Besides cost, another major factor to consider is your level of expertise, and if you’re a beginner, how much time and effort you are willing to put forward to gain some.

As a printer owner, you’ll need to learn how to operate the machine (don’t worry, some machines are as simple to use as plug-and-play), troubleshoot issues, manage printer settings, and optimize prints. This often involves understanding complex software, printer maintenance, and dealing with common problems such as print failures and material jams. Although the learning curve can be steep, it offers a rewarding experience for those who enjoy hands-on tinkering and want to gain technical skills in 3D printing. Over time, users can build a deep understanding of the process, allowing for more creative control and customization.

Alternatively, since service providers handle the entire printing process, from setup and calibration to post-processing, users can spend their time focusing on the design of the final product rather than the technical details of how it gets made. In fact, you don’t really need to know anything about 3D printing to use a service. Many companies will guide you through the technology and material choices or at the very least offer a library of resources.

Relying on the expertise of the service is especially beneficial for those of you who need high-quality prints or plan to use challenging materials and don’t have the time to invest in learning the intricacies of the technologies involved. Just remember, relying on a service means giving up some control over the printing process, schedule, and the ability to make real-time adjustments, so it may not be for everyone.

Summary: Buying a 3D printer means having or developing expertise but offers greater control and flexibility. Using a service is better for those of you who want the end product without the hassle of obtaining the necessary expertise.

Another important factor to think about is the frequency and volume of prints you intend to make. Buying a 3D printer is perfect for those who plan to print a lot, either because you have several projects in mind or you have one design you need printed several times. Once the initial investment is made, the cost per print is only limited to materials, making it more economical over time. And let’s face it, it’s also more convenient. You have total control over when and how much you print, and can make adjustments on the fly, which is great for iterative designs and tweaking.

If you plan to print just a few things, buying a printer may not be the best option for you. Using a 3D printing service, while possibly more expensive per print, is simply more practical, as there is no long-term commitment involved. Printing services provide flexibility and scalability and are also great for irregular or large-scale projects.

Summary: Printing a lot? Buy a printer! Only printing occasionally, or have a design that’s too big or too intricate for your skill set? Use a printing service!.

When it comes to the quality and materials used for your designs, there are distinct advantages and drawbacks for both buying a machine and for using a service.

Purchasing a 3D printer allows you to start printing right away, but you won’t have access to the vast variety of materials that a service has without spending a mint on your material library. This isn’t a problem, however, if you know all of your parts will be in carbon-fiber infused nylon, for example. But it’s difficult to know at first which material you really need and new materials hit the market all the time. Additionally, the variety of materials available for any one brand of machine can be limited to common options or even proprietary to that brand.

When it comes to quality, most first-time 3D printer buyers tend to start with FDM (or filament) 3D printers which are the easiest to learn but don’t offer industrial-level quality.

Conversely, 3D printing services offer you access to a much wider range of materials and higher-quality printing technologies, such as SLA (resin-based) or SLS (powder-based) printing, which can produce much more precise, professional-grade results. Printing services often have industrial-grade printers, not available to the average consumer. They can handle advanced materials like metals, carbon fiber composites, or flexible resins, giving you the flexibility to choose the best material for your specific project. That being said, however, these options often come at a higher per-print cost, and you are obliged to  rely on their level of expertise and timelines.

Summary: Want total control and convenience? Buy! Need superior quality prints or require specialized materials? Use a service provider!

Time and convenience means different things to different people, so when deciding whether or not to buy a printer or not, you may have different priorities. Owning a 3D printer allows for immediate access to the printing process, which is particularly great for those who need quick iterations, small-scale projects, or regular use.

If you know what you’re doing, you can start a print whenever is convenient for you, make real-time adjustments, and have full control over when the product is complete without waiting for an external service. However, 3D printing can be a slow process, and you’ll still need to invest time in things like setup, calibration, troubleshooting, and post-processing tasks. For larger or more complicated prints, this can be a huge hassle.

On the other hand, with the click of a button, you can send your design to a service provider, sit back and relax, work on other designs, go on vacation, or what have you, and have your product shipped directly to your door. This is especially beneficial for those of you who print infrequently or who lack the expertise or patience to maintain a printer, or don’t have the adequate space to house a printer and its accessories. Some printers are loud, produce toxins, or require extensive ventilation systems to be run safely – something not everyone has access to. However, outsourcing the process means longer wait times, which can range from a few days to weeks, depending on the complexity of the project and the service provider’s workload. But maybe that just means booking a longer vacation.

Summary: Have the space, expertise and want to print a lot, and fast? Buy a printer! Prefer to spend your time doing other things? Use a service.

Something we really suggest you consider before investing in a printer is your long-term goals. Are you or can you imagine yourself as one of those people who likes to create a lot of prints, tweak prototypes, experiment with materials, speeds, nozzles, to get just the right output? If so, then owning a printer would be a smart decision. This is especially true if your end products require iterative design work or customization and you want to avoid recurring service costs.

On the other hand, if you have highly specialized designs or require materials or high-end technologies beyond your scope of expertise, using a 3D printing service might be a better fit. This is ideal for businesses or individuals who need top-quality, industrial-grade prints but don’t have consistent demand to justify owning a printer.

Summary: If you’re into learning about and investing in the printing process as much as the final print, you may want to consider buying. If you just want the print without knowing all the details of how it was made, you’re better off with a service provider.

Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to invest in a 3D printer depends on your specific needs and restraints. Your budget, how often you plan to print, your level of technical skills or how much time you want to invest in improving them, and the type of projects you intend to pursue weigh heavily on making this decision. Consider your goals carefully before making your choice.