Compare Best Affordable Home 3D Printers: Dremel Digilab 3D20 vs. FlashForge Finder

Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)
(Please note that our website is supported by commissions earned when products are sold through the provided links.)

Compare Best Affordable Home 3D Printers: Dremel Digilab 3D20 Idea Builder vs. FlashForge Finder

Dremel 3D20 Idea Builder 3D Printer in Action
(Photo Credits:Dremel)

Would you like to own unique objects that are a reflection of who you are? Objects that you do not want to find at your neighbors? Objects that will respond to certain specific needs you might have without having to pay too much? Well, thanks to 3D printing, it's all quite possible!

3D printing allows you to customize objects to give them a specific character (size, shape, color, function, etc.). Thus, it is quite possible to decorate your home and equip yourself with the type of objects you desire at a lower price. Nowadays, the quality of 3D printers for the general public and home use offers the possibility of creating very detailed and exquisitely beautiful pieces. The possibilities are almost endless thanks to the many models available across all existing platforms on the Web. And if you don't like the models available on the Web, you can build your own, using widely available CAD software. From decorative objets to useful accessories for the kitchen or the bathroom, 3D printing will allow you to customize your objects to give them a specific character.

There are 3D printers of various complexities designed for various purposes, from home and school use, all the way to industrial applications. This article will focus on two of the best and most popular 3D printers that were designed for home use: the Dremel 3D20 Idea Builder and the FlashForge Finder. These are both affordable, very safe and easy to use, and as such, they are perfect starter 3D printer for families, schools as well as novice users. They both come with complimentary software that allows you to prepare the models to be fed to the printers.

The 3D printing process of both Dremel 3D20 and FlashForge Finder uses what is known as Fused Filament Fabrication: A continuous PLA filament (PLA is a bioplastic derived from renewable resources such as corn starch) is fed from a large coil, through a moving and heated extruder head. Molten material is then forced out of the extruder head's nozzle and deposited on the growing workpiece. The head is moved, under computer control, to define the printed shape. Usually the head moves in layers, moving in two dimensions to deposit one horizontal plane at a time, before moving slightly upwards to begin a new slice. The speed of the extruder head may also be controlled, to stop and start deposition and form an interrupted plane without stringing or dribbling between sections. The process is illustrated in the following picture:

(Photo credits: Wikipedia)

3D printing with the selected two printers involves three steps:

Prepare a 3D model on your PC: To prepare your model, you can either design it from scratch using free CAD (computer-aided design) software such as 3DTADA, AutoCAD, etc., or you can download specific models from various publicly available websites.
Slice and export the 3D model: Slice software is used to prepare the selected 3D model for printing and turns them into instructions to be fed to the 3D printer. Once sliced, the model can be fed to the 3D printer by connecting your computer to the printer using either a USB connection, Wi-Fi or and SD card.
Build the 3D model: Once the output model file has been transferred to your 3D printer, it will start to turn the 3D model into a physical object by laying down layers of filament as described above

This article will compare in the detail the features of: Dremel Digilab 3D20 Idea Builder and FlashForge Finder 3D printers.

If you're in a hurry and prefer to see right-away exact price information on these 3D printers please click below:
Selected 3D Printers on Amazon

Otherwise, please read on below for a detailed comparison of the four robots.

Detailed Description of Selected 3D Printers:

1. Dremel Digilab 3D20 Idea Builder Printer

With Dremel 3D20, you will be able to start printing very quickly and easily because the unit comes completely pre-assembled with very clear setup instructions and with a 0.5kg spool of PLA filament included. The open system gives you the ability to download and print free models from around the web, but you can also use your imagination and any CAD software to create your own designs. It is also a very safe printer thanks to the fully enclosed design, non-heated build plate, PLA-only printing and 3rd party UL safety approval. Note that every Dremel 3D printer has been thoroughly tested to ensure reliable printing, which makes it one of the most reliable consumer-grade 3D printers on the market.

The Dremel 3D20 3D printer is shown below:

(Photo Credits: Dremel)

Here are a summary of the main characteristcs of the printer:

Printer Overall Dimensions: Height: 15.7", Width: 19.1", Depth 13.2"
Weight (without spool): 19.5 lbs.
Non-Heated Build Plate: Yes.
Build Volume: Maximum Build Height: 5.9", Maximum Build Width: 5.5", Maximum Build Depth: 9"
Layer Resolution: 100 microns (0.004 inches)
Fully Enclosed Printer: Yes. Dremel 3D20 is fully enclosed to maximize the printing success rate by creating a stable temperature inside. This also improves safety by preventing children from sticking their hands into the work area during prints.
Number of Extruders: Single. The Extruder is the device that draws the filament from the spool, melts it and pushes it through a nozzle into the build plate.
Color Touch Screen: Yes. The 3.5-inch full color LCD IPS touch screen allows you to interact directly with the printer through its full-color LCD touch screen. The interface allows you to modify settings, lookup files in the SD card, and print in a smooth fashion.
Filament Type: PLA filament only (included). Dremel's 1.75mm thick PLA filament is non-toxic, recyclable, plant-based, safe to use at home and around children. It has been engineered for optimal printing, producing a stable, strong object with a high-quality finish.
USB Connectivity: Yes. You can connect your computer to the printer with a USB cable.
SD Card: Yes. You can use your SD card (up to 32GB) to load printable files to the printer.
Wi-Fi Support: No.
Free Slice Software: Yes. The complimentary software converts your selected 3D digital model files into file formats ready for printing. Then the files can be transferred from your PC to your Dremel 3D20 printer via a USB connection or using the SD card.
Internal Memory: 4GB.
Compatible Files Types: The Dremel 3D software is compatible with both .OBJ and .STL files.
Safety Certification All Dremel 3D printers are UL certified to ensure safety and quality.
Warranty: 1-Year. If something goes wrong with your 3D20 3D printer, the company assures that they will have it fixed in no time at no cost to you.

