If you are looking to buy a 3D printer for kids, it can be challenging to find one that is both easy and safe enough for a child to use. Since 3D printing does pose some safety risks (especially for young users) and has a potentially steep learning curve, it’s important to choose a machine that minimizes those issues as much as possible.
In this article, we’ll show you the ten best 3D printers for kids, what to look for when buying a 3D printer for young users, and how to safely and easily introduce even young children to 3D printing technology.
| 3D Printer for Kids | Summary | Build Volume | Price (~) | Best Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QIDI Technology X-ONE 2 | Best overall | 140 x 140 x 140 mm | $250 | |
| Dremel Digilab 3D45 | Best high-end | 254 x 152 x 170 mm | $1600 | |
| Monoprice Mini Delta | Best on a budget | 110 Ø x 120 mm | $200 | |
| Prusa Mini+ Kit | Best kit | 178 x 178 x 178 mm | $499 | |
| Dremel Digilab 3D20 | Safest for kids | 228 x 152 x 140 mm | $680 | |
| 3Doodler Create+ | Best 3D pen | - | $80 | |
| Flashforge Adventurer 3 | Easiest to get started | 150 x 150 x 150 mm | $370 | |
| ELEGOO Neptune 2S | Most silent | 220 x 220 x 250 mm | $230 |
Top 3D Printers for Kids in 2023
As a 3D printer designed for families and schools, the QIDI Technology X-ONE 2 is one of the best choices for introducing 3D printing technology to younger children. It 2 is easy to set up and use, prints reliably at speeds comparable to those of more expensive 3D printers and is very safe for children.
The printer comes with acrylic panels that can be installed to cover the openings. With these panels, the X-ONE 2 is a good choice for a playroom or classroom where students are free to handle their projects without supervision.
Its 3.5-inch full-color touchscreen is also a great feature. It has a simple yet intuitive interface and makes it easy for kids and adults alike to use the printer.
With a 140 x 140 x 140 mm build volume, the X-ONE 2 is suitable for small-to-medium-sized projects and prints. Since the bed is heated, this printer can also be used to experiment with other materials than just PLA filament.
At around $250, this printer is a good value and will provide enough fun, printable projects and education to make it worth the investment. Compared to other 3D printers in its price range, the QIDI Technology X-ONE 2 is in our opinion the best 3D printer for kids to start learning about 3D printing.
Standout Features
- Enclosure with panels
- Heated bed
- Intuitive user interface
Technical Details |
|
|---|---|
| Print Volume | 140 x 140 x 140 mm |
| Bed Leveling | Manual |
| Heated Print Bed | Yes |
| Supported Slicers | QIDI Print |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Max Hotend Temperature | 250°C |
What We Like
- Easy to use
- Excellent safety features
- High educational value
Could Be Better
- Limited connectivity options
- No third-party slicer support
The Dremel Digilab line of 3D printers is full of top quality products, and the 3D45 is one of the best. While it is priced quite a bit higher than most of the other options on our 3D printer for kids line-up, its excellent print quality and reliable performance make it more than deserving of its higher price.
The Dremel Digilab 3D45 is a great 3D printer for kids for many reasons. Firstly, its heated slide-in build plate allows for high-temperature filament printing, making it perfect for kids who want to experiment with more advanced filaments.
Additionally, its 9-point automatic bed-leveling system ensures that each print is produced with consistent quality, making it a great choice for budding engineers and designers.
Finally, its enclosed design and built-in carbon and particle filters make it one of the safest 3D printers available, perfect for kids who are new to the technology.
The Digilab 3D45 also comes with a 4.5” color touchscreen with an intuitive interface and a built-in camera for remote monitoring of 3D prints. Altogether, it is a reliable and long-lasting 3D printer that lets your child 3D print and experiment with filaments like ABS, Nylon, and PETG as safely as possible.
Standout Features
- Completely enclosed
- Particle and carbon filters
- Decent build volume
Technical Details |
|
|---|---|
| Print Volume | 254 x 152 x 170 mm |
| Bed Leveling | Automatic |
| Heated Print Bed | Yes |
| Supported Slicers | PrusaSlicer, Cura, Slic3r, etc. |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Max Hotend Temperature | 280°C |
What We Like
- Built-in air filter
- Works with many materials
- Remote print monitoring
Could Be Better
- Costly
Known for making affordable entry-level printers, Monoprice offers you another great budget-friendly option with their Mini Delta. Their newest version (the v2) boasts a sizable color touchscreen, auto bed leveling, and a special app for wi-fi connectivity.
