Find Yourself a 3D Printer - 3D Printing: Build your Own 3D Printer and Print your own 3D Objects - page 27

That's the print limit for the Simple. If you want to print anything that won't fit
inside a cube with 4" sides, you'll need to consider a 3D printer with a larger
print area. But if you're wanting to experiment with the 3D printing hobby without
spending a lot of money, the Simple will get you some hands-on time with both the
hardware and software and let you test the waters before you consider upgrading
to a more expensive and more feature-filled 3D printer.
Note
There's a great way to print larger objects with a 3D printer like the
Simple that doesn't have the largest print area, and it involves breaking
up your 3D models into smaller parts that can be connected with ad-
hesives or methods, such as slots or even small screws. This can add to
the complexity of designing an object, but you should be aware that a
small print area doesn't necessarily limit you to printing larger plastic
objects...you've just got to be more creative in your solution.
What might you want to look for in more expensive 3D printers? Here are some
things to consider before making a purchase:
• Multicolor support—Most hobbyist 3D printers can print using one feed of
plastic filament. Because filament can come in colors, there are also printers
that can be loaded with two to four colored filaments using dual extruders, al-
lowing you to print 3D objects using a mix of colors. It's a bit more advanced
to print with multiple colors, but it is possible with some higher-end 3D print-
ers. (Rumor has it that Printrbot is working on an upgrade to the Simple that
will allow you to buy an upgrade for the single extruder that will turn it into
a dual extruder, allowing you to print in two colors! It's not available right
now, but I suspect it could be available by the time you're reading this topic.)
• Customer support—Most 3D printer sellers are more than happy to answer
technical questions from customers, but many of them push customers to an
online forum or an email support system. Some sellers have customer sup-
port phone numbers and others do not. You'll want to consider the level of
support provided when purchasing a kit or a preassembled 3D printer. Kits
seem to typically spur more questions from owners, so make certain if you
buy a kit that you can get help from the seller should you have problems.
• Proprietary filament—Some 3D printer sellers require you to purchase their
plastic filament. They can do this because they use some type of special spool