3D printing is considered to be one of the finest developments of the 21st century with many people now taking it up as hobbies and some have even started businesses related to 3D printing. 3D printing is considered to be such a diverse and useful tool that it is now being installed in various educational institutions so that senior designers and artisans can use it as a tool to teach and also develop new techniques which would help them further nourish their art and style.
Due to its diverse range of uses 3D printers are now also being used in the entertainment industry and children’s toy industry. Initially, however, 3D printing did not take off really well due to the amount of money people had to invest in what was considered a very expensive operation, the lack of logistics was another issue, and a good quality printer was very expensive, and it was quite difficult to procure one easily.
However, now it has become really easy to find and acquire 3D printers rather easily, this article will discuss different types of printers that are not expensive, perform well and provide their buyers a good return for their money. They are priced for under $500 only, yes you read it right!
1. ELEGOO Resin Mars 2 Pro 3D Printer
If you are looking for a printer that can handle three things for you like miniatures, detailed designs, and detailed intricate showcase designs then ELEGOO’s Resin Mars is the printer you should go for. Considered to be one of the best 3D printers that are priced under five hundred dollars is acting as an all-rounder option for its users who are looking for an all-in-one resin 3D printing solution. Additionally, the printer comes ready to use, i.e., it is preassembled, and the user does not have to worry about the assembly of the product, as a K2LCD is fitted with the printer which upon connection with chitTuBox starts to operate.
ELEGOO’s Resin Mars is also known for operating faster than other models that can be considered its competitors in the market of 3D printers. This high-speed results in a higher retail price, however, the reason behind this high speed is the monochrome LCD that is connected to the printer that is used for masking the process, therefore, reducing the time period that is required by resin to cure and harden. Furthermore, due to the carbon filters it does not emits odorous gasses.
Specifications
- Brand: ELEGOO
- Material: Aluminium and plastic
- Compatible Material: Resin, Plastic
- Item Dimensions: 22.1” x 11.4” x 11.1”
- Item Weight: 13.67 Pounds
Key Features
- CNC designed Aluminium body
- Active carbon filters
- Multi-language interface
- FEB film free replaceable 2K LCD
Pros
- High speed operability
- Minimum effort and interference
- Comes pre-assembled
- All-in-one resin solution
- Reliable resin
Cons
- Features unshielded LCD
- Loud and Noisy
2. Comgrow Official Creality Ender 3 V2
Considered to be one of the best 3D printers that come as cheap as 500$ Comgrow Official’s Creality Ender 3 V2 is known for its sophisticated three-dimensional creation and printing abilities. Creality Ender is quite a well-known product among those who use three-dimensional printing on a regular basis. Easy to assemble, this printer offers its users a good and reliable printing capacity along with the printing of high quality. It is due to these features and low price that this printer has become very desirable.
The printer further features a silent motherboard reducing the noise it creates along with an LCD screen that comes in a 4.3” size. Furthermore, this printer is also a very durable one as it offers a v-guide puller adding to the noise reduction and a design that has been tested for wear and tear resistance. These features add to the printer’s convenience and storability.
Furthermore, this printer is specifically designed to make three-dimensional printing easier for the user as it has the ability to continue printing even if it gets disrupted due to any reason.
Specifications
- Brand: Comgrow
- Material: Pla
- Compatible Devices: PC
- Compatible Material: Polylactic Acid
- Wattage: 270 watts
- Item Dimensions: 18.5” x 18.7” x 24.41”
- Item Weight: 7.8 Kg
Key Features
- A brand-new user interface
- Specially developed motherboard for silence
- Carbonium Glass Platform for heat acceleration
- Meanwell power supply with UL certification
Pros
- High quality printing
- Easy assembly
- Motherboard runs nice-free
- Easy feed-in filament
Cons
- Filament feed is slow
- Relatively expensive
3. ComgrowCreality Ender 3 Pro
Creality Ender 3 Pro was released in 2014 and has since become one of the best operating three-dimensional printers. Known for its safety and reliability, ComgrowCeality Ender 3 Pro comes with a better power supply and a magnetic body. Along with this, this is a machine that is designed to self-upgrade, therefore, making it very efficient and making it easier for the user to operate it.
Clearly, a better option than the regular three-dimensional printers that are used at home this printer allows the user to set it up manually along with the calibration which results in ceaseless operations.
The specifications of this printer enable it to operate at a low cost therefore it is has become one of the most desired printers among three-dimensional printing enthusiasts and communities that are fond of this form of printing.
Specifications
- Brand: Comgrow
- Material: Aluminium
- Compatible Devices: PC
- Supported File Format: OBJ, STL, STEP
- Compatible Material: Polylactic Acid
- Wattage: 350 watts
Key Features
- Replaceable and removable build platform
- power supply with UL certification
- Arrives pre-assembled
Pros
- Guaranteed lifetime, responsive technical support
- Convenient replaceable DIY upgrades
- Reliable build volume
- A good return on investment
Cons
- Lacks automatic bed leveling
- Setting it up can take a lot of time
4. Voxelab Aquila 3D Printer
Voxelab Aquila is perfect and quite adequate for all those who want to buy a quality printer. There is a manual assembly guide that comes in the package of the printer which would help you install it properly. The way how the printer looks, the printer might come off as pricey and expensive, but it is one of the most cost-effective and reasonable printers out there in the market that would not be a load on your budget. The printing volume of this printer is 220x220x250 which is quite adequate for all the project needs when it comes to printing.
