by MadisonJames
Introduction
3D printing can be an exciting and educational activity for children, fostering creativity and technical skills. Fortunately, there are several affordable 3D printers designed with kids in mind that cost under $150. These printers are typically easy to use, safe, and capable of producing decent-quality prints. This guide will help you discover the best 3D printers for kids.
What to Consider When Buying a 3D Printer for Kids
- Safety Features
- Ease of Use
- Print Quality
- Durability
- Educational Value
Top Picks Under $150
Kingroon KP3S 3.0
https://kingroon.com/products/official-kingroon-kp3s-3d-printer
Price: $130.00
- Key Features
- Compact and durable all metal design
- Color touch Screen display
- Compatible with many different kinds of filaments. PLA, ABS, TPU and Wood Filament and more
- Heated Print bed to 90 degrees Celsius
- 180x180x180 mm print bed
- Linear X and Y Rails
- All Metal Titan Direct Drive Extruder.
- Removable magnetic Print bed.
- High speed of 60mm/s to as fast as 100mm/s if klipper is used
- Pros
- Very easy to use Beginners and Pros
- 95% pre assembled ready to go out of the box
- Large Print bed size for the price.
- Quality of machine comparable to larger 3D printer
- Cons
- No Wifi
- Best For
- Beginners and Pros alike who are looking for a simple, user-friendly 3D printer that just works.
Da Vinci Nano
https://www.xyzprinting.com/en-US/product/da-vinci-nano-white
Price: $130.00
- Key Features
- It has a fully enclosed enclosure, making it excellent for kids to prevent them from getting their fingers into mechanical parts. However, they need to be cautious of the open areas where the hot end is. The printer comes fully assembled and is ready to go right out of the box.
- It comes with its own easy-to-use software with pre-built models, which is hassle-free. You can use the 3D kit app to design models using simple 3D tools or modify an existing 3D file.
- The printer is compatible with DaVinci NFC filaments, which have all the predetermined settings saved on an NFC chip. With the purchase of the open smart tag, you're able to use third-party materials.
- Pros
- Compact and lightweight, this printer is excellent for beginners, eliminating the worry of hauling around an excessively heavy machine.
- User-friendly for beginners, it includes all the necessary software for editing files and slicing with the XYZ Maker Suite, without the need to go online and download additional software.
- Print quality is fairly decent for a printer in this price range.
- The printer has a built-in finger guard to keep young children's fingers away from the print head.
- Cons
- The limited build volume is a constraint. It is also unable to be modified compared to other types of printers.
- The slower print speed is due to its lower cost; it has a lower speed but is still capable of completing prints.
- The build area is 127x127x150 mm, which is quite small for a printer of its size. The maximum moving speed is 70mm per second.
- Best For
- Ideal for young children and beginners, this printer offers a safe and straightforward 3D printing experience for those starting to learn about 3D modeling and printing.
WEEDO Tina2
https://www.weedo3d.com/products/weedo-tina
Price: $159
- Key Features
- Fully assembled and ready to use out of the box, this printer is perfect for kids and beginners. It is a small 3D printer that is fully assembled and can be used right out of the box with a Plug and Play setup.
- Producing high-quality prints with dual linear z-axis to ensure reliable and fast printing, it is factory tested, so leveling is not needed when it arrives.
- It has automatic bed leveling as well as a magnetic build plate; it performs a 3-point alignment on the 100x100x100mm build plate. The compact footprint of the printer is 210x210x290mm.
- Pros
- Small and portable design.
- Ready to print out of the box.
- Good customer support.
- Compatible with most common slicers such as Cura or PrusaSlicer.
- Control buttons are located on the outside of the printer for easy access.
- Cons
- Limited to small print projects due to the small print bed size.
- The enclosed frame of the printer does not allow for modification if needed.
- No included touch screen; it features a standard LCD display but is controllable through a computer or SD card.
- The filament spool holder on the printer only supports very small rolls of filament.
- Customers would need a larger filament roll holder for larger rolls.
- Best For
- Kids interested in small-scale projects and experimenting.
Easythreed K6
https://www.amazon.com/Printing-100x100x100mm-Removable-Touchscreen-Beginners/dp/B0CQLPW4TJ?th=1
Price: $119
- Key Features
- Child-friendly interface
- Pre-loaded design catalog
- Compatible with PLA filament
- Low price; can be easily assembled with minimal tools
- Pros
- Designed specifically for kids
- Easy setup and operation
- Educational resources available
- Compatible with almost any PLA filament
- Despite its very low price range, it can be slightly modified and upgraded to some extent.
- Spare parts are available for this printer at an affordable price. Its repairability is a big plus.
- Removable magnetic print bed
- Cons
- Limited build volume: This printer only has a 100x100x100 mm print bed. Bed leveling must be done manually.
- This version of the 3D printer has only four buttons for operation. Despite having only four buttons, it is fully functional.
