3D Printers

Best 3D Printers and Where to Buy Them in the UK: A Shopper’s Guide

Why 3D Printing Is Worth Exploring

Thinking about jumping into 3D printing? You’re in good company. Whether you want to build prototypes, customise household gadgets, or spark a child’s creativity, a 3D printer can turn ideas into touchable reality. It’s like having a tiny factory on your desk that speaks your design language — no passport required.

What Makes 3D Printing So Useful?

At its heart, 3D printing turns digital designs into physical objects by layering material. That means rapid iteration, low setup cost, and endless customisation. Need a bespoke phone stand 6 inches wide or a replacement gear the size of a quarter? A 3D printer handles both with ease.

Types of 3D Printers You’ll Encounter

Not every 3D printer is built the same. Picking the right type is like choosing between a paintbrush and an airbrush: both create art, but they work differently and suit different jobs.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

FDM printers melt plastic filament and lay it down layer by layer. They’re the bread-and-butter choice for hobbyists and makers because they’re affordable and friendly. Expect usable build areas from about 6 x 6 x 6 inches up to 12 x 12 x 12 inches in common consumer models.

Resin (SLA/DLP)

Resin printers use light to cure liquid resin into precise layers, giving much finer detail — perfect for miniatures, jewellery prototypes, and dental models. Build areas may be smaller, such as 5 x 3 x 6 inches, but the detail is sharp enough to impress even a perfectionist.

Top UK Stores Where You Can Buy 3D Printers

Buying from a reputable UK store gives you local support, warranty conveniences, and straightforward returns if something goes wrong. Below are stores that stock a variety of printers and accessories, including Menkind, which is well known for creative gadgets and 3D printing pens.

Menkind

Menkind started as a novelty and gadget retailer and now stocks a range of creative tech, including 3D printing pens and refills. If you’re after creative kits like the Pika3d Super 3d Printing Pen And Filament Starter Set or refill packs such as the Scrib3d Refill Box, Menkind is a great first stop. Their selection is geared toward makers and hobbyists who want instant creativity without a steep learning curve.

Currys

Currys is a mainstream electronics retailer where you can find beginner-friendly 3D printers and accessories. If you want a reliable, entry-level FDM printer for basic prototyping or school projects, Currys often carries models that are straightforward to set up and use.

Amazon UK

Amazon offers an enormous selection, from budget FDM kits to niche resin printers. The marketplace model means you can compare multiple brands and read many user reviews, which helps when you’re deciding between models with similar specs. Shipping options can be fast, and accessory availability is excellent.

Scan

Scan caters more to tech enthusiasts and prosumers, stocking well-regarded brands and higher-spec machines. If you want performance-oriented desktop printers with larger build volumes or better electronics, Scan is a solid place to browse. They often list technical details that matter to makers who like to tinker.

3DGBIRE and Other Specialist UK Retailers

Specialist shops like 3DGBIRE focus entirely on 3D printing, offering expert advice, spare parts, and a range of filaments and resins. These retailers are ideal if you want deep subject-matter support, replacement parts, or upgrades that general retailers may not stock.

Hobbycraft

Hobbycraft is a craft-focused chain that stocks 3D printing pens and starter kits, aimed at creatives and families. If your main interest is crafting small models or educational kits rather than larger functional prints, Hobbycraft blends accessible tech with creative supplies.

eBay UK and Secondhand Markets

If you don’t mind a used machine, eBay UK can be a treasure trove. You can find well-loved printers at a discount, spare nozzles, and oddball accessories. Just be cautious: verify seller ratings and ask about printer hours and any recent repairs before committing.

Featured Products to Look Out For

When browsing stores, certain products show up repeatedly because they offer great value or niche appeal. Two items referenced often in UK listings are the Scrib3d Refill Box and the Pika3d Super 3d Printing Pen And Filament Starter Set — both ideal for creatives and learners.

Scrib3d Refill Box

The Scrib3d Refill Box is a handy pack of filament strands designed for 3D pens. Think of it as ink cartridges for a pen, but in colorful, plastic form. It’s perfect for parents and hobbyists who go through lots of filament during practice sessions and small projects. Look for multi-color packs that include enough filament to run dozens of short projects.

