Post #2262483

2026-05-07 21:52 UTC

Any suggestions on a sub $500 printer that reliably self-levels its bed and has an enclosure? I have cats. I had an Ender 3 several years ago. I couldn&#39;t get it to level. Zero successful prints. I don&#39;t want a repeat. #3dprinter #askfedi

Replies (5)

@nanianmichaels@tech.lgbt 2026-05-07 22:03

@profoundlynerdy@bitbang.social If you haven't already, I'd suggest taking a look at Aurora's channel on YT, she makes arguably the best 3D printer reviews. These days, most printers should reliably self-level. Flashforge are known for being workhorses and super cheap, but IIRC they still don't have a multi-material printer with an enclosure out of the box (you can print the enclosure and order a few parts from them), if that's important to you. A Bambulab P1S might be a good choice if you want an Apple-like experience. And you can add up to 4 4-roll multimaterial boxes to it down the line.

Open ##2713666
@rl_dane@polymaths.social 2026-05-07 22:05

@profoundlynerdy@bitbang.social Might look into Sovol, but I can't guarantee totally hands-free auto-leveling.. Depeends a lot on the model.

Open ##2713667
@Elizafox@treehouse.systems 2026-05-08 04:18

@profoundlynerdy@bitbang.social There ain't gonna be lot under $800 that has all that. Your best bet is to find a used 3D printer and (potentially) fix it yourself, or find a good printer kit like Sovol.

Open ##2713668
@vxo@digipres.club 2026-05-08 04:20

@profoundlynerdy@bitbang.social My coworkers love their Elegoo Centauri Carbons

Open ##2713669
@EmmanuelG@framapiaf.org 2026-05-08 07:21

@profoundlynerdy@bitbang.social I'm quite happy with two Flashforge's Adventurer 5M Pro in our Fablab (800 and 400 hours of printing on them). Just had to replace the PEI plate by their version without texture (remove the need for glue) as we mostly do PLA.

Open ##2713670