- The spool holder on the printer is almost useless due to its extremely small size. Customers will likely need to purchase a separate spool holder.
- Print speed is extremely slow, running between 10 and 40mm per second.
- Best For
- Kids who enjoy creative projects and easy access to a variety of printable designs.
- People who want a very small 3D printer to print items, as it is compact enough to fit on a bookshelf.
Easythreed K5
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256805176192966.html?channel=twinner
Price: $124.74
- Key Features
- Compact egg-shaped design includes lids for the front and back of the machine to keep small kids' fingers away from moving parts.
- One-button printing and comes with its own pre-built software to slice 3D files. Also compatible with Cura, Simplify 3D, and other popular slicing programs.
- PLA filament compatibility.
- Very small print build size of 80x80x100 mm with an accuracy of 0.1-0.2 mm.
- Print speed ranges between 10-40 mm per second.
- Pros
- Very easy to use with one-button operation on the printer, tutorials, and a massive 3D model library to choose from.
- Safe for children with a low-temperature nozzle. Operates between 12 and 30 volts, which is relatively low for a 3D printer.
- Quiet operation.
- Cons
- Very Limited build volume
- Basic print quality
- Best For
- Children looking for a simple, user-friendly 3D printer.
Detailed Comparison
- Safety Features
- Most of these beginner introductory printers have guards on the front and back so that small hands and fingers cannot get caught in the machines.
- Ease of Use
- Setup process, user interface, and simplicity of operation
- Print Quality
- Clear resolution is about the same as any other 3D printers. print quality will vary among different machines including print speed.
- Durability
- Sometimes the durability of these machines is somewhat poor, as parts are mass-manufactured plastic to keep costs low, while others have metal enclosures that may be a bit more robust.
- The value of these types of introductory-level machines for kids is good as long as the sites they're used on are easy enough to navigate and provide features such as troubleshooting.
- Availability of learning resources and ease of integration into educational activities:
- Most of these resources are located on the manufacturer's website.
Advantages of Cheap 3D Printers for Kids
- Affordability
- Low initial cost making it accessible for families
- Educational Value
- Promotes STEM learning and creativity. Young kids can begin learning how to use a 3D printer Investing in a large complicated machine.
- Ease of Use
- Designed to be user-friendly for children. Most of these types of machines are user friendly and have minimal buttons. The buttons are usually large so that kids are able to read what they are for.
Disadvantages of Cheap 3D Printers for Kids
- Limited Features
- The features of these types of printers are extremely limited and they're usually locked and proprietary. Most of the time, they have very little room for modification or upgrades, if any, and sometimes they don't offer replacement parts with some companies.
- Small Build Volume
- Compared to 3D printers, these types of printers have extremely small print beds, suitable mainly for extremely small prints and items intended for decoration as they can only handle PLA.
- Print Speed
- Generally much slower than high-end printers.
Conclusion
Selecting an affordable 3D printer for kids involves balancing cost with features like safety, ease of use, and educational value. The printers listed here provide a great starting point for young enthusiasts, allowing them to explore the world of 3D printing safely and enjoyably.
FAQ
What is a reasonable price for a 3D printer?
A reasonable price for a 3D printer can vary based on your needs and budget. For beginners, good quality entry-level printers can range from $200 to $500. More advanced models with larger build volumes and higher precision can cost between $1,000 and $3,000, while industrial-grade printers can exceed $10,000.
What is the best 3D printer under $100?
Finding a reliable 3D printer under $150 is challenging, as most quality models exceed this price point. However, some highly affordable options occasionally come up on sale, or you might find a used printer in this price range. Look for mini or portable 3D printers, but be prepared for limited features and smaller build volumes.
What is the cheapest 3D print type?
The cheapest 3D printing type is typically Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) using PLA (Polylactic Acid) filament. PLA is inexpensive, easy to use, and widely available, making it a popular choice for hobbyists and beginners.
How much should I spend on my first 3D printer?
For your first 3D printer, spending between $200 and $500 is a good range. This budget allows you to get a reliable and user-friendly printer without breaking the bank. Models like the Creality Ender 3 or the Anycubic i3 Mega are popular choices in this range.
Is 3D printing an expensive hobby?
3D printing can be an expensive hobby, but it depends on your goals and usage. Initial costs include the printer, filament, and any necessary accessories. Ongoing costs include filament, maintenance, and potential upgrades. However, many hobbyists find it a rewarding and cost-effective way to create custom items and prototypes.
Is it worth investing in a 3D printer?
Investing in a 3D printer is worth it if you enjoy DIY projects, prototyping, and creating custom objects. It can save money in the long run if you frequently need parts or products that you can print yourself. Additionally, it offers educational benefits and can be a fun, creative outlet. However, if you only need occasional 3D printed items, using a 3D printing service might be more cost-effective.
