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Under $700

Complete 3D Printing Station Under $700 (2025)

Functional hobbyist setup with reliable printer, enclosure, tools, and workspace for under $700—perfect for beginners.

💰 Actual Cost: $518Save $1500 vs PremiumUpdated December 12, 2025

Dreaming of 3D printing but stuck on a $700 budget? Many think quality 3D printing requires $1,500+ setups like Bambu Lab printers, but that's not true. This guide delivers a complete, working station that prints reliably right out of the box.

You'll get a modern Cartesian printer, safety enclosure, starter filament, essential tools, workspace, and accessories—everything to start printing PLA models in hours. Expect 200x200x250mm build volume for most hobby projects; it's not industrial speed but handles 50mm/s prints with good quality.

Realistic limits: No auto-leveling wizardry or multi-color, and enclosure is basic (not fireproof acrylic). But it prints consistently, and you can upgrade later. Avoid cheap no-name printers that frustrate with failures.

Budget Philosophy

For a $700 3D printing station, I allocated ~40% ($200) to the printer—the heart of the system—because a reliable machine prevents endless tinkering and waste. 20% ($100) went to the enclosure for safety, noise reduction, and print quality (warping prevention), as cheaping here risks fires or poor results. The remaining 40% covers filament/tools (10%), workspace (20%), and accessories (10%) where budget options suffice without impacting core performance.

This prioritizes 'must-haves' like printer and enclosure over peripherals, saving on furniture and fans where generics work fine. Trade-offs: Slightly slower print speeds vs $1k printers, but you get core functionality now and clear upgrade paths. Total build leaves $180 buffer for shipping/tax, avoiding overspend.

Where to Splurge

  • Printer: Core reliability and features like auto-leveling prevent constant failures and filament waste—cheap printers ($100) jam hourly, costing more long-term.
  • Enclosure: Essential for safety (fire risk mitigation), temperature stability, and noise; skimping leads to warped prints, burns, or house fires.
  • Filament Dry Box: Keeps filament dry for consistent extrusion; wet filament causes blobs/stringing, ruining 20-30% of prints.

Where to Save

  • Workspace Table: Basic folding tables are sturdy enough for 20kg printers; no need for $200 custom stands unless heavy use.
  • Ventilation Fan/Tools: Generic USB fans move air fine for PLA; budget kits have all basics without premium durability loss.
  • Power Strip: Standard surge protectors suffice; overkill here doesn't improve printing.

Recommended Products (9)

#1essential3D Printer

Creality Ender 3 V3 SE

The core machine that handles all printing tasks with a 220x220x250mm build volume.

$199.00
38% of budget
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE

The Ender 3 V3 SE is Creality's budget king with sprite direct drive extruder, auto-leveling, and Klipper firmware for 250mm/s potential (realistic 100-150mm/s on PLA). At $199, it's assembled in 15 mins vs older models' hours.

Fits budget perfectly: Reliable for 1000+ hours vs $100 AliExpress failures. Compares to Prusa ($800) by lacking speed but matching quality on basics. Value: Prints TPU/flexibles well, huge community support.

Running total: $199 (Remaining: $501).

Pros

  • +Auto bed leveling—no manual tweaks
  • +Direct drive for flexible filaments
  • +Quiet linear rails
  • +Easy assembly under 20 mins
  • +Free Klipper/Cura software ecosystem

Cons

  • -Cartesian design slower than CoreXY
  • -No built-in camera
  • -Stock hotend max 260C (limits some filaments)
  • -Enclosure sold separate

Upgrade Option: Creality K1C ($559) - enclosed, faster 600mm/s, AMS lite for multi-color.

Budget Alternative: Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo ($179) - loses auto-leveling, more tinkering.

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialFilament

SUNLU PLA Filament 1.75mm 2KG (2x1KG, Black/White)

Starter supply for 20-30 hours of printing everyday models and prototypes.

$34.99
7% of budget
SUNLU PLA Filament 1.75mm 2KG (2x1KG, Black/White)

Dimensional accuracy ±0.02mm, no jams on direct drive. PLA is beginner-friendly—no enclosure needed but better with one.

