Best commercial 3d printer 2023

Industrial Quality at Small Business Budgets

Commercial 3D printers are great equalizers. They’re quickly changing the SME landscape by narrowing the gap between small and large businesses.

The best professional 3D printers make printing plastics easy, fast, and affordable. You can produce components with detail quality comparable to injection molding and strength that can surpass metal.

But not just every 3D printer deserves the title of a “commercial 3D printer.” What is it that makes a 3D printer professional?

What Is a Commercial 3D Printer?

Commercial 3D printers — also called prosumer or professional 3D printers — sit in the space between consumer 3D printers and full-blown industrial 3D printing behemoths.

In general, a commercial 3D printer costs less than $10,000. They have features that only the most advanced hobbyists might need but which are valuable for professional applications.

At the same time, they’re not meant for large-scale mass production like industrial printers. In short, they’re a low-cost method for SMEs to make use of industrial-grade materials.

What to Look for in a Commercial 3D Printer

Are you about to buy the first printer for your business? You might feel a bit lost among all the options for professional 3D printers — and we sympathize.

When browsing through our list of machines, keep an eye on these details to find the right machine for you.

3D Printing Technology

Different types of 3D printers excel at different tasks. If you need strong parts that don’t necessarily look amazing, FDM technology can create components tougher than metal. But if intricate detail is your key to success, SLA resin printers will blow you away with their detail quality.

Printing Performance

Pay attention to the maximum nozzle temperature (with FDM printers) and print speed. The higher the maximum temperature, the more materials you can print with. And, of course, the faster you can print, the higher your productivity.

Material Range

Good professional 3D printers will support a wide variety of materials, from flexible ones to reinforced engineering plastics. But wider material compatibility can add to the price. If you know you only need one or two materials, don’t sink money into a machine that can do it all

Build Volume

Commercial applications often require you to create large prints. Make sure your printer can build big enough parts — otherwise, it’s just a waste of money.

Printer Features

High-end 3D printers often come with advanced features, like a heated print bed and chamber, a built-in camera, and more. These aren’t just expensive toys. You want them to ensure consistently high part quality.

Uses of Commercial 3D Printers

Professional 3D printers are versatile machines that can benefit many different types of SMEs. If you create a product, you can probably reduce costs, shorten lead times, and streamline workflows with a 3D printer. Here are just some of their leading commercial uses.

Part Design & Prototyping

3D printing enables a higher degree of design freedom when compared to traditional manufacturing. Combined with materials that can create true-to-life surface textures and detail, you have a powerful prototyping technology in your hands.

The best professional 3D printers produce accurate prototypes in a matter of hours — featuring shapes that are impossible for conventional production methods. You can save time and money by creating your prototypes in-house.

Small-Scale Manufacturing

Commercial 3D printers support end-use ready materials, such as nylon or PEEK, and produce durable parts with smooth surfaces. You can print ready-to-sell components for cars, drones, or functional tools. 

Alternatively, you can print spare parts for machinery you use for different jobs. Save money and keep your machines running, how about that? 

Medical Applications

SLA resin printers — like Formlabs Form 3+ we listed — can create accurate medical appliances from durable, biocompatible materials. These printers are quickly becoming standard fixtures in every dentist’s office, for example. Read our review of the best dental 3D printers here.

But even filament printers have their medical uses. They let doctors produce all kinds of useful tools, like hooks, trays, or medical models.

Architecture

Every major building began its life as a blueprint and a model. In the past decade or so, a professional 3D printer has become an architect’s best friend.

Building models by hand can take weeks and cost a fortune. Now, imagine designing a building in 3D modeling software and printing it overnight for a meeting in the morning.

Conclusion 

Commercial 3D printers have done to SMEs what industrial printers did to large-scale businesses. They’ve made manufacturing faster, cheaper, and more accessible. A professional 3D printer will be a welcome addition to your business.

