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The 11 Best FDM 3D Printers 2022 (In Every Price Range)

FDM 3D printers are the most affordable and easiest to use 3D printers around, making them ideal for beginners, younger kids and families, and hobbyists who want to print useful and cool prints that are more durable than resin models.

In the last decade, prices have come down from $500+ for a difficult, technical kit you’d have to be an engineer to build, to fantastic user-friendly machines you can buy from just $200.

We’ve picked out the best FDM 3D printers in every price range, from $200, to $500, to the best under $1000, and even the best professional FDM printers if you’re a commercial business.

BUDGET PICK

Reliable workhorse for
under $300

Very upgradable for future modding and improving

Available Creality here amazon here

LARGE PICK

Huge 350 x 350 x 400 mm build volume for larger prints

Automatic bed leveling

Available at creality here amazon here

PREMIUM PICK

Super high-quality Prusa parts for durable performance

Our top recommendation for FDM kits

Available prusa here

What is FDM 3D printing?

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printers work by using an extruder and a hot end to melt and deposit thermoplastic filaments such as PLA and ABS to build strong and accurate 3D parts.

How FDM 3D Printing Works

The easiest way to think of FDM 3D printing works is like icing a cake with a pipe bag. Rather than with icing, melted plastic filament is pushed through the nozzle, and deposited in the set pattern. Once one layer is finished, the extruder lifts up by one layer (or the print bed moves down) and the process is repeated, as if you were icing multiple layers of a cake, gradually creating a three-dimensional object.

These plastic filaments are usually either 1.75mm or 3mm thick, and are fed via either the Bowden tube on a Bowden extruder, or directly into the 3D printer if it’s a direct drive printer, and then melted in the hot end before being extruded out of the 3D printer’s nozzle.

Filaments like PLA are fairly forgiving, but others can cause nozzle clogs if you get your temperature or other settings wrong, to pay attention to the instructions on your filament spool.

The filament is extruded, layer-by-layer, based on the 3D model supplied to your 3D printer via your slicer.

To print with an FDM printer, import your 3D file into your 3D slicer (such as Cura), slice it into each individual layer, and then send it to your 3D printer.The G-code is the final sliced model that your 3D printer uses to print, the STL is the originally designed 3D file.

Your 3D printer will then deposit filament based on the dimensions of each layer, and once it’s finished each 2D layer, it moves up one, creating the next layer up, until the final model is eventually finished.You may see the lines from each layer after printing – but don’t worry, you can finish your print to smooth these later!

The Full List: FDM Printer Options

Name and Brand	Build volume (mm)	Dual extruder?	Price	Best Price At:	Alternative Purchase Option
Creality Ender 3 V2	220 x 220 x 250	No	$249	Creality Store here	Amazon here
Voxelab Aquila	220 x 220 x 250	No	$159	Amazon here
Anycubic Kobra	220 x 220 x 250	No	$299	Anycubic here	Amazon here
Creality Ender 3 S1 Pro	220 x 220 x 270	No	$429	Creality Store here	Amazon here
Prusa Mini	180 x 180 x 180	No	$429	Prusa Store here
Anycubic Vyper	245 x 245 x 260	No	$429	Anycubic Store here	Amazon here
Creality Ender 5 Plus	350 x 350 x 400	No	$579	Creality Store here	Amazon here
Flashforge Creator Pro 2		Yes	$649	Flashforge here	Amazon here
Prusa i3 MK3S	250 x 210 x 200	Can be upgraded	$749 / $999	Kit available on Prusa store here	Prusa Store here
Snapmaker 2. 0	3 size options	No	$1,199-$1,799	Snapmaker here
Ultimaker S3	230 x 190 x 200	Yes	$3,850	Dynamism Store here	Matterhackers here
Ultimaker S5	330 x 240 x 300	Yes	$5,995	Dynamism Store here

Pros and Cons of FDM Printers

Pros

Larger build volume than resin printers

Easier to set up and operate

Easier to maintain

Cheaper filament costs and more compatible materials

Little post-processing required (no curing, etc)

Broad range of applications

Cons

Print quality and level of detail doesn’t match that of resin printers

Surface finish isn’t as smooth as resin printers

Noisy

Not as productive as resin printers

FDM Printer Buyer Guide 2022 – Reviews

First thing to note is this is a subjective list — we don’t claim to be the ultimate authority on 3D printing, just a guiding voice. However, we are knowledgeable and have tested more than a dozen 3D printers on this site.

