Thanks for checking back in to read our 3D scanner buyer’s guide. In part 3, you’ll learn about all of the different attributes that dictate a high-quality functioning printer or scanner and how these elements affect your purchasing decision.
First up is the speed of advice. A good three-dimensional printer or scanner will perform at optimum speeds while still maintaining quality. In terms of printing speed, this typically refers to how quickly or how many inches per hour can be produced. This refers to vertical build speed, and doesn’t take into account the full geometry of the item being printed. When it comes to scanning, a similar metric is used and is based on how quickly the light or laser can scan over the object and completely capture the appropriate data points.
Another attribute that can help you decide on which model of 3D scanner or printer to purchase is the cost of individual parts. So, the material required for printing will vary depending on its model. While a printer may be high quality, using one with a high-cost material might not be worth it, especially if you plan on creating items that are quite large or with complex geometry.
Beyond this, it’s important to also note how much is included in this cost. For some, it is just the print material. For others, it may include supporting materials, waste processing fees, and additional expenses. For printers, the materials typically consist of plastic, wax, or metals.
Still another attribute you can consider to make buying a 3D scanner or 3D printer easier is the detail resolution. When you’re scanning an item, you need to know what the dots per inch or DPI is that will be available to you. The higher the resolution, the greater amount of detail can be captured. The same goes for when you print out a product. The greater the DPI, the more detail that can be printed and rendered. Other measurements include bead diameter, pixel size, and Z-layer thickness.
All of these details can help you to make a the sound purchasing decision. But wait! Don’t run out and buy the device just yet. We still have one more installment in this buyer’s guide. So be sure to stop by again next week for the last few details on what makes a good 3D scanner or printer stand out from the pack.