Best laser 3d printer

Best 3D Printer for 2022

In the last few years, 3D printing has crossed a rubicon into the mainstream consciousness. Schools and libraries often have 3D printers, and the barrier to entry for hobbyists is lower than ever, with inexpensive machines offering excellent out-of-the-box results.

Because 3D printing technology has come a long way in recent years, I've doubled down on being creative and gotten into 3D scanning and laser cutting as well, which lets you sculpt real-world designs from leather and wood. Advanced printers are also using resin machines that create amazingly detailed prints.

Current 3D printers, which range from affordable (under $300) to high-end (over $4,000), are great gifts for a creative person in your life. Even better, they're great for you to craft your own personalized designs if you're looking to open an Etsy shop or something similar.

These models by Fotis Mint are extremely detailed.

James Bricknell/CNET

We've taken a deep dive into many of the best 3D printers available today. This list includes both small and large 3D printers, with attention paid to print speed, the size of the build plate, the cost of PLA filament, the kind of print head included and other important details. And once you've decided to take the plunge into additive manufacturing -- that's what 3D printing essentially is -- there's an FAQ below.

Our top picks

Dan Ackerman/CNET

Creality Ender-3 S1

Best step-up starter printer

I'd avoided Ender-3 printers for a long while, because they came in kit form and required many hours of assembly, setup and fine-tuning to use. For just a little more than the kit versions, the newer Ender-3 S1 comes nearly fully preassembled, and with high-end features like a direct drive extruder and self-leveling bed.

Print quality even out-of-the-box was excellent, although a lot of that comes down to having good models to work from. I'd love it to have a touchscreen and Wi-Fi, but apart form those missing features, this is a great way to get polished results from a $400 3D printer.

Read our Creality Ender-3 S1 review.

$399 at Amazon

Dan Ackerman/CNET

Anycubic Vyper

Best for out-of-the-box printing

The Anycubic Vyper FDM printer attempts to be both an affordable 3D printer and easy to use. It's a tricky needle to thread. Plenty of 3D printers offer automatic bed leveling and calibration to make sure prints come out even and firmly anchored to the print bed. This, however, is the first time I've seen a 3D printer run its bed leveling once, with zero manual input from me, and be totally good to go. I printed a 3D test file from the included SD card within minutes of powering on, and I've never seen a first print from a 3D printer come out so perfectly.

Read our Anycubic Vyper review.

$319 at Anycubic

$490 at Amazon

Anycubic

Anycubic Kobra Max

Best to make big projects easily

The Anycubic Kobra Max earned a 9 out of 10 in our recent review, in large part because it's one of the most enjoyable printers I've used in years. The build area is large enough to print entire helmets for cosplay, and the auto-bed-leveling system makes setting the machine up a breeze. The Kobra Max is the best choice for a large build area printer, bar none. --James Bricknell

Read our Anycubic Kobra review.

$549 at Anycubic

Entry-level 3D printers

Prusa Research

Prusa Mini Plus

Small but mighty

The Mini Plus is one of the best small-footprint printers you can buy. It has everything you would expect from a Prusa machine: Auto bed leveling, crash detection and great print quality, all for under $450. Building it with my son gave us a lot of good insights into how a 3D printer works, and potentially how to fix one.

$429 at Prusa Research

Sarah Tew/CNET

Anycubic Mono

Best inexpensive resin 3D printer

Resin printers are the next step up in rapid prototyping design technology when you want your printing to look as high quality as possible. Just be warned: The liquid resin is harder to work with, and it requires both good ventilation and a portable UV light to properly cure. This model is extremely popular with board game hobbyists who want to print pro-looking miniatures, and sometimes you'll see it fall in price. Note that you can save $20 at Amazon by activating the instant coupon on the product page.

$189 at Anycubic

$250 at Amazon

Dan Ackerman/CNET

Monoprice Mini Delta V2

Best for tiny desks

I had high hopes for this dirt-cheap 3D printer with a tiny footprint. It's usually under $200 and requires no additional assembly. And I do like it, but it's for a specific audience. This is not the great low-cost entry-level printer I was hoping for. It required some tweaking and troubleshooting to get up and running. The included microSD card was so cheap and corrupted it never worked, the built-in Wi-Fi was never able to connect to my network, and the machine's arms got caught on some poorly installed plastic wire covers (I just ripped the paper-thin covers off).