Criteria used to evaluate the best FDM 3D printers included:

• Print quality – consistency, resolution, minimum layer height
• Filament compatibility
• Durability and reliability
• Build volume
• Enclosed – it’s easier to print ABS, Nylon and other filaments with an enclosure

We have a full buyer’s guide with everything you should consider before buying at the end of this article.

Best FDM 3D printers under $1,000

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Creality Ender 3 V2

• Price: Check latest price at Creality here / Available at Amazon here
• Print volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm

Currently one of the world’s most popular 3D printers, the Ender 3 V2 costs under $300 yet brings sturdy reliableness and good quality 3D printing.

It’s a 3D printer kit, but it takes less than 45 mins to assemble and even most beginners will find the building process simple enough.

For standard home printing in PLA and ABS or flexible filaments like TPU, it works well. And if you do run into trouble, there are owners’ groups on Facebook and other platforms you can ask for assistance in, or talk to Creality’s customer service team.

The Ender 3 V2 works great for printing the odd useful piece and any standard projects, like 3D printing 28mm miniatures or D&D tabletop toys, and other 3D printing projects. Overall, it’s a great FDM 3D printers and one of the best under $500.

Voxelab Aquila

• Price: $159 — Available on Amazon here
• Build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
• Filament compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG
• Layer height: 100-400 microns
• Printing accuracy: ± 0.2 mm
• Max nozzle temp: 250°C 
• Max bed temp: 100°C
• Connectivity: SD Card

Pros

Extremely affordable

User-friendly

Glass bed

Cons

Bowden setup isn’t the best for flexible filaments.

If you’re looking for a starter printer that’s easy to assemble and costs a highly affordable $159.99, look no further than the Voxelab Aquila.

It’s frankly astounding to think how much you get for that price and that the Voxelab Aquila produces clean surfaces and good quality prints out of the box. The Voxelab Aquila offers plenty of scope for maker-led modifications and upgrades (hot end, extruder, fans, ABL, to name a few) , so it can keep up as your skills and projects grow.

On the feature side, nothing here will wow seasoned makers. Still, there’s everything you need for a user-friendly printing experience, including an excellent glass build surface and heated bed, which expands the Aquila’s material compatibility beyond your staple PLA.

The low price does come with some sacrifices: the printer has no automatic bed leveling, the build quality isn’t on par with, say, a pricier printer like the Prusa MINI, the Bowden setup isn’t especially conducive to flexibles, and the instructions leave a bit to be desired in terms of clarity. But, at this price, these are minor complaints.

Anycubic Kobra – FDM Printer with Auto-Leveling on a Budget

• Price: Check latest price at Anycubic here / Amazon here
• Build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm 
• Filament compatibility: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
• Layer height: 50-300 microns
• Printing accuracy: ± 0.1 mm
• Max nozzle temp: 260°C 
• Max bed temp: 110°C
• Connectivity: USB, Micro SD Card

Pros

Automatic bed leveling

Textured PEI-coated build surface

Direct drive extruder

Cons

Cheap construction in some places

Launched in 2022, the Anycubic Kobra has quickly become the go-to printer for makers on a budget and beginners among enthusiasts and the press.

With efficient automatic bed leveling, a direct drive extruder, and a fantastic PEI-coated build surface, the Kobra has a spec sheet that reads like that of a printer twice its price. It oozes with value, and Anycubic has done well to cut corners where it matters least, chiefly with the plastic material used for the print head casing and spool holder.

Features aside, the Anycubic Kobra has everything you need to produce excellent quality prints for the price. It’s also easy to assemble and set up to boot. Though it excels mainly with PLA, it’s no slouch with flexibles like TPU, thanks to the direct drive extruder.

Ender 3 S1 / S1 Pro

• Price: Check latest price at Creality here / Amazon here
• Build volume: 220 x 220 x 270 mm
• Minimum layer height: 0.05mm
• Bed leveling: Automatic
• Max extruder temperature: 300°C
• Max bed temp: 110°C
• Filament compatibility: PLA, ABSE, PETG, TPU, ASA
• Connectivity: USB, Micro SD Card

Pros

Easy, high-quality prints with 0. 05mm minimum layer height

Quiet operation

Metal hot end for 300°C extruder temperatures

User-friendly with 4.3-inch touchscreen

Cons

Occasional failed print

The Ender 3 and V2 models (and the brand-new Neo versions) are some of the best super-cheap kits around, but if you want to print at higher temperatures, with better precision, and with a direct drive extruder — go for the Ender 3 S1 or S1 Pro.

