One of the issues 3D printer hobbyists face is holes and gaps in 3D prints. These issues can occur in any 3D print (even on the best 3D Printers ) and they compromise the print's structural integrity and overall strength and usually appear as small cracks on the print’s surface. Sometimes, they appear as more profound weaknesses that distort the intended geometry accuracy, which can lead to mechanical failure, especially for the functional prints or prototypes,
Recycled plastic utensils make surprisingly good 3D printer filament
We live in a world with plenty of waste from our day-to-day activities—why not repurpose your trash? At least, that’s what CNC Kitchen (as they’re known over on YouTube ) seems to have been thinking when he recently melted down plastic kitchen cutlery into working 3D printer filament.
CNC Kitchen uses a custom filament extruder to pull this project off. It works by taking plastic pellets (or, in this case, scrap kitchenware plastic)
Anycubic Kobra 2 Max Review: A Diamond in the Rough
Tom's Hardware Verdict
The Kobra 2 Max is a super sized printer with an amazing amount of speed that you can’t use if you want quality prints.
Pros
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Massive build size
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Speed
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Auto bed leveling
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Flex Plate
Cons
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Proprietary Nozzle
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Massive footprint
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Ugly Z seams at speed
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The Anycubic Kobra 2 Max
I Tried 3D Printing a Gun: It’s Not as Easy as You Think
With America’s high rate of gun violence – 2021 saw the highest number of gun deaths in U.S. history – many lawmakers and activists have turned their concerns to the phenomenon of 3D-printed firearms. These so-called “ghost guns,” can be made at home, don’t have a serial number or registration, and just about any 3D printer can make one.
In response
WeCreat Vision 20 Watt Review: Simple, Powerful, and Fast
Tom's Hardware Verdict
The WeCreat Vision is a powerful 20 watt laser engraver that brings a polished experience to the sub-$2,000 price point.
Pros
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Class 1 laser with full enclosure
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20W laser cuts quickly
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Large working area
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Integrated laser bed
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Camera provides preview
Cons
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AI image mode is a bit of a gimmick
Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.
Rencolor's latest 3D printer can print in six colors, and even do gradients
TechSpot is celebrating its 25th anniversary. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust .
Forward-looking: Rencolor has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a new 3D printer capable of printing in up to half a dozen colors. The six-color printer can print in a variety of modes including single color, blend, gradient, and segmented color modes. Printing size is limited to 295 mm (W) x 295 mm (D) x 360 mm (H) with
Bambu Lab A1 Review: Full Size Bed Slinger
Tom's Hardware Verdict
The A1 is a reliable and quiet high speed printer at a competitive price. The optional AMS makes it an affordable introduction to four color printing for anyone who wants Bambu Lab’s quality without the premium price tag of the X1 series.
Pros
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Speed
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Intuitive Interface
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Quick change nozzle
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Inexpensive AMS (optional)
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Direct Drive
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Auto bed leveling
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PEI coated flexible build plate
Cons
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AMS takes up a lot of space
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AMS flings waste
Why you can trust Tom
Kickstarter campaign promises to bring Lotmaxx's all-in-one 3D printer and laser to market
TechSpot is celebrating its 25th anniversary. TechSpot means tech analysis and advice you can trust .
Bottom line: There are other products on the market that can double as both a 3D printer and a laser engraver that don't have the riskiness inherent in a Kickstarter campaign. But Lotmaxx sets itself apart by developing a product that also has stellar specs as well as a camera system and RGB lighting.
Lotmaxx is now launching a 3D printer called the ET that can double as a laser engraver. It also
Mingda Magician Pro2 Review: Big, Quiet Prints
Tom's Hardware Verdict
Mingda’s Magician Pro2 is an easy-to-use, thankfully quiet, large format 3D printer with quality prints.
Pros
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Quiet operation
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Auto bed leveling
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Direct drive
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Flex Plate
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Easy assembly
Cons
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Slow
Why you can trust Tom's Hardware Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus 3D Printer Review: Galaxy-Sized Prints at the Speed of Light
Tom's Hardware Verdict
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus takes the previous generation Neptune 3 Plus and brings it to the next level with high speed capabilities, integrated Wi-Fi, and exciting Klipper features.
Pros
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400W PSU for rapid nozzle and bed heating
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Integrated Wi-Fi
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Powerful part cooling fan module
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Silent stepper drivers
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5.2:1 dual gear direct drive extruder
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Klipper firmware
Cons
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Custom nozzle size currently not available