If you’re still wondering what the best commercial 3D printers for you are, here are our suggestions:

• For the highest detail quality, consider Formlabs Form 3+ or Zortrax M300 Dual.
• For durable end-use parts, go for Ultimaker S5 or Makerbot Method X.
• Dremel DigiLab 3D45-EDU introduces professional 3D printers to classrooms.
• Finally, the one printer to rule them all is Raise3D Pro2 Plus.

The Best Cheap 3D Printers for 2023

While we'd hesitate to call 3D printing a mature technology, you might say it has reached its teenage years. Through their first decade-and-change, 3D printers have come down in price, grown easier to set up and operate, and become more reliable. And you may pay less than you expect: Many once-high-end features have migrated down to inexpensive models.

PC Labs has been reviewing 3D printers since 2013. Today, the state of 3D printing is strong, but that wasn’t always the case. For the first several years, it was often an adventure getting one of these printers up and running, let alone successfully through our testing regimen. Issues with filament-based—aka fused filament fabrication (FFF) or fused deposition modeling (FDM)—printers were abundant.

Filament feeders had to be coaxed into delivering filament from the spool to the extruder. Print beds had to be manually aligned. The extruder or hot end had to be positioned just right to minimize the gap between the nozzle and the build plate (the flat surface on which the object is printed). Objects frequently stuck to the build plate, and required careful, sometimes unsuccessful, efforts to pry them off. These and other issues required painstaking effort to resolve, often combined with calls to tech support.

Not so much anymore. While they can still be rebellious at times, 3D printers have grown up a lot, and achieving the 3D printer basics has gotten a lot less likely to end in a shouting match over small things. And they've gotten a lot more affordable, too, for curious DIY-ers and hobbyists to try.

If you're in the market for a beginner or low-cost 3D printer, it's important to know how lower-end models differ. Read on for mini-reviews of the top budget 3D printers we've tested. After that, we go into more detail on understanding the 3D printer specs and tech relevant to beginning buyers. Ready to take the plunge? Read on.

Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Original Prusa Mini

Best Overall Budget 3D Printer

4.5 Outstanding

Bottom Line:

It requires assembly and calibration care (plus shipping from the Czech Republic), but the Original Prusa Mini is a compact, open-frame 3D printer that consistently produces superb-quality output for a great price.

PROS

• Top-notch object quality
• Supports a variety of filament types
• Useful, professionally printed user guide
• Great support resources
• Versatile, user-friendly software

CONS

• First-layer calibration can be tricky
• Only includes starter packets of filament
• Requires monitoring if young children or pets are around

Sold By	List Price	Price
Prusa Research	$399. 00	$399.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Original Prusa Mini Review

XYZprinting da Vinci Mini

Best Budget 3D Printer for Schools, Community Centers

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The XYZprinting da Vinci Mini is a consumer-oriented 3D printer that provides a winning combination of low price, ease of setup and use, solid print quality, and smooth, misprint-free operation.

PROS

• Very low price.
• Reasonably priced filament.
• Good print quality.
• No misprints in testing.
• Easy setup and operation.
• Quiet.
• Prints over a USB or Wi-Fi connection.

CONS

• Occasional problems in trying to launch prints.
• Removing printed objects from the print bed is sometimes tricky.

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$199. 95	$199.95	See It (Opens in a new window)
Walmart	$199.95	$199.95	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our XYZprinting da Vinci Mini Review

Toybox 3D Printer

Best Budget 3D Printer for Children

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

The Toybox 3D Printer works well as a model designed for children, offering reliable printing from a browser or mobile device and a few thousand toys to print, plus creative options to output drawings or photos. Just bear in mind the tiny build area.

PROS

• Reliable, misprint-free printing
• Easy setup
• One-touch operation
• Well-composed help resources
• Access to more than 2,000 printable toys and projects
• Lets you create your own printable designs

CONS

• Tiny build area
• Not ideal for importing 3D files created elsewhere

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$299. 00	$299.00	See It (Opens in a new window)
Toybox Labs	$379.00	$299.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Toybox 3D Printer Review

Monoprice Mini Delta V2 3D Printer

Best Budget 3D Printer for Beginners, Non-Techies

4.0 Excellent

Bottom Line:

3D printing gurus will be intrigued by the Monoprice Mini Delta V2's use of the delta rather than Cartesian coordinate system, but beginners will just enjoy its low price, ease of use, and speedy printing.

