Look at the Prusa Mk3s, excellent fdm printer that is more open source. If you want something more controlled look at Ultimaker. Check out MatterHackers for others, the majority of printers sold on that site are better quality.
I know these are stupid questions and I apologize, but I'm not current with any of the printing stuff.
What do you mean open source vs controlled? Is that related to what you are "printing"? Are the manufacturers able to lockdown certain files or some bullshit like that?
Some 3d printers are more closed product environments, meaning their software is proprietary, they make you use only their parts on the printer, they make you use only their plastic filament on the printer. Think more like Apple on these 3d printers. Others utilize open software, open parts, open to any plastic filament usage. Think more like Android on these.
Look at the Prusa Mk3s, excellent fdm printer that is more open source. If you want something more controlled look at Ultimaker. Check out MatterHackers for others, the majority of printers sold on that site are better quality.
I know these are stupid questions and I apologize, but I'm not current with any of the printing stuff.
What do you mean open source vs controlled? Is that related to what you are "printing"? Are the manufacturers able to lockdown certain files or some bullshit like that?
Some 3d printers are more closed product environments, meaning their software is proprietary, they make you use only their parts on the printer, they make you use only their plastic filament on the printer. Think more like Apple on these 3d printers. Others utilize open software, open parts, open to any plastic filament usage. Think more like Android on these.