Pika3d Super 3d Printing Pen And Filament Starter Set

The Pika3d Super kit typically bundles a pen with a variety of filaments, giving you everything you need to make 3D doodles right away. This is the easiest way to introduce children or beginners to 3D creation, since the learning curve is small and the results are immediate.

How to Choose the Right 3D Printer for You

Choosing a printer is like picking the right pair of shoes: comfort, fit, and purpose matter. Below are the practical criteria that make the choice clearer.

Budget and Total Cost of Ownership

Don’t just look at the sticker price. Consider filament or resin costs, replacement nozzles, and upgrades. A printer priced affordably can still become costly if it uses specialty filaments or has fragile parts. Aim to balance initial cost with predictable consumable expenses.

Build Volume and Project Size

Think about the typical size of things you’ll print. Small jewellery or miniatures can be handled by a printer with a 5 x 5 x 5 inch build area, while functional household items may require 8 x 8 x 8 inches or more. Bigger beds let you print more in one go, but they usually cost more and take up more desk space.

Print Speed and Quality

Some printers prioritize speed; others prioritize layer precision. If you need fast iteration, a printer that can move at 2 to 4 inches per second across the bed might be useful. If you crave detail, particularly for resin printing, choose a machine that offers thinner layer heights measured in thousandths of an inch.

Materials You Want to Use

FDM printers commonly use PLA and ABS-type plastics. Resin printers use UV-curable liquid resins. If you want to print flexible objects, check compatibility with flexible filaments. For food-safe or heat-resistant parts, verify material specifications and safe printing practices.

Maintenance, Upgrades, and Longevity

Owning a 3D printer is a little like owning a small appliance: routine upkeep keeps it healthy. Regular cleaning, occasional belt tensioning, and replacing a nozzle every few months can keep prints reliable.

Common Maintenance Tasks

Clean the build plate after each project, level the bed as needed, and keep a small stock of spare nozzles and a spare build surface. If your printer uses a heated bed, aim not to run it unnecessarily hot; typical plastics hit best results near 390 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit for the hotend when working with certain filaments.

Useful Upgrades

After you’ve printed a few items, you might want to upgrade the extruder, fit a better cooling fan, or install an enclosure for temperature-sensitive materials. Upgrades can extend the life of your machine and broaden what you can print.

Accessories and Filament: The Small Things That Matter

Accessories are the secret sauce of a happy printing setup. A good set of pliers, a metal scraper, and a selection of spare filaments make life easier. For resin printers, nitrile gloves and a well-ventilated workspace are essential.

Filament and Resin Storage

Keep filament dry; moisture ruins prints by creating bubbles and weak layers. Store spools in airtight containers with desiccant packs. For resins, keep bottles sealed and shielded from sunlight to prevent premature curing.

Where to Find Support and Community

Online communities are gold. Forums, social media groups, and local maker spaces can answer specific questions about a model or a filament type. If you buy from specialist retailers like 3DGBIRE or Scan, you’re more likely to find community-oriented resources and spare parts easily.

Workshops and Maker Groups

Want hands-on help? Local maker groups, schools, and libraries often host 3D printing workshops. They’re great for learning bed leveling, slicer settings, and finishing techniques without the frustration of trial-and-error alone.

Practical Tips for Buying in the UK

When buying a 3D printer in the UK, factor in local stock, UK-specific warranties, and the availability of spare parts. Some global brands sell directly in the UK while others rely on third-party retailers. Shopping at a variety of stores — from Menkind for creative kits to Scan and specialist shops for performance machines — helps you compare features and prices.

Test Prints and Reviews

Before buying, look for test print galleries and video reviews. They reveal real-world performance better than dry spec tables. Pay attention to pictures of surface finish and tolerance checks that show how well parts fit together.

Conclusion

Whether you’re buying your first kit or upgrading to a serious desktop machine, the UK market offers excellent options from general retailers like Currys and Amazon to specialists like Scan and 3DGBIRE. Menkind fills a fun niche with 3D pens and refill packs such as the Scrib3d Refill Box and the Pika3d Super 3d Printing Pen And Filament Starter Set, ideal for creative learners. Focus on the type of printing you want to do, consider total costs, and tap into the vibrant community of UK makers to get started. With a little patience and the right tools, you’ll be turning ideas into objects before you know it.