With a build volume of 110mm diameter by a 120mm height, the Mini Delta is best for small 3D prints. Things like costumes, helmets, props, and other larger prints are best left for large 3D printers and bigger Delta 3D printers.
The Mini Delta handles PLA, PLA+, and other low-temperature filaments well. It also has ABS listed in the specifications as supported material, and with a heated print bed and a maximum extruder temperature of 260°C, you can likely achieve some success with it. However, with a maximum bed temperature of 60°C, layer adhesion is likely to be a common issue.
So while the Mini Delta is one of the most affordable 3D printers for kids to get started with 3D printing, keep in mind that at some point it might need to be upgraded to something better.
Standout Features
- Automatic bed leveling
- Heated bed
- Wi-Fi App
Technical Details |
|
|---|---|
| Print Volume | 110 Ø x 120 mm |
| Bed Leveling | Automatic |
| Heated Print Bed | Yes |
| Supported Slicers | PrusaSlicer, Cura, Slic3r, etc. |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Max Hotend Temperature | 280°C |
What We Like
- Great features for the price
- Built-in auto-leveling
- Compact design
Could Be Better
- Small build volume
- Low max. bed temp
If you want to purchase a 3D printer kit for your child, Prusa 3D printers are some of the best you can buy. The Prusa Mini+ Kit is the perfect printer for young users and is essentially a smaller and more affordable version of their extremely popular i3 MK3S printer.
The Mini+ offers a 178mm x 178mm x 178mm heated build plate and Bowden extruder capable of printing most standard filament materials. It has a high-quality power supply for added safety, an optional Wi-fi add-on (it prints from an SD card otherwise), and an automatic bed leveling system with a SuperPINDA probe.
It also comes with removable flexible build plate sheets to help with layer adhesion and to make finished prints easily removable.
With its focus on ease of use and the fact that it can be purchased as a kit, the Prusa Mini+ is an excellent educational tool for your kid to get started with 3D printing.
Standout Features
- Advanced automatic bed leveling
- Decent build plate size
- Heated bed
Technical Details |
|
|---|---|
| Print Volume | 178 x 178 x 178 mm |
| Bed Leveling | Automatic |
| Heated Print Bed | Yes |
| Supported Slicers | Cura, Slic3r, PrusaSlicer, etc. |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Max Hotend Temperature | 300°C |
What We Like
- Automatic leveling
- Comes in kit or pre-assembled
- Quality parts
Could Be Better
- No Wi-Fi by default
While the Digilab 3D20 doesn’t quite have the same feature set as the aforementioned 3D45, it is still a rock-solid and reliable machine with great safety features. If you are looking for a safe 3D printer for kids without all the bells and whistles, this is one of the best options.
The Digilab 3D20 is enclosed to keep fingers away from hot components and to keep potentially harmful fumes to a minimum. It only supports 3D printing with PLA filament, which is the best material for kids to use since it is both a non-toxic and eco-friendly material.
Some of its features are less ideal for kids, such as its manual bed leveling. This can be a difficult process for younger users, so they may need assistance from an adult when calibrating the 3D printer.
Standout Features
- Enclosed print area
- High print quality
- Ready out of the box
Technical Details |
|
|---|---|
| Print Volume | 228 x 152 x 140 mm |
| Bed Leveling | Manual |
| Heated Print Bed | No |
| Supported Slicers | PrusaSlicer, Cura, Slic3r, etc. |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Max Hotend Temperature | 230°C |
What We Like
- Great print resolution
- Reliable
- Easy to get started
Could Be Better
- Manual leveling
- No heated bed
For kids who like a hands-on artistic approach, a 3D pen may be a better option than a 3D printer. 3D pens work by extruding plastic filament through a handheld “pen” to create 3D art either freehand or by following stencils.
The 3Doodler Create+ is one of the best 3D pens on the market today. Manufactured by the well-known 3D printing pen company WobbleWorks, LLC., it is an upgraded version of their previous product, the popular 3Doodler Create.
The new model features a host of improvements over its predecessor, including a faster print speed and a more accurate temperature control system. It comes with a new power supply which allows it to work more efficiently and can heat up the plastic more quickly.
Due to how the 3Doodler Create+ and other 3D pens work, they are better suited to older children and teens and should not be given to younger kids. The nozzle reaches temperatures comparable to a regular 3D printer and the user has to keep their hand fairly close to the heat source while operating the pen, which is an obvious safety issue for young children.
It is also difficult to escape the fumes from the melting plastic, so even older users should use the 3Doodler Create+ in a well-ventilated area (especially when using a material that produces a lot of fumes like ABS).
