Best 3d Printers
Under 500 Review
Today, 3D printing is producing fast as flash supercars and robust fighter jets to dainty tissue prints and affordable prosthetics.
And, in the near future, we will see this blessing of technology in every industry possible, ranging from fashion and food to pharmaceuticals and computing.
Wondering how 3D printers work their magic? Surprisingly, it isn’t rocket science.
The procedure is fairly simple and starts with a 3D model which could either be a brainchild of a coveted designer or a middle-schooler.
3D modeling software is quite essential in the making of the model.
Once the model is completed, the software is again used for “slicing” the model horizontally into thin layers.
Once the image in your file is sliced, it is on to the 3D printer to bring it to life.
Most businesses are going to benefit from these beauties exponentially in the near future.
Acumen Research and Consulting predicts that the global 3D printer market will stand at a whopping $41 billion by 2026.
Now is the time to invest in the best-priced 3d printer. So, here are our picks of the best 3d printer under 500.
Table Of Content
Top 10 Best 3D Printer under $500
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1. Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer – Value for Money6
This bad boy under $500 [amazon link=”B07K3SZBHJ” title=”Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer” /] comes with a strong aluminum body with a revamped design which has shifted the cooling fan to the bottom of the unit through alteration of the control box.
As a result, it has brought significant improvements in the printing stability of this stunner.
Voltage spikes and power outages will not dampen the performance of this printer from Creality.
Moreover, the UL certified brand power supply amplifies the power, thereby, minimizing temperature fluctuations resulting in a stable output.
So, no stormy weather is stopping your creative genius.
The hotbed not only heats to a scorching 110°C up in a flash, thus, enabling the user to make use of high temperature and high strength filaments to construct their design.
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Pros
– Better and faster heating system
– Easy to install and operate
– Robust power supply
– Minimized bad extrusion
Cons
– Relatively noisy
– Comes partially assembled and requires the user to put it together.
Official Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer Features
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2. ANYCUBIC Mega-S New Upgrade 3D Printer – Best Patented Ultrabase
The standout [amazon link=”B07J9QGP7S” title=”ANYCUBIC Mega-S New Upgrade 3D Printer” /]ANYCUBIC printing platform offers incredible adhesion while printing.
And, at the same time removal of the form after cooling is absolutely effortless.
The next thing that makes this beauty a fan-favourite is its modernized extruder, which works with meticulous precision with a large variety of compatible printing materials.
It has made clogging a thing of the past.
Its sophisticated filament sensor pauses and alarms you as soon as the machine runs out of filaments or if it breaks off.
A savior of a feature that will save you a lot of time and money.
The printer features a state of the art TFTtouch-screen making this gem a user-friendly affair for beginners and pros alike.
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Pros
– Filament rack makes for an organized workspace
– Setting up the printer is a matter of 3 steps
– Decent build volume
– Compatible with a variety of materials
– Print pops off effortlessly
Cons
– The manual leveling is a learning curve for beginners
ANYCUBIC Mega-S New Upgrade 3D Printer Features
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3. ADIMLab Updated Gantry Pro 3D Printer – Best Performance Giant for Professionals
Weighing at a massive 24.3 pounds, [amazon link=”B07CPQQ57D” title=”ADIMLab Updated Gantry Pro 3D Printer” /] is reinforced with aluminum double guide rail structure making it a Colossus in the world of printers.
Thus, this 3D printer from the house of ADIMlab is perfect for professional use and industries.
This pro-3D printer is capable of using a plethora of materials for printing ranging from natural wood and wax to PLA-CF carbon fiber, ABS, TPE soft rubber consumables, just to name a few.
Its new and improved design now features dual fans to cool down the hot end.
In addition to that, the new E3D extruder is more durable, stable, smooth and works with dexterous precision.
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Pros
– Excellent build quality
– Effortless and quick assembly
– Spacious print surface
– Impeccable print quality
Cons
– Bed leveling is a challenge for some
– There is a learning curve for beginners
ADIMLab Updated Gantry Pro 3D Printer Features
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4. JGAURORA Upgraded A5S 3D Printer – The Best Bargain for beginners
Propel your child’s creativity with [amazon link=”B07M996BK1″ title=” JGAURORA Upgraded A5S 3D Printer” /] made to fit urban homes perfectly with its chic yet strong steel alloy build.
The fast and simple assembly process is a boon for beginners at home and school.
With a hotbed which heats up to a decent 100°C, it makes for very safe use for school goers.
A power failure will not be a hindrance to your creative process with this beauty.
It can resume printing seamlessly from where it might have stopped in case of an unfortunate power cut.
An interactive and colorful touch-screen is not only aesthetically pleasing g but also makes using this 3D printer a cakewalk even for the young operators.
If you have had a printer which doesn’t alarm you when it runs out of filament, then you know the real hassle of multiple failed prints ending up in the trash.
With the filament run-out detection of this JGAURORA wonder, you can put those worries to the grave.
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Pros
– Beginner-friendly
– A smart design fit for home or school use
– Effortless set-up
– Runs smoothly even during prints taking long hours
Cons
– Not fit for materials that have a melting point above 250°C
– The compact size is not fir for humongous prints
JGAURORA Upgraded A5S 3D Printer Features
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5. TRONXY X5SA 3D Printer – Best for those struggling with bed leveling
Even for pros who have been using 3D printers for a fair time span, it can be a real challenge to get a perfectly leveled bed to kick start the printing with a smooth first layer.
Thankfully, [amazon link=”B07K4957PZ” title=”TRONXY X5SA 3D Printer” /] gave some heed to the agony and came up with a design which is blessed with an auto-leveling bed sensor.
It allows the user to set an accurate z offset, making the job of laying the first layer a smooth sail.
Warping is a common problem which results in a catastrophic end to all your printing efforts.
A simple yet effective solution is to improve bed adhesion.
The non-warping print tape is the secret of creating the best adhesion bed to avoid warping of prints.
This gem from TRONXY is also reinforced with a sensor to alarm you when the printer runs out of filament.
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Pros
– Bed leveling is truly a child’s play with the efficient sensor
– Resumes print immediately after power failure
– User-friendly touch-screen interface
– Excellent print quality
Cons
– Takes longer to print
– Assembling can be a learning curve for beginners
TRONXY X5SA 3D Printer Features
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6. ELEGOO Mars UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer – The Best-Selling Resin Printer
This hi-tech gem from ELEGOO uses resin to print the most complex structures with laser precision.
And uses UV light for curing the resin.
[amazon link=”B07K2ZHMRF” title=”ELEGOO Mars UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer” /] offers exceptional print quality with a multitude of materials.
The CHITUBOX of the printer allows the user to hollow out the forms they are printing, thereby saving a lot of resin in the process.
Quite interestingly, you won’t even need a computer to carry out quality print jobs.
Its innovative integrated computer board can print right from a USB.
The sturdy aluminum design comes with an LCD screen and an acrylic cover to give it elegant looks alongside protection.
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Pros
– Incredible detail and high resolution
– Fuss-free set up
– Slicing is done within a flash
– Very user friendly even for absolute beginners
Cons
– Keep alcohol handy to clean up the sticky resin residue
– It might give off a resin smell
ELEGOO Mars UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer Features
7. FDM 3D Printer Kit Pyramid A1.1 – The most silent performer
For those living in rented apartments or dense urban neighborhoods knows the struggle of using a noisy 3D printer which wakes up the whole city every time you turn it on.
[amazon link=”B08224LKJS” title=”FDM 3D Printer Kit Pyramid A1.1″ /] from FDM is specially built to work with perfection in SILENCE.
With its substantial printing are, you are not restricted to create designs that are all miniscule.
Print big, now!
It also has an offline mode with an SD slot so you can carry out your printing process even without connecting it to a computer.
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Pros
– Affordable 3d printing is made possible with this 3D printer
– Easy installation
– A stable bed which stays leveled up
– Decent volume size
Cons
– It does not come with a leveling sensor. However, it can be installed separately.
– Works with limited filament materials
FDM 3D Printer Kit Pyramid A1.1 Features
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8. SUNLU 3D Printer DIY Kit – The most stable budget 3D Printer
This inexpensive [amazon link=”B07X6DKF5K” title=”SUNLU 3D Printer DIY Kit” /] comes integrated with not one but two Z axis motors which impart incredible stability to the printer during high-speed printing.
Its built-in branded power supply ensures uninterrupted high-quality printing even in homes and offices which face frequent power cuts.
It is ideal even for kids because of how easy it is to install it.
This printer is one with one of the largest printing space enabling users to print the smallest to the largest of prints floating in their imagination.
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Pros
– One of the largest printing volume for printers under $500
– A removable glass bed make taking off prints a dream
– 3D replication are precise
– It has sensors to level the bed automatically
Cons
– The SD card that holds the sample files is slow. Try clearing it out before using.
– Nylons filaments that work at a temperature above 260°C is not suitable for this printer.
SUNLU 3D Printer DIY Kit Features
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9. ANYCUBIC Photon Zero 3D Printer – the most precise printer
Another resin [amazon link=”B083SNDS9C” title=”ANYCUBIC Photon Zero 3D Printer” /] from the house of ANYCUBIC that will change the definition of high resolution in the world of 3D Printing.
If a miniature model with acute precision is your passion, then this resin 3D printer is your best bet with 16x anti-aliasing effect.
It also offers a uniform distribution of the UV light resulting in even structures.
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Pros
– Great adhesion with sanded aluminum printing platform
– An upgraded cooling system results in better prints and a longer life
– Excellent software support
– UV cover offers decent visibility while masking resin odor significantly
Cons
– Restricted build plate
– No extra resin included in the kit
ANYCUBIC Photon Zero 3D Printer Features
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10. QIDI TECH X Plus 3D Printer – the best industrial printer
If you want a printer which combines futuristic performance with an ultra-modern design while still being under $1000, then your search should end with [amazon link=”B07JCKNQSZ” title=”QIDI TECH X Plus 3D Printer” /].
Capable of working with the most advanced filament materials such as nylon, carbon fibre and PC, its affordable price is sure to amaze you.
Quiet printing? Check.
Wi-Fi connection? Check.
Air purification? Check.
Breakpoint printing? Check.
Simply put, this is a 3D printer of dreams with every fancy feature imaginable.
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Pros
– Perfect for industrial use
– Double extruder design to handle all kinds of materials
– Popping out the printed form is super quick and easy
– Incredible customer support
Cons
– Extruder needs to be swapped every time you use a filament that requires heat above 250°C
– Software can do with some minor improvements
QIDI TECH X Plus 3D Printer Features
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Best 3d Printers Under 500 Buying Guide
There are 2 main types of 3D printers – (i) Fused Filament Fabrication or FDM printer, and (ii) Resin Printers – available in the market for consumers who are not keen on spending thousands of dollars. FDM printers are perfect for beginners at home and school for rapid printing and prototyping. On the other hand, consumers expecting printed models with ultra-smooth surfaces retaining extreme detail will need a resin 3D printer like [amazon link=”B07K2ZHMRF” title=”ELEGOO Mars UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer” /] to achieve that goal. Resin printers are mostly used in the world of cosmetic dentistry and jewelry design. When it comes to pricing, you do not have to sell an arm to buy a decent printer. The above list of 3D printers offers efficient performance at affordable prices. A beginner should invest in those printers that are easy to install like the [amazon link=”B07M996BK1″ title=”JGAURORA Upgraded A5S 3D Printer” /]. For those with a little experience and a curious bone, a DIY 3D printer kit is the way to go. There are two popular types of filament materials – Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) & Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS). While PLA is resistant to warping, it has a low melting point which can cause model to deform. ABS, on the other hand, are more stable but has a higher chance of emitting toxic fumes while printing. Place your printer in a well-ventilated place. Air purifiers are also a healthy addition to space. Printer with built-in air purifier like [amazon link=”B07JCKNQSZ” title=”QIDI TECH X Plus 3D Printer”/] is also worth the few extra coins. Take note of print resolution and speed to get high-quality products. [amazon link=”B083SNDS9C” title=”ANYCUBIC Photon Zero 3D Printer”/] is worth the hype when it comes to printing sharp forms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What material should I use?
A. Most home printers do well with the classic PLA and ABS filaments.
Industrial printing can make use of a magnanimous variety of materials.
Q2. What color filaments should I buy?
A. Stick to neutral colors like white, grey or black starting out if you do not wish to paint or prime your creation further.
Q3. What software should I use?
A. If you are starting out, it is better to stick to the software that is offered or recommended by the printer brand.
Q4. What is infill?
A. The structure printed inside the model is known as infill, which gives it strength.
However, if you want to save up on filament, then hollow models are the way to go.
Q5. How big of an object can I print?
A. It depends on the printing volume of your printer.
You can print objects with a width that is slightly smaller than the printing bed.
One can also print the model in sections.
Conclusion
With the rapid advancement in this field, it would be an understatement to say that the market is getting replenished with new printers every other month.
It can get quite overwhelming, especially for beginners to find their best match. And a bad printer can put off a new user from the whole craft.
So, our tip here is to read up extensively about 3D printing and printers alike.
Watch tutorials and videos online.
All of this will help you understand your needs.
Once you understand what you want your printer to do, and more importantly, what you do not want from it; you can go ahead and invest in one of the beauties from the list above.