We were really impressed with the quality when we printed out some test prints during our Ender 3 S1 review. The direct drive extruder is particularly useful if you want to print TPU to prevent any issues, and other upgrades such as the better print bed surface, larger 4.3-inch touchscreen, and the nice-looking LED light bar give the feel of a more premium 3D printing experience.A test print from our Ender 3 S1 Pro.

While the build volume is very similar — the only difference being 270mm on the z-axis vs 250mm on the standard Ender 3s — the Ender 3 S1 Pro also adds on an all-metal extruder, so you can reach up to 300°C temperatures for printing tougher materials like Nylon or PC. If you don’t need that, then opt for the standard Ender 3 S1 and lower extruder temperatures, it still works great. 

Both the S1 and S1 Pro have excellent auto-leveling which is another nice plus, though the new Neo versions of the Ender 3 and Ender V2 are also introducing these features. For us, the direct extrusion is the biggest benefit over the standard Ender 3’s bowden PTFE tube.

Anycubic Vyper

• Price: $429 — Check latest price at Anycubic here / Also Available on Amazon
• Build volume: 245 x 245 x 260 mm

The Anycubic Vyper makes it onto our low cost FDM 3D printer list as were impressed with it when we recently tested it for our review. For such a compact 3D printer you get good build volume, you can build it in just 5-10 minutes (it comes almost fully assembled), and the 4.3-inch touchscreen and intuitive UI makes it super simple to get right to printing.

The Vyper’s 1-click auto leveling makes life easier, and the magnetic spring steel build platform can be removed after printing to more conveniently remove your finished prints, and helps with adhesion.

Perhaps the most interesting addition is Anycubic’s double-fan cooling system for rapidly cooling prints, which they say allows you to print at faster speeds than you’re expected to on an FDM 3D printer. They say you can print at 100mm/s without issue, but we kept to standard speeds on our test and cannot verify this. We recommend you test this on larger models first.

Overall, the Vyper is a consistent and reliable FDM printer for the money.

You can read more about the Vyper in our Anycubic Vyper review

Prusa MINI

• Price: $429 — Available at Prusa here
• Build volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm
• Filament compatibility: PLA, PETG, ASA, BAS, PC, HIPS, and more
• Layer height: 50-250 microns
• Printing accuracy: ± 0.1 mm
• Max nozzle temp: 280°C 
• Max bed temp: 100°C
• Connectivity: USB, LAN

Pros

High-quality Prusa parts throughout

Broad material compatibility

Compact

No hassle, quality print results

Cons

Tiny build volume

Expensive compared to similarly-sized printers

If you’ve ever come across the Prusa name, you’ll be familiar with the Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ – a benchmark against which all consumer-grade printers are compared. The Prusa MINI uses the same high-quality construction and hassle-free printing experience of its larger sibling but condenses it into a more compact and affordable printer.

If the thought of devoting hours to software tinkering to just get a passable print leaves you cold, then the Prusa MINI should be right up your street. It just works out of the box. No fuss, no hassle – few printers on the market, especially at this price, offer such a streamlined user experience.

But, this is by no means a simple printer. It offers compatibility with far more materials than similar printers and delivers a clean 50-micron layer resolution, ideal for those more ambitious, low tolerance projects, like functional parts and high-quality decorative pieces. There’s also automatic bed leveling, an excellent build surface, and even LAN connectivity for remote printing and monitoring.

The build volume is small, there’s no avoiding this, but it should be more than enough for beginners looking to test 3D printing for the first time. It’s large enough for all those FDM favorite projects like household pieces, superhero figurines, and similarly sized parts.

The only real negative is the price. $429 is tough to justify when you can pick up an Anycubic Kobra for under $300 or, better yet, a Voxelab Aquila for under $200. You pay for convenience and guaranteed print quality; in that sense, the Prusa is worth every penny.