Budget fit: $17/kg vs Hatchbox $25; prints crisp at 200C. Vs premium eSun ($25/kg), negligible quality gap for hobby.

Running total: $234 (Remaining: $466).

Pros

  • +High compatibility, low warp
  • +Smooth flow, minimal stringing
  • +2 colors for versatility
  • +Tougher than basic PLA

Cons

  • -Not moisture-proof (needs dry box)
  • -Basic colors only
  • -PLA limits (no high-heat parts)

Upgrade Option: Creality Hyper PLA ($24/kg) - faster printing, tougher.

Budget Alternative: Inland PLA 1KG ($15) - one color, less consistent diameter.

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialTools

Creality 3D Printer Tool Kit

All-in-one kit for maintenance, nozzle changes, and bed cleaning.

$19.99
4% of budget
Creality 3D Printer Tool Kit

Includes pliers, scrapers, wrenches, nozzles (0.4/0.6mm), lubricant—covers 90% service needs.

Perfect budget: Free with some printers, but dedicated kit saves time. Vs $50 kits, misses hex bits but fine for Ender.

Running total: $254 (Remaining: $446).

Pros

  • +Complete for beginners
  • +Nozzle variety included
  • +Compact storage
  • +Durable metal tools

Cons

  • -No digital caliper
  • -Basic plastic case
  • -Limited spare parts

Upgrade Option: BIQU Deluxe Kit ($39) - adds calipers, more nozzles.

Budget Alternative: Amazon Basics ($12) - fewer tools, plastic pliers.

Check Price on Amazon
#4recommendedEnclosure

Creality Ender 3 Enclosure

Creates stable environment to reduce warping, noise, and fire risk.

$99.00
19% of budget
Creality Ender 3 Enclosure

Fits Ender 3 series perfectly, magnetic panels, viewing window, cable ports. Boosts temp stability to 50C.

Worth 19%: Prevents ABS/PLA issues cheaping causes. Vs $200 acrylic, thinner panels but functional.

Running total: $353 (Remaining: $347).

Pros

  • +Easy zip-on install
  • +Fire-resistant fabric
  • +Portable/foldable
  • +Reduces noise 50%

Cons

  • -Not rigid (minor vibrations)
  • -No heater/AC
  • -Window fogs slightly

Upgrade Option: Bambu Enclosure ($149) - rigid, better seals.

Budget Alternative: DIY Cardboard ($20) - unsafe, poor temp control.

Check Price on Amazon
#5recommendedWorkspace

VEIKOUS 48 inch Folding Table

Stable desk for printer, tools, and filament storage.

$54.99
11% of budget
VEIKOUS 48 inch Folding Table

4ft x 2ft plastic top, steel legs, holds 100lbs+. Adjustable height optional.

Budget star: $55 vs $150 stands; plenty for stationary printer. No sag like $30 Walmart tables.

Running total: $408 (Remaining: $292).

Pros

  • +Folds flat for storage
  • +Scratch-resistant top
  • +Lightweight 20lbs
  • +Height adjustable

Cons

  • -Plastic top (not wood)
  • -No cable management
  • -Max 100lbs limit

Upgrade Option: Habitat Heavy Duty Table ($129) - 300lb capacity, wood top.

Budget Alternative: Amazon Basics 4ft ($39) - thinner top, less stable.

Check Price on Amazon
#6optionalFilament Storage

SUNLU FilaDryer S4 Filament Dry Box

Dries and stores up to 3 spools dry, preventing moisture issues.

$49.99
10% of budget
SUNLU FilaDryer S4 Filament Dry Box

Heats to 70C, holds 1kg spools, feeds directly to printer. 12hr dry cycle.

Key for humid areas; $50 vs $100 eibos saves without losing function.

Running total: $458 (Remaining: $242).

Pros

  • +Multi-spool
  • +Direct feed PTFE tube
  • +Visual humidity gauge
  • +Compact

Cons

  • -Slow dry (12hrs)
  • -No app control
  • -PLA overkill if dry climate

Upgrade Option: eibos Cyclopes ($99) - faster, more spools.

Budget Alternative: Plastic Bin + Desiccant ($15) - no heating.

Check Price on Amazon
#7optionalVentilation

USB Desk Fan

Exhausts fumes and cools enclosure exterior.

$15.99
3% of budget
USB Desk Fan

10-inch, 3 speeds, USB powered—clips to enclosure or table.

Sufficient for PLA VOCs; generic = premium at low flow needs.

Running total: $474 (Remaining: $226).

Pros

  • +Quiet operation
  • +Clip-on flexible
  • +USB versatile
  • +Affordable spares

Cons

  • -Low CFM for ABS
  • -No auto on/off
  • -Plastic build

Upgrade Option: AC Infinity Inline Fan ($49) - high CFM, ductable.

Budget Alternative: Skip - use room AC.

Check Price on Amazon
#8recommendedPower Management

Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector

Safe power hub for printer, fan, dry box.

$19.99
4% of budget
Amazon Basics 6-Outlet Surge Protector

1080J protection, 4ft cord, slim design.

Essential safety, budget = reliable brands.

Running total: $494 (+$24 storage bins buffer). Final: $518 w/ extras.

Pros

  • +Affordable protection
  • +Mountable
  • +Overload switch

Cons

  • -Short cord
  • -Basic joules

Upgrade Option: Belkin 12-Outlet ($39) - more outlets, higher surge.

Budget Alternative: Generic ($10) - less protection.

Check Price on Amazon
#9nice-to-haveStorage

Sterilite 6 Qt Storage Bins (Pack of 2)

Organizes tools and spares.

$24.00
5% of budget
Sterilite 6 Qt Storage Bins (Pack of 2)

Clear lids, stackable for small parts.

Nice organization without cost.

Grand total: $518 (Buffer: $182).

Pros

  • +Cheap, durable
  • +See-through
  • +Stackable

Cons

  • -Small size
  • -No labels

Upgrade Option: Akro-Mils Bins ($40) - dividers.

Budget Alternative: Skip - use drawers.

Check Price on Amazon

Start with the table: Unfold VEIKOUS, place in ventilated area (garage/room corner). Mount power strip underneath.

Assemble printer (15 mins): Follow Ender app/QR code. Level if needed (auto mostly). Install enclosure: Zip around frame, route fan/USB.

Load filament via dry box (dry first 4hrs), slice in free Ultimaker Cura (profiles pre-loaded). Tools nearby for tweaks. Time: 1-2hrs total. Tips: Print enclosure calibration cube first; secure cables; run OctoPrint on phone/PC for remote monitor (free). No extra tools needed.

Budget Tips

  • Buy printer bundles on Amazon sales (save $50)
  • Use free Cura/OrcaSlicer—skip paid software
  • Hunt AliExpress for filament ($12/kg) but check customs
  • DIY enclosure mods with IKEA LACK ($30 total) if saving more
  • Buy used printer on Facebook Marketplace (test first)
  • Prioritize printer over enclosure if fire risk low
  • Stock 5kg filament bulk later for $/print drop
  • Avoid no-name printers—Creality/Anycubic have US support

Common Mistakes

  • Buying $100 mystery printers—endless fixes waste $200+ filament
  • Skipping enclosure—warped prints, fire hazards
  • Overbuying filament colors early—stick to black/white
  • No dry storage—50% print fails from moisture
  • Cramming on tiny desk—vibrations ruin quality

Upgrade Roadmap

First upgrade: Printer to Creality K1 (~$500, trade-in old)—gains speed/enclosure. Next: Multi-material like Bambu AMS ($300) for colors. Then enclosure to rigid ($150), high-flow hotend ($50). Wait on ventilation till ABS. Each step doubles capability; total path to $2k pro setup over 2yrs.

Related Topics

budget3d printing budgetunder 7003d printing stationender 3maker toolsbeginnershobbyistaffordable 3dcreality
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