Standout Features
- Advanced dual extrusion motor
- Supports both PLA and ABS
- Comes with stencils and design ideas
Technical Details |
|
|---|---|
| Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Max Hotend Temperature | Not Specified |
What We Like
- Feeds filament well
- Lots of accessories
- Slim design
Could Be Better
- Exposed nozzle
As the newer version of the popular Flashforge Finder 3D printer, the Flashforge Adventurer 3 is pre-assembled and is more or less ready to 3D print straight from the box. This makes it an excellent 3D printer for kids to get started with. Its proprietary Flashprint software is much more user-friendly than other slicing or print control software options, making it equally easy to set up models and send them to the 3D printer.
The Adventurer 3 is fully enclosed for great printing quality and safety. It also has a large touchscreen to start and pause printing, quickly load and unload filament, and more. Even young children can start making their own creations relatively quickly with this 3D printer.
It is important to note that the Flashforge Adventurer 3 has a smaller build volume than other popular printers. At roughly 150 x 150 x 150 mm, it can handle most print jobs but is not ideal for large or complex objects.
However, the Flashforge Adventurer 3 is a great choice for schools looking to start using 3D printing in their classes. The printer itself is well-built and the software is easy enough that students can operate it, making it an excellent classroom companion!
Standout Features
- Easy-swap extruder nozzles
- Enclosed print area
- Removable flexible platform
Technical Details |
|
|---|---|
| Print Volume | 150 x 150 x 150 mm |
| Bed Leveling | Automatic |
| Heated Print Bed | Yes |
| Supported Slicers | Flashprint |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75mm |
| Max Hotend Temperature | 240°C |
What We Like
- Easy-swap nozzles
- Automatic leveling
- Very easy to use
Could Be Better
- Small build volume
Built with a similar framework as the Creality Ender 3, Elegoo’s Neptune 2S is a great option for older children to enjoy an affordable and versatile 3D printer. While the Neptune 2S is not technically a kit, it does require some assembly out of the box.
If you need to keep your 3D printer in your living space or bedroom and are worried about it making too much noise, the Neptune 2S is the best option for quiet printing. The 3D printer has a 32-bit mainboard with an SMT32F chip and 1M flash memory, which ensures that the system runs smoothly and efficiently. Its silent stepper motor drivers minimize the motor noise while printing.
The Neptune 2S works with most filament types and is compatible with PLA, ABS, wood filaments, and other standard filament lengths up to 1.75mm in diameter.
Its metal frame not only makes it more durable than other 3D printers, but it also gives its 3D prints increased print quality.
With its 220 x 220 x 250mm build volume it is the largest 3D printer for kids on the list, so it is also the best choice for printing large objects. It can also support most print materials thanks to its heated build plate, including high-temperature ones like PETG, ABS, and Nylon. However, without an enclosure, it will be hard to get consistent results with these filaments.
Despite its potential limitations, the Elegoo Neptune 2s is an excellent 3D printer for kids that offers quiet printing with the option of 3D printing larger objects.
Standout Features
- Large build volume
- Quiet printing
- Easy assembly
Technical Details |
|
|---|---|
| Print Volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
| Bed Leveling | Manual |
| Heated Print Bed | Yes |
| Supported Slicers | PrusaSlicer, Cura, Slic3r, etc. |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
| Max Hotend Temperature | 260°C |
What We Like
- Large build plate
- Silent
- Quality prints
Could Be Better
- No enclosure
- Some assembly needed
What to look for when buying a 3D printer for kids
Kit vs pre-assembled
Deciding between a fully assembled 3D printer and kit depends on the child’s age and experience level. Pre-assembled is a good option for kids twelve and under, since it gives them a chance to experience the printing process and start printing with a low bar for entry.
Kits are a great 3D printer for kids older than twelve who want to understand how the 3D printer works. This is best for older kids who have some understanding of the printing process already and want to gain a deeper understanding. It’s also best for kids who have some experience with advanced model kits, drone kits, or electronics kits.
Safety
Safety should be one of the primary concerns when buying a 3D printer for kids. While 3D printers are amazing pieces of technology, they do pose some health and safety risks when used incorrectly. Hot parts like the nozzle and heated bed can pose burn risks, while certain materials like ABS can put harmful chemicals into the air.
These are all issues that can be minimized or avoided by picking the right machine and using it with safety best practices. Enclosures on a child’s 3D printer keep them away from the printer and the parts that are most likely to injure them.
Similarly, a print monitoring system gives you the peace of mind to step away from the printer and let your child use it unsupervised.
Heated Bed
While a heated print bed is necessary to print with high-temperature filaments like PETG and ABS, you can also use it with lower temperature filaments like PLA. A heated bed set to a low temperature can help PLA prints stick to the print bed better, which can be helpful for kids who are still learning how to level the build plate and get good first layer adhesion.
