3D printers are becoming more accessible to the general public, with competitive prices, low maintenance and a multitude of features. With it, the market is experiencing a huge influx of 3D printers, with new models being released almost every week. In the near future, having a 3D printer at home will be as common as having a television or a desktop computer. However, the question remains : how do you choose a 3D printer that fits your needs?
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://community.robotshop.com/blog/show/buyers-guide-how-to-choose-compare-3d-printers
