DIY 3D printer kits are cheap, but they deliver good quality prints. However, the assembly takes time and patience. It may also require a certain level of skills. This page will help you build your own 3D machine by giving you a list of great but cheap kits.
Do you know that you can build your own 3D printer? Do you want to learn how?
If you say “yes” to any of the questions above, you will probably find this page helpful. In this article, I will discuss the best 3D printer kits and which among them are available at the best price. I know that you are already very excited to learn about the best DIY 3D printer kits and I’ll share with your all the details about them including their build volume, print quality, printing speed and more. So, let’s get started.
Contents
| 3D Printer | Price | Build Volume (mm3) | Build Time (hrs) | Resolution (μm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Flashforge Creator Pro | Click Here To Check Price | 227 X 148 X 150 | 4 | 100- 500 microns |
Flashforge Dreamer | Click Here To Check Price | 230 x 150 x 140 | 4 | 100 - 500 microns |
Anycubic 4Max | Click Here To Check Price | 210 x 210 x 300 | 5 | 0.1-0.4 |
Anycubic Kossel DIY 3D Printer | Click Here To Check Price | 180 x 180 x 320 | 6 | 100 |
Creality 3D Ender |  | 221 x 221 x 245 | 3 | 100 |
GEEETECH A10 | | 220 x 220 x 260 | 3-5 | 50 |
GEEETECH Prusa I3 Pro W | | 220 x 220 x 240 | 6-8 | 100 - 400 |
RepRap Guru Prusa i3 | Check Price at eBay | 200 x 200 x 180 | 8 | 100 |
Tronxy X15SA Desktop DIY 3D Printer Kit | | 330 x 330 x 400 | 3 - 5 | 50 |
Startt DIY 3D Printer Kit | Check Price at StartT3D | 120 x 140 x 130 | 5 | 100 |
Tevo Tarantula | | 200 x 200 x 200 | 8 | 50 |
How to Build Your Own 3D Printer?
How to make a 3D printer? I understand that many are interested in this and in this section, you will find the answer. There are two ways for you to make your own 3D machine and you are about to know it.
Note: This article is about the best 3D printer kits, so please don’t expect to find a fully assembled machine. But don’t worry because if you are interested, you will discover that building 3D printers is fun and exciting. Continue reading to know more about them. I’ll also give you a list of the best DIY 3D printer kits in the market.
Fully custom printer
This is not easy to do, but it gives you the opportunity to learn more about 3D printing. It helps you become more familiar with every small detail that comes along with creating a printer. When there’s a need to repair later, the task will be easier for you.
The only disadvantage is that this approach needs technical knowledge that amateurs and hobbyists lack. In addition, it takes time to collect all the DIY 3D printer parts and put them in place by hand.
Printer in a box
If you want a more convenient approach to create your 3D machine, then, this option is for you. The kits are sold by top 3D manufacturing companies and are accompanied by a step-by-step instruction manual explaining how to build your own 3D printer kit.
The kit is not fully assembled but it contains all the parts you need and any misplaced pieces of machinery can usually be re-ordered from the manufacturer. However, if you get this one, you will not learn as much as when you are assembling the printer by pieces.
RepRap can be purchased on Amazon for a few hundred dollars. There are a lot of 3D printer kits to choose from and many of them deliver great print quality.
DIY 3D Printer Plans
Are you ready to build your own 3D printer? If you are, then check out our list below so you can get started.
1. Get started
First, you have to decide what type of 3D printer you want to build. So, here are some questions that you need to answer to determine the printer’s specifications.
- How do you want your printer to look like?
- What capabilities do you require from your printer?
- What size parts should it be able to manufacture?
- Should it allow you to use multiple plastic filaments?
Tip: The more features you want, the more difficult it would be to create your 3D machine. It’s best if you start by building the most basic printer and just add more features according to your needs over time.
2. Collecting the DIY 3D Printer Parts
If you are using a 3D printer builder kit, all the parts needed to build the machine will be included in the kit. However, if you start from scratch, you have to be creative to get the parts you need. So, here’s what you should do.
