3D printer hardware and upgrades

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Two questions live in this section: which printer to buy, and which upgrade is worth the money once you own one. Most upgrades change one specific thing — reach for the guide that names the problem you actually have rather than buying the popular part.

• FDM vs resin printer for miniaturesThe buying decision that depends most on what you intend to print.
• Is an all-metal hotend worth it?When a PTFE-lined hotend is still the right answer.
• BLTouch and CR Touch setupWiring, offsets and the Z-offset step people get wrong.
• DIY 3D printer enclosureMaterials, ventilation and the fire-safety points to design in.
• Linear rails vs V-rollersWhether the upgrade changes print quality or only the build.