Ender 5 Plus – Best Large-Format FDM 3D Printer Under $1000

• Price: $579 — Available at Creality here / Amazon here
• Build volume: 350 x 350 x 400 mm 
• Filament compatibility: PLA, ABS, TPU, PETG
• Layer height: 100-400 microns
• Printing accuracy: ± 0.1 mm
• Max extruder temp: 260°C
• Max bed temp: 110°C
• Connectivity: USB, SD Card

Pros

Massive build volume

Automatic bed leveling

Textured glass build plate

Cons

Fine-tuning required to get the best out of the printer

If you want to print massive parts and models then the Ender 5 Plus is a good option because of its massive 350 x 350 x 400 mm build volume and a price that won’t have you skipping meals. Think helmets, large cosplay pieces, tabletop gaming terrain, and much more.

It also shines for having a few choice extras such as automatic bed leveling, a higher than average max extruder temp which ups its material compatibility, a tempered glass build surface, touch screen, and easy assembly.

For all its merits, the Ender 5 Plus is very much a tinkerer’s printer. No surprise there, it is an Ender 3 after all, but this may be hard to stomach for first-timers put off by heaving software tweaking. That said, if you’re willing to take the time to fine-tune the Ender 5 Pro, it more than capably delivers excellent, dimensional accurate FDM prints.

Flashforge Creator Pro 2

• Price: Check latest price at Flashforge here / Amazon here
• Build volume: 200 x 148 x 150 mm
• Filament compatibility: PLA, HIPS, ABS, PVA
• Layer height: 100-400 microns
• Printing accuracy: ± 0. 2 mm
• Max extruder temp: 240°C 
• Max bed temp: 120°C
• Connectivity: USB, SD Card

Pros

IDEX dual extruder

Cons

Smallish build volume

A dual extruder IDEX system for under $1000? Unbelievably yes, as illustrated by the Flashforge Creator Pro 2. If the thought of dual wielding different filament types, creating soluble supports, or juggling multiple colors piques your interest, the Flashforge Creator Pro 2 is one of the most affordable options out there.

Throw in a fully enclosed chamber – ABS printing is a go – a heated bed, and a selection of dual print modes (mirror, duplicate, support, multi-material), and the Flashforge Creator Pro 2 is the perfect budget IDEX package.

Now, it isn’t perfect, no printer is. It lacks automatic bed leveling and the 200 x 148 x 150 mm build volume is pretty dingy by modern standards. But again, this is a dual extruder printer for less than $700, so we’ll excuse these negatives.

Prusa i3 MK3S+ — Best FDM 3D printer under $1,000!

• Price: $749 as a kit — Available on Prusa store here / $999 fully assembled — Available on Prusa store here
• Build volume: 250 x 210 x 200 mm

The undisputed champion 3D printer kit, Prusa 3D printers blow away the competition in almost every way. They’re so good, that they got Josef Prusa into Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list! Known as the best FDM 3D printer from the RepRap movement, the i3 MK3S+ is capable of printing even the toughest filaments, including Polycarbonate, Nylon, ABS and more.

It’s precise, fast and versatile, with layer heights starting at 0.05mm, travel speeds of up to 200mm/s+, and can be upgraded to print in 5 colors simultaneously if you purchase Prusa’s Multi Material Upgrade Kit. The high quality extruder and E3D V6 nozzle make 3D printing reliable and simple, and the MK3S can recover where you left off in the event of a power outage, and detects when filament has run out.

• You can buy the Multi Material Upgrade kit for $300 here.

With a very impressive build volume of 250 x 210 x 200 mm, the Prusa i3 MK3S+ can print almost any object within reason. With layer resolutions of up to 50 microns achievable, it is also one of the highest quality FDM 3D printers on the market. Moreover, you can choose whether to buy own Prusa 3D printer pre-assembled or buy it in kit form.

Overall, the Prusa is a fantastic printer that outperforms most of its more expensive competitors outright. Its stats really don’t do it enough justice for how good this printer really is.

Commercial FDM 3D printers (Above $1,000)

Qidi Tech X-Max

• Cost: Check latest price at Amazon here
• Build volume: 300 x 250 x 300 mm

The X-Max is Qidi Tech’s largest 3D printer, and the big brother of the highly rated X-Pro, offering a huge 300 x 250 x 300 mm build volume and heavy metal structure for stable and reliable 3D printing.