2.a List the parts
Based on your answers above, research the parts that you need for your DIY printer. There are several sites that share detailed instructions including the constituent parts for various 3D printer models.
2.b Buy the parts
At this point, you have several options to access the parts that you need. You can visit sites that sell second-hand parts to buy those items at a much cheaper price.
Buying second-hand parts can help you save a lot while getting the same performance you expect from your printer. However, there are parts that you need to buy brand new to ensure a smoothly functioning machine.
You can purchase used parts here:
If you want to save more, you can also cannibalize other electronics. For instance, stepper motors can be obtained from old DVD drives while the power supply from a computer can work for 3D printers too.
If you are looking for brand new parts, you can purchase them on the following sites:
2.c Prepare the Software
Once your hardware is ready, you have to hook up the printer to your computer with 3D software. The 3D rendering software is necessary to send commands to the printer on the exact shape and dimensions of the piece that needs to be printed and to convert your 2D drawings into 3D models.
3. Building the printer
Once you have collected the parts that you need, it’s time to start building. However, this is not a quick process. This will likely take weeks or even months.
If ever you encounter problems while assembling the printer, don’t be afraid to ask for help because the 3D printing community is big and the members are helpful. You can seek advice on forums, where you will likely meet more experienced builders.
4. Build With Your Printer
Once your printer is ready, add the filament to the extruder. Then, you can now test the print bed, its print quality, printing speed and printing volume. For beginners, you need to get your 3D model ready. If you don’t have one, no problem, there are a number of sites that offer pre-designed shapes and object files that you can use for your first 3D project.
You can download the files and run them through your 3D rendering software to create 3D printed parts. Just make sure that the printer you just built is capable of printing out the dimensions specified in the downloaded files.
Now, it’s time to take a look at the best DIY 3D printer kits available on the market and start to build your own 3D printer kit!
11 Best DIY 3D Printer Kits
If you want to build your own RepRap 3D printer, then this section is for you. We pick the top DIY kits that are high-quality suit your experience level and of course, budget. You can follow these simple DIY 3D printer plans to have your 3D machine up and running.
1. Flashforge Creator Pro
Click Here to Check Price for Flashforge Creator Pro
For beginners who want a DIY kit that is easy to set up with a medium build size and build volume, Flashforge Creator Pro is highly recommended. This is pre-assembled and it only requires minimal effort to make it work.
For instance, you need to attach the printer heads, filaments tubed, and spool holders. Don’t worry, these things are fairly simple to assemble.
Although this is easy to set up and use, the challenging part is that it requires manual bed leveling since it lacks automatic bed leveling. The bed level must be precise to achieve quality prints.
This isn’t a huge problem, but it means a few minutes of extra prep work whenever you want to print. Beginners might find this process a little daunting but once you get the hang of it, it’s not a big deal.
Flashfroge Creator Pro has a metal frame and an enclosed chassis. It doesn’t support WiFi connectivity but it allows you to print from USB or SD card. Thus, you still have the most common option to choose from.
Also, most of the important parts like the extruders can be removed and swapped which is very helpful in case you want to replace it. As for the maintenance, it won’t cost you so much as long as you take care of the components.
Software and electronics
This printer comes with a default Flashforge program. But you can also use Simplify3D because this produces greater print quality.
Build Guides
The machine is accompanied by detailed instructions on how to build it. You can find detailed documentation and troubleshooting guides and tips on their websites. There are also tutorials and videos online that will surely help you if you encounter any issues while building or using this DIY printer.
They also have customer support who are willing to help and assist you all the way. Furthermore, the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and a one-year warranty. These are only some of the reasons that make it the best DIY 3D printer kit on our list.
This is one of the best DIY 3D printer kits in terms of price, performance, support, printer build volume and quality of output. So, I highly recommend it.
2. Flashforge Dreamer
Click Here to Check Price for Flashforge Dreamer
Flashforge Dreamer is another simple and easy kit for beginners because just like Flashforge Creator Pro this printer comes pre-assembled. In fact, this is almost ready-to-print (ARP). All you need to do is mouth the extruder set and install the filament.