But once I had all the problems ironed out, it was a reliable little machine for quick jobs. It would make a great second 3D printer, or if you need to fit one into a small space. I especially liked the auto-leveling, which worked well, and the color touchscreen, which is a feature that often gets chopped from low-cost models. If you're willing to put a little effort into getting it set up correctly, it's a great printer for the price.

$175 at Amazon

Midrange 3D printers

Anycubic

Anycubic Photon Mono X

Best for mass-produced gaming minis

Standard resin printers are fine if you want to print small items or miniatures. For more oversized cosplay items, practical models or collections of gaming miniatures, you're going to need a bigger build area.

Enter the Anycubic Mono X, a resin printer that solves that issue by having a build plate nearly three times bigger than the standard Anycubic models. For example, I managed to print the entire blade of a Dune Crysknife, something that would have needed to be split into three parts if it wasn't for the extra build volume.

The Mono X also prints at insane speeds. Because resin prints the entire layer in one shot, they tend to be quicker than traditional FDM printers in the first place, but the Mono X takes this to the extreme with layers printing in as little as 1 second. It's incredible to watch. --James Bricknell

It's still cheaper to shop at Anycubic directly, but you can save $110 at Amazon by activating the instant coupon on the product page.

$349 at Anycubic

$660 at Amazon

James Bricknell/CNET

Flashforge Adventurer 4

Best 3D printer for ease of use

The Flashforge Adventurer 3 has long been one of CNET's favorite midprice 3D printers. The updated Adventurer 4 brings a handful of iterative improvements that make for a winning evolution. The Adventurer 4 is a fully enclosed unit, which helps control the temperature and block drafts. The build area is 220 by 200 by 250mm, and it has a system for easily swapping out nozzles -- all good features to have in a mid-level to high-end printer.

$849 at Amazon

High-end and professional 3D printers

Creality

Creality CR-30

Best for small biz or pro cosplayers

A word of warning; the CR-30 is not for the beginners out there. It is a complicated machine, and you will need some 3D-printing knowledge to really get the hang of it. It's also a very different beast, and instead of printing on a static-sized build plate, it uses a conveyor belt to create an "endless Z-axis." That lets you print very long things or lots of things over and over again.

If you are a cosplayer looking to make weapons or large armor pieces, the CR-30 gives you a lot of room to create. I've managed to print Squall's Gunblade from Final Fantasy VIII as well as the Whisper of the Worm from Destiny 2 (both were printed in two halves and attached together). It's great for small businesses looking to mass-produce small parts, and with just two CR-30s you could create a small empire on Etsy or Shopify. --James Bricknell

$1,100 at Crealty

$1,100 at Amazon

Sarah Tew/CNET

Glowforge 3D Laser Cutter

Best for woodworkers

I can't begin to tell you how much I love the Glowforge. Laser cutters can create projects from wood, leather, lucite and other materials, making it an interesting creation alternative to filament-based 3D printers. Even better, what would take a 3D printer hours to do takes just minutes in the Glowforge.

With it, I've created laser-etched LED lights, birch wood tool caddies, and even a three-tier box for my Nespresso sleeves. There's a robust community of makers creating and sharing files, but pretty much any line drawing you can create in something like Adobe Illustrator can be turned into a project.

The software is all cloud-based, which adds a layer of complication (you need internet service to use it), but the ability to create amazing gifts and more from simple 0.125-inch or 0.25-inch cheap plywood is pretty empowering.

See some of my laser cutter projects (and download my SVG files) here.

$3,995 at Glowforge (Glowforge Basic)

$4,995 at Glowforge (Glowforge Plus)

3D Scanners

Revopoint

Revopoint Pop 2

Incredible details

While the software has a pretty steep learning curve, the end result is extremely detailed. I've really enjoyed using the handheld version to scan larger models while the included turntable makes scanning smaller objects a breeze. If you are looking for a professional-grade scanner and can spend some time on the software, the Pop 2 is a great choice.

