You've probably seen tons of videos on social media where people show off something they've 3D printed. While it is cool and all, there are limited videos telling you about the downsides of buying one, so before you do, here's what you should consider.

1. Various Units Have Limitation Sizes

There are different brands and models you can purchase, and each of them has build limitations in terms of size. If you want to create bigger builds, you might have to opt for more expensive units. If not, you will have to cut up the 3D model into smaller pieces so the printer can make it, and it will take you more time.

2. Visible Layer Lines

Again, this can depend on the kind of unit you purchase. Although 3D printing is done by layer, some models are capable of creating builds that barely show layer lines. Others, however, are so visible that you might need to do extra work to make it look flawless. There are users who suggest placing the printer on a steady platform to reduce this.

3. Extra Work After Printing

Depending on the builds you make, you might need to make the surface smoother through various processes like sanding, priming, or painting it. This can be more difficult if the model you printed has smaller features which you might end up smoothing out. Not only is this extra work but it can also be messy.

4. You'll Need to Buy Filaments

Unlike the sci-fi movies that show materials being produced out of thin air, you actually need to buy filament so your 3D printer can use it to build your models. The materials can also come in resin, rubber, powder, and other forms, and some are more expensive than others. Depending on how often you print, it might get expensive over time.

5. Learning 3D Modeling Can Be Hard

Other than learning how to operate the 3D printer itself, you will also have to learn how to create 3D models through software if you want to make customized builds, and it might take significantly more time to learn that, especially if you have no background knowledge of it. You can always just buy or download pre-made builds, but you might not find what you want.

Read Also: 6 Fun Things You Can Create with a 3D Printer

6. Long Printing Time

When content creators show their works and the process of making it, it's usually sped up so we can't really grasp just how long it can take to print one model. The simplest models can take just minutes before they are done, but some builds that are more complex and bigger in size can take hours if not days. That leaves little room for mistakes.

7. High Initial Costs

If you intend to use it for business, then having initial costs can be seen as an investment. However, for people who simply want a 3D printer for hobbies, the cost might be too high. Entry-level printers can already cost up to $500. If you want one with smoother prints, you might have to spend up to $4,000, even $20,000 for professional-grade units. 

Related: 5 Tips for 3D Printing: Methods to Smoothen Your Prints