If you just follow the instructions well, you will complete the setup in just 5 to 10 minutes and Dreamer can give you first 3D print. Setting up 3D printers like this model is much easier compared to other units in its price range.
To make this machine works, just attach the included extruder which is done with two small screws and it only takes a minute to do. Once the extruder is attached, load the filament that comes with the unit.
From there, you can start your first 3D print. Aside from the fast setup, it delivers impressive print quality. You will love this more because it operates quietly. Don’t expect it to be completely silent but it’s neither noisy.
The only downside with this is its’ small build area size. You can’t print a big object once due to its small build volume, so you have to print it in smaller parts and assemble it together.
Software and electronics
This kit uses intuitive and easy system management software that is beginner-friendly. It offers a range of customization options from adjusting the build plate temperature settings, extruder temperature settings and more ways to work with your design.
For software, you can use either Flashprint or Simplify3D. The latter is more preferred as it delivers better quality prints. Also, the printer allows you to print through USB and SD cards. For WiFi capabilities, you can use FlashPrint software and route the Simplify3D made G-Code through FlashForge’s program.
You can check this out if you want to use Simplify3D with your FlashFroge Dreamer.
Build Guides
If you find yourself lost when assembling it, you can check out the user guide. You can also check the forums for FlashForge Dreamer to connect with your fellow enthusiasts who use the same kit. It has great support that’s why I consider it among the best DIY 3D printer kits.
3. Anycubic 4MAX
Click Here to Check Price for Anycubic 4MAX
Anycubic 4MAX DIY 3D printer kit is a semi-closed and large build volume 3D printer. Thanks to its Modular Design, assembling it is very easy! In fact, you can set it up and start printing in 15 minutes or less. It’s one of the 3D printers that
This kit has a very large printing volume and comes with aluminum composite plates and injection molded parts making it painless to assemble the whole machine. It is also packed with full features equipping it with everything it needs to deliver stunning 3D printed objects.
In addition, it comes with various features that make the operation convenient and the process smooth. It also uses the ANYCUBIC Ultrabase with very strong adhesion and easy removal.
It also has the ability to resume after power loss, a heavy-duty support plate to reduce wobble, and aviation plugs that use high-quality winning connectors with straightforward wiring. Its main power is insulated for safety, the lead screw motor offers high Z-axis resolution and it also comes with a filament run-out sensor to save you from the hassle when the filament runs out.
Furthermore, this DIY 3D printer is designed to cater to different types of nationalities because it is open source and supports multi-language. Also, thanks to its large print volume, you can choose whether you 3D print a small or large object.
Overall, I am very happy and impressed with this. 4MAX is high-quality, competitive, fairly priced, has a huge build volume, and delivers high-resolution outputs. There is nothing not to like in it.
Software and electronics
You can use Cura as your slicer software. It accepts STL, OBJ and AMF as input formats and produces GCode as output.
Build Guides
It is easy to build because it has a modular design. It comes with aluminum composite plates and injection molded parts.
It is designed into several modules, so the whole machine is very easy to assemble. Yes, it’s easy and fast to assemble that you can start printing in 15 minutes or less.
4. Anycubic Kossel Delta DIY Kit
Click Here to Check Price for Anycubic Kossel Delta DIY
Anycubic Kossel Delta is a parametric robot 3D printer. It was built in 2012 by Johann in Seattle, USA, based on his Rostock prototype. The DIY 3D printer kits’ plans were designed by Johann C. Rocholl in 2012 and have been around with some minor changes since then.
The concept of Anycubic Kossel Delta 3D printer design is to eliminate backlash problems. Backlash occurs when one of the movement axes has slack (caused by loose belts for example).
You can get the SCAD and STL files for Kossel Delta 3D printer by running the following command on your terminal:
git clone https://github.com/jcrocholl/kossel.git
If you want Delta 3D printer kits, this is probably the best that you can get from the brand.
Bill of Materials
You can find this information on Kossel’s RepRap wiki page. It contains all the necessary items, printed and non-printed parts.
