3D Printer Suggestions?

[Ryan_Todd]

DISCLAIMER
The following statements and opinions are solely my own, and do not reflect the views of my employer (Bosch) or their affiliates (such as Dremel).

I have not had the opportunity to work with an Ultimaker, Lulzbot, or Flashforge machine, but I hear that Ultimaker is a solid choice.

I have had the opportunity to work with several others in this price/volume range, however, and so I can offer opinions on those:

• Makerbot
  • Previous generations were iffy, but the latest generation is solid.
  • Pushes out of your price range ($2500 at last check).
    .
• FABtotum
  • Amazing concept: 3D printer, 4-axis CNC mill, and 3D laser scanner all in one.
  • Unrefined product, poor customer support.
    .
• Dremel
  • Best success rate, least calibration required, and best customer support out of any 3D printer I've worked with-- and that's just the 1st-gen model (3D20).
  • The 2nd-gen model (3D40) is about to launch in a few weeks-- although it is being positioned as the 3D20's big brother rather than its replacement.
  • Neither of the Dremel printers can use ABS filament, but I don't miss that capability at all. Especially in an education setting, ABS is more trouble than it's worth!
  • Note: Both of the Dremel 3D printers are only labelled for use with official Dremel filament.