A 3D printer opens up a world of possibilities, enabling anyone with a modest budget to create custom components with incredibly precise measurements. You don’t need to have an engineering background to get started with this technology.
We highly recommend the Bambu Lab P1P because of its simple setup process, exceptional print quality, and automatic calibration, which eliminates the need for manual adjustments.
Whether you’re a hobbyist looking to create prototypes or a tabletop gaming enthusiast seeking to expand your collection of tiles and terrain, a 3D printer could be the ideal tool for your manufacturing needs.
Our top choice
This printer produces excellent prints without the need for manual calibration, and it has a quick and easy setup process based on our testing.
The Bambu Lab P1P has a straightforward setup process that includes automatic calibration, eliminating one of the most frustrating barriers to getting started. It excels at producing intricate details and features a spacious 256 by 256 by 256 mm print bed, which should be sufficient for both hobbyists and individuals creating and selling prints. Bambu Lab’s slicer software connects directly to the printer, making wireless printing a seamless experience—a notable advantage over other printers that can be cumbersome in this aspect. Additionally, Bambu Lab offers a comprehensive range of replacement parts with well-documented instructions for any necessary repairs.
Upgrade option
This printer, which is the larger counterpart to our top pick, includes a scanner for verifying print quality, an enclosed print area, a more durable nozzle, and additional features for printing high-grade materials.
The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon serves as the company’s flagship printer. It delivers prints with comparable speed and consistency to our top pick, the P1P, while offering features for users seeking even greater dependability and the ability to print with more resilient materials.
In addition to the features of the P1P, the X1 Carbon boasts an enhanced screen, an enclosed print bed for improved temperature control, and a lidar sensor to scan the initial layer for any printing errors. Along with a hardened-steel nozzle (an optional upgrade for the P1P), these features make the X1 Carbon a versatile printer suitable for educational settings or industrial prototyping labs. It also comes with a camera for monitoring the print progress.
Also a great option
This is the best printer for larger or taller printing jobs, such as cosplay or art pieces, due to its oversized print area.
If you intend to print large or tall items, such as a sci-fi helmet or custom shelving brackets, a larger printer like the Artillery Sidewinder X2 allows you to create the entire part in a single go instead of dividing it into smaller components and assembling them together. With a print bed measuring 300 by 300 by 400 mm, the Artillery Sidewinder X2 provides ample space for larger projects. This model also offers simple setup and user-friendly navigation menus, and it delivered outstanding prints in our tests.