Software and electronics
The controller for this 3D printer must be RIS 1 or RIS 1a compliant. You can check a list of controllers on this page.
For the firmware, you check this list. Choose one that is compatible with the controller you select.
Just like Prusa i3 3D printer, Kossel Delta DIY kit, this printer can be upgraded to have a dual extruder.
Here’s a good guide for installing a Duet board for Anycubic Kossel Delta. The Duet board is a popular 32-bit ARm based controller board with an ethernet port. You can check this page to learn how to install an LCD display.
Build Guides
A number of instructions are available to help you build Anycubic Kossel Delta 3D printer. You can check the following links for more details on how to build a 3D printer tutorials:
If you encounter any problems while setting up Anycubic Kossel Delta or any DIY 3D printer kits from the brand, you can check this forum. You can also use the IRC channel to connect with the RepRap community. It’s one of the fastest and easiest ways to get answers to your questions.
5. Creality Ender 3 DIY 3D Printer
Creality Ender 3 is a fully open-source kit. You can help improve the printer upon the source code and share the changes within the community for a better experience.
Also, it can resume 3D printing even after a power outage or lapse occurs. Its upgraded extruder greatly reduces plugging risk and bad extrusion. For a more enjoyable experience, it has V-Slot with POM wheels for a quiet, smooth and durable 3D printing experience.
This is among the DIY 3D printer kits that are ideal for STEM projects and are great gifts for kids.
Assembly
This 3D printer kit is very easy to set up and assemble because the process is fairly straightforward. It only took me about an hour to fully set this up and make it work.
All the tools needed are provided with the unit so you can complete the full setup. The instructions are also easy to follow, but if you have a hard time, you can watch video tutorials on YouTube.
Since it is a kit, you will have to put it together. It might take about 3 hours to assemble but you will learn a lot about the machine during the assembly
It is fairly easy to use. The menus are easy to find and understand. You can just put the stl file on the micro SD card and start 3D printing. However, placing the SD card can be a bit challenging, but you will get used to it over time.
Overall, Creality Ender 3 is a great 3D printer kit. It is smooth to assemble and easy to use. Those who have tried this are very pleased and satisfied, so this is highly recommended.
6. GEEETECH A10 3D Printer
GEEETECH A10 is a low-cost kit. It is easy to install and very simple to assemble. In fact, you can make it work in only 30 minutes or less. You can also make your children help for fun. If some components are loose, you can fix them using the tools included in the package.
It has a standard volume and 360-degree full view giving you a great preview of the printing details. In addition, it is equipped with powerful features for a convenient printing experience like a filament detector that would alert you in case the printer would run in the air or the spool is an empty and break-resuming capability that enables the printer to resume printing after an unexpected power outage to save you from the hassle or repetitive and time-consuming printing jobs.
Bill of Materials
This 3D printer DIY kit has modulated structure allowing for an easy installment within 10 minutes. It is simple and convenient to use. Plus, it has an open-source control board for limitless possibilities that allows you to adjust your printers and modify the firmware.
It is made of an aluminum frame and has a high adhesion building platform that makes printing works easier. You do not need mask tape or glue stick to make it work. It also works quietly and has a rock-solid build.
GEEETECH A10 DIY Kit Software and electronics
Geeetech self-developed host software, Repetier Host. It is packed with many features empowering professionals and hobbyists to set parameters and one-click default mode to beginners.
For power input, it requires 115/230V AC, 50/60Hz. Meanwhile, power output requires DC24V-15A Max and 360W.
For the firmware, visit the following link.
http://www.geeetech.com/download.html?download_id=30
Build Guides
The 3D printer is very easy to assemble. In fact, you can put it up in 10 minutes and make it work in less than half an hour. Just unpack, bolt the upper to the lower, connect all the labeled wire, level the bed and start printing!
This low-cost DIY kit is highly recommended for those looking for open-source 3D printer kits with a large build volume.