The X-Max performs the role of a low-cost industrial 3D printer, with the features and accuracy for professional 3D printing, but without having to pay $5,000+ upfront before being sure of a return on investment. The enclosed chamber makes printing difficult filaments like ABS and Nylon far easier, and you can also print filaments like carbon fiber and PC for industrial rapid prototyping.

• We also have a ranking of the best enclosed 3D printers.

The X-Max is easy to use with the user-friendly and large 5-inch touchscreen, and the ability to print via WiFi. It’s known for great reliability, but if you do run into any trouble, Qidi have a full after-sales service team to assist you with any problems you may be having. Overall, it’s a great, reliable and high quality FDM 3D printer.

Snapmaker 2.0 – 3 in 1 FDM 3D printer & laser cutter / CNC carver

• Price: Check latest price at Snapmaker here / Also Available on Amazon here
• Build volume: A150 = 160 x 160 x 145 mm / A250 = 230 x 250 x 235 mm / A350 = 320 x 350 x 350 mm

Following on from the runaway success of the Snapmaker Original, the Snapmaker 2. 0 had big shoes to fill. However, it’s even managed to encompass the Original, raising an incredible $7.85M on Kickstarter.

Beyond just a 3D printer, the Snapmaker 2.0 can be quickly switched out into a CNC mill or laser cutter, offering all these options in one machine that won’t take up your entire workshop.

Read our full review: we tested the Snapmaker 2.0 3D printer

We tested the Snapmaker 2.0 A350 — the largest size 3D printer version. We were impressed with print accuracy, as well as the intelligent software that dynamically adjusts print speed based on whether it’s the first few layers of your print, or further on.

The tough metal structure anchor the printer down and keeps everything stable, and you can choose to buy the Snapmaker 2.0 enclosure for better ABS 3D printing.A vase we 3D printed with the Snapmaker 2.0.

As a 3D printer, you can comfortably print standard filaments like PLA and ABS, as well as flexibles, with the WiFi printing a nice touch for a smoother and more efficient printing experience.

As a CNC carver, it’s all set up to carve designs on a variety of types of wood, including walnut, PCB woods, hardwoods, and other materials like acrylic and fiber sheets. If you want to use the laser engraver, you can comfortably cut and engrave images on fabrics, woods, acrylics and leather.

We also used the 4-axis rotary module add-on, which costs extra. This turns your CNC or laser head into a 4-axis turning machine, and we carved accurate chess pieces from the CNC carver and engraved our logo on a cylinder gift box with ease.Carving a knight chess piece with the 4-axis CNC module.It also has a laser head which we used to engrave (shown above), as well as cut thin wood.

Overall, we’re hugely impressed with what the Snapmaker team have been able to develop across all three areas: 3D printing, CNC and laser cutting, and if you’re looking for a jack of all trades FDM 3D printer, the Snapmaker 2.0 could be ideal for you.

We recommend picking up the enclosure to keep yourself safe while making, as well as some spare parts for CNC. Snapmaker’s store has all these in one place, which you can visit here.

Ultimaker S3

• FDM 3D printer cost: $4,450 — Available on Dynamism here / Available on Matterhackers here
• Build volume: 230 x 190 x 200 mm

Dutch FDM 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker thoroughly deserve their position due to how excellent the Ultimaker S3 is. Featuring a dual extruder as well as being accurate up to an incredible 20 microns, the Ultimaker S3 is the perfect printer for prototyping, small business solutions, makers, and more.

You can remotely monitor your prints with its built-in camera, and print multiple high quality parts in its good 230 x 190 x 200 mm build volume. It’s also a very versatile FDM 3D printer, operable via USB stick, WiFi, or Ethernet, and is designed to look sleek — it looks like it belongs in an Apple store!

Though one of the more expensive options, the Ultimaker S3 is a fantastic printer for those who prioritize reliability, consistency, and great quality.

Ultimaker S5 – great professional FDM 3D printer

• Price: $5,995 — Available on Dynamism Store here / Available on Matterhackers here
• Build volume: 330 x 240 x 300 mm

We didn’t envy Ultimaker’s position in the run up to the release of their newest printer, the Ultimaker S5. Why? Because one of the problems with delivering such a fantastic product that takes the market by storm, is that expectations rise. Having released what is viewed by many as the pinnacle of FDM 3D printing, where could they go from there? Expectations were through the roof, and anything below incredible would be at risk of being deemed a failure.