$800 at Amazon

Sarah Tew/CNET

SOL Desktop Laser 3D Scanner

Best 3D scanner for easy replicas

Recreate pretty much anything by putting it on this 3D scanner, where a rotating base and built-in camera create a 360-degree copy, which is then editable in any 3D program and printable on your 3D printer. Simply scan the object, import the scan into your slicing software for cleanup, and print. The included software alerts you of next steps in the printing process with either sound or texts. Scan quality and print resolution are great, and setup is easy, although you might want to clean up your 3D model a bit in a 3D software app after.

$614 at Amazon

3D printing FAQs

What material should I use to print with?

Most home 3D printers use PLA or ABS plastic. Professional printers can use all sorts of materials, from metal to organic filament. Some printers use a liquid resin, which is much more difficult to handle. As a beginner, use PLA. It's nontoxic, made mostly of cornstarch and sugarcane, handles easily and is inexpensive. However, it's more sensitive to heat, so don't leave your 3D prints on the dashboard of a car on a hot day.

Which brand of PLA is best?

Generally speaking, Hatchbox has never let me down and runs about $25 for a full 1kg spool on Amazon. Some of the printers I tested only accommodate narrower 0.5kg spools. In those cases, I sometimes used a larger Hatchbox roll with a separate spool-holder. Other times, I had good luck with AIO Robotics 0.5kg spools, which are a little more expensive, at $14 for 0.5kg. Amazon Basics and Monoprice can also be good, but for any brand, weird colors like metallic or glow-in-the-dark filament can be hit-or-miss. Note that a 1kg roll prints a lot of stuff.

What settings should I use?

Most 3D printers include or link to recommended software, which can handle converting 3D STL or other files into formats supported by the printer. Stick with the suggested presets to start, with one exception. I've started adding a raft, or bottom layer of filament, to nearly everything I print. It has cut down dramatically on prints that don't adhere to the bed properly, which is a common issue. If you continue to have problems, rub a standard glue stick on the print bed right before printing.

What are supports?

Your 3D models probably need some help to print properly, as these printers don't do well with big overhangs -- for example, an arm sticking out from a figure. Your 3D printer software can usually automatically calculate and add supports, meaning little stands that hold up all those sticking-out parts of the model. After the print is done, clip the supports off with micro cutters and file down any nubs or rough edges with hobby files.

Where do I find things to print?

Thingiverse.com is a huge online repository of 3D files for anything and everything you can think of. Pokemon chess set? It's there. Dyson vacuum wall mount? You bet.

When you're ready to create your own designs, there are a ton of software packages to choose from, but it's easiest to start with the browser-based free TinkerCad app from Autodesk.

Crazy things I've made on a 3D printer

+15 more See all photos

More creative recommendations

Best 3D Printer Filament
Best Budget 3D Printer
Best Laptops, Desktops and Tablets for Designers and Creatives in 2022
Best Vlogging Camera for 2022
The Best 3D Printer Resin

The 5 Best 3 in 1 3D Printers 2022 (with Laser Engraving & CNC!)

Ideally, we would all own one machine that could complete every manufacturing task required – a 3D laser printer that printed, laser cut, CNC carved, and more. While not quite there yet, 3 in 1 3D printers offer jack-of-all-trades versatility across 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser engraving – to various levels.

3DSourced is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

These printers, sometimes called multifunction 3D printers or AIO 3D printers, feature removable tool heads that can be switched out to change their function. If you want to create a prototype and want to carve a wood model first, use the CNC machine, and then switch back to the 3D printer extruder to create the final plastic prototype.

Having tested dozens of 3D printers over the years, including our top pick, the Snapmaker 2.0, we’ve collated our findings into our top recommendations for 3-in-1 3D printers to help you make the best choice for you.

Name and brand	Type of printer	Build volume (mm)	Price	Available at:
Snapmaker 2. 0	3 in 1 3D printer	Varies by model	$1,199-$1,799	Snapmaker here
Snapmaker Original	3 in 1 3D printer	125 x 125 x 125	$450	Snapmaker here
ZMorph Fab	4 in 1 3D printer	250 x 235 x 165	$4,000	Amazon here
Creality CP-01	3 in 1 3D printer	200 x 200 x 200	$819	Amazon here
Ecubmaker TOYDIY	4 in 1 3D printer	180 x 180 x 180	$549	Amazon here
5axismaker	CNC mill 3D printer	Varies by model	£5,500 / £6,800
Diabase H-Series	3D printer CNC hybrid	Depends on number of axes	$9,750+

How good are all in 1 3D printers?

