Throughout the years, 3D printer prices have dropped due to economies of scale, making it much more affordable for the average hobbyist to purchase and utilize.
However, no matter how much the prices decrease, these printers may still be quite expensive for those on a low budget or who are just experimenting with the technology. Getting a printer for cheap, or even for free, can be quite beneficial for those in this situation.
In that case, if you’re currently looking for options for getting a printer for next to nothing, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll look at a few ways that could result in you getting a free, or very cheap, 3D printer. Good luck!
Contests
One of the best options for getting a brand new printer completely for free is to keep an eye on contests to take part in. Often hosted by 3D model repositories, entering to win requires some kind of design or project submission. There’s nothing to lose… and a printer to gain! Here are some of the platforms hosting frequent contests:
Printables
Printables, from Prush Research, is one of the most popular 3D printing file repositories. They also host regular contests with prizes that range from spools of filament to Prusa brand printers.
Entry requires you to design and 3D print a product under their contest theme. A new theme is introduced regularly so if there’s not one within your wheelhouse currently, there will surely be something that fits you soon. Head on over to Printables’ competition page to see the selection of active contests (there are usually a couple going on at a time).
Cults
Similar to Printables, Cults is also a file repository site, though it leans more on providing premium paid models. Cults hosts design contests that are sponsored by them and other brands where entrants can win cash prizes, 3D printers, and accessories. Check out the Cults contest page to see what they’ve got to offer!
Instructables
Instructables started off as a platform for users to show others around the world how to make their one-of-a-kind projects. Now owned by Autodesk, the platform also holds many contests in a variety of different themes, including 3D design.
In past contests, specific awards have been given just for using 3D printing or CAD software designs. Awards often come in the form of cash prizes ranging up to hundreds of dollars. A 3D printer being offered up as a prize isn’t so common, but the prize money is certainly enough to buy one! If you want to show the world your project and possibly get rewarded for it, check Instructables’ contest page.
Creality Cloud
Creality Cloud is a community-oriented site owned by Creality, the brand that produces the popular Ender printers. Apart from the contests, Creality Cloud hosts a model marketplace and a community forum that has thousands of users.
In addition to the specific list, you can read more about Creality Cloud contests under the “Community” tab on one of their pinned posts. Like other contests, Creality Cloud contests require you to design models based on their proposed topic. Prizes range from Cuvacoins (Creality Cloud currency), to cash, filament, and 3D printers.
Giveaways
3D printing companies often look to promote their products and therefore seek out organizations or individuals with a large community presence. An entrance into a giveaway will often involve having to follow their social media or promote their products. In the end, all parties get something, including the lucky winner, who takes away a brand-new printer!
There are many companies that offer giveaways from time to time. Following your favorite 3D printing brands on social media is a good way of keeping up with the latest giveaways. This includes 3D printer brands like Creality, filament manufacturers like eSun, resellers like Newegg or SainSmart, and other popular names in the field like YouTubers and 3D designers.
Sponsored giveaways can also be found on forums such as r/3Dprinting on Reddit.
Classified Ads
Gone are the days when classified ads were confined to newspapers and magazines! Sure, they’re still there, but nowadays, the trend is for people to buy, sell, and give away all sorts of items through online platforms.
If you haven’t yet discovered classified ad platforms, now’s your chance. One of the most well-known is eBay (after applying some filters), but other examples include Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist in the USA, Kijiji in Canada, and Shpock in Germany. (By the way, many classified ad platforms also have app versions.)
Although it may seem unintuitive, it’s not uncommon for one to find normally expensive items being given away completely for free (or at a steep discount). Often this is because someone simply wants to get rid of something because they’re making space in their home or they’re moving. This makes large items like TVs or washing machines common finds. Why not see if you can find a 3D printer?
It’s true that most of what you’ll find will be secondhand. Nevertheless, classified ads represent a real possibility to find significant items for free, or at least very cheap.
Maker Groups
While there are many possibilities for getting free 3D printers from companies, there are also ways to get free or cheap 3D printers through networking. Makers are always replacing and upgrading their 3D printers and may be ready to offer their old devices to make room for their new goodies.
There are many websites that host these communities, but you’ll likely have the best luck in local groups where shipping won’t be a hurdle. Facebook is undoubtedly one of the best ways to find and get your foot in the door of these communities. Other websites such as Reddit and Discord also have communities packed with 3D printing enthusiasts.
Bonus Section: Public-Use Printers
If the reason you want a 3D printer for free is that you’re not sure if you want to invest in something you’re not sure you’ll like or you only plan on using the printer occasionally, there are other options out there that don’t require you to throw down the big bucks.
Libraries often have 3D printers that you can use for free or for a small fee. These fees can vary from place to place, but most of the time, fees are charged by filament usage.
Alternatively, you could check out if your town hosts a maker space or FabLab. These are public workshops that have all kinds of tools and machinery, including 3D printers, for members to use as needed. These places sometimes charge a membership fee; however, costs are still minimal compared to purchasing all of the tools and equipment yourself.
Most major cities like Melbourne, San Diego, Toronto, and Dubai have FabLabs with a large collection of printers available to use.
License: The text of "How to Get a Free 3D Printer: Serious Solutions" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.