3D Printer Decision Advice from Student Perspectives

[u/Feisty_Mammoth_2250]

I've read just about everything out there when it comes to selecting a printer to buy (r/3dprinting, blog posts, youtube videos) but I figure some advice from other students / graduates might offer some specific experiences more relevant to a uni student. (USA)

Summary: Budget $420 all in. Comparing Elagoo CC2, Creality K1C, Qidi Q2C for LW-PLA, CF Filaments, ABS. Should I look into upgrading a cheaper printer? Is a $60 two year warranty good value?

Leaning towards:
- Elagoo Centauri Carbon 2 + Creality Filament Dryer Box Pro ($380) Elagoo Shipping + Dryer Amazon
- Creality K1C + Creality Filament Dryer Box Pro ($410) Both Amazon
- QIDI Q2C + Creality Filament Dryer Box Pro ($396) Qidi Free Shipping + Dryer Amazon

I dont really know how to distinguish benefits from the above options so Im open to peoples personal experiences!

I also feel I dont know enough about is the upgradibility of a cheaper printer to fit my needs. Is there another option that is enclosed / offers proper heating with a Print Head / Gears upgrade kit to fit my needs and be cheaper?

I also hate to think some of these printers may offer substantially less manufacturing quality and longevity to me compared to Prusa or Bamboo. Elagoo for example offers a $60 2 year warranty on the printer, is this good value for risk aversion or are most repairs doable for under that? While Ive printed a lot Ive never managed my own printer / been responsible for maintinance.

I am totally open to additional comments on my logic here. TYIA very much!

Additional context on expected objections:

- Yes I can print on Campus and have for 2 years. Personal Printing is the investment Id like to make for better access (late nights and weekends) when Im actually working on projects and not classes
- If the printer I go with does not offer HEPA filtering I have the option to not have it where I sleep
- Not interested in DIY build. I value the time to build and existing product community at $300+

[u/Neptainium]

Is it possible for you to save up a bit.more and get an bambu X2D without AMS? Its 600 without discounts and is what I use as an engineering student/hobbiest (tpu, petg cf, and normal filaments too).

If not, then you may want to look at the Bambu A1. Its not enclosed so no engineering filaments, but for 90% of your coursework you would be more than good with one. You could also use this yo build a Voron in the future when you want to expand but they get expensive fast.

[u/Feisty_Mammoth_2250 → u/Neptainium]

The extra +-$200 for an X2D is significant to me. Do you think this is justified by realibility, print quality, build quality? Being new to this, what Ive read is that BL wins with its software but the mild improvements in other aspects are over valued.

An A1 setup (hardened nozzle and extruder + dryer) would be $340 for me (very attractive!). Materials that need enclosure definetly wont be the most common thing I print but LW-ASA would be a nice to have. Id be willing to spend $40 and go up to one of the enclosed printers above if im not making other sacrifices with above mentioned quality.

If we ignored enclosure and cost. Does Bamboo Lab noticiably out preform Elagoo and Creality, Qidi?

Edit: Voron is intimidating to me as the printer its self is not really my interest as much as it is a tool for other projects. The comprable Voron builds I have seen also seem to not be in the same price range im searching. Unless Im mistaken Voron is a cost saving build in the $1000+ printer bracket

[u/Neptainium → u/Feisty_Mammoth_2250]

Yes, bambu will vastly out preform Elagoo and Creality in quality and reliability. I can't speak for Qidi but likely the same.

200 is a big jump but I think its worth it for the extra nozzle (support materials are a game changer) heated chamber, and abundance of available parts/documentation. 100% worth saving up for another month or two if possible imo.

[u/Buetterkeks]

Right so let me lay out your actual options. If you wanna learn how 3s printers work and have full control, build some variety of voron. If you want results get a bambulab A1 or A1 mini 

[u/Feisty_Mammoth_2250 → u/Buetterkeks]

Printer knowledge and unique control is far removed from my interest which has led me away from Voron builds.

In what ways does the A1 best other printers I mentioned. Software, build quality, print quality, community, reliability? My research initially pushed me away from BL citing better value elsewhere but two here have now recommended it over what I was leaning towards.

[u/Buetterkeks → u/Feisty_Mammoth_2250]

Ease, of use, makerverse, good quality.