Naturally, focusing on being good enough at everything means some quality is lost in some areas. Elites athletes could not compete at the top of the NBA, NFL, and NHL simultaneously – even Michael Jordan couldn’t crack baseball – and the same is true for less specialized all in 1 3D printers.

That doesn’t mean that the 3D printer and laser engraver hybrids we recommend don’t perform well. For hobbyist projects, 3D laser printers are great – but we do not recommend starting a full-service manufacturing company after buying a desktop 3D printer laser engraver CNC mill machine.

The criteria we used to judge the best 3 in 1 3D printers

In rating the 3 in 1 3D printers we recommend below, we compared:

3D printer quality: most of these 3 in one 3D printers are made by 3D printer companies and are mostly focused on additive manufacturing. Therefore, the 3D printer’s quality is key.
CNC mill power: some CNC machines cannot fully mill, but just engrave. More powerful CNC machines spin faster, can carve tougher materials, and work more accurately and for longer.
Laser engraver power: as with the CNC machine, some all in 1 laser engraver 3D printers can only engrave, whereas others can cut through materials.
How easy is it to change the tool heads: it’s all well and good having powerful tool heads that work perfectly, but if they’re too difficult or delicate to switch out, they may as well only have one function.
Effectiveness of software: most of our recommendations feature specialized software that can slice models for 3D printing, and prepare CNC and laser projects. The best software is easy to use, yet effective and reliable across every function.

The Best All in 1 3D printers

Snapmaker 2.0 – comes in 3 forms: A150, A250 & A350

Price: $1,199 to $1,799 — Best price on Snapmaker Store here / Available on Amazon here
Build volumes: A150 = 160 x 160 x 145 mm / A250 = 230 x 250 x 235 mm / A350 = 320 x 350 x 350 mm
Type: 3D in 1 3D printer: 3D printing, CNC and laser engraving

The Snapmaker Original already made waves when it raised over $2. 2M on Kickstarter, but the Snapmaker 2.0 completely obliterated that by becoming the most funded technology project in the history of Kickstarter, raising an astonishing $7.85M. Thousands of elated fans who loved the Snapmaker Original came back to support the new version, and it has remained the most popular all in 1 3D printer since its full release.

We have tested and reviewed the Snapmaker 2.0, and waxed lyrical about how great it was. It is undoubtedly the best 3-in-1 3D printer around, offering a fantastic 3D printing experience, as well as a great CNC carving and laser option. Arguably you could even call it a 4-in-1 3D printer, as you can also buy the 4-axis rotary module add-on which turns the laser and CNC toolheads into 360-degree, 4-axis versions. We carved cylindrical chess pieces, engraved cylinder gift boxes, and more with this add-on.Using the 4-axis rotary module to CNC carve a lion.

The 3D printer can print PLA, ABS and flexible filaments like TPU, and with WiFi connectivity as well as a USB port you can print remotely online, or offline using a USB. The portable and movable touchscreen used to operate the printer looks and acts like a smartphone, simplifying your workflow and making it easy to control and manage projects.

Moreover, the filament run out detector automatically pauses your print when you run out, giving you time to load more filament and resume without ruining your print, and if you buy the enclosure add-on you can more easily print ABS to prevent warping — and it’ll keep dust in from CNC, and the laser brightness out of your eyes.A vase we 3D printed with the Snapmaker 2.0.

As a laser engraver, you can create contrasting images on fabrics, leather, plywood and acrylic materials. The built-in camera lets you remotely monitor your design and ensure everything goes smoothly. It’s an effective low-cost 3D laser printer. We also tested it as a laser cutter, and managed to cut out and assemble a gift box from a thin sheet of soft wood 1.5mm thick.The Snapmaker 2.0 also works as a laser cutter as well as a 3D printer.

The CNC machine can carve designs on walnut, PCB woods, as well as carbon fiber sheets, acrylic and hardwood. A key upgrade on the 2.0 is the increased speed, meaning that larger projects can be created in record time.

Overall, we highly recommend the Snapmaker 2.0 models, of which we tested the largest version — the Snapmaker 2.0 A350. You can optionally buy the enclosure, 4-axis rotary module, and the new 10W powerful laser toolhead, but we did not try the 10W laser add-on.

