New 3D printers that cost less than $500

Interesting attempt to capture the low end of the market. As a Replicator owner (and a "Cupcake" user) the things that make for a good 3D extrusion printer are rigidity, flow control on the extruder, a heated build platform, and most importantly <i>moderated air flow</i>. All of the 'open air' printers suffer from print failures when a cool breeze causes the plastic to freeze to quickly, shrink and then warp off the platform.<p>Bottom line is that you can build your own Reprap for less than $500, get to know it very well, and have a lot of fun. But if you want to buy a 'tool' and start doing 3D prints with it, you probably won't be satisfied with the &#60; $1000 printers out there.

I was in the market for a 3D printer a while back, but I was really put off by how low quality, amateur-esque the entry-level 3D printers were (Reprap and co) at the &#60; $1000 price mark; while on the other hand, how freakishly expensive the professional 3D printers were ($15,000+). I was surprised at the lack of options in the middle. Replicator 2 seems to be a step in the right direction, but it's not quite there yet IMHO.<p>Does anyone have any recommendations in the $5k range? A larger chamber size is an absolute must.

I'm surprised they didn't mention the Solidoodle. $499 for the base model. I've ordered it ... hope to get it before the end of the year.<p>The main reason I'm getting it is to explore the software tools for 3D printing. I don't expect professional grade prints from the device. When I was in grad school, we had access to one of the 10K+ 3D printers. However, it was a big hassle using those (required chemical baths to remove filler material, etc.).<p>What I am very surprised by is the number of companies trying to make 3D printers. While competition is usually good for customers, I am concerned that the large number of offerings will fragment the user base.

I think the more interesting segment of the 3D printer market is the slightly higher end printers that are much easier to use than the cheapest ones. A really cheap 3D printer takes a lot of effort to keep running well (calibration, etc).

I'm not so much worried about the cost of the printer, it's $50/lb price of the plastic that's bothering me.