3D printing has revolutionized how hobbyists, engineers, and creatives bring ideas to life. However, if you’ve purchased the cheapest 3D printer available, you might quickly notice its limitations in print quality, speed, and reliability. The good news? With a few strategic upgrades, you can transform your budget-friendly machine into a high-performing printer capable of producing professional-grade prints.
In this guide, we’ll cover essential upgrades to improve the precision, durability, and efficiency of your cheapest 3D printer, ensuring you get the best possible prints without breaking the bank.
Improve the Print Bed
A low-quality print bed can lead to adhesion issues, warping, and failed prints. Consider upgrading to a glass or PEI-coated build plate. A glass bed, like Borosilicate glass, provides a smooth, flat surface that enhances first-layer adhesion. Meanwhile, a PEI sheet offers a better grip and eliminates the need for adhesives like glue or tape.
To further improve adhesion, invest in a heated bed (if your printer doesn’t already have one) to maintain consistent temperatures and prevent warping.
Switch to an All-Metal Hotend
The stock hotends on the 3D printers often struggle with higher temperatures and can cause clogs. An all-metal hotend upgrade increases temperature stability, allowing you to print with high-temperature filaments like PETG, ABS, and even Nylon. This results in stronger, more heat-resistant prints with improved layer adhesion and turns your cheapest one into the best 3D printer.
Upgrade the Cooling System
Proper cooling plays a crucial role in achieving sharp details and reducing stringing. Many entry-level printers come with underpowered fans. Installing a more powerful part cooling fan and a better heat sink helps in cooling filament layers faster, reducing warping and improving print precision. Look for a 5015 radial blower fan for optimal performance.
Install Better Stepper Motor Drivers
Stepper motors control the movement of your print head and bed. Many budget printers use noisy and less precise drivers. Upgrading to silent stepper motor drivers, such as TMC2209 or TMC2100, reduces motor noise while improving motion smoothness. This results in quieter operation and more detailed prints with fewer layer inconsistencies.
Upgrade the Stock Nozzle
Many budget 3D printers come with a standard brass nozzle that wears out quickly, especially if you print with abrasive materials. Upgrading to a hardened steel or ruby-tipped nozzle enhances durability and allows you to print with a wider range of 3D printer materials, including carbon fibre and metal-infused filaments.
A nozzle upgrade also helps in achieving finer details in your prints. Opt for a smaller nozzle size (0.2mm–0.3mm) if you need precision or a larger one (0.6mm+) for faster prints.
Use High-Quality Filament
Even with the best upgrades, poor-quality filament will yield subpar results. Investing in premium filament ensures better extrusion consistency, fewer clogs, and stronger prints. Look for reputable brands that offer well-spooled, moisture-resistant filaments with a consistent diameter.
Add Auto Bed Leveling
Manually levelling your print bed can be time-consuming and frustrating. Installing an auto bed levelling sensor, such as a BLTouch or inductive probe, ensures a perfect first layer every time. This upgrade eliminates bed levelling issues and improves print success rates.
Consider a Sturdier Frame and Enclosure
Cheaper 3D printers often have weak, wobbly frames that affect print accuracy. Reinforcing the frame with aluminum extrusions or braces can stabilize movements and reduce vibrations. For materials prone to warping, like ABS, using an enclosure helps maintain a stable temperature and minimizes layer separation.
Final Thoughts
With these strategic upgrades, your cheapest printer can rival the performance of some of the best models on the market. From upgrading your nozzle and hotend to fine-tuning firmware and improving cooling, these modifications will ensure high-quality prints and a more reliable printing experience. While these upgrades require some investment, they cost significantly less than purchasing large 3D printers, making them an excellent option for anyone looking to enhance their budget machine.
