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Best 3d printers 2023 under 1000


The Best 3D Printer under US$1000, According to 4,400+ Customer Reviews

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best 3D printers under US$1000. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

After reviewing the best affordable 3D printers under US$500, and US$300, and even the super-economical 3D printers under US$200, it was time to cover the big boys; here's our look at the best 3D printers under US$1000.

An electronic 3D plastic printer during operation

Image credit: Shutterstock/Bas Nastassia

Although it can be an expensive purchase, there are many benefits of owning a good 3D printer, and it could end up saving you a lot of time and money in the long run. "I'm able to buy less from Amazon by printing what I need instead," one reviewer wrote. For instance, if you have a broken item or part at home or in the office, such as a switch, handle, lever, or even a chair or couch leg, you can easily whip up a replacement in your 3D printer, instead of searching for spare parts online or in stores, or throwing the whole broken item away. In addition, a 3D printer is a great teaching tool for children and adults alike, and above all, it's fun too—you never quite get over the thrill of printing your own personalized phone case, jewelry, collectibles, or gifts.

Choosing a 3D Printer Under US$1000

As another reviewer explained, "The saying 'buy cheap—buy twice' truly fits here," but if you're going to spend up to a thousand bucks on a 3D printer, it's imperative that you choose one that will cover your needs. For home use, you may want a 3D printer that is quieter than average, like the Creality CR-10 V2. If you're keen on producing multi-colored prints, a printer with a dual extruder, such as the Bibo 3D dual extruder printer or the FlashForge Dreamer, would be optimal. For professional-grade printing, you'll need an industrial-style printer like the highly-rated Qidi Tech X-Plus. But if US$1000 still feels too steep, don't worry; most of our picks are under US$700, and we've also included a couple of the best 3D printers under US$600 in the list too.

Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best 3D Printer under US$1000

Best 3D Printer Under US$1000: FlashForge| Buy Now

Most Affordable 3D Printer Under US$1000: Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus | Buy Now

Best Large 3D Printer Under US$1000: Anycubic Chiron | Buy Now

Best 3D Printer: Dremel Digliab 3D20 | Buy Now

Best Professional 3D Printer Under US$1000: Qidi | Buy Now

Best 3D Printer with Dual Extruder Under US$1000: Bibo | Buy Now

Best FlashForge 3D Printer Under US$1000: FlashForge Dreamer | Buy Now

Best Creality 3D Printer Under US$1000: Creality CR-10S Pro | Buy Now

Scroll down to read more about these top picks for the best 3D Printer under US$1000, according to many happy buyers.

*Prices listed in this article were as shown in US$ on amazon.com (USA) and walmart.com (USA) as of October 2022

1.

Best 3D Printer Under US$1000—FlashForge

With over 1,150 reviews on Amazon, the FlashForge Creator Pro 3D printer is the best of its kind in this price range. It has a sturdy and stable enclosed metal frame structure, an aviation-grade aluminum plate that is virtually indestructible, and it's compatible with an array of filaments such as PLA, ABS, PVA, PETG, and metal and wood-filled kinds too. "If you want the least amount of hassle and the shortest learning curve, this is the one," wrote one happy buyer.

Specifications

Material: Aluminum, pla, metal

Color: Blue

Weight: 24.25 Pounds

BUY NOW: US499, Amazon

2. Most Affordable 3D Printer Under US$1000—Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus

In addition to being the most affordable item on this list, the Creality Ender 3 S1 Plus is also our pick for the best home 3D printer under US$1000; thanks to its super-silent motherboard, you can leave the machine printing through the night without disturbing the rest of the family. It can print items up to 400mm high, and if there's a power shortage, the resume printing function will just pick up where it left off making sure no filament goes to waste.

Specifications

Material: Metal

Color: Black/Grey

Weight: 29.8 Pounds

BUY NOW: US549, Amazon

3. Best Large 3D Printer Under US$1000—Anycubic Chiron

With a printing capacity of up to 450mm, the Anycubic Chiron 3D printer with semi-automatic leveling is the largest 3D printer under US$1000 on our list. The large build volume isn't its only impressive attribute; "The heated bed on this thing is the best I’ve ever seen," a satisfied customer wrote. "The entire bed is heated unlike a lot of the larger printers out there. It heated to 60 degrees in 1.5 minutes, which surprised me."

Specifications

Material: Metal

Color: Black

Weight: 42 lb

BUY NOW: US$423. 99, Walmart

4. Best 3D Printer—Dremel Digliab 3D20

If you don't have any time to waste, the Dremel Digilab 3D20 3D printer comes totally pre-assembled and includes a 500g spool of filament so you can get cracking on your 3D creations immediately. Perfect for home use, and with a great price tag to boot, this reliable Amazon's Choice product has a top safety certificate so you can leave it running all night long for those more complex prints. 