PROS

• Sub-$200 price
• Quick, nearly misprint-free printing
• Easy setup and operation
• Sturdy steel-and-aluminum frame
• Supports multiple filament types

CONS

• Tiny build area
• So-so print quality
• Mere one-year warranty

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$323. 98	$323.98	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Monoprice Mini Delta V2 3D Printer Review

Anycubic i3 Mega S

Best Budget 3D Printer With an Open Design, Big Build Area

3.5 Good

Bottom Line:

The Anycubic i3 Mega S, an inexpensive open-frame 3D printer, produced decent-quality prints in our testing. To get the most out of it, though, may require precise calibration.

PROS

• Modestly priced
• Large build area for an inexpensive printer
• Supports a variety of filament types
• Generally solid print quality
• Uses well-known Cura software

CONS

• Finicky print-platform alignment
• Supported coils of filament are small
• Poorly placed spool holder

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$229. 98	$229.98	Check Stock (Opens in a new window)
AnyCubic	$279.00	$279.00	Check Stock (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Anycubic i3 Mega S Review

Anycubic Vyper

Best Budget 3D Printer for the Biggest Build Area Possible

3.5 Good

Bottom Line:

Anycubic's modestly priced Vyper whips up large 3D prints on its open-frame design, and provides automatic print-bed leveling. Just know that some minor assembly is required—and printed objects may require a bit of cleanup.

PROS

• Relatively large build area
• Automatic bed leveling
• Simple assembly

CONS

• Short (one-year) warranty
• Includes only a small starter filament coil
• Using Cura software with the Vyper requires tweaking a couple of settings
• Test prints showed some "hairy" filament residue

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$339. 99	$339.99	See It (Opens in a new window)
AnyCubic	$369.00	$319.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Anycubic Vyper Review

Creality Ender-3 V2

Best Budget 3D Printer for Tinkerers and DIY Types

3.5 Good

Bottom Line:

Hands-on tweaking defines Creality's budget-price Ender-3 V2, an open-frame 3D printer that you build from a kit. It produces generally above-par prints, but its print bed can be tricky to keep leveled.

PROS

• Inexpensive
• Slightly above-average print quality
• Good-size build area for its price
• Supports several filament types

CONS

• Manual print-bed leveling can be tricky
• Setup instructions could be deeper, more legible
• Questionable quality control on some parts

Sold By	List Price	Price
Amazon	$299. 00	$246.00	See It (Opens in a new window)

Read Our Creality Ender-3 V2 Review

Flashforge Finder 3D Printer

Best 3D Printer for the Very Tightest Budgets

3.5 Good

Bottom Line:

The Flashforge Finder 3D Printer is moderately priced and offers good print quality, but it proved tricky to get up and running in our tests.

PROS

• Quiet.
• Good print quality.
• Connects via USB 2.0 cable, USB thumb drive, or Wi-Fi.
• Reasonably priced.

CONS

• Some objects pulled off the platform during testing.
• Poor documentation.
• Modest build volume.
• Limited to printing with polylactic acid filament (PLA).

Read Our Flashforge Finder 3D Printer Review

Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer

Best Budget 3D Printer for Dabbling in Small Objects

3. 5 Good

Bottom Line:

The Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer is a compact, stylish 3D printer with above-par overall print quality, but, alas, a tiny build area for the money.

PROS

• Small, lightweight for a desktop 3D printer.
• Easy to set up and use.
• Supports PLA, PETG, and wood composite filaments.
• Multiple-color support.
• Wi-Fi camera monitors print jobs.
• Prints from USB drives, SD cards, or mobile devices.

CONS

• High price for its capabilities.
• Small build area.
• Too-brief warranty.

