3D printing is a complex and expensive process, due to the high capital costs and labor involved in manufacturing them. Demand for 3D printers is not as high as for traditional ink printers, making it difficult to get price discounts. The materials used in 3D printing can also be costly, and improvements in technology keep prices high. Shipping costs are increased by the weight of the filament wound onto a plastic or metal shaft, and treatments may be needed after printing to make the model ready for use.
Cheap 3D printers are limited in what they can do, and more expensive models have features that are impossible to achieve with DIY 3D printing. The materials used in the 3D printer must also be able to withstand wear and tear, and the first layer of 3D printing is the most important layer. FDM 3D printers are the cheapest option, while SLS 3D printers are the most expensive. A cold extraction method can be used to clean the hotend and nozzle of a 3D printer when there are filament jams or clogs. To get the most out of a 3D printer, it's important to put it to good use or else you'll just end up spending money on an expensive machine.