Specifications

Material: Pla

Color: Clear

Weight: 15.43 Pounds

BUY NOW: US$1099.99, Amazon

5. Best Professional 3D Printer Under US$1000—Qidi

The Qidi Tech X-Plus is an intelligent, industrial-grade 3D printer with an optimized build platform, and large, high-precision printing capability, offering multi-color printing thanks to its dual extruder. It also has the option of either ventilative printing, or enclosed printing with a constant temperature so you can print with the ABS or PLA filaments of your choice. What's more, Qidi's customer service is unparalleled, with hundreds of customers commenting on the fast and helpful team that responds to concerns almost immediately.

Specifications

Material: Acrylic

Color: Multi-color

Weight: 50.71 Pounds

BUY NOW: US$699, Amazon

6. Best 3D Printer with Dual Extruder Under US$1000—Bibo 3D Dual Extruder Printer

The introduction of dual-extruders took 3D printing to another—more colorful—level. In addition to its two-color printing capability, the Bibo 3D dual extruder printer is a fast-printing, enclosed printer with a super sturdy frame, full-color touch screen, filament run-out detection, resume-printing function (in the event of power failure), WiFi connection, and, although there is some assembly required, users report setup as being relatively easy. Another great perk is that this Amazon's Choice 3D printer is currently on sale at over 17% off the starting price. 

Specifications

Material: Aluminum, glass, polylactic acid, plastic, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate, acrylic

Color: Silver/Red

Weight: 40.19 Pounds

BUY NOW: US$398, Amazon

7. Best FlashForge 3D Printer Under US$1000—FlashForge Dreamer

FlashForge fans are raving about the Dreamer 3D printer with its enclosed chamber and dual extruder. Other bonuses include a large build volume, 75-micron capacity, great slicer software, a heated bed with an active cooling system, a user-friendly menu, and many connectivity options, including WiFi, SD card, and USB port printing. It also comes with two free filament spools too to get you started.

Specifications

Material: N/A

Color: Multicolored

Weight: 24. 25 Pounds

BUY NOW: US$462.26 (Was US$491.77), Amazon

8. Best Creality 3D Printer Under US$1000—Creality CR-10S Pro

For anyone looking for the best Creality 3D printer, those in the know recommend the reliable and easy CR-10S. "I have four Creality printers," one buyer wrote, "[and] I love them all, but this one is the best! Easy to use, consistent, and reliable. I love it!" It comes with two different beds—glass and magnetic—and a bed-leveling sensor that makes leveling a breeze. Out of the box, it's 95% preassembled and takes just two bolts to complete setup. 

Specifications

Material: Aluminum

Color: Red

Weight: 37.3 Pounds

BUY NOW: US$626, Amazon

Best 3D Printers under US$1000—Summary

With over 1,150 reviews on Amazon, the FlashForge Creator Pro is the customer choice for the best 3D printer under US$1000. For professional-grade, high-precision printing, the Qidi Tech X-Plus—which has an extremely rare 96% positive rating on Amazon—is our top pick. We hope our review of 3D printers has been helpful. For more 3D printers and other 3D printing suppliers, including 3D printer filaments suppliers, additive manufacturing suppliers, 3D photographic printing services, and 3D sand printing additive manufacturing, consult our additional guides or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

Sources

  • https://all3dp.com/1/how-to-buy-3d-printer-buying-guide/
  • https://www.electropages.com/blog/2019/08/best-3d-printer-features-what-look-when-buying-3d-printer

Other 3D Printing Articles

  • The Best 3D Printer Under US$500
  • The Best 3D Printers under US$300
  • The Best 3D Printers under US$200
  • Top 3D Printing Services Companies in the USA
  • Origins of 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
  • Overview of 3D Printing Technologies
  • Top 3D Printing Manufacturers and Suppliers (Publicly Traded and Privately-Owned)
  • Top Suppliers of Additive Manufacturing Consulting Services

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The 10 Best 3D Printers Under $1000 (2023 Update) – Clever Creations

Intended use

Before getting a 3D printer, you must have a clear idea about its intended use. How are you going to use it? What’s the primary purpose? Is it for educational use, professional use, or just for hobby? Where do you plan to use your 3D printer? In your home, office, garage, or school? These are the questions you need to ask to narrow down your options.

If you’re a beginner or need a 3D printer for kids or educational purposes, focusing on ease of use and safety should be your primary focus. 3D printers like the Flashforge Dreamer, QIDI Tech X-Plus, and the Dremel Digilab 3D20 will be the best 3D printers under 1000 for your use case.

On the other hand, if you are looking for features such as a high-temp hot end, a heated bed, wide material compatibility, and dual extruders, you are better off focusing on a professional high-quality printing experience. In such cases, you should consider the Flashforge Creator Pro 2, Prusa i3MK3S+, or the Matterhackers Pulse XE.

FDM or resin

FDM and resin 3D printers are drastically different in terms of materials, machine setup, workflow, and applications.

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers use a solid plastic filament that is melted and deposited, one layer at a time.  It’s relatively easy to use and learn, compatible with various materials, and can be used in schools or home environments. You have the advantage of a huge build volume with these machines. However, the quality of FDM 3D printers is comparatively lower than resin ones.

Resin 3D printers are known for their superior quality and smooth surface finish. They use a photosensitive 3D printer resin and cure it with a UV light source, typically that of a UV curing station. It’s mainly suited for applications that require a higher level of detail, surface finish, and precision. For example, if you want to 3D print miniatures, dental models, jewelry, and molds, you are much better off with a resin 3D printer.

The downside of a resin 3D printer is its messy operation due to the resin, expensive material costs, and post-processing of the printed parts. Add to that a relatively small build volume, and you’re limited to smaller-sized objects only. If quality is not the absolute criteria, and you can get away with slight blemishes here and there, an FDM 3D printer is a better option.

Build quality

A well-built 3D printer will deliver high-quality, consistent, and reliable 3D prints. 3D printers under $1000 give manufacturers enough room to go beyond the basic materials and use high-end materials, like a metal frame, to improve the build quality of their 3D printers.

3D printers like the Prusa i3, Matterhackers Pulse XE, Flashforge Creator Pro 2 have a solid metal frame and are built to last. The build quality on these machines is top-notch, and as a result, they can deliver high-quality prints for a long time.

High-quality components not only deliver excellent quality but are also more reliable in terms of performance and durability. If long-term reliability is your priority and you want to reduce your downtime, maintenance, and other 3D printing costs, the build quality should be on the top of your list while considering buying a 3D printer.

Features

3D printers under $1000 are more than just basic 3D printers with minimal features. As mentioned above, this budget gives manufacturers more flexibility. Aside from better materials, this also means more and better features in the machine.

For example, many 3D printers in this category come with basic safety features. For example, an enclosed design, an air filtration system, a top-cover sensor (Anycubic Mono X), and the use of high-quality components promise safe operation and reduce the risk of any accidents.

To avoid getting unsuccessful 3D prints, features like resume printing and filament run-out detection come into play. The resume printing feature helps you resume your print in case of a power failure. And the filament sensor will notify you if the 3D printer runs out of filament. Both these features come in handy during long hours of 3D printing.

You also need to consider the user interface and the workflow of your 3D printer. How intuitive is it to use? Is there any touchscreen, or is it an LCD screen with hardware buttons? If you’re looking for a printer for kids or students, the best 3D printer might be one with an intuitive, user-friendly interface.

Build volume

The build volume of a 3D printer dictates the size of the objects that you can 3D print. If you want to print larger-sized objects, a resin 3D printer will be of little help. You will be better off with an FDM printer that offers ample space.

The Creality CR-10 S5 is our recommendation for the largest 3D printer under $1000, with a build volume of 500 x 500 x 500 mm. To put things in perspective, that’s more than enough space to 3D print a full-sized helmet at once.

But if you’re planning on using the 3D printer for educational purposes, or for printing miniatures and figurines, you can get away with a smaller-sized 3D printer. It’ll help you save some costs, or you can choose some other features which are more important to you.

Print speed

Print speed directly affects productivity and your 3D printing experience. If you’re buying a 3D printer for home use or basic hobby purposes, it is likely to not affect you that greatly. But if you’re considering purchasing a 3D printer for your print farm, office, or professional use, printing speed is an essential parameter that dictates your 3D printing output.

A fast 3D printing speed will give you quicker outputs and reduce turnaround times. You will be able to reiterate your designs faster and make the necessary changes at a much faster pace.

To that extent, resin 3D printers have a higher printing speed when compared to FDM ones. Even if you fill up the entire build plate, each layer will take 2-3 seconds to cure. This can come in handy when 3D printing lots of jewelry pieces or miniatures at once.

FDM 3D printers are comparatively slower. Each object you add to the build plate adds extra 3D printing time. Some FDM printers are faster than others. If speed is your priority, the Prusa i3 MK3S+ and Pulse XE offer decent speeds at 200+ mm/s travel speed and offer a printing speed of up to 60-80 mm/s.

Alternatively, you might want to consider a CoreXY 3D printer kit. CoreXY printers have relatively little moving mass due to their stationary motors and are able to achieve high print speeds without sacrificing print quality.

Material compatibility

Material compatibility is one of the primary things to look for when getting a 3D printer. A 3D printer under $1000 offers more flexibility in terms of materials than a 3D printer under $300 does. Except for the Digilab 3D20 and the resin 3D printers, all others have a heated print bed that extends the number of materials that can be 3D printed with.

With 3D printers like the Pulse XE and the QIDI Tech X Plus, which offer a heated print bed and a high-temperature hot end, you can go beyond the basic materials and print with Nylon, Carbon fiber, and Polycarbonate filaments. There is also the Flashforge Creator Pro 2, which lets you 3D print with two materials at once and use soluble supports.

Wide material compatibility will let you utilize your 3D printer in many more applications. You can choose whether to use it only with the basic filaments or use advanced materials without having to change components when the need arises.

top 10 rating according to KP

A 3D printer opens up incredible opportunities for a person. The first prototype of such a device was born back in 1984. The idea of ​​​​the invention belongs to the American Charles Hull, he received a patent for it only two years after development. The printer was a rather massive industrial installation and, despite many inaccuracies and shortcomings in operation, the technology was used.

Hal co-founded 3dsystems, a leader in industrial 3D printers. However, this material is not dedicated to these large machines. 3D printing is becoming more and more part of everyday life. Thus, the technology is used to create unique toys, various models, figurines, packaging, clothes, shoes and jewelry. For these purposes, it is not at all necessary to purchase a large-sized printer. You can get by with a small device. It has a compact size, and its technology is completely identical to the industrial one. Heated plastic is fed through the nozzle (spout) of the device, which is laid out on the surface in accordance with the drawing specified in the program. And if earlier such a device was a luxury that only a few can afford, today a 3D printer is available to everyone. nine0003

Top 10 rating according to KP

1. Creality3D Ender 3

Creality3D Ender 3. Photo: market-yandex.ru

Our rating opens with a model from the world's largest manufacturer of 3D printers. The Ender 3 features an elegant and thoughtful design, excellent print quality and a wide build area. Manufacturers have provided a good arrangement of wires that do not get confused during operation. The small control unit of the device is located to the right of the work surface. The gadget prints perfectly with various types of plastic. In particular, we are talking about varieties of ABS, PLA, TPU and PETG. The scope of this printer is quite wide. It can be used to produce minifigures, do artistic modeling, and make small prototypes of parts and functional elements. nine0003

Main characteristics
Print technology fdm/fff/pjp
Field PLA, Wood
Workspace width 220 mm
Workspace height 250 mm
The depth of the workspace 220 mm
Features Heated table, displays, active cooling, nozzle change, USB, Micro SD
Press speed 180 mm/sec
Number of extruders 1
Pros and cons

Possibility of using various types of plastic, high quality of parts, reliable design

A small display that displays only basic information

2.

FlashForge Adventurer 3 FlashForge Adventurer 3. Photo: market-yandex.ru

The model from the Chinese developer FlashForge took the second position in our rating. The device is equipped with a Wi-Fi receiver, a removable heated pad for printing. In addition, manufacturers have provided a built-in webcam, a closed case and a color touch-screen display. The latter, although it does not support the Russian language, is intuitively understandable. The ergonomics of the device is provided by the filament sensor: if the printer runs out of plastic, it automatically goes into standby mode and does not idle. nine0017 Features Heated table, display, active cooling, Change of nozzles Connection Wi-Fi, USB Extruders Compatibility with operations /Unix 3D model file format STL, OBJ

Pros and cons

Webcam and Wi-Fi receiver allows you to monitor the work, unusual design, simplicity from anywhere in the world in the setup, the presence of a filament sensor

Despite the rather wide functionality, this model is hardly suitable for an experienced printer or a small production due to the small area of ​​​​the working space, high price

3.

FlyingBear Ghost 5 FlyingBear Ghost 5. Photo: market-yandex.ru from FlyingBear is ideal for semi-professional use. Uniform supply of filament (plastic) provides good opportunities for creating three-dimensional figures with a fairly high resolution. High productivity is achieved thanks to the transparent Dual Drive extruder with BMG double drive. The gadget has a body closed on three sides. Its walls are made of heat-resistant non-toxic ABS plastic. This protection prevents the accumulation of dust on the working parts of the device, which greatly facilitates the maintenance of the printer. The device is controlled using a 3.5-inch color TFT display. nine0003
Main characteristics
, SD , SD 9001
Print technology fdm/fff/pjp
Field for house/diy, initial level
Open Camera Open Camera Open Cam ABS, PLA, Wood, HIPS
Workspace width 255 mm
Workspace height 210 mm
Working space 210 mm
Features Heated table, display, active cooling, nozzle adjustment, temperature control
Connection Wi-Fi, SD
Print speed (extruder speed) 150mm/s
Number of extruders 1
Printing accuracy X, Y 0. 01 mm
Positioning accuracy Z 0.002 mm
Pros and cons

Short power cord, inaccuracies in the Russian-language menu, weak airflow system.

4. Anet N4

Anet N4. Photo: market-yandex.ru

The budget model from the Chinese manufacturer Anet N4 is equipped with all the necessary functions for a small domestic production. The base of the device is made of cast aluminum alloy. The weight of the gadget does not exceed 9kg. A transparent tinted hood protects the work surface from external sources of ultraviolet radiation. It can be removed to remove the finished product and clean the printer. Also, manufacturers have provided a removable resin bath and a working platform, which greatly facilitates the use of the device.

Key Features
Print Technology LCD
Application Home/DIY Professional 30 mm/h
Pros and cons

Ability to use photopolymer resins from any manufacturer, high polymer curing speed

Small work surface, slightly inferior to competitors in some parameters

Photon Scu0bic0 Anycu0bic08 5. S. Photo: market-yandex.ru

In the middle of our rating is the Anycubic Photon S model. It is equipped with an advanced optical system and a large working camera. The device has a matrix light source that provides a uniform luminous flux over the entire plane of the desktop. This allows a very high curing speed of the layers to be achieved. In addition, the printer has an original function that allows you to simultaneously print eight identical models. According to the developers, the target audience for this device are orthodontists and jewelers. Most parts of the device are made of plastic. This factor significantly reduces the weight of the device and makes it convenient to transport. nine0018 115 mm Connection USB Print speed (extruder speed) 20 mm/second

Plus and minuses

High printing quality

Small worktop

6. ELEGOO Mars Pro

ELEGOO Mars Pro. Photo: market-yandex.ru

This model is significantly different from its predecessor Elegoo Mars. Thanks to the advanced Z-axis mechanics and directional UV light from the diode array, it is suitable not only for hobbies, but also for fields of activity such as dentistry and jewelry. In addition, the developers moved the USB connector to the front of the device. Now there is no need to constantly rotate the gadget in the process. The weight of the device is only 7.5 kg, which makes it very convenient for transportation. A translucent plastic cover will reliably protect against extraneous radiation and will allow you to monitor the production process. nine0003

The main characteristics
Print technology LCD
Scope for home/diy, for medicine
Print speed: (layer build-up) 22. 5 mm/h
Print precision X, Y 0.047 mm
Positioning accuracy Z 0.125 mm
The wavelength of light source 405 Nm
PLASS AND MINCOUS COUREDENDENT, LIGHT price, good UF-Room Light 9,0008 7. Two Trees Bluer
Two Trees Bluer. Photo: market-yandex.ru

This is one of the most popular home models of 3D printers. It is ideal for getting acquainted with technology, various experiments, training and prototyping. Distinctive features of Two Trees Bluer are: "quiet" drivers, which are the engine of the device, a heated table, two-way airflow and a thread break sensor. The mechanics of the printer is quite simple, and at the same time very effective. The open type case will be very convenient when cleaning the work surface. The firmware of the device provides the functions of auto-calibration and automatic resumption of printing in case the power was accidentally turned off. nine0018

Pros and cons

Low price, easy and convenient to use

Lack of protection for the work surface, poor quality of spare parts

8. Wanhao Duplicator i3 Mini

Duplicator Mini i3. Photo: market-yandex.ru

Miniature 3D printer does not look like other devices. However, this feature does not affect its technical characteristics. The plastic spool is located on the right side of the bracket. Wanhao branded coating is pasted over the table. There is no platform heating, so it is recommended to use PLA plastic for printing. The manufacturer clearly states in the manual that the printer is designed to work only with PLA material and nothing else. The body of the gadget is made of sheet steel. The memory card slot and all printer control elements - a monochrome liquid crystal display, a universal knob-button and a Reset micro-button - are placed on the front panel of the printer. nine0003

The main characteristics

The main characteristics
Print technology FDM/FFF/PJP
Field Educational, for House/DIY, for medicine
Openly Camera Open PLA
Working space width 120 mm
Working space height 100 mm
The depth of the workspace 135 mm
Features displays, active cooling, speed control, temperature control
USB, SD card
) 70 mm/s
Number of extruders 1
Printing precision X, Y 0. 012 mm
for printing 9001
Print technology FDM/FFF/PJP
Scope Educational, for the house/DIY, Industrial, Professional Material
ABS, Flex, Nylon, PLA, PETG, SBS, CopperFILL, DuraForm TPU
Working width 220 mm
The height of the workspace 250 mm
Dent of the workspace 220 mm
Features Heated table, Active streaming, Control adjustment, Tempension
USB, micro-SD
Print speed (extruder speed) 150 mm/s,
Number of extruders 1
Pros and cons

Spacious work surface, robust housing

Little functionality for a rather high price, lack of work surface protection, few functions on the control screen.

10. Tianfour Sparkmaker

Tianfour Sparkmaker. Photo: market-yandex.ru

This model is ideal for beginners, as it does not require additional settings at all before starting work. Externally, the printer has the shape of a cylinder with a height of 27.5 cm and a diameter of 17 cm. The realistic contours and smooth curves of the figures are ensured by LCD technology. The printer works with any photopolymer resins for 3D printing with a flash length of 405nm. nine0003

How to choose a 3D printer

Choosing a 3D printer is not such a difficult task as it might seem at first glance. Despite the relentless interest in 3D printing and the incredible number of devices on the market, the basic requirements for models remain unchanged. Komsomolskaya Pravda turned to Svyatoslav Vulf, a blogger and host of a YouTube channel about modern technologies and experiments, for help in this matter. He regularly monitors new products on the 3D technology market and tests them at home. nine0003

Product size

Initially, you should decide what size of products you expect to receive in the end. The required area of ​​​​the working surface depends on this. Note that the price of the device also depends on the size of the latter. For work at home, there will be enough indicators: 200 × 250 × 200 (WxHxD).

Technology

Today, there are several technologies for printing on a 3D printer. They differ significantly from each other. Let's consider some of them. nine0003

SLA-technology — works on the basis of a liquid photopolymer, which under the influence of laser light changes its physical properties and hardens. It allows you to create figurines with the highest precision of microforms.

DLP technology is an alternative SLA method. However, instead of laser systems, LED projectors are used here, which significantly reduce the cost of 3D printers. When using this technology, the future prototype is formed layer by layer. nine0003

The FDM method is ideal when prototypes are required that will be actively used and not just sitting on a shelf. Here, high-strength industrial plastics will be used for production. Please note that there are other technologies, but they are very similar to the above.

Material

Before buying a printer, you should also pay attention to what materials it works with, as they have significant differences from each other. For example, ABS can take many different polymeric forms. This is a very durable plastic. It is easily sanded and processed. PLA plastic is considered more environmentally friendly. It is made from agricultural products - corn, potatoes, beets and others. In its original form, it is transparent and can be colored. PLA is just as strong but tougher than ABS. The ductility and heat resistance of SBS make it the material of choice in engineering and mechanical applications. nine0003

Noise level and drivers

An important factor when choosing a 3D printer are drivers - device engines (not to be confused with software). They affect the overall noise level of the device. For example, if you buy a printer with cheap A4988, then even neighbors will hear its work. In this case, you should pay a little more and purchase a gadget with more expensive drivers.

Self-assembly

Some manufacturers prepare the model completely before sale. The buyer can only get the printer out of the box and connect the power. However, there are some models that require self-assembly. Be sure to consider this factor before purchasing. If you are purchasing such a device for the first time, then it will not be easy for you to assemble it. nine0003

Best 3D printers 2022 for production and business: Expert rating

3D scanners

Analyst and business

The best on the topics

Experts recommend

3D printers

Author: Semen Poladeyuk

Author: Semen Potaydyuk

Summing up the results of the outgoing year, we tried to choose the most interesting solutions that appeared in 2022 on the global 3D printing and 3D scanning market. Of course, our top is far from covering even a small part of the novelties of the grandiose 3D industry. We have highlighted several developments that have attracted increased attention from users and professional industry experts. nine0003

Note that the best 3D printers and 3D scanners of 2022 roundup does not include the home (consumer) segment. In accordance with the direction of the blog, we are considering professional and industrial equipment that will reduce time, material and labor costs for manufacturing enterprises, research, educational and medical organizations, as well as in the field of business projects. Thanks to such innovations, the locomotive of the industry is moving. nine0003

Blog materials will help you navigate the typology of equipment and choose the best solution:

  • Types of 3D printers: technologies, materials, applications

  • Choosing a 3D Printer: Find the Right Solution for You

  • How to choose a 3D scanner

nine0841 If you have questions about the implementation of 3D technologies, please contact the experts of iQB Technologies

Top 8 3D printers

HBD E500

© HBD

HBD is one of the Chinese market leaders in metal 3D printing. The manufacturer's portfolio includes more than 15 models of printers with cameras from 150 to 1500 mm. In 2022, the line was replenished with perhaps the most versatile machine - the HBD E500. It's a true workhorse for trouble-free printing of complex custom or prototype designs up to 520mm. nine0003

The printer is equipped with two or three lasers, depending on customer requirements, equipped with a safe and reliable filtration system and provides a closed powder supply cycle. With its high print speeds of up to 10,000 mm/s, the E500 is well suited for continuous batch production in a variety of industries such as automotive, mechanical engineering, aviation, foundry, education and R&D.

SLM NXG XII 600E

© SLM Solutions

At Formnext 2022, SLM Solutions, the market leader in metal 3D printing, announced its latest development, the largest additive manufacturing machine for selective laser melting technology. Based on the popular NXG XII 600 model, the new model has a larger build area of ​​1. 5 m in the Z-axis, which is reportedly 50% larger than the equipment of the closest competitor. nine0003

Metal-to-metal additive manufacturing customers are demanding ever larger parts – and as quickly as possible. Serial production of products of complex geometry can now be implemented in a few hours or days, rather than weeks and months. To meet these expectations, the NXG XII 600E provides an end-to-end manufacturing process to increase machine uptime.

The system platform features an open SLM architecture that allows flexible process parameters for maximum performance at a layer thickness of 90 micron or more (when working with popular materials such as IN718, AlSi10Mg, TiAl6V4 and copper alloys).

IEMAI FAST JET 1500

© IEMAI

  • Technology: FDM/FGF

  • Construction area: 1500 × 1500 × 1500 mm

  • Features: creation of large objects from granulated thermoplastics and remote control of the printing process nine0003

The use of polymers in the form of granules in 3D printing makes it possible to save even more on materials and speed up the process of printing large-sized objects compared to filaments. Another well-known Chinese manufacturer, IEMAI, introduced the FAST JET 1500 large-format FGF printer for printing products up to 1.5 meters in length, width and height.

The 3D printer features an elevated extrusion temperature (500°C), a 3-stage extrusion temperature control system, and a closed isolation chamber to handle most thermoplastic pellets available on the market, including PLA, nylon, and high-performance materials such as PEEK and PEKK. . nine0003

The FAST JET 1500 also features a proprietary 6-axis control system and a 10″ full color touch screen with remote automatic loading. In addition, the printer is one of the first models to be sold with a built-in IEMAI cloud platform for remote control of material drying, G‑od file uploads, printing at regular intervals, and remote monitoring of the printing process.

F2 Gigantry

© F2 Innovations

The Perm company F2 innovations, which develops and manufactures industrial 3D systems, has introduced a novelty - a granule printer with the largest print area.

The F2 Gigantry is an open gantry with an extruder capable of creating parts up to 4 meters long, 2 meters wide and 1 meter high. The technology allows printing with polymer granules with a capacity of up to 10 kg/h, including recycled materials (recycled granulate). nine0003

FGF-printing technology is not new, but F2 Gigantry became the first domestic large-format 3D printer in this category. Today, the question of a quick and high-quality replacement of imported solutions, as well as the acceleration of production with an increase in the number of manufactured products, is acute. The novelty from F2 Innovations will help to solve these problems effectively.

ProtoFab PF‑S300 / PF‑S350

© ProtoFab

Professional Russian users are already familiar with SLA printers from the Chinese company ProtoFab, and this year the manufacturer introduced a series of high-precision industrial units based on selective laser sintering (SLS) technology. nine0003

The ProtoFab PF‑S300 and PF‑S350 are equipped with a new dynamic thermal control system that further optimizes temperature distribution monitoring, encapsulation and sensor performance. Nylon, carbon fiber composite nylon powder, glass fiber composite nylon powder and other plastics are used as consumables.

The speed of laser illumination is increased to 3 m/s, which significantly speeds up molding by increasing the speed of powder spraying. The printers are equipped with new, efficient powder removal accessories, which can reduce production costs and lead times. With a cylinder temperature of 220°C, the PF‑S300 and PF‑S350 are capable of sintering materials with a melting point of 225°C or lower. nine0003

Sinterit Lisa X

© Sinterit

The Polish company Sinterit sets another record: according to the manufacturer, the new SLS system is ten times faster than its predecessor, the Lisa PRO model. Lisa X is capable of sintering PA12 at speeds up to 14 mm/h and completing a full print session in just 30 hours. Relatively inexpensive and compact, a 3D printer can truly boast the performance of an industrial device and allow companies to speed up product development and time to market. nine0003

Open source software allows you to customize 32 print settings to suit your individual needs. Media changes can be done in 15 minutes, and printing and cooling can take up to 40% less time than any other compact SLS printer.

Lisa X also features a unique "airblade" system that automatically cleans the glass around the laser during production, meaning users don't have to do it manually in two out of every three sessions, speeding up print preparation. nine0003

Massivit 10000

©Massivit 3D

  • Technology: Cast-In-Motion

  • Construction area: 1200 × 1500 × 1650 mm

  • Features: production of molding equipment in the shortest possible time

Another interesting novelty for 2022 is a large-format additive machine from the reputable Israeli manufacturer Massivit 3D. The system uses a hybrid technology of photopolymer 3D printing and thermoplastic injection, called "Cast-In-Motion" (CIM). The printer is designed for the production of molding equipment for the subsequent manufacture of products from composite materials. Two printheads are used respectively to form the photopolymer gel formwork and to fill the internal cavities with thermoplastic. After heat treatment of the printed product, the photopolymer shell dissolves, and the resulting form undergoes finishing machining. nine0003

This technology, according to the manufacturer, allows to reduce the number of stages of the production process and reduce the time for the manufacture of molding equipment by 80%.

BMF microArch S350

© Boston Micro Fabrication

  • Technology: projection microstereolithography (PµSL)

  • Construction area: 100 × 100 × 50 mm nine0003

  • Features: high resolution microscale photopolymer printing

And here is one of the latest new products for 2022 - a photopolymer microprinting machine from Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF). The microArch S350 is the highest performing BMF printer for the final part industry, as it can print not only high-resolution micro-scale objects (up to 10 microns), but also many small objects that require high precision and detail. The 3D printer is suitable for prototyping and additive manufacturing in the amount of one thousand to 30 thousand products and will find its place in enterprises and research laboratories. nine0003

The microArch S350 is based on BMF's projection microstereolithography (PµSL) technology, which is a form of masked stereolithography (MSLA) using ultraviolet light with microscale resolution.

Top 5 3D Scanners

FARO Focus Premium

© FARO

  • Type: ground laser 3D scanner

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    Distance measurement accuracy: ±1mm

  • Scanning speed: up to 2 million points per second

  • Features: Unsurpassed scanning quality in one minute

The super-hit FARO Focus series has been replenished with improved Premium models. The new line includes three instruments with a scanning range of 70, 150 and 350 meters and features higher speed, increased resolution, hardware noise reduction and the ability to remotely control the instrument from any mobile device. nine0003

Premium is 50% more productive than its predecessors: measurements take an average of one minute using the optional PanoCam, even when scanning in color. Remote control of the scanner and stitching of scans from a mobile device is performed using the Stream application with subsequent integration into the Sphere cloud platform.

New devices are perfect for projects in the field of manufacturing, architecture, civil and industrial construction. And a nice bonus: the official warranty period from the manufacturer has been extended to two years. nine0003

Also in 2022, FARO launched the Focus Core, a cost-effective terrestrial scanning solution with an optimal balance of speed and accuracy.

EPiC EasyScan T10

© EPiC

  • Type: terrestrial 3D laser scanner

  • Accuracy: 1cm at 10m, 2cm at 30m, 5cm at 100m

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    Scanning speed: 320 thousand points per second

  • Features: Easy-to-use entry-level device

The appearance of such devices marks a new milestone in the evolution of laser scanning technology, which optimally combines economy, quality and ease of use. The EasyScan T10 from China's EPiC (Wuhan Eleph‑Print Tech Co, Ltd.) will be in demand when processing time and measurement convenience are more important than obtaining high-precision data. The scanner is equipped with a 360 °C panoramic camera, and the signal emission system and sensors are securely and ergonomically integrated into the body. nine0003

The scanner is launched with one button. A dual scan mode is available, which allows you to combine the simultaneous operation of a panoramic camera and lidar. Data stitching is done on a mobile device. Weighing only 3.2 kilograms, the instrument is one of the lightest geodetic scanners on the market. The package includes everything you need for scanning, including a tripod, batteries and free software for data processing.

Artec Leo 2022

© Artec 3D

  • Type: Handheld Structured Illumination 3D Scanner

  • Accuracy: up to 0.1 mm

  • Scanning speed: up to 35 million points per second

  • Features: The legendary Leo - with double the power and even more accuracy nine0003

In the past year, Artec 3D introduced a new version of its popular Leo system, released in 2018. The Artec Leo 2022 Wireless Handheld 3D Scanner offers twice the processing power, improved capture of vibrant colors, an updated built-in touch screen, a multilingual interface, and guaranteed high accuracy. The new Auto Temperature Control feature allows the scanner to regulate its operation and maintain the optimal operating temperature of the components. nine0003

Powered by an updated NVIDIA Jetson TX2 processor, power consumption is reduced to less than 7.5W. The capture area is 160,000 cm 3 , which means the Leo 2022 can scan objects larger than 200 cm, from auto parts to people and rooms.

peel 3d peel 3

© Peel 3d

  • Type: Handheld Structured Illumination 3D Scanner nine0003

  • Accuracy: 0.250 mm/m, up to 0.1 mm

  • Scan speed: 80 sec/m 2

  • Features: A new generation of affordable scanners for reverse engineering

peel 3d, a subsidiary of Creaform, has released a completely redesigned peel 3 solution. This scanner boasts not only higher accuracy than the brand's previous models, but also improved usability thanks to its ergonomic design, tactile feedback and intuitive touch screen capabilities. All of these improvements aim to improve the scanning experience for both novice and advanced users. Applications of the 3D scanner cover product development, cultural preservation, AR/VR, healthcare, auto tuning, parts manufacturing, engineering, and more. nine0003

The scanner is also offered with peel 3.CAD proprietary software, which has been specifically designed as a complete reverse engineering solution.

Scantech SIMSCAN

© Scantech

  • Type: Handheld 3D Laser Scanner

  • Accuracy: up to 0.2 mm

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    Scanning speed: up to 2.8M points per second

  • Features: compact and high performance device for professional use

Scantech (China) has released an updated version of the compact and portable SIMSCAN 3D scanner.

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