*** To view the Dremel Digilab 3D20 3D Printer user manual for more detailed info, please click: Dremel Digilab 3D20 User Manual ***

2. FlashForge Finder 3D Printer

FlashForge Finder is the other very popular, easy to use, and very affordable 3D printer that comes fully assembled, with plenty of nice features, and designed to be used both at home and in classrooms. Indeed, many consider the FlashForge Finder to be the first choice for 3D printing novices and educators. In particular, the slide-in build plate, assisted bed-leveling, and intuitive color touchscreen are the three charateristics that make this printer very user-friendly. The quiet and safe operation of the printer is very much appreciated by both parents and teachers. Note that it uses strictly non-toxic PLA filament, and the heated components are well encased, so this printer is very safe to use.

The FlashForge Finder 3D printer is shown below:

(Photo Credits: FlashForge)

Here are a summary of the main characteristcs of the printer:

Printer Overall Dimensions: Height: 16.5", Width: 16.5", Depth 16.5".
Weight : 44 lbs.
Build Platform Dimensions: Height: 5.5", Width: 9", Depth 13.2".
Non-Heated Build Plate: Yes.
Build Volume: Maximum Build Height: 5.5", Maximum Build Width: 5.5", Maximum Build Depth: 5.5" .
Layer Resolution: 100-400 microns (0.004-0.19 inches), adjustable.
Positioning Precision: 11 microns (0.0004 inch) on X &Y, 2.5 microns (0.0001 inch) on Z.
Nozzle Diameter: 0.4 mm (0.015 inch).
Fully Enclosed Printer: Yes. FlashForge Finder is fully enclosed to maximize the printing success rate by creating a stable temperature inside. This also improves safety by preventing children from sticking their hands into the work area during prints.
Number of Extruders: Single. The Extruder is the device that draws the filament from the spool, melts it and pushes it through a nozzle into the build plate.
Color Touch Screen: Yes. 3.5-inch full color HD IPS the touchscreen is right at the top of the printer with big, easy to understand controls. Only 4 taps to start your print, no need to hook it up to your computer. You can see previews of loaded model files so you know which to select for printing. There is also real-time view of the printing status, so you know when it will be completed.
Filament Type: PLA filament only (included). The 1.75mm thick PLA filament is non-toxic, recyclable, plant-based, safe to use at home and around children. It has been engineered for optimal printing, producing a stable, strong object with a high-quality finish.
USB Connectivity: Yes, with a USB stick that can be used to transfer files.
SD Card Slot: No.
Wi-Fi Support: FlashForge Finder features the 2nd generation Wi-Fi connection with more stable wireless file transmission. And now you can send 3D files from your computer to the printer's 8GB memory with your own Wi-Fi network.
You can manage your 3D printing from anywhere using Polar Cloud. FlashForge Finder comes Polar Cloud Enabled straight out of the box, meaning you can control your 3D printer from anywhere with an internet connection.
Free Slice Software: Yes. FlashPrint is the slice software used for the FlashForge Finder. Using FlashPrint, you can turn your model files into file formats ready for printing. Then the files can be transferred to your FlashForge Finder via USB stick or WiFi.
Internal Memory: 8GB.
Compatible Files Types: The software is compatible with both .OBJ and .STL files.
Safety Certification: All FlashForge 3D printers have been CE, FCC and RoHS certified to ensure safety and quality.
Warranty: 180-Day manufacturer’s warranty. Warranty extensions are available through the company ProCare Extended Warranty program.

*** To view the FlashForge Finder 3D Printer user manual for more detailed info, please click: FlashForge Finder User Manual ***

So which of the two 3D Printers is best for your needs?

Both 3D printers considered here are excellent products designed for home use requiring minimal setup that will allow you to start printing quickly in a very safe environment. They are similar in a number of ways; in particular, they both use only PLA filament and have a single extruder. However, they also present a number of differences that might be important depending on how you want to use the printer.
Flash Forge Finder supports Wi-Fi, so it can be controlled from wherever you may be. There is no Wi-Fi support with Dremel 3D20. If a Dremel 3D printer with Wi-Fi support is needed, we recommend the Dremel 3D40. FlashForge Finder can also be equipped with a USB stick which you can use to transfer models to be printed from your computer to your 3D printer.
On the other hand, Dremel 3D20 has an SD card slot, so you can use an SD card (up to 32GB) to transfer from your computer to your 3D printer the models you want to print. Dremel 3D20 can also be connected to your computer with a USB cable.

In the following section, you will find Amazon links for the 3D printers described above which you can click for exact price information or to purchase.

Selected 3D Printers on Amazon

Please click the Amazon product link images below to see exact prices or to purchase:

Dremel Digilab 3D20 Idea Builder 3D Printer

FlashForge Finder 3D Printer

Dual Extruder 3D Printers Selections

For applications that may require more than just one type of filament and more than a single extruder, we recommend the FlashForge Creator and the QIDI Technology 3D printers. They are both equipped with dual extruders and can use both PLA and ABS type filaments. Therefore, they allow the printing of more complex objects. For more information on these two printers, please click the Amazon link images below:

FlashForge Creator Pro 3D Printer

QIDI Technology 3D Printer

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Author: Maurice Savaryego, M.Sc.Eng. (Learn More)​(Please note that our website is supported by commissions earned when products are sold through the provided links.)​Compare Best Affordable Home 3D Printers: Dremel Digilab 3D20 Idea Builder vs. FlashForge Finder

​​Detailed Description of Selected 3D Printers:​