When Is the Best Time to Buy a 3D Printer? A Black Friday & Cyber Monday Guide
Buying your first (or next) 3D printer is a serious investment. It’s not just a purchase; it’s an entry into a new world of creativity, prototyping, or even a small business. But with new models launching all the time and prices fluctuating, it’s frustrating to know when to buy.
You’re asking the right question: Is a 3D printer worth it, or will you get just as good a price in the middle of March?
It’s confusing. The last thing you want is to spend over a thousand dollars, only to see the same machine drop in price two weeks later.
Let's cut through the noise. This guide will give you a clear, direct answer and a simple strategy for buying a 3D printer with confidence, ensuring you get the most value for your money.
So, Is Black Friday Really the Best Time to Buy a 3D Printer?
Yes. For high-value, specialized electronics like 3D printers, the period from Black Friday to Cyber Monday (BFCM) represents the single best savings opportunity of the year.
Unlike a t-shirt or a set of pans, these machines aren't impulse buys, and brands know it. They use this key sales window to offer their most significant deals. Here’s why it’s different from other sales.
Why BFCM Deals Are Different for Tech
This isn't just a 24-hour frenzy. For most online brands, Black Friday is a "Cyber Week" event. Many sales start as early as mid-November and run all the way through Cyber Monday to the beginning of December. This relieves the pressure and gives you time to make a confident, un-rushed decision.
It's also strategically timed. Many tech companies use this period to clear out inventory of current models before announcing new ones in the new year. This means you can get a genuine, deep discount on a proven, high-quality machine.
It’s Not Just About Price: Look for the Bundle
This is the most important concept. For a 3D printer, the "best deal" is almost never just the lowest price on a base machine. The real win is in the bundle.
During Black Friday, brands are far more likely to offer high-value packages that include crucial add-ons:
- Extra materials (filaments, resins)
- Safety enclosures
- Upgraded tool heads or modules
The goal is to find a deal that gives you an entire ecosystem for the price of a standalone machine. This is where your investment's value multiplies.
Your 5-Step Strategy for Black Friday 3D Printer Shopping
A good deal is only a good deal if it’s the right machine for you. Going into the sale with a plan is the only way to win.
Step 1: Quickly Confirm Your Top Models
The time for deep research is over; it's time to act. Trust the prep work you've done. Quickly review your core needs (build volume, materials, 3-in-1 capabilities) and focus on the one or two models you've already identified. If you're just starting, our 3D printer buying guide can help you make a fast, confident choice.
Step 2: Set a Realistic Budget (and Stick to It)
It's incredibly easy to get caught up in "upsells" during a sale. A $2,000 machine marked down to $1,500 feels like a steal, but a "good" deal on a machine you can't afford is not a good deal.
Set a firm budget for what you are willing to spend. A high-value bundle is only valuable if it serves your specific creative goals and doesn't cause financial stress.
Step 3: Prioritize High-Value Bundles
The sale is public, and the best deals are now live. Don't just sort by "lowest price." Look for the exclusive bundles that brands have saved for the main event. An all-in-one package that includes a machine, an enclosure, and extra materials often provides far more value than a standalone machine with a slightly larger discount.
Step 4: Look for a Price Guarantee
This one simple thing can remove all your shopping anxiety. The biggest fear is, "What if I buy it on November 20th and it gets $100 cheaper on Cyber Monday?"
A trustworthy brand will stand behind its sale price. Look for a "30-Day Price Guarantee" or "Price Protection Policy." This means if you buy the machine and the price drops further at that same store within 30 days, they will refund you the difference. This is a powerful sign of a quality brand and allows you to buy early in the sale with total confidence.
Step 5: Check the "Extras": Warranty and Shipping
A high-ticket item must be backed by a solid warranty. A 30-day or 90-day warranty on a machine that costs over $1,000 is a major red flag. Look for a full 1-Year Warranty Protection at a minimum. A plan for FDM 3D printer maintenance is key to a long-lasting machine.
Also, check the shipping policies. The printer itself might have free shipping, but you can save a lot more in the long run if the brand also offers free shipping on materials and accessories (often over a certain order value), especially if you stock up and know how to store your filament.
What to Look for in a 3D Printer Deal (Beyond the Price Tag)
This is how you separate a "cheap" printer from a "high-value" machine.
Modularity and Future-Proofing (The 3-in-1 Advantage)
Is the printer you're looking at a "one-trick pony"? The best value on Black Friday is often a modular system. Instead of just buying a 3D printer, you can get a 3-in-1 machine that is also a powerful laser engraver and CNC carver.
A machine like the Snapmaker Artisan, for example, combines three functions in one. With a 40W/10W laser, a 200W CNC module, and a massive 400x400x400mm 3D printing area, you're not just buying a printer—you're buying an entire desktop workshop. A Black Friday deal on a machine like this provides exponential value because it future-proofs your creativity.
Print Quality and Multi-Material Capabilities
For those focused purely on 3D printing, look for next-generation features that solve common printing problems. The biggest leap in recent years is true multi-color and multi-material printing.
Most "multi-color" systems use a single nozzle and "purge" filament, which is incredibly slow and creates a massive amount of plastic waste. A top-tier deal would be on a machine that uses a different method, like the Snapmaker U1. It features a SnapSwap™ system with four independent tool heads. This allows it to physically swap between materials, letting you print with:
- Four different colors at once.
- A mix of rigid and flexible materials (like PLA and TPU) in one print.
- Complex models with water-dissolvable supports (like PVA).
This technology is not only faster but also cuts filament waste by a huge margin, saving you money on every single print.
The Full Ecosystem: Software, Materials, and Add-Ons
A great Black Friday deal is on a machine that is easy and affordable to use long-term. Does it come with user-friendly, all-in-one software (like Snapmaker Luban, or Snapmaker Orca) that can run all its functions? Does it lock you into proprietary, expensive materials, or can it use standard filaments from any brand?
Look for a brand that supports a full ecosystem you can grow into.
The Sale Is Live: Get Your Full Maker Ecosystem Now
You have the strategy, and the wait is over. The Snapmaker Black Friday Event is live from November 11 to November 29.
This is your moment to get a high-value bundle, a future-proof machine, and our full 1-year warranty, all protected by our 30-Day Price Guarantee. Stop planning and start making.
Massive Machine & Bundle Savings
Get the award-winning Artisan 3-in-1 Premium for $1150 OFF or save $150 on the new U1 3D Printer. This is the best time to bundle your machine with powerful upgrades like the 1064nm Laser or Rotary Module.
Gear Up Your Workshop
Essential modules and accessories are on sale now. Upgrade your setup with the 40W Laser Module, Dual Extrusion 3D Printing Module, or 1064nm Infrared Laser Module at their best prices of the year.
Stock Up on Materials
Don't miss the sale on our most popular filaments, including SnapSpeed PLA, Matte PLA, and Basic PLA, to keep your creativity flowing well into the new year.
Don't Miss These Extra Perks
- Free Gift: Receive an exclusive free gift with any purchase of an Artisan or U1.
- Spin to Win: Try your luck on the prize wheel for a chance to win amazing prizes, including a free Snapmaker U1.
- Double Reward Points: Get 2x reward points on every order during the event.
- Refer & Earn: Share the 5% storewide coupon with a friend, and you'll earn 5% cashback when they make a purchase.
Discounts are only valid during this period. Visit the official event page to see all the deals, combinations, and details.
Your Plan for a Confident Purchase
The best time to buy a 3D printer is when you can get the right machine at the best value—and that window is undeniably Black Friday.
By following this guide, you now have a clear strategy. You're no longer guessing.
- You know WHEN: During the main sale event (mid-November to early December).
- You know HOW: By researching ahead, setting a firm budget, and getting on those insider email lists for perks.
- You know WHAT: A high-value bundle on a quality, future-proof machine that is protected by a solid 1-year warranty and a price guarantee.
You have the plan. The final step is to put it into action.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Cyber Monday or Black Friday cheaper for 3D printers?
For most online brands, the deals are part of one long "Cyber Week" event. The prices are typically the same. The best strategy is to shop early (on or before Black Friday) to ensure you get one before stock runs out. If the company offers a 30-Day Price Guarantee, there is zero risk in buying early.
What is a 3-in-1 3D printer?
A 3-in-1 machine, like the Snapmaker Artisan, is a modular tool that combines a 3D printer, a laser cutter/engraver, and a CNC carver into one unit. You can swap the tool heads to change the machine's function, giving you an entire maker space in a single machine.
Are 3D printer deals on Amazon better than buying from the brand directly?
Not always. Brands often reserve their very best deals for their own official website. This includes exclusive bundles, deeper discounts, and subscriber-only perks (like early access and extra coupons) that you won't find on a general marketplace. It's always best to check the official brand store first.
