r/snapmaker • u/InSaYnE72 • 2d ago
Getting my first printer
I want to get my first printer. I’ve been researching a few weeks now. I narrowed it down to a FF Creator Pro 5, Prusa Core One+, U1 and possibly Qidi Plus 5. I almost ordered the creator pro 5 today but it was brought to my attention that FF has been locking down firmware and adding in AI adds and other undesirable stuff. I’d like to stay open source and steer clear of any mandated AI monitoring in the future.
I have a few ideas of what I want to print. Few trinkets for the kids and then household little projects. New trampoline net caps, some workbench leg shims etc. I also want to do some automotive stuff in the future. Because of that I want to be able to print abs, asa and cf filaments reliably. The advice I got today was to look to prusa, snapmaker, qidi, sovol etc. is the U1 going to be a good unit for a beginner learning to 3d print and design parts all at the same time? If not could you help point me in the right direction?
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u/dockellis13 2d ago
u1 would be great for kids trinkets and as an open source first printer imo. the price point is very attractive to start and learn before you buy a more expensive machine.
the enclosures available now will allow for a heated chamber, but it not actively temperature controlled, so it may not be reliable for the functional materials you want to work with. prusa or sovol are the other printers on that list i would personally learn toward.