7. Geeetech 3D Printer Prusa I3 Pro W
This version is one of the popular 3D printer kits from Geeetech. Just like the first one, you can download the needed files from its website.
https://www.geeetech.com/download.html?download_id=36
Bill of Materials
Geeetech I3 Pro W 3D printer has its whole frame made of high-quality wood. It is designed to bring a great sense of accomplishment. Despite the change in material compared to the I3 Pro printers, it maintains the excellent features of the I3 series.
It also offers a large build volume, high printing accuracy, impressive printing speed and the option to print using SD card alone. It has an open filament system and a strong structure too. That’s not all, auto-leveling the heated bed is easy and it is low price.
Software and electronics
Geeetech I3 Pro W is paired with Easy Print 3D printing and control software to make the whole printing experience manageable for both newbies and pros alike. You can also upgrade it to enjoy the convenience brought by the cloud 3D printing solution.
Just configure the Pro W with a Wi-Fi hotspot and the cloud 3D printing solution will enable you to enjoy free 3D models, direct control over the whole printing process, and even share your experience via the app anywhere and anytime. It has a 3D touch that assists auto-leveling and guaranteeing amazing print quality.
Build Guides
Building the best DIY 3D printer kits isn’t easy but not this one because it has simplified and custom-fit parts. Also, there’s a lot of documentation available. There’s a file with an assembly instruction manual on its website that you can freely download.
8. RepRap Guru Prusa i3 3D Printer Kit
This RepRap 3D printer is designed to give you the best experience. A team of experts spent countless hours to build this kit. They also made sure that the process wouldn’t be that difficult for you.
Assembly
RepRap Guru is pre-assembled and doesn’t require altering, drilling, soldering or cutting. So, you can make it work without any tools.
The package includes all the material needed for assembly. Most of the components fit together very nicely.
However, there are nuts and bolts that were not too great. There are nuts that just spin in the nut holders due to nut pockets that cannot be used.
Their manual and video tutorials are helpful, but I think that it needs to be updated. The context still applies, but beginners might find it confusing.
For me, assembling RepRap DIY kits is not so easy, but it’s not that difficult either. After all, this is one of the best DIY 3D printers and it needs a certain level of skill to successfully assemble the printer.
Electronics and Configurations
Aside from the assembly, you’ve got to have enough knowledge with the wiring. If you know the basics, you will definitely learn your way in getting around a RepRap 3D printer.
The only downside is that – the wires are not cut to the proper lengths. So, you might end up with your controller looking like a bird’s nest. Nevertheless, I had a great 3D printing experience with it.
9. Tronxy X5SA Desktop DIY 3D Printer Kit
Tronxy x5sa DIY 3D printer kits come in a convenient size and minimalist design that features an aluminum metal frame like X1. At first gland, you will find its construction a bit weird compared to other 3D printers, but don’t let that fool you because this works just as well as its counterparts.
In fact, this may please 3D printer novices because it is well-organized and fun to assemble. Here’s what you need to know about Tronxy X5SA Desktop DIY 3D Printer Kit.
Assembly
The Tronxy X5SA DIY package includes everything you need to keep the 3D printer up and running. Aside from providing the materials, it includes a user manual that is easy to follow. It is descriptive and very comprehensible. Most users find its assembly process simple.
Personally, it took me around 4 hours and 30 minutes to assemble this DIY 3D printer kit and have my first 3D print. Tronxy X5SA is already fast compared to other brands. You just need a basic understanding of the whole printer to get a grasp on how you should work around it.
10. iMakr Startt 3D Printer Kit
Click Here to Check Price for iMakr Startt
Startt is another amazing DIY 3D printer kit with a metal frame that will surely make a great starter 3D printer kit for beginners. Startt is a Prusa i3 clone that is pitched as an educational product to appeal to parents and teachers It is low-cost, solid, and effective. In fact, this is one of the best cheap DIY 3D printer kits on the market.
Although iMakr Startt is cheap, it delivers impressive results. The brand is also very considerate as they include the package with a comprehensible manual. That’s not all, the technical part is already put together. So, you are left with a simpler job. Here’s what you need to know about this 3D printer kit.
