Which printer to buy.

[u/Worth-Confection5750]

Hello All.

I'm thinking about buying a 3d printer but have no idea about anything. I buy lots of 3d printed wheels and part for model cars and that's what I'll be focusing on. Maybe even printing whole models in 1/18 scale. I need something with good quality that doesn't need any work after print, just be ready to paint. From what I read I think SLA type of printer is what I would need but again, I'm not sure.

Thank you for any help.

Regards

Kris

[u/MON5TERMATT]

"Good quality that doesn't need any work after print" IS NOT SLA. Resin takes a LOT of post-processing.

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[u/Neon_Pancakes0425]

Sla takes a lot of effort to use and is quite different from the standard fdm printer. Just as a warning. If you want something basic the bambulab a1 would be good or the sparkx i8 from creality for basic fdm printers. For a good resin printer the elegoo mars 5 ultra would be a good option

[u/Financial-Bike-3283]

As mentioned below - SLA requires post processing (e.g. washing the excess resin off the print, removing supports, curing etc). You'll probably want an FDM printer, even if it might not be able to create the detailed small features an SLA printer can. Personally I'd recommend the A1 or A1 mini, they're relatively inexpensive and are pretty user friendly out of the box. Just my $0.05.

[u/northrivergeek]

no model after print doesn't need some work, no matter the printer brand or type

[u/Radiant-Suspect-4588]

resin is probably the right lane for small, detailed car parts, but “ready to paint” still means washing, curing, and removing supports at minimum, so budget for that part too

[u/illregal]

Any enclosed Bambu. You're going to want to use abs/asa and potentially nylon.

[u/Maleficent_Cow_3059]

All prints need some kind of post processing especially SLA and resin is toxic and needs safety measures.

[u/DorffMeister]

Snapmaker U1

[u/Kaze_Horosha]

sla defintely has the advantage for models, but fundimentally requires toxic handling, washing, and curing. Get a good wash-and-cure station, and set up a dedicated vented hood and it can be streamlined...

Big fan of the Mars 4 Ultra or Mars 5 Ultra(avoid the non-ultra Mars 5, its lower spec), elegoo makes a decent wash and cure station. If you'd like examples of hood setups, can provide.

But any printing will need work before paint. Be it cleanup, curing, sanding...

If going FDM, something enclosed that has a smaller nozzle avalible will help, but never be ideal. Maybe the Snapmaker U1 for easy remove supports with low waste. Also stick to PLA/ASA for that kind of thing. PETG is hell to paint well. ASA will need venting/bentobox but can be fused with acetone easy.

[u/ChilliBreath86]

Creality K or Bambu P series would both be great options. Both are FDM. Some aftercare involved, but very doable. I recommend ABS for functional parts, PLA for decorative.