But of course it was great. With the general consensus being that the prints are impeccable, the larger size useful and its effective dual extruder making it versatile, the Ultimaker S5 was met by fanfare. Undoubtedly the S5 would be on our list if it were not for the higher price, so we included it here as a special mention out of respect for this stellar machine.

Buyer’s Guide – What To Look For in an FDM 3D Printer

Print Quality

A crucial factor that determines print quality is the minimum layer height, which represents the smallest possible printable layer measured in mm. Most FDM printers gravitate around 100 microns, which is relatively standard and should suit most hobby makers. If you want better overall print quality, look for printers that drop the layer height to 50 microns, if not lower. Another important determinant of FDM 3D printing performance is XY resolution.

Other factors play into print quality, such as the quality of the printer’s parts, your chosen slicer settings, and nozzle/bed temperatures. But as a general rule, lower layer height equates to better print quality and consistency – especially in intricate and precise details.

Build Volume

Build volume refers to the maximum printable area or capacity an FDM 3D printer offers. Manufacturers list build volume in three groups of numbers measured in mm, which refer to the  X, Y, and Z axis. For example, 220 x 220 x 250 mm – the size of the Ender 3 – is considered average for consumer-grade FDM printers.

Consider what type of parts and models you plan to print, and opt for a printer that matches your ambitions. If your budget allows it, it’s worth buying a printer with a capacity slightly higher than you need – in case your appetite grows for larger projects.

To give you a sense of the spread of build volume out there, we have printers such as the Prusa Mini with a build volume of 180 x 180 x 180 mm on the lower end. Then pivoting to large format 3D printers, we have towering machines like the Ender 5 Plus with a 350 x 350 x 400 mm build volume.

Another factor related to build volume to consider is the space you have available. Larger build volumes generally equate to a larger footprint. 3D printers, even the more modest machines, aren’t by no means small, and accessories can take up more space than you’d think. It’s worth finding a home for your printer before committing to a purchase and mentally assessing whether it will fit.

Bed Leveling

A 3D printer’s bed needs calibration to compensate for the unavoidable but natural height inconsistencies on the build surface. You can do this manually on many printers, but the process is quite time-consuming and can be frustrating – not to say complex – for novices.

To make this process hassle-free, you may want to consider a 3D printer with automatic bed leveling. These usually come in the shape of a probe or sensor that automatically measures the nozzle-to-bed distance across several points on the bed, then uses that data to compensate for differences during the printing process.

Filament Compatibility

3D printing filaments have different qualities – flexible, strong, easy-to-print, brittle, wear-resistant, and so on. Depending on your printing plans, it’s important to know which filament will serve you best and buy a printer that supports that material.

The most important factors are the maximum nozzle temperature if the printer has a heated bed and what temperatures that bed can reach. Filaments are very specific temperature requirements, especially high-temp exotics such as nylon and carbon fiber.

Most FDM printers generally support PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG as standard. But, it’s important to note that while manufacturers may list filaments as compatible, especially ABS and flexibles, the machine might not play nice with them when it comes to printing good quality parts and models.

Any FDM print will do the job if you’re working with PLA. For ABS, we can’t stress how important it is to choose a printer with an enclosure to provide the stable thermal environment the material requires. For flexibles like TPU, look out for machines with direct drive extruders to limit jamming, clogging, and snapping issues that tend to flare up in Bowden systems.

Enclosure

Most FDM printers have open designs, but this isn’t suited to all filament types, especially PLA and other heat-sensitive materials that require a constant ambient temperature to perform at their best.

If you plan to dabble with these, you’ll want an enclosure, or alternatively, you may want to consider fashioning a DIY enclosure after purchase.

Extruder

Most FDM printers ship with a single extruder, the mechanism that feeds filament into the hot end. Single extruders allow you to print with one filament type or color at a time. Should you want to weave in soluble support structures made from PVA, for example, or print parts with two colors in one sitting, look out for 3D printers with dual extruders.

Printing Goals and Budget

There’s no sidestepping that 3D printers are expensive. Prices have dropped much lower than even just a few years ago, but you can expect to pay up to $300 for a decent entry-level machine. For this reason, it’s worth weighing your printing goals and needs (print size, applications, etc) against how much you’re reasonably willing to spend.

