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Hello, I own a small engineering prototype company and am looking to get my first 3d printer. The products that I work on vary immensely depending on the current job. A lot are housings for electronic components, small support pieces, mounting clips, etc. I would say the most important item to me, is dimensional accuracy. The parts I’m printing have to fit within other components, such as lcd screens, buttons, etc. The two printers that I feel could best suit my needs are the form 2 and the ultimaker 3. I’m trying to stay around that price range. I like the ultimaker for its disolvable supports, wider material options, and larger build volume. I like the form 2 for its field details, support staff, and print success rate. I would greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions!

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Hi,

Perhaps this link can be useful for you to compare and contrast different models that have been reviewed by our existing Hubs: Best 3D Printer Guide 2023 | Hubs

On the same page there are links to directly buy each of the printers from guaranteed sellers.

I hope this helps. Do let me know if you require any further assistance.

Best,

Nahla - 3D Hubs

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Hey there,

DO NOT BUY A FORM THEY ARE TERRIBLE PRINTERS.

Now that that is out of the way. I would recremond you buy a Lulzbot Taz 6. It works with tons of materials and is open source, so you can manipulate it to fit you needs, but it already works very well. It also has a bigger build volume than the Ulitmaker and is cheaper. I have been 3D printing for 3 years and it is one of the best printers I have come across.

Hope this helps,

Jacob

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How do you think it compares with the mini? Would the dimensional accuracy be better for small parts with the mini?

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I don’t usually pay a whole lot of attention to the accuracy of my prints, but the one that just came off my printer is .025 inches off. What I would recommend if that number is too high for you is to buy simplify3D (slicing software $150) with the printer and do test prints and adjust the tolerances until you get it right. As far as the mini goes I have never used it, but I think it’s all about the same the nozzle might be slightly smaller which helps. If you want to save even more money you can build a lulzbot taz 6 for about $1,600 using parts from their website (it’s all open source) you will need some experience in wiring electronics.

let me know if you need anything else,

Jacob