The printer you want is going to depend on the material you want to print with. If you're running a really small startup (i.e. keeping your day job while trying to get this up and running), you may be in the market for a desktop printer.
Most 3D desktop printers are filament deposition manufacturing, or FDM, printers. They use spools of strings of plastic that they melt and lay down as thin layers to build up the object you're printing. If you're making phone cases, using plastic makes sense. These are also going to be the most budget friendly, with options ranging from ~$500-$1500.
There are other FDM printers that use other materials. These are going to cost you more, and for your needs I can't really see it being the way to go, though you could maybe do some interesting things with a Sugru printer.
Beyond that, you're getting into Stereolithographic or SL 3D printers, which use resin. They can print extremely accurately, so if your customizations are super detailed, you may need to spring for one of those, but beware that you'll be looking at ~$3,000 for one.
There are also 3D printers that use powders, but these are the most expensive and typically most industrial. They can print with nearly any powder, including metal. They're also a lot more expensive.
All that said, if you're looking for a simple FDM 3D printer to get your business up and running, the FlashForge 3d Printer Creator is my recommendation. At $1,349 it's near the higher end of the desktop price range, but you're getting a dual-extruder printer (meaning you can print in 2 colors), and it works with both PLA and ABS plastics, so you have some options with materials. It's a really solid build with great reviews for customer service, and comes assembled right out of the box.
If you want any more information about the best desktop 3D printers, check out Comparaboo's list of the Best Rated 3D Printers, and in a few days look for a more extensive buying guide on our site.
Canon Support number There are other FDM printers that use other materials. These are going to cost you more, and for your needs I can't really see it being the way to go, though you could maybe do some interesting things with a Sugru printer.
Beyond that, you're getting into Stereolithographic or SL 3D printers, which use resin. They can print extremely accurately, so if your customizations are super detailed, you may need to spring for one of those, but beware that you'll be looking at ~$3,000 for one.
There are also 3D printers that use powders, but these are the most expensive and typically most industrial. They can print with nearly any powder, including metal. They're also a lot more expensive.
All that said, if you're looking for a simple FDM 3D printer to get your business up and running, the FlashForge 3d Printer Creator is my recommendation. At $1,349 it's near the higher end of the desktop price range, but you're getting a dual-extruder printer (meaning you can print in 2 colors), and it works with both PLA and ABS plastics, so you have some options with materials. It's a really solid build with great reviews for customer service, and comes assembled right out of the box.
If you want any more information about the best desktop 3D printers, check out Comparaboo's list of the Best Rated 3D Printers, and in a few days look for a more extensive buying guide on our site.