Assembly
The good thing about this 3D printer is that it is easy to assemble. The kit includes everything you need to keep this machine up and running including screws, nuts, motor, acrylic pieces and rod caps. You need not wonder if all the items you need are in the package or not because the manufacturer includes a checklist of the parts, alongside the quality.
In addition, you can find a step-by-step instruction manual for the assembly from the imakr.comwebsite. There’s also a video tutorial that you can follow to set up the machine. According to iMakr, the assembly time nearly takes a full 5 hours. The downside is that it has a small build volume.
Beginners will surely love iMakr Startt as this is one of the 3D printer kits that do not need soldering to assemble. It also doesn’t require specific skills. If you just follow the steps appropriately, you will see the results that you want to see.
11. Tevo Tarantula 3D Printer Kit
This is another low price DIY 3D printer kit with all-metal frame construction. It uses an extruded black anodized aluminum for its frame that comes with laser-cut acrylic plates for the control box and ball-bearing V-Groove wheels for a smooth and quiet operation.
Tevo Tarantula’s design is very simple. But assembly isn’t as easy as the first three 3D printers. In fact, others claim that it took them 15 hours to finish. You have to take as much time as you need when building this 3D printing machine to produce the best results. Otherwise, you will not get good prints.
In this section, I’ll give you an overview of the assembly process.
Assembly
This kit is completely disassembled. So, don’t expect a printer that works straight out of the box. It took me almost 7 hours to assemble this, but I’ve heard from others that it took them 12 to 15 hours. Yes, it’s not easy!
I suggest that you take your time when assembling this machine. Later on, you will thank yourself because the setup of your printer will affect its accuracy and quality. The good thing about Tevo Tarantula is that there are video tutorials you can follow. But its accompanying manual isn’t that helpful.
There’s also an active community that is very supportive of this brand. If you have questions about the printer, just ask and you will likely receive a reply from someone who already went through the same issue.
In general, Tevo Tarantula is not easy to assemble. The process is very complicated as the parts are literally into pieces, but it’s worth it. This is probably the best 3D printer kit under 300.
How much does a DIY 3D printer cost?
DIY printers are cheaper than the regular 3D printers you can usually find in the market because you have to put them together. Yes, it requires some effort. But some are pre-assembled and easier to work with.
This tool is best for those who are interested in familiarizing the machine and how it works. If you are an enthusiast, this will be perfect for you.
You can buy one for $100. Some kits may cost more up to $300, but they usually offer more features and maybe more complicated to assemble but funnier to use.
Can you DIY a 3D printer?
Yes! There are DIY 3D printer kits in the market for this. Depending on the model, some come in packages with everything you need. Meanwhile, you might need to look for other parts outside the store. You can also upgrade some parts to achieve the printer you want.
Is owning a 3D printer illegal?
No. 3D printing is completely legal, so owning a 3D printer is okay. However, there might be items that you should not 3D print. For example, any objects that are patented are not safe to print. So as firearms and explosives.
Is it expensive to 3D print?
3D printing can cost from $3 up to thousands of dollars. However, it is difficult to give an exact cost because the price depends on several factors, including material, model complexity, labor, and more. Printing on your own, especially if you do it often, is cheaper over time than getting a 3D printing service.
Conclusion
Building 3D printers is quite challenging but it’s doable as there are a lot of great kits in the market today and you’ll find overwhelming support online. The machines above are among the best DIY 3D printer kits. Most of them are cheap but it requires basic skills to get the machine up and running because it’s not fully assembled when you receive the package.
The good thing about buying DIY 3D printers is that you get the machine you desire. In addition, you will learn how to make your own 3D printer. Also, there’s a supportive community that includes professionals 3D printer builders who are willing to help you get the job done.
If you need to learn more about DIY 3D printing kits, 3D printers or 3D pens, you may check our homepage.
References
- 3dinsider.com/how-to-build-3d-printer-kit
- all3dp.com/1/3d-printer-plans-diy-reprap-prusa
- allthat3d.com/3d-printing-pen
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