One of the downsides of using a heated bed with kids (especially younger users) is that it can be a bit of a safety hazard. Because of its large size, it is much easier to accidentally touch a hot print bed than a nozzle, so it’s important to supervise young children when the heated bed is on.
Enclosure
While 3D printer enclosures are usually meant to help keep heat from escaping the print area when using filaments with a high print temperature, they are an essential safety feature for young users.
A fully enclosed printer keeps children from touching the nozzle or heated bed during printing, which minimizes the chance of burn injuries. It will also minimize any fumes generated during the printing process (especially when combined with a ventilation system) for better air quality.
When it comes to buying a 3D printer for younger kids, getting an enclosed 3D printer or adding an aftermarket enclosure is one of the best things you can do for safety.
Print Monitoring
An excellent feature to look for when buying a 3D printer for kids is print monitoring. This means the printer comes with a built-in camera that you can use to remotely view the build plate during printing. Aside from being a good safety feature, there is also some educational value for your child of observing the 3D printer at any point in the 3D printing process.
Remote print viewing means users can check the progress of a print or check for errors without needing to be in the same room as the 3D printer. This also minimizes the risk of exposure to fumes from the printer, especially when using filaments with a high VOC output, like when 3D printing Nylon or ABS, that isn’t being ventilated out of the room.
Ease of Use
How easy a printer is to get set up and get 3D printing is one of the most important factors to consider when buying a 3D printer for kids. Calibrating and troubleshooting a 3D printer can be frustrating even for adults, so a child that wants good results with minimal fuss can be easily overwhelmed by an advanced printer with a lot of confusing features.
3D printers with a straightforward touch screen menu or app to control it are the best options for young users. These will have a much lower learning curve than 3D printers that need to be controlled fully from a computer.
Educational Value
3D printers are excellent educational tools, which is one of the main reasons they are showing up in so many classrooms. They teach kids about 3D design and manufacturing and can be used to print useful things like models and tools to help kids learn.
For older kids, 3D printer kits are another way to add educational value to 3D printing, since they have to put all the parts together properly before they can use it. This gives them a better understanding of the printer and how it works.
Build Volume
When buying a 3D printer for kids, it’s important to consider the maximum build volume of the printer (how large of an object it can print) and what the child in question wants to print. For younger users creating their own toys and other small items, a small build volume is perfect because it is easier to get a good bed level and first layer adhesion with a smaller bed.
If the printer is mostly going to be used for things like 3D printing cosplay armor, 3D printing helmets, props, educational models, and other larger models, you should consider a printer with a large build volume like the Neptune 2S. While it is possible to make larger prints on a small build plate by printing them in several pieces and gluing them together, this is an extra (and sometimes difficult) step that might frustrate even older kids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child use a 3D printer?
Yes, a child can use a 3D printer with adult supervision. Older children like pre-teens and teens may be able to use them unattended if they have a solid foundation in printing safety basics. Unlike younger children, they aren’t as likely to grab a hot nozzle. However, it is still a good idea to check in with them regularly.
Are there 3D printers for kids?
Yes, there are specific 3D printers for kids. Some 3D printers like the QIDI Technology X-ONE 2 are specifically designed to be kid-friendly. However, other printers are also excellent options for kids through virtue of being safe and easy to use.
What age is appropriate for 3D printing?
It depends on the child. Plug-and-play printers can be used by kids as young as 5 with adult supervision, while more complicated kits are a great educational tool for teens and older children. Just be sure that any kids know the safety risks of a 3D printer (such as burns) before letting them use one.
Final Thoughts
3D printing has immense educational value for young children and teens alike. It can be overwhelming to find a 3D printer that is safe and suitable for young users, but we’ve compiled the best on the market here.
The QIDI Technology X-ONE 2 is the clear winner as the best 3D printer for kids because of its ease of use and kid-friendly user interface. It also comes in bright colors which makes this one of the best 3D printers for kids to look at. Do keep in mind that it is not compatible with open source software and it is advisable to prepare an SD card before unboxing so that your kid can start printing faster.
The Dremel Digilab 3D45 and the Flashforge Adventurer 3 are a close second and third. The Dremel has phenomenal safety features that address the issue of heated parts and airborne particles and fumes with its enclosed print area and built-in particle filters. The Flashforge Adventurer 3 has a nice mixture of both safety precautions (like an enclosed bed) with a user-friendly design and proprietary slicing software.
Do you still have questions about kids and 3D printing? Let us know in the comments!
