Are Online 3D Printing Services Worth It?

Hi folks,
I’m a DIY enthusiast, mostly into robotics and home automation. I’ve been debating whether to buy a 3D printer or just use a 3D printing service whenever I need a part.

While owning a printer gives flexibility, it also comes with a learning curve, maintenance, calibration, and upfront costs. I’ve used services like Sanesra 3D a few times, and I’m impressed with how easy they make it.

You upload your STL file, choose your material, and get the print in your mailbox in a few days. For occasional use, this is way more convenient and actually cheaper if you consider the total cost of ownership.

That said, I’d love to hear from others. If you’ve moved from using a service to owning your own printer (or vice versa), how has your experience been? What made you switch?

Also curious how these services handle large volume or intricate prints. So far, Sanesra has done well with detail, but I haven’t ordered anything larger than a phone mount.

Thoughts?

using a printing service like Sanesra 3D come with strong pros and cons, and the decision often boils down to your specific needs, volume, and tolerance for tinkering. dgcustomerfirst