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Under $700

Complete 3D Printing Station for Under $700 (2025)

Build a fully functional 3D printing setup with printer, enclosure, tools, and workspace for reliable hobby printing without overspending.

💰 Actual Cost: $473.93Save $1525 vs PremiumUpdated December 13, 2025

Dreaming of a 3D printing station but stuck at $700? Many enthusiasts overspend on flashy printers that underperform or skip essentials like enclosures, leading to failed prints and frustration. This guide delivers a complete, battle-tested setup that prints reliably right out of the box.

For under $700, you'll get a capable printer, safety enclosure, starter materials, tools, and a dedicated workspace. Expect consistent prints up to 220x220x250mm at speeds suitable for hobby use—no miracles like pro-grade speed or exotic materials, but solid PLA printing for real projects. You'll be prototyping gadgets, custom organizers, and fun models within hours of setup.

Budget Philosophy

With $700, we prioritize a 40% allocation to the printer (core performance), 20% to enclosure and safety (print quality and fire prevention), 15% to materials/tools (immediate usability), and 15% to workspace (ergonomics), leaving 10% buffer for shipping/taxes. This beats scattershot buying by focusing on interdependence: a cheap printer without enclosure wastes filament on drafts and warping.

We splurge on printer reliability because failures cascade—bad prints mean wasted time/materials. Savings come in filament and basic tools, where generics perform identically to premiums initially. Trade-offs? No auto-leveling wizardry or silent operation, but manual tweaks build skills. This allocation yields 80% of premium station capability at 30% cost, with clear upgrade paths.

Where to Splurge

  • Printer: Core of the station; quality bed adhesion and extruder prevent 90% of failed prints. Cheaping out leads to constant jams, warping, and reprints costing $50+ in wasted filament.
  • Enclosure: Stabilizes temperature for better layer adhesion and reduces fire risk from hot parts. Budget printers without one warp 50% more prints and pose safety hazards.
  • Ventilation: Fumes and particles harm health long-term; proper exhaust prevents headaches and improves print consistency in garages/basements.

Where to Save

  • Filament: Budget PLA matches premium in strength/color for starters; upgrade later for specialty needs without losing basic functionality.
  • Workspace Table: Basic foldable works fine for stability; you're not sacrificing print quality, just aesthetics.
  • Basic Tools: Generic kits clean nozzles/scrape beds effectively; no durability loss for hobby volumes under 10 prints/week.

Recommended Products (10)

#1essential3D Printer

Creality Ender 3 V3 SE 3D Printer

The heart of the station for printing PLA models up to 220x220x250mm.

$218.99
46% of budget
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE 3D Printer

This entry-level Cartesian printer features a direct-drive Sprite extruder, auto bed leveling, and PEI spring steel bed for easy print removal. At $219, it's the best value under $250 with 'CoreXY-lite' speed up to 250mm/s.

Ideal for budgets as it arrives 95% assembled (20-min setup), prints reliably after minor tweaks. Vs pricier Bambu Labs ($500+), it lacks multi-color and full enclosure but matches single-color quality post-upgrades. Users rave about 4.5/5 stars for beginners.

Pros

  • +Quick auto-leveling saves 30min/setup
  • +Direct extruder for flexible filaments
  • +High community support (millions of mods)
  • +Quiet steppers under 50dB
  • +220C hotend for ABS lite

Cons

  • -Manual enclosure needed
  • -No filament runout sensor
  • -Sprite extruder can clog if underextruding
  • -Basic UI (no touchscreen)

Upgrade Option: Creality Ender 3 V3 ($399) - adds touchscreen and faster 500mm/s acceleration.

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

Check Price on Amazon
#2essentialEnclosure

Creality Ender 3 Enclosure

Creates stable temps to prevent warping and improves safety.

$79.99
17% of budget
Creality Ender 3 Enclosure

Foldable acrylic tent fits Ender 3 series perfectly, with front zipper door and cable ports. At $80, it's cheaper than IKEA hacks but rigid enough for 60C internals.

Essential for PLA+ consistency; reduces drafts 90%. Vs $200+ aluminum enclosures, it lacks insulation but cuts warping dramatically. 4.4/5 stars from 5k+ reviews.

Pros

  • +Easy 5-min install
  • +Fire-resistant acrylic
  • +Portable for small spaces
  • +Built-in light option
  • +Affordable temp control

Cons

  • -Zipper wears after 100 opens
  • -No humidity control
  • -Max 50C steady
  • -Bulkier storage

Upgrade Option: Elegoo Mars Enclosure Pro ($129) - better seals and fan integration.

Budget Alternative: DIY cardboard box ($10) - poor temp stability, higher fire risk.

Check Price on Amazon
#3essentialFilament

SUNLU PLA 3D Printer Filament 1.75mm 1KG

Starter material for 20-30 hours of printing basic models.

$15.99
3% of budget
SUNLU PLA 3D Printer Filament 1.75mm 1KG

High-precision PLA spool (±0.02mm tolerance) in white/black, no jams. $16/kg beats Hatchbox ($25) in consistency for budgets.

Perfect entry; prints at 190-220C with minimal stringing. Community favorite (4.6/5, 10k reviews).

Pros

  • +Smooth extrusion
  • +Vibrant colors
  • +Low warp
  • +Tougher than cheap generics
  • +Spool recyclable

Cons

  • -Brittle vs PETG
  • -Fades in sunlight
  • -Basic sheen

Upgrade Option: eSUN PLA+ ($24/kg) - 20% stronger for functional parts.

Budget Alternative: Amazon Basics PLA ($12/kg) - more inconsistencies.

Check Price on Amazon
#4recommendedTools

BIQU 3D Printer Tool Kit

For maintenance, cleaning, and tweaks to keep prints succeeding.

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

24-piece set with pliers, scrapers, nozzles, hex keys. $20 covers 90% maintenance.

Vs $50 DE kits, identical function. 4.5/5 stars.

Pros

  • +Nozzle set included
  • +Anti-static bags
  • +Compact case
  • +All Ender 3 sizes

Cons

  • -Plastic handles wear
  • -No calipers

Upgrade Option: Official Creality Kit ($35) - metal tools.

Budget Alternative: Harbor Freight basics ($10) - fewer pieces.

Check Price on Amazon
#5recommendedStorage

eSUN eBox Filament Dry Box

Keeps filament dry to avoid brittle prints.

$29.99
6% of budget
eSUN eBox Filament Dry Box

Holds 1kg spool with desiccant, feeds directly. $30 prevents moisture issues.

Essential in humid areas; 4.4/5.

Pros

  • +Active dehumidifier
  • +Print-in-place
  • +Multiple ports
  • +LCD humidity

Cons

  • -Small for 2+ spools
  • -Fan noisy

Upgrade Option: Sunlu S4 ($69) - 4-spool capacity.

Budget Alternative: Ziplock + silica ($5) - manual checks needed.

Check Price on Amazon
#6recommendedWorkspace

Lifetime 4-Foot Folding Table

Stable surface for printer and tools.

$49.99
11% of budget
Lifetime 4-Foot Folding Table

Adjustable height, 48x24in plastic top. $50 durable for garage use.

4.7/5 stars, vibration-free.

Pros

  • +Folds flat
  • +48lb weight limit
  • +Weatherproof
  • +Leg locks

Cons

  • -Lightweight flex
  • -No drawers

Upgrade Option: IKEA Bekant ($199) - drawers and wood top.

Budget Alternative: Sawhorse setup ($20) - less stable.

Check Price on Amazon
#7optionalTools

Neewer Digital Caliper

Precise measurements for tuning and QA.

$12.99
3% of budget
Neewer Digital Caliper

0.01mm accuracy stainless. $13 pro-level.

Pros

  • +IP54 water-resistant
  • +Battery included
  • +Zero reset

Cons

  • -Small screen

Upgrade Option: Mitutoyo ($120) - lifetime warranty.

Budget Alternative: Plastic ruler ($3) - inaccurate.

Check Price on Amazon
#8optionalVentilation

USB Desk Fan with Filter

Exhausts fumes through window.

$15.99
3% of budget
USB Desk Fan with Filter

12in clip-on with activated carbon filter. $16 basic ventilation.

Pros

  • +Quiet 30dB
  • +USB powered
  • +Washable filter

Cons

  • -Weak airflow

Upgrade Option: Sovol Exhaust Fan ($49) - 100CFM.

Budget Alternative: Window fan ($10) - no filter.

Check Price on Amazon
#9nice-to-havePower

Belkin 6-Outlet Surge Protector

Safe power for printer and accessories.

$19.99
4% of budget
Belkin 6-Outlet Surge Protector

1080J protection, 6ft cord. $20 essential safety.

Pros

  • +EMI filter
  • +Lifetime warranty
  • +Slim design

Cons

  • -No USB ports

Upgrade Option: APC ($35) - 2000J.

Check Price on Amazon
#10nice-to-haveAccessories

Magnetic Bed Adhesive Sticker

Improves first-layer adhesion.

$9.99
2% of budget
Magnetic Bed Adhesive Sticker

PEI sheet for Ender 3. $10 quick fix.

Pros

  • +Reusable 100+ prints
  • +Easy apply

Cons

  • -Wears after 200hrs

Upgrade Option: Wham Bam ($40) - textured.

Check Price on Amazon

Start with the table: Unfold Lifetime table, place in ventilated area (garage/basement ideal). Running total: $50.

Mount printer inside enclosure on table center for vibration dampening. Assemble Ender 3 V3 SE (follow QR code video: level bed, load filament via eBox). Connect to power strip, add fan ducted out window. Calipers/tools nearby. Total time: 1-2 hours, no extra tools needed beyond screwdriver (included). Flash Cura slicer (free), test cube print.

Tips: Run first print leveled cold, preheat to 60C. Zip-tie cables. Print enclosure fan mount for better cooling. Buffer left: $226 for shipping/tax/ extras.

Budget Tips

  • Buy bundles on Creality/Amazon for 10-15% filament discounts.
  • Use free Cura/PrusaSlicer; skip paid Orca ($50 value).
  • Hunt AliExpress for tools (20% cheaper, 2-week ship).
  • Print your own organizers/stands to save $100+ on accessories.
  • Check Facebook Marketplace for used Ender 3 ($100) but test thoroughly.
  • Prioritize printer+enclosure (60% budget); defer ventilation.
  • Annual cost: $100 filament beats outsourcing prints.

Common Mistakes

  • Skipping enclosure: 40% print failures from drafts.
  • Cheap no-name printers: Constant repairs waste $200+ time.
  • Overbuying filaments early: Stick to 2 PLA colors first.
  • No ventilation: Health issues after months.
  • Ignoring workspace: Shaky tables ruin overnight prints.

Upgrade Roadmap

First: Auto-leveler/hotend upgrade ($50) for reliability. Second: Silent board + linear rails ($150) cuts noise/vibration. Third: Klipper firmware on Raspberry Pi ($100) doubles speed. These fix 80% pain points. Wait on multi-material ($500) until 100+ prints/month. Total path to pro: +$800 over 2 years.

Related Topics

budget 3d printing3d printer setupunder 700ender 3 budgetmaker toolsbeginner 3d printingaffordable maker3d printing stationhobby 3dvalue setup
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