Dremel Digilab 3D40 Award Winning 3D Printer, Idea Builder with semi-automated Leveling, Print PLA at 100 Micron Resolution

I had experience printing with a beta-version resin printer, but it would take hours and the results were less than satisfactory for what I was trying to print (not to mention the cost of resin), so I decided to get a second printer. I desired one which could give professional results and cost less than $1500. After much frustration with what was out there, I finally found the Dremel 3D40 and it seemed to have decent reviews...most importantly, however, the reviews emphasized the excellent tech support (whereas other printers had limited, uncaring, or no tech support). I purchased one in November of 2016. I am glad I did, and I would like to explain why.Firstly, many of the reviews on 3D printers are written by people who seem to think that 3D printing is a matter of "pushing a button and having a perfect print magically appear". such is not the case; 3D printing is a "black art" of sorts, and how any given model is designed and laid out is as important as how well the printer works. It took a few weeks before I figured out some of the secrets. The Print Studio software (which is available to download with purchase) is actually not half-bad software! Once one gets the hang of tweaking the settings (hint: always enable the raft!), it nearly always yields successful prints! The few non-successful prints I had were more a matter of how my model was designed and laid out in the print software...once I reworked the model in question, prints were universally successful! One complaint I read is that the 3D40 can only be used with Dremel filament. I have read numerous accounts of people using other filaments with this printer, but I personally have no problem whatsoever with the Dremel filament. One spool lasts a surprisingly long time! There have been occasions where I needed to contact tech support, and I would like to mention that they are quite possibly the BEST tech support team I have yet encountered. Yes, they will get back to you, and yes they have solved every problem I have had. The most common problem is an occasional clogged print head, and they have excellent directions which will allow you to make the repair at home (I have had to do this once since I purchased the printer). It is otherwise easy to maintain. I did have a problem with the leveling mechanism; they gave me excellent instructions on sending the printer in for repair/replacement of the defective component. The turnaround time was about one week (including shipping time). Again, save the box and material the printer came in just in case it is needed! Print time is relatively fast (my prints took anywhere from under 20 minutes to about 12 hours for a large, complex print; the resin printer takes FAR longer). Another complaint I've read on the 3D40 is that there is no heated print bed. While this might be an improvement for future models, I have had no problems with removing prints. As long as the glass is covered (either by Dremel's prepared stick-on surfaces or by blue painter's tape), prints can be easily removed. Finally, the filament yields a very nice matt, shine-free print. I use white filament, and I find that it takes primer and paint very well. Plastruct Plastic Weld (with the orange label and NOT the white label) has proven to be an excellent and strong adhesive. Filament is readily available and not that expensive at all. In conclusion, I strongly recommend this printer, if only for the tech support. The only improvements I can think of (other than the heated print bed) is better instructions for the Print studio software. Though it is simple enough software, it has a LOT of parameters which might need to be adjusted to yield the best results. I give the Dremel 3D40 five stars and tech support six stars (out of five)!

I will never buy any other printer! I started 3D printing using a Dremel 3D20model and traded that in for a 3D40 model when Dremel released that version.While I was absolutely pleased with the 3D20. I bought the 3D20 based on priceand research. I wasn't about to pay $3,000 dollars and up just to make items. Dremel made an affordable and easy to use 3D printer with the models that they have released. The printer is extremely easy to use, you do notneed a degree in CAD to start printing as they have partnered with Simplify 3Dwhich is a program that does magic with print files. The 3D40 is easy to levelas it is almost self leveling, by just adjusting 2 dials, and the printer willtell you when it's level. Filament is easy to load from the side of the machine.It evens stops printing when you run out of filament, and the printer willresume at the point it ran out. A nice feature to have when you're printing alarge model overnight.I now have 3 3D40 printers that I almost run 24 hours a day without any issues,other than normal wear and tear of parts. Dremel is AMERICAN MADE, and theirheadquarters and service department is located in Racine Wisconsin. The peoplein service are tremendous, knowledgeable, fast and efficient with any of the fewrepairs that I have needed.I print model tanks, cars, and trucks from the WW I era to current on the internet.Following is a review a customer just left for me:"Great piece!!!Very excited about the pieces I have ordered from this source. The pieces alwaysare packed great, look fantastic, as they are made to order every corner andfitting are terrific. The items always have a very realistic design, what elsecan I say. Tanks a lot! :-)"Dremel is the printer you need to buy to start your journey in the world of 3Dprinting.