Top-notch 3D Printers: Unmissable Features That Have Become Essential Staples

In the realm of 3D printing, advancements have been made at an impressive pace. From boosting performance to making multicolor printing accessible, the industry has come a long way.

One of the significant leaps forward was Klipper, a mod for 3D printers, which offloaded motion planning to a Raspberry Pi, adding input shaping and pressure advance for smoother prints at speed. This extra processing power, once only available on more advanced boards, was now available to 8-bit boards, revolutionising the printing experience.

Speed has become an increasingly important feature in modern 3D printers. The FLSun S1, for instance, can hit an impressive 500mm/s print speed. This rapid pace is a testament to the industry's focus on efficiency and productivity.

The Ender 3 Pro, a popular choice among makers, has been upgraded with a new motherboard and a cooling system. The latest iteration, the Ender 3 S1 Pro, launched in 2022, includes about $350 worth of mods and has a price tag of $479, making it an attractive option for those seeking a high-performance 3D printer.

In the past, multicolor 3D printing was expensive and involved complex modifications, such as using permanent markers. However, times have changed. Snapmaker's new tool changer is expected to make multicolor 3D printing even more accessible, while brands like Anycubic are offering cost-effective multi-color 3D printers. Models like the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo and Anycubic Kobra 3 Combo V1 provide multi-material printing at entry-level prices just above 500 euros.

The convenience of remote access has also been a game-changer. Wi-Fi, LAN, and the Cloud have become common features in 3D printers, allowing users to send STL files to their machines over their home network, even from their phones. This is a far cry from the days of using a Raspberry Pi with OctoPrint for the same purpose.

The focus on user-friendly features is evident in other areas too. Successfully printing on a glass bed without the use of glue stick, painter's tape, or hairspray is now commonplace, thanks to grippy removable bed surfaces, pioneered by Wham Bam Systems. Auto bed leveling, once considered a luxury feature, is now a non-negotiable standard in 3D printing.

As we look to the future, it's clear that the 3D printing industry is committed to making this technology more accessible, efficient, and versatile. From speedy prints to multicolor capabilities, the possibilities are endless.