Can you imagine the delight in your child's eyes when they see their very own creations moving? This is the magic of 3d printing and now more easily than ever, kids can gain access to it. The industry, as a whole, will become more accessible and kid-friendly which is expected to be reflected in the increasing number of beginner-version printers by 2024 that are all designed to inspire young creators.
So today we are going to talk about the 5 best things for budding school engineers and artists of all ages. These printers cover the full spectrum of user-friendly interfaces to safe, durable design - letting kids around the globe know their wildest ideas are within reach. Whether your child decides to print toys, gadgets, or perhaps even something functional for the house, this high-quality 3D printer company is a solution that can keep children engaged and teach them at the same time
So get set to unleash an infinite number of wonders, and see the imagination of your child reach the skies. The future of 3D printing is now, and it's never been more fun for the youngest generation.
What is a 3D Printer?
Before we dive into the details of the best 05 printers for your kids, it’s necessary for you to know the basics of a 3D printer. Such as the best purposes of a 3D printer, how it works, what it is made of etc.
3D printers can teach children a lot about technology, design, creativity, and problem-solving through practical applications. So you can’t measure its worthiness by money.
A 3D printer builds three-dimensional items layer by layer from a digital model, in contrast to traditional printers that print flat, two-dimensional images on paper.
The way we make things has been completely transformed by the innovative 3D printer.
Numerous industries, including consumer products, architecture, healthcare, automotive, and aerospace, have benefited from the adaptability of 3D printing technology. It makes on-demand manufacturing, customized production, and quick prototyping possible, which cuts production costs, waste, and time-to-market.
Teaching children about 3D printing has several educational advantages. Enabling users to convert digital concepts into actual products, encourages creativity and develops problem-solving and innovative abilities.
Children acquire knowledge in geometry, spatial thinking, and engineering principles through practical experience.
In addition, 3D printing promotes cooperation and teamwork since users come up with ideas and solve problems as a group. When students see their designs come to life, it gives them a sense of success that increases drive and self-assurance.
The majority of 3D printers are built from a mix of plastic, metal, and electronic parts. Below is a summary of the primary materials that are usually used:
Kids can operate 3D printers that are intended for novice users and have easy-to-use interfaces, basic controls, and safety measures. printing da Vinci Mini and FlashForge Finder models are good examples.
Metal: Metal is frequently used in the construction of several 3D printer structural parts, including the heated build platform, gantry, and frame, to offer accuracy, stability, and longevity during printing. Because of their machinability and strength-to-weight ratio, steel and aluminum are frequently utilized.
Electronic Parts: A 3D printer's electronic parts include wire, circuit boards, sensors, motors, and power supplies. These parts read digital instructions, manage the printer's general operation, control the movement of the print head, and control temperature. PCBs, or printed circuit boards, are usually composed of fiberglass strengthened with epoxy resin; on the other hand, motors and sensors are composed of both plastic and metal components.
Plastic: A variety of plastic kinds are used in 3D printers, mostly for filament spools, casings, and non-structural parts. Because of their affordability, accessibility, and ease of usage, PLA (polylactic acid) and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) are commonly used as filament materials.
Glass: To provide a level, solid printing surface and to help the printed object stick to the heated build platform, certain 3D printers have glass build platforms.
Ultimate Buying Guide
The best 3D printer for kids needs to be carefully chosen in the modern environment when technology is easily incorporated into play and education. The important components listed in this shopping advice will guarantee young creators a smooth and fulfilling experience.
We'll go over important factors that put enjoyment and education first, from security measures to intuitive user interfaces. Choosing the ideal 3D printer for your child will be made easier if you are aware of these characteristics, whether you are a parent, teacher, or just interested in encouraging creativity in kids.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Kids 3D Printer:
Safety: It is crucial to protect children's safety when they are near 3D printers. To reduce potential risks during printing sessions, look for printers with features like enclosed printing areas and low-temperature materials.
Furthermore, give preference to models that have the necessary safety certificates to ensure that they comply with industry requirements. Although these precautions lay the groundwork for safety, it is crucial to keep a close eye on kids while they are using the printer.
Ease of Use: For kids, it's all about simplicity. Look for printers with easy-to-use software interfaces, pre-loaded designs, and straightforward controls. Children can use the printer more independently and with less frustration if it has features like automatic bed leveling and filament detection.
Affordability: It's critical to strike a balance between price and quality when choosing a 3D printer for kids. Select models that are functional without being extremely expensive. Recall that the goal is to give kids a cost-effective instrument for learning and creative expression.
Durability and Build Quality: In light of kids' tendency for harsh handling, durability must come first. Seek for printers made of durable materials that can resist the rough use of small children. To make sure the printer's parts are durable and resistant to deterioration, evaluate their dependability.
Print Quality and Speed: Considering children's limited attention spans, it's crucial to strike a balance between speed and quality, even if excellent prints are preferred. Choose printers that print at a respectable pace with respectable quality to keep users interested and cut down on wait times.
Cost and Value: Consider the total cost of ownership, which includes not just the original purchase price but also recurring costs such as replacement components and filament. Look for printers that maximize the investment in kids' education and creativity by providing high long-term value without sacrificing quality.
Educational Features: Prioritize printers that provide instructional materials like lesson plans, design challenges, and tutorials over those with only the most basic printing capabilities. Partnerships with academic institutions can enhance the educational process and help kids develop their creativity and skills.
Support and Community: Take into consideration the customer support services that are offered and the existence of a community that is supportive of the printer brand. For kids, having access to help and direction can make the process of 3D printing easier and more pleasurable.
Best 5 Kids Friendly 3D Printer 2024
Now that you know all the basic and common facts about 3D printers and the ultimate buying guide, let's dive into the detailed list of the best 05 printers for kids in 2024.
AOSEED X-MAKER 3D PRINTER
The AOSEED X-MAKER 3D Printer is the best option if you're a beginner who wants to stay safe. When properly supervised by an adult, they are simple to operate.
AOSEED X-MAKER 3D Printer is an amazing combination that combines price, convenience of use, and safety. Its enclosed construction, low-temperature PLA filament, and simple controls make printing worry-free, and its pre-loaded designs make use a breeze. It also provides outstanding print quality at a cost-effective pricing range.
Because of its enclosed design, the AOSEED X-MAKER 3D Printer places a high priority on safety, making printing effective and safe for users of all skill levels.
With its easy-to-use controls, the AOSEED X-MAKER 3D Printer simplifies printing and is built for simplicity. Regardless of your level of experience, using its menu and changing its settings is simple.
The AOSEED X-MAKER 3D PRINTER’s cost without sacrificing print quality is one of its most alluring features. It ensures that your designs are recreated with astounding accuracy by delivering remarkable precision and detail.
Specifications :
- Build Volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm (5.9 x 5.9 x 5.9 inches)
- Material: PLA, PETG, ABS (up to 265 degrees)
- Extruder Type: Bowden
- Nozzle: .4 (MK8)
- Build Platform: Soft PC Magnet, heated
- Bed Leveling: Factory Set (Semi-Auto)
- Filament Runout Sensor: Yes
- Connectivity: WiFi, USB
- Interface: 3.5 Inch Touch Screen
- Machine Footprint: 360 x 370 x 370 mm (14.7 x 14.5 x 14.5 inches)
- Machine Weight: 10.9 KG (24 lbs)
- 3.5″ touch screen
- Easy to use
- Flexible & magnetic baseplate
- Resume printing
- Kids friendly design
- Leveling-free bed
App Support:
Kid 3D Design App:
- 15 Fun Mini-Programs
- 2 Free Design Apps
- Huge Toy Library
- One-Click Printing
Pros :
- Enclosed design
- low-temperature PLA filament
- intuitive controls
- pre-loaded designs
- affordability
- excellent print quality.
Cons:
- limited filament color options
Happy Parents Review: “Such an amazing 3D printer, it’s very easy to use and to set up although I’m a total noob in 3D printing… high-quality prints and I don’t even have to worry about my children getting near it, it’s very secure.” (Kenneth)
FLASHFORGE FINDER 3D PRINTER
This FLASHFORGE FINDER provides the ideal balance of dependability and simplicity. It's a great option for young, aspiring designers because of its simple setup, silent functioning, and built-in camera for monitoring.
