Without a heated bed, you are limited to PLA, the other main type of plastic.) (ABS, one of the two most common types of plastic used for 3D printing, and other materials shrink as they cool. Heated bed: Heated beds prevent prints from warping, help models stick to the print bed, and allow you to print using a wider range of materials.As a result, beginners need only a print bed that’s large enough to print models about the size of a small tissue box.

Large-enough print volume: It would be nice to have the ability to print objects as large as you want, but the reality is that most models found in libraries like Thingiverse are designed for small 3D-printer beds, with workarounds for combining several printed pieces to create a larger object.It’s a big plus if a printer is compatible with Ultimaker Cura, which has become somewhat of an industry standard and a favorite of ours.

The software should come preloaded with print settings but provide options for more experienced users to fine-tune.

Intuitive software: Beginners should be able to jump right into using a printer’s software, including making adjustments to models before printing.

A design that requires you to keep a computer tethered to the printer at all times via USB is a serious flaw but not necessarily a dealbreaker. Loading files onto an SD card that you plug into the printer is also okay. Ample connectivity options: Ideally, you should be able to start a print over Wi-Fi or transfer the file over a USB cable.The bed should also level itself or be simple to level manually (a sloping print bed can cause printing errors). Easy-to-use hardware: Even a complete beginner should be able to put the printer together, load filament, start a print, and remove a finished model from the print bed.High-quality prints: Without too much tweaking, the printer should put out smooth-looking models with layers that are 0.1 mm or thinner and barely visible.

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