Most prominently, you would find a printing surface that is made of glass and is textured which is installed on a heated bed that is made of aluminum that acts as the perfect adhesive in the printing process. It is also absolutely easy and fast to remove the model output because of the glass surface after it has cooled down.
This printer also has the Mean Well 350-watt power supply which is of completely high quality and enables the system to last long and minimizes the chance of replacement.
Specifications
- Brand: Voxelab
- Material: Glass
- Compatible Devices: PC
- Dimensions: 22.1 x 14.9 x 8.6 inches
- Voltage: 220 Volts
Key Features:
- It has x and y-axis tensioners
- It has plastic extruders that are single geared
- It has a printing function that is continuous
- Includes a filament that auto feeds
Pros:
- It has a user interface that is friendly to use
- It also has a build volume that is adequate for use
- A body that is made of aluminum and sturdy, as well as heavy, makes it stable
- Also comes with a warranty lasting up to 12 months with tech support that will remain for a lifetime
Cons:
- Weak extruder fan
- The printer may have continuous overheating issues that may induce an obnoxious smell and degeneration of tubes
5. ANYCUBIC Mega-S 3D Printer
I3 Mega-S has been upgraded to the newest model which is Mega-S and is manufactured under ANYCUBIC. If there is any 3D printer out there that is the best purchase under $500, it is this printer. This printer is used by experts, and they have claimed that this printer is of the highest quality while being easy to use. It is also claimed to have the least amount of printing errors. From the moment it has been launched, the printer has dominated the low-end market for possessing some amazing features at a very low price relatively.
The printer also has a sensor mechanism that makes use of the mechanical filament that allows it to sense any status indicating a low filament. The system of the printer also detects any power loss and goes for recovery. The printer also includes a touch screen that is completely colored and a menu that supports many languages.
The resolution of the printer is 50 microns which gives a very detailed printing output and is considered one of the best resolutions for a 3D printer that is sold for under $500. The printer also has a heated bed that makes sure that the print is sticking to the heating platform which can be removed after the printing has been completed.
Specifications:
- Brand: ANYCUBIC
- Color: Black
- Compatible Devices: PC
- Fabric Type: Metal
- Item Dimensions: 16.14 x 15.95 x 17.83 inches
- Item Weight: 24.3 Pounds
Key Features:
- It is already half assembled when it is delivered
- Has a continuous print feature
- Titan extrusion that has flexible filaments
- A modeling technology that uses fused deposition
Pros:
- A design that promotes easy assembling
- Touch screen that has navigation and is fully colored
- Also has manual handling and leveling that does not require much effort
- Several unique features at a low price
Cons:
- Does not have insulation
- Includes a motherboard fan that is noisy
6. Creality 3D CR-10 Printer
Creality CR-10 fits neatly in this best ten 3D printers list because of its spacious and accommodating design. Also, aside from a broad build area or printing base, the printer has a Bowden extruder type which enables the lowering of the x-axis, which in turn improves the performance.
The manufacturers of the printer have made it’s hardware and layout blueprints accessible, making modification as well as enhancements significantly easier. Furthermore, the printer’s body comprises entirely of metal components, ensuring that it will survive for a longer time
Most shockingly, contrary to other devices that have surfaces that are uneven or bent beds, this top budget 3d printer has a solid level glass printing platform. The smooth glass surface is required to print tiny too big designs as well as prints corner to corner without gaps.
Many of the people using the printer are fairly enticed to purchase the Creality CR-10 since the company provides a warranty that is of one year as well as 24/7 lifetime technical assistance as part of the purchase.
Specification:
- Brand: Creality 3D
- Material: Aluminum
- Color: Black
- Item Dimensions: 11.81 x 11.81 x 15.75 inches
- Item Weight: 13.61 Kilograms
Key Features:
- Enormous leveled and even glass bed
- Sturdy aluminum frame layout
- Comfortable adjustment nuts
- 12″x12″ design and construction surface
Pros:
- It comes with a user-friendly 3D printer.
- A dependable build volume prints tiny to huge models while also corner to corner.
- The printer’s maker has provided a one-year guarantee as well as technical assistance.
Cons:
- It’s bulky and inconvenient to transport
- It creates a bothersome noise
7. Creality CR-10 Mini 3D Printer
Choosing a suitable printer capable of producing large, super high-precision designs under $500 may be tough. However, Creality CR-10 Mini is the best 3d printing technology under $500, with a large build plate that can handle objects approximately the size of up to 300mm x 220mm x 300mm.
The printer creates supremely high-quality printouts with exceptional resolution at a fair price. The resume function ensures that everything continues to run properly in the case of a power loss or any other emergency that disrupts operations.
The printer also has a detachable bed that is made of glass, and the overall look of the machine makes maintenance a snap. The Creality CR-10 Mini comes virtually built, and you really only need to attach a few peripheral pieces to get started printing your 3D objects.
The Creality 3D comes with lifetime technical assistance and a 12-month parts replacement warranty.
Specifications:
- Brand: Creality 3D
- Color: Black
- Compatible Material: Polylactic Acid, Metal
- Item Dimensions: 21.5 x 21 x 10 inches
- Item Weight: 11.34 Kilograms
Key Features:
- Thermoplastic that is POM engineered
- Glass bed that is flat
- Large mounting plate
Pros:
- Large enough construction volume
- Produces a printing that is both clear and detailed.
- As a result of the virtually integrated elements, installation is simple.
- At a reasonable and moderate pricing
Cons:
- Due to high demand, most items are out of stock.
- Some materials, like ABS, are difficult to work with.
So, which 3D printer for under $500 you are going to get your hands onto? Feel free to let us know in the comment section below.