For our CNC & laser review: we tested the Snapmaker 2.0 CNC and laser toolheadsThe finished lion CNC carved piece, from the Snapmaker 2.0 3-in-1 3D printer.

We recommend picking up the enclosure for safer and more consistent making, as well as spare bits for CNC. Snapmaker’s store has all these in one place, which you can visit here.

Snapmaker Original — good starter laser engraver 3D printer

Price: $439 — Available on Snapmaker Official Site here / Available on Amazon here
Build Volume: 125 x 125 x 125 mm
Type: 3 in 1 3D printer: 3D printing, CNC and laser engraving

Snapmaker came out and made headlines when they raised an incredible $2. 2M on Kickstarter for their first all in 1 3D printer, the Snapmaker Original. Functional as a small 3D printer as well as able to carve wood and engrave images on phone cases and other materials, the Snapmaker Original captured the hearts of many makers worldwide, becoming a roaring success.

You can also buy an enclosure for the printer here.

The 3D printer’s heated bed can reach up to 80C, allowing for the printing ABS as well as PLA. It’s precise, with up to 50-micron layer resolutions. The heavy metal frame anchors the printer down and improves stability and durability, with the heavier frame less susceptible to vibrations that could affect print quality and surface finish.

The CNC carver can create intricate details in areas up to 90 x 90 x 50 mm, and the laser engraver works on areas up to 125 x 125 mm.

Snapmaker’s 3 in 1 software, Snapmaker Luban, can 3D print, CNC and laser engrave all in one platform and switch seamlessly between each tool head.

Snapmaker claim you can build the 3D printer in just 10 minutes, and that switching out tool heads to change the all-in-one 3D printer’s function is very simple. Highly rated by makers as one of the best 3 in 1 3D printers in its price range, the Snapmaker have since recently followed up the Original with the Snapmaker 2.0, with larger build volumes and a higher price tag.A selection of wood and other material parts carved using the Snapmaker Original’s CNC tool head. Source: snapmaker.com

ZMorph Fab — 4 in 1 3D printer

Price: $3,999 for the full set — Available on Matterhackers here / 3DPrima Europe here
Build Volume: 250 x 235 x 165 mm
Type: 4 in 1 3D printer: with CNC milling, laser cutting & engraving, and thick paste extruder
Country based: Poland

Polish 3D printer company ZMorph make some of the most versatile all in 1 3D printers around, with the Fab able to 3D print, CNC machine, engrave and laser cut, and can even be switched into a food 3D printer using ZMorph’s thick paste extruder. This edible material option can print chocolate, as well as other similar materials like icing and cooking dough.

We also have a ranking of the best food 3D printers.
We also have a ranking of the best chocolate 3D printers.

ZMorph 3D printers are famed for their reliability and workhorse-like qualities, with the Fab no different. It’s a great 3D printer, with a high-quality heated bed that can comfortably 3D print ABS, HIPS, and other tougher filaments like Nylon. The printer can level itself automatically, and turn from a 3D printer to laser engraver or CNC router with ease.

Additionally, with the dual head option, the ZMorph performs well as a dual extruder 3D printer, able to 3D print multiple colors, or soluble support materials such as HIPS and PVA, and even blend two colors together for multiple different shades in one part. The 3D laser printer CNC hybrid can be adjusted to print both 1.75mm and 3mm 3D printer filaments, and has a large enough build area to print even the largest of projects.

Using ZMorph’s CNC tool head, the ZMorph becomes a powerful CNC mill 3D printer that can mill and engrave almost any type of wood, as well as other materials like acrylic glass and EVA foam. The 300W power mills distances of up to 120mm/s, and ZMorph recommend a cutting depth of up to 0.5mm.

The Laser PRO tool head turns the Fab into a laser engraver 3D printer capable of burning and engraving plywood and many other types of wood, cardboard, leather, and acrylic glass using its powerful yet compact 2.8W blue laser. Though the default speed is 15mm/s, the laser can work up to 120mm/s for faster engraving.

ZMorph’s Voxelizer 2 software acts as a 3D slicer for 3D printing parts, as well as offering CAD CAM software features for CNC and laser cutting models, all in one. Overall, it’s a fantastic and extremely versatile all in one 3D printer, and the closest available option to a full manufacturing suite machine.The ZMorph CNC tool head creating a design from wood. Source: ZMorph on Medium.