Specifications :
- Dimensions: 42 x 42 x 42 cm (including cables)
- Weight: 20kg
- Technology: FDM
- Print heads: Single Extruder
- Maximum creation size: 14 x 14 x 14 cm
- Nozzle diameter: 0.4mm
- Compatible material: PLA
- Filament diameter: 1.75mm
- Heated Print surface: no
- Enclosed build chamber: no
- Print speed: 10-200mm/sec
- Positioning Resolution (x/y/z): 11 µm (0.011mm) / 11 µm (0.011mm) / 2.5 µm (0.0025mm)
- Layer thickness: 0.1 – 0.5mm
- Wired: USB & Wi-Fi
- Software Description: FlashPrint
- File Types: STL, .OBJ
- System Requirements: Windows 7 / 8 / Vista +, Mac OS X
App Support:
Kid 3D Design App:
Pros :
- Simple setup
- silent operation,
- monitoring-ready built-in camera,
- reasonable price.
Cons:
- limited compatibility with filaments.
- No Kid-Frinedly App support
Parents Review For The FLASHFORGE FINDER: “ As a parent, I could not ask any more from the FLASHFORGE FINDER 3D Printer; it has always delivered beyond my expectations each time my kid has used it, The simplicity of the design and safety measures provided eases my concern, and this has been a wonderful purchase for any 3D printer lover.” (Michelle)
CREALITY ENDER 3 V2
The pricing and usefulness of the CREALITY ENDER 3 V2 are perfectly balanced. It's a great option for youthful enthusiasts because of its durable design, large build capacity, and open-source software.
Specifications :
- Materials: PLA, TPU, PETG
- Material system: Open material system
- Print size metric: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
- Print size imperial: 8.6 x 8.6 x 9.8 inches
- Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Layer thickness: 100 - 400 Microns
- Closed print chamber: No
- Feeder system: Direct
- Extruder: Single
- Print bed details: Heated bed
- Display: 4.3" LCD
- Connectivity: SD card
- Camera: No
- Slicing: Cura, Simplify3D
- Dimensions metric: 490 x 455 x 625 mm
- Dimensions Imperial: 19.3 x 17.9 x 24.6 inches
- Weight metric: 7.8 kg
- Weight imperial: 17.1 pounds
App Support:
Kid 3D Design App:
Pros:
- Large build volume
- strong design
- free software
- good value
Cons:
- Assembly is required
- Needs upgrades for best results.
Review From Google: “I would like to note that the experience described here applies to only CREALITY ENDER 3 V2 3D printer as a hobbyist 3D printer: easy to use for my kids yet packed with great features that allow for reliable high-quality 3D printing,”(Mary)
XYZPRINTING DA VINCI JR. 1.0 PRO
The DA VINCI JR. 1.0 3D PRINTER from XYZprinting has the potential to become a huge hit in the consumer market. Comfort being the top priority, it requires no calibration and is incredibly simple to set up and operate. It has an unheated print bed and an enclosed print area as safety precautions, and its build capacity is small but not microscopic.
Specifications :
- Build Volume: 200 x 200 x 200 mm (7.8 x 7.8 x 7.8 in.)
- Layer Resolution Low: 400 microns (0.016 in.)
- Layer Resolution High: 100 microns (0.004 in.)
- Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm
- Filament Diameter: 1.75 mm
- Print Speed Min.: 50 mm/s
- Print Speed Max.:150 mm/s
- Brand: XYZPrinting
- Machine type: 3D Printer
- Technology: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
- Materials: PLA, ABS, Nylon, HIPS, PET, FLEX (Elastic TPE), Wood PLA, PETT (T-glass), Rubber-like (TPU), PETG, Z-HIPS, Z-PETG, wood fill - PLA/PHA + fine pinewood
App Support:
Kid 3D Design App:
Reason To Buy:
- Larger interior
- Steel nozzle
- Supercharged printer
- 9-point auto-calibration system
Pros:
- Wi-Fi connectivity,
- filament identification,
- auto-calibration,
- and a variety of filament selections.
Cons:
- Limited software features
- occasional issues with calibration.
Parents Review About The 3D Printer: “I have to state that the Da Vinci Jr. 1. 0 3D Printer is a great pick for beginners for many reasons starting with the fact it is easy to set up and control. The safety options gave me peace of mind and comforted me when it comes to the little hands of children.“ (Patricia)
TOYBOX 3D PRINTER
As a kid-friendly model, the TOYBOX 3D PRINTER performs admirably, providing dependable printing from a browser or mobile device, a few thousand toys for printing, and artistic choices for producing drawings or images. Just be mindful of the small construction area.
Add Specifications :
- 3D-Printing Technology: Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)
- Materials Supported: PLA
- Number of Print Colors: 1
- Number of Extruders: 1
- Frame Design: Open
- Maximum Build Area (HWD): 3.5 by 3.1 by 2.8 inches
- Top Print Resolution: 200 microns
- LCD Screen: yes
- Primary Interface(s): Wi-Fi
- Built-In 3D Scanner: No
- Dimensions (HWD): 9.1 by 7.4 by 7.4 inches
- Weight: 6.6 lbs
- Warranty (Parts/Labor): 1 year(s)
App Support:
Kid 3D Design App:
Reason To Buy:
- Low weight
- Easy to use
- One Touch Operation
- Reliable
- Well composed
Pros:
- bright filament colors,
- user-friendly software,
- kid-friendly design,
- instructional materials.
Cons:
- Build volume restriction for bigger projects.
- App Paid Subscription Required.
Some Good Words About The Printer: “We absolutely adore our Toybox 3D Printer! It has become one of our favorite things in our home as it lets the creativity inside our children come out; besides, the setup process is quite easy and the interface of the printing device makes the process truly enjoyable even for a beginner like me. (Nancy)
Comparison of Specifications
According to the build quality, reliability, user experience, and reviews, the AOSEED X-MAKER 3D PRINTER has become one of the top picks for kids in 2024.
Here are some common comparison factors which make this 3D printer remarkably best in the marketplace.
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Printing Speed: The AOSEED X-MAKER 3D PRINTER usually prints at a good clip when compared to other printers in its class, especially considering its price range. Comes with Kid Friendly design apps.
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Larger Build Volume: Larger projects can benefit from its flexibility and superior print quality because of its build volume, which is frequently higher than that of certain competitors in the same price range.
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Resolution: comparable to other printers in its class, providing good resolution for models that are both visually appealing and useful prototypes.
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Filament Compatibility: Its flexibility in terms of filament compatibility is frequently complimented, enabling users to explore materials other than the standard PLA and ABS.
Educational Value of a 3D Printer
At every educational level, from primary schools to colleges and beyond, a 3D printer is incredibly valuable.
These are some of the main ways that it helps with education:
STEM Education: STEM education integrates theoretical knowledge with real-world application to build skills in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
As they develop and debug prints, students gain creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. As a beginner 12-year-olds can use 3D printers with proper guidance and supervision. There are models specifically designed for beginners that are safe and straightforward to operate.
Creativity and Innovation: By creating original items, students can let their imaginations run wild. Through hands-on exploration of novel concepts and solutions, they learn to invent and explore.
Practical Learning: By allowing students to design, build, and refine tangible objects through iterative processes, 3D printing facilitates practical learning experiences.
Understanding of concepts in engineering, design, mathematics, and other subjects is improved by this tactile connection.
Problem-Based Learning: It encourages problem-based learning approaches where students identify challenges, brainstorm solutions, and iterate designs to achieve desired outcomes. This iterative process reinforces resilience and adaptability in tackling real-world problems.
Budget Considerations While Buying a 3D Printer
Budgeting for a 3D printer requires striking a balance between price and your unique requirements and goals. Here are some crucial things to remember:
Inexpensive Options: Seek out printers that are reasonably priced without compromising on quality.
Value for Money: Take into account the long-term investment, which includes recurring costs such as maintenance and filament.
Long-term Investment: Pick a printer that will develop together with the abilities and passions of your youngster.
Support & Maintenance
Replacement Parts and Upgrades: The availability and cost of replacement parts should be taken into consideration for long-term maintenance.
Customer Service: Prompt help is essential for addressing any problems that may occur.
To sum up, a kids' 3D printer is more than just a toy; it's a tool for encouraging learning, letting imagination run wild, and igniting inventive enthusiasm.
Parents can enable their children to engage in unprecedented exploration, experimentation, and creation by selecting a printer that considers safety, usability, cost, and educational value.
So why hold off? Get your kids interested in 3D printing now, and you'll see how much their imagination grows!
Verdict
When looking for the best 3D printer for kids in 2024, the AOSEED X-MAKER 3D Printer stands out as an exceptional option. Its enclosed design prioritizes safety, while its user-friendly controls and reliable print quality make it perfect for young creators.
Whether your child is interested in printing toys, gadgets, or educational models, the AOSEED X-MAKER offers a seamless blend of affordability and functionality. It's designed to nurture creativity and provide a rewarding 3D printing experience that grows with their skills.