Read Our Polaroid PlaySmart 3D Printer Review

XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 A Pro

Best Budget 3D Printer With Closed Design, Roomy Build Area

3. 5 Good

Bottom Line:

The XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 A Pro is a moderately priced closed-frame 3D printer with a large build volume and overall good performance, but a potentially balky filament-feeding system.

PROS

• Spacious build area
• Works with third-party filaments
• Self-leveling print bed

CONS

• Build plate is not heated
• Limited to PLA- and PETG-based filaments
• Guide tube is prone to detaching

Read Our XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 1.0 A Pro Review

Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer

Best Budget 3D Printer for Cheap Filament

3. 0 Average

Bottom Line:

The Monoprice Voxel is an under-$400 3D printer that's easy to set up and use. It exhibits generally good print quality, but it was unable to print two of our test objects.

PROS

• Easy to set up and use.
• Budget price for printer and filament spools.
• Supports PLA, ABS, and several composite filament types.
• Versatile software.
• Prints over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, or from a USB thumb drive.

CONS

• Frequent misprints on certain test objects.
• Slightly balky touch screen.

Read Our Monoprice Voxel 3D Printer Review

Buying Guide: The Best Cheap 3D Printers for 2023

How to Buy a Cheap 3D Printer

The biggest changes to 3D printers over the last few years have come to the cheaper models. Nowadays, many of those classic, ornery 3D-printing issues have been resolved (most of the time, anyway), even for consumer and bargain-priced 3D printers. Automatic print-bed leveling is the norm, and you can usually remove 3D-printed objects from heated and/or flexible build plates with a minimum of coaxing. And most 3D printer manufacturers have either developed and refined their own software, or have adapted an open-source printing platform such as Cura(Opens in a new window).

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

What separates more expensive 3D printers from cheap ones ("cheap" defined as $500 or less, for the purposes of this article) is often a select group of features. These include the build volume, the type of frame, the varieties of supported filament, the software, and the connectivity mix. Let's run through those in turn.

What's the Right Build Volume for a 3D Printer?

A 3D printer’s build volume is the maximum dimensions (HWD) of a part that it can print. (We say “a part” because a 3D-printed object can consist of multiple parts that are printed, then glued or otherwise pieced together.) While the smallest build volume of any 3D printer we have tested is 3.9 by 3.9 by 4.9 inches, we consider any build volume smaller than 6 by 6 by 6 inches to be small, any between that and 10 by 10 by 10 inches as medium, and any printer with at least one build dimension of more than 10 inches as having a large build volume.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

As a general rule, inexpensive 3D printers have small build volumes, while more expensive ones have larger build volumes. This depends in part on the type of printer. Closed-frame 3D printers—and most semi-open models, which have a rigid top, base, and sides but are open in front and, often, back—tend to have small build volumes, while open-frame printers, lacking as rigid a physical structure, often have relatively large build volumes for the price. You'll want to weigh the build volume against the kinds of objects you will print.

Should I Get an Open-Frame or Closed-Frame 3D Printer?

Which brings us to the frame "form factor" question: open-frame versus closed-frame. Closed-frame 3D printers are boxlike devices, with a rigid base, walls (with a see-through door in front), and top. Among their advantages? They muffle the operating noise, as well as reduce the odor from melted filament (which is potentially an issue with ABS plastic), and they provide some protection for people or pets who might inadvertently touch the hot extruder. A downside: They tend to have smaller build volumes than open-frame 3D printers, which have fewer (often, no) walls to constrict them.

(Credit: Zlata Ivleva)

Low-cost 3D printers include both open-frame and closed-frame models, as well as a few stereolithography printers. If a relatively large build volume is a priority, you’re likely to get more bang for the buck with an open-frame model. Open-frames do have some clear downsides by definition: They tend to be noisy, emit odors when certain plastics are melted, and provide little protection for someone who might touch the hot extruder.

(Credit: Molly Flores)

Also, recognize some potential negatives of open frames, depending on the model. Some require assembly, being essentially kits, and most require more setup care than a closed-frame printer, plus more maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Still, these very traits should not deter—and may even appeal to—hobbyists and DIY folks.

