The Top Cheap 3D Printers on the Market

Between purchasing printers, filaments and post-processing solutions, 3D printing can be an expensive hobby. Because the additive manufacturing market is so large, it is often difficult to choose which 3D printer to rely on. This is true not only for those taking their first steps into 3D printing but also for more experienced makers who want to invest in more printers without overspending. But never fear: in this article, you will find a selection of the best cheap 3D printers currently available on the market, to offer you affordable solutions and thus better explore your passion for 3D printing. All the printers on the list are sold at a starting retail price that does not exceed €500. This way, you can choose your cheap 3D printer with ease.

Voxelab Aquila

Marketed by Chinese 3D printer manufacturer Voxelab, the Aquila 3D printer series uses FDM technology. Delivered partially assembled, printers of this series should be easy to install. Compatible with standard thermoplastics, such as PLA, ABS or PETG, they offer a printing volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm. According to the manufacturer, the machine is very quiet during the printing process, with a sound estimated at 50 decibels. The Aquila is aimed at beginners in 3D printing and is intended to introduce them to the technology. The machine works with Cura, Simplify 3D and VoxelMaker software and like many 3D printers, supports STL and OBJ formats. For those who wish to go further, improved versions of the Aquila exist. On the manufacturer’s website, the machine is sold for $160, not including shipping.

Photo Credits: Voxelab

Photon Mono, A Cheap Resin 3D Printer

Anycubic is one of the most popular cheap 3D printer manufacturers on the market. It has developed a wide range of products, from FDM models to small machines from the SLA office. The manufacturer recently introduced the Mega X, an FDM solution that can create 300 x 300 x 305 mm parts with a suggested print speed of 60 mm/s. The focus, however, will be on its Photon line, which relies on a light-curing process. One of the most affordable machines is the Photon Mono, which incorporates a monochrome LCD screen to design parts measuring 130 x 80 x 165 mm. Exposure time is reduced to one second and the manufacturer claims its screen is 4 times more durable than a conventional LCD. The Photon Mono is available from $199 on Anycubic’s website or 175 euros.