[JMay]

3dp printers are like cars, you can drive a Mercedes, Ford or a Trabant. Creality printers are Fords, Prusa is a Merc, and there are Trabants out there. I have 3 off Creality printers, 2 off CR Minis and a large CR10s the oldest is 4 years old and still going strong. These are predominately used for printing chassis’ for which having 3 printers for the price of one Prusa is an advantage.


In terms of reliability and quality the CR printers are not spotless but none of my printers have broken, and like a car, regular servicing and replacing worn out parts (i.e. print head nozzles that squirt the filament) keeps them going. Spares like parts for Fords are everywhere so keenly priced, and there is forum support etc.


My advice is generally if you want less hassle, the ability to print a wide range of filaments and more it works from the box then veer to the Prusa level printers, on the other hand if your budget constrains you and are prepared to devote time to learning 3dp then the Creality printers are value for money starting with the Ender 3 at sub £200. My sister has this printer and so far after 1 year no issues.


My 2p's worth.


Cheers
JMay