What Should I Look for in 3D Printer Software and Connectivity?

Gone are the days when tinkerers had to cobble together several different programs to get a 3D printer to run. Manufacturers either include their own 3D printing program or modify an existing platform such as the open-source Cura.

3D printing software performs three main functions: processing an object file (resizing, moving, rotating, and in some cases duplicating it), slicing it (into virtual layers, based on your chosen resolution), and printing it. These are almost universally combined into a seamless process. Some high-end printers have software that supports a wider range of settings you can tweak, but even the basic suites work at least reasonably well.

More likely to vary among the cheaper set is the array of connection options from model to model. Nearly all have a USB Type-A port to fit a thumb drive for printing from document files. Most also have a USB Type-B port for connecting directly to a computer, and some offer Wi-Fi, too (or as an alternative), while a handful let you connect via Ethernet to share the printer across a local network.

Some printers support storing 3D files on an SD or microSD card (which may also contain the printer’s system files). Most 3D printer manufacturers (even the discount ones) have a mobile app to launch and monitor print jobs, and a few provide access to cloud services from which you can print.

While high-end 3D printers tend to have an abundance of connection choices, discount models vary widely in their choices. Some are generous and some are basic, so it pays to assess what a given model offers.

What Should I Look for in Filament Support?

Filament support tends to be a key area that separates the cheaper models from the higher-end ones. (See our guide to understanding 3D printing filaments for more particulars.) Inexpensive 3D printers tend to support a limited number of plastic filament types, some of them only PLA and/or ABS.

Recommended by Our Editors

3D Printing: What You Need to Know

3D Printer Filaments Explained

(Credit: Molly Flores)

PLA (polylactic acid) is a biodegradable, plant-based polymer, while ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) is the same tough plastic that Legos are made from. Objects printed from ABS are durable and nontoxic, though the material can be tricky to work with. ABS can emit an acrid, unpleasant odor during printing, and the bottom corners of objects being printed with it have a tendency to curl upward a bit, especially if you are using a non-heated print bed. This can lead to unsightly prints, and/or prints prematurely pulling off the build plate, ruining them.

Many entry-level and low-price 3D printers stick exclusively to PLA. If you want to experiment with a larger variety of filaments—which include water-soluble filament, wood- and metal-laced composites, and both tough and flexible varieties—you may have to pay more, although a few discount models support a wide range of materials.

Should I Consider a 3D Printing Pen Instead?

Although they aren’t printers per se, inexpensive 3D pens are close kin to 3D printers—using the same filament types and a similar extrusion system—and we include them in the 3D printing category. Rather than tracing out a programmed pattern, you use the 3D pen much like a normal pen, except that you draw with molten plastic. You can trace a pattern or draw freehand, and even draw in three dimensions as the plastic quickly solidifies and hardens once extruded.

(Credit: 3Doodler)

Most 3D pens cost less than $100, and some cost $50 or less. At a glance, 3D pens may appear to be toys, but some artists and craftspeople have taken to them, as it is possible to make quite complicated and beautiful objects with them. If your aim in 3D printing is something closer to freehand design and free expression than computer-centric, structured, and repeatable output, you might give one a try.

So, What Is the Best Cheap 3D Printer to Buy?

Buying a budget 3D printer needn’t mean a world of sacrifice. Plenty of capable and reliable models sell at less than $500, and while they may not be as feature-rich as their more expensive cousins, there's no sense in paying for things you don’t need.

Many casual 3D-printing experimenters will be fine with printing over a USB cable or from a thumb drive, and sticking to PLA may be the best choice for a starter 3D printer. If you focus just on the features you want, you may be pleasantly surprised at what you find. Below, check out a spec breakdown of the best under-$500 3D printers we have reviewed, paralleling our picks above. Also, for a look at the broader market, see our guide to our favorite 3D printers overall.

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.

Top 10 rating according to KP

1. Creality3D Ender 3

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.

The main characteristics

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

A small display that displays only basic information

2.

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. 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.

The main characteristics

Print technology	FDM/FFF/PJP
for the house/DIY, Essential level
	Open Cam	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
	Wi-Fi
Print speed (extruder speed)	150mm/s
Number of extruders	1
Printing accuracy	X, Y 0. 01 mm
Positioning accuracy	Z 0.002 mm

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

4. Anet N4

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

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

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. 115 mm Connection USB Print speed (extruder speed) 20 mm/second

Plus and disadvantages of

6. ELEGOO Mars Pro

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.

The main characteristics

Print technology	LCD
Field	for the 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 COURENTIONAL CENTURE, LIGHT price, good UV light 9000 9000 9000 7. Two Trees Bluer

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.

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

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.

The main characteristics

Print technology	FDM/FFF/PJP
educational, for house	PLA
Working space width	120 mm
Working space height	100 mm
The depth of the working space	135 mm
Features	displays, active cooling, speed control, temperature control
	USB, SD card
)	70 mm/s
Number of extruders	1
Printing accuracy	X, Y 0. 012 mm
Positioning accuracy	Z 0.004 mm

Pros and disadvantages

Good price

Lack of heating and protecting the working surface, high probability of problems with a working coil

9.

The base of the device consists of an aluminum case, in which all the electronics are hidden. An aluminum portal is also attached to it. The latter is also a guide for the moving parts of the printer. At the top of the portal is a plastic jumper to which the spool holder and filament sensor are attached. As for the control screen, its functionality is seriously curtailed. However, it is sufficient for simple tasks, but it is impossible to configure the printer.

The main characteristics

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

4 3D printing trends in 2023

Analytics and business

Experts recommend

Author: Viktor Naumov

Author: Viktor Naumov

Year after year, the adoption of additive manufacturing reaches new heights. What can we expect from 2023? Materialize, a leader in the global 3D printing market, offered its forecast based on four key trends that will drive the industry over the next twelve months:

1. the rise of smart, distributed manufacturing;

2. focus on cost reduction;

3. transition from automation of individual processes to complex automation of the workflow;

4. data security and integrity becomes a priority.

By addressing these issues, companies will be able to bring 3D printing to the level of mass production and accelerate the adoption of additive technologies.

Over the past three decades, 3D printing has established itself as a versatile and flexible tool in the manufacturing arsenal. Being a relatively new technology, it has spent most of this time somewhat isolated from the traditional manufacturing process. But in recent years, the wall between classic manufacturing and 3D printing has begun to disappear. We are starting to see these two separate worlds coming together, and the implications are enormous.

In 2023, the above trends will be the key to overcome the barriers that are still associated with the introduction of technology into industrial production. Addressing these issues will help companies scale up 3D printing to mass production and accelerate the adoption of 3D printing.

Fried Vankran, CEO of Materialize

© Materialise

1.

Traditionally, production has always been concentrated in one place - usually a factory in another country. This system worked well until it stopped working. Over the past few years, we have seen how the COVID-19 crisis has paralyzed production and disrupted supply chains. We have witnessed an increase in geopolitical tensions and environmental concerns. All this taken together forced manufacturing companies to reconsider their model of centralized production. And with the help of smart digital technologies like 3D printing, manufacturers can move to multiple, smaller sites closer to customers.

Find the right 3D printer for you

However, many of the recent implementations owe their success to quick decision making in the face of scarce funds, such as reaching out to local 3D printing service providers to produce essential medical devices during the coronavirus pandemic. It can be said that 3D printing has been used as a temporary replacement. But, fortunately, such decisions have sparked new conversations about the future of production.

Now we see that many companies are ready to take a more strategic approach. These companies need to carefully consider which applications will deliver the most value in terms of supply chain efficiency or environmental sustainability. And this requires a change in thinking, moving from short-term solutions to the use of additive technologies as a stable method for the production of certified final parts.

A good example is CNH, an agricultural machinery company. During the pandemic, CNH was 3D-printing a vital part that could not be obtained due to COVID-related logistical constraints. The experience has proved useful, and the company is now looking at 3D printing as part of its strategy to manage supply chains in a more cost-effective way.

3D printing at CNH © cnhindustrial.com

Thus, the potential is real even in such a highly regulated field as medicine. We are seeing hospitals increasingly turning to 3D printing to create medical models and personalized implants in situ, close to patients.

We can say that this is the medical equivalent of a decentralized model of industrial production. Ultimately, we have smart, distributed manufacturing enabled by 3D printing that, when approached strategically, can be a recipe for success rather than an ad hoc response to problems.

Hanne Gielys, Innovation Manager, Mindware

2. Focus on cost reduction

The history of 3D printing is a history of added value. Additive manufacturing allows for design optimization, delivering performance, weight savings, time savings and supply chain savings that traditional manufacturing methods cannot achieve. In many cases, these benefits create opportunities for cost savings that affect overall manufacturing costs, from design to delivery.

Manufacturers planning to scale additive manufacturing to thousands or even millions of parts must ensure that the 3D printing process is efficient, reliable, and repeatable across multiple manufacturing sites.

Peter Lace, Executive Chairman, Materialize

A recent survey showed that the ability to reduce overall manufacturing costs is cited as the most important benefit of 3D printing. But this does not necessarily mean that the additive process itself is cost effective. Rising material and energy prices have only further increased costs.

The cost of 3D printed parts is determined by several factors, including the materials needed, the lead time per part, and the type of printer. There are two really important ways to reduce these costs. The first is more efficient work to increase production capacity. Software plays a big role in this, allowing you to optimize your designs. We can also customize the printing process to make it more efficient and repeatable. The second way is to use tools and improve quality. And you have to pay for quality.

© Materialise

If we take a certified production in the medical or aviation industry, we will see that up to 70 percent of the cost of production is accounted for by quality control. 3D printing continues to transform factory floors as companies increasingly turn to the technology for large-scale production. But to accelerate this adoption, our industry will have to work harder to bring down the cost of 3D printing.

Brian Crutchfield, Vice President and General Manager, North America

3. Transition from single process automation to integrated workflow automation

3D printing is a digital manufacturing technology, but it still requires a lot of human intervention. And such skilled workers are becoming increasingly difficult to find. According to a recent study by Materialize, finding the right people with the right knowledge and experience is a major challenge for companies that already use or are considering using 3D printers.

At the same time, scaling industrial additive manufacturing to thousands or millions requires repeatability and stability of the printing process. These two issues have increased the need for automation in recent years. The software allowed us to automate various steps in the 3D printing process, from preparing and editing files to creating supports, optimizing object placement in the build chamber, and even post-processing.

But these are all separate processes. In 3D printing, they follow each other, merging into a complex digital manufacturing process. The promise of large-scale industrial 3D printing requires us to automate not only each individual process, but also the workflows between them. And this is what we call end-to-end workflow automation.

© Materialise

We see the same thing in the medical industry, where complex process automation is needed to cope with the surge in custom 3D solutions. The good news is that opportunities to meet this need are growing with the creation of software platforms that allow manufacturers to customize their own unique 3D printing process.

Isabelle Rombaugh, Director of Global Sales and Business Development Medical

4.

We have already talked about such an important trend as distributed production. Smart digital technologies, including 3D printing, are making it possible to move production to several smaller sites closer to customers. This is a clear sign that the factory of the future will not have a single, central location. This new digital distributed manufacturing environment revolves around one key asset - data, and this data must be protected so that an unscrupulous supplier cannot steal the design and print the product on their own 3D printer.

Of course, data security is important in any kind of manufacturing, be it traditional or smart. In both cases, companies share their unique designs with contractors and suppliers, and they want to know that their design data will remain secure. But in the case of 3D printing, that's not all. Manufacturers planning to scale additive manufacturing to thousands or even millions of parts must optimize and fine-tune their unique printing process to ensure it is efficient, reliable and repeatable across multiple manufacturing sites.

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