Some of the most popular types of 3D printers include FFF (fused filament fabrication) printers, SLA (stereolithography) printers, and DLP (digital light processing) printers.

FDM/FFF printers are generally the most common. While some SLA printers have come down in price a lot, the materials required for use as well as the hazards posed by the resins they use make them less appropriate for a person that is new to 3D printing. Filament-based printers are just as affordable, come in many varieties and have significantly cheaper materials.