There’s little sense in a first-timer spending thousands on a professional-grade printer that offers more features than they’ll conceivably need. Conversely, a seasoned maker or small business may find a budget printer not quite able to match their plans.

What are the Different Types of FDM 3D Printers?

Though they all utilize the same technology, there are 4 main varieties of FDM 3D printer: Delta, Cartesian, Polar & Scara 3D printer (robotic arm). Polar and Scara are fairly obscure still however, so we’ll explain the main two.

• We have written a more in-depth guide to all four (Cartesian, Delta, Polar & Scara) types of 3D printer which you can view here.

Cartesian FDM 3D printers — The most common type of FDM 3D printer, Cartesian 3D printers include the legendary Ultimaker 3, and printers made by American 3D printer giant Makerbot. They use X, Y and Z-axes to extrude filament on the right co-ordinates.

Delta FDM 3D printers — Less obscure than they once were, Delta FDM 3D printers are more commonly seen in RepRap 3D printers such as the Rostock. They use three arms to control the extruder, allowing for extra flexibility and faster 3D printing.

Whereas the print bed usually moves depending on the co-ordinates in a Cartesian 3D printer, it remains stationary in a Delta printer. This is because Delta printers are more flexible and can reach the edges of the print bed, negating any need for it to move.

If you enjoyed this ranking, check out our other rankings as well as our 3D printing technology guides.

Related articles:

• The best dual extruder 3D printers ranked.
• The best large 3D printers — for those who want to build larger models.
• The best DIY 3D printer kits — most are FDM printers.
• The best 3D printers under $200
• Best 3D printers under $300
• Best 3D printers under $500
• Best 3D printers under $1000

All3DP Review: Bolt Pro Education Printer

This is a snippet of the original review all3dp.com made on the Bolt 3D printer as one of the Top 14 3D Printers for Education and Schools.  For the full article, click here.

BEST 3D PRINTERS FOR SCHOOLS & EDUCATION:

SPECS & FEATURES

Technology: FDM

Print Area (mm): 330 x 320 x 205 (single extruder) 300 x 320 x 205 (dual extruder)

Materials: Leapfrog Maxx Essentials, Leapfrog Maxx Pro

Min. Layer Height (microns): 30

Connectivity: USB-tether, Wifi, Ethernet

Software: Simplify3D (included), Octoprint (in-browser)

Heated Platform: Yes

Suitability: High School, College, Makerspace, Lab

Additional Features: Independent dual extrusion (IDEX), print monitoring camera, HEPA + carbon air filter.

Educational Resources: Online 3D printing courses, primary & high school lesson plans.

THE PRINTER

A solid choice for the upper range of K-12, higher education and professionals, Leapfrog’s Bolt is a feature rich desktop 3D printer that outputs professional results. Packing a sturdy, fully enclosed design, the Bolt also boasts HEPA and carbon air filtration systems for removing VOCs and odors emitted from its prints.

It’s independent dual extrusion system gives greater flexibility with the option to create prints from multiple materials, or mirror prints to double output. A removable print bed also allows for high throughput if you have multiple beds on the go.

A neat feature designed to aid educators in the classroom is the addition of user profiles Classroom friendly UI that makes use of profiles (with or without admin rights), meaning educators can retain control and students can concentrate on the job at hand.

With Wifi connectivity, the Bolt Pro can also be accessed remotely via any web browser. On-board storage for 3D models can by synchronized with DropBox and Microsoft OneDrive, giving an additional networking tool aiding print management.

THE RESOURCES

Additionally, Leapfrog offers an accompanying curriculum incorporating it’s Bolt Pro 3D printer, including lesson plans, projects and testing materials for primary education and high schools, covering the basics through to professional applications of 3D printing.

WHY IS THIS ONE OF THE BEST 3D PRINTERS FOR SCHOOLS / EDUCATION?

Custom user profiles stand out to us as indicative of a machine designed for the shared environment of the classroom. Offering such control for educators, alongside such top-line features as independent dual extrusion and a HEPA air filter make the Bolt Pro solid choice for the school workshop or lab.

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Top 3D printers in the first half of 2018

3DPrintStory     Reviews     The best 3D printers of the first half of 2018