Creality CP-01

Price: $819 — Available on Amazon here
Build Volume: 200 x 200 x 200 mm
Type: 3 in 1 3D printer: 3D printer, CNC & laser engraving

Creality make the current most popular affordable 3D printers in the world, including the Ender 3, Ender 5, and CR-10 ranges. The Creality CP-01 is their venture into the all-in-1 3D printer sector, offering CNC carving and laser engraving along with their 3D printer.

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

As a 3D printer, it features a good 200 x 200 x 200 mm print volume, and comes with a heated bed that can reach up to 100C. These temperatures mean that ABS, HIPS and TPU 3D printing should be no problem, and in theory means you could even try printing filaments like Polycarbonate and carbon fiber.

The textured glass print bed should help with adhesion and reduce warping, and the direct drive extruder also makes flexible filament 3D printing easier in most cases.

As a laser engraver, the Creality CP-01 3-in-1 3D printer features 0.5W laser tool, which can engrave areas of up to 100 x 90 mm. The engraver can create contrasting greyscale art on paper, plastics, and wood.

As a CNC carver, the CP-01 features a 4800RPM spinning CNC spindle capable of carving plastics, wood and PCB. It can carve the same sized areas as the 3D printer, at 200 x 200 mm.

The CP-01 comes with Creality’s own Workshop 3D printer software, which supports engraving and CNC functions. For 3D printing, Creality’s standalone Creality Slicer works well.

Overall, it resembles the Snapmaker and appears to offer similar specs and functions, so we will have to see if the kings of cheap 3D printers can compete in the all in 1 3D printer sector.Each of the Creality CP-01’s tool heads for 3D printing, CNC cutting and laser engraving.

5axismaker — Great CNC 3D printer

Price: £5,500 / £6,800 depending on size
Build volume: 5xm400 = 400 x 400 x 400mm / 5xm600 = 600 x 600 x 400mm
Type: 2 in 1 3D printer with CNC milling

London-based 5axismaker have developed an excellent 3D printer CNC machine multi use 3D printer that comes in two main sizes to cover your manufacturing needs:

5axismaker 5xm400 model: 400 x 400 x 400 mm build volume
5axismaker 5xm600 model: 600 x 600 x 400 mm build volume

As a 3D printer, the 5axismaker comes with a default 0. 6mm nozzle — though you can switch out to a 0.4mm if you’re used to smaller nozzles, as well as sizes up to 1.2mm where speed is of the essence and you’re willing to sacrifice some precision. The 5axismaker can 3D print with PLA or ABS.

As a CNC machine, the 5axismaker offers fast 10,000-15,000 RPM spindle speeds on a powerful 500-1000W brushless motor capable of milling foam prototypes, hardwoods, carbon fiber, engineering plastics, machinable wax, and more. There is also a touchprobe option — but for this toolhead and any other custom tools, you’ll need to contact 5axismaker directly.

5axismaker have also developed their own in-house CAM software to support CNC milling and generate CNC codes, called 5xmonkey. The 5axismaker focuses particularly on CNC machining, choosing not to offer laser engraving with the 3D printer, but delivers well as a 2 in 1 3D printer.

Diabase H-Series — powerful CNC mill 3D printer

Price: starting at $9,750
Build volume: depends on the number of axes

Another 2 in 1 3D printer focusing on 3D printing and CNC milling, Diabase offer three different options within the H-series:

H5-400A Hybrid: doesn’t have the tool plate, 5- or 4-axis upgrade potential, but can still mill printed parts.
H5-400A CNC Lite: offers 4- and 5-axis upgrading
H5-400B CNC Full: offers 4-material printing, a 14-tool changer, and high-power spindle

Diabase are already well known for their excellent 3D printer extruders focused on making flexible filament 3D printing as reliable as possible, previously thought to be difficult to print — especially on Bowden extruders.

They now offer a complete manufacturing solution, with their multifunction 3D printers able to print parts and them mill them seamlessly with each toolhead in a cohesive workflow.

The H-Series CNC mill 3D printer hybrid offers up to 5-axis CNC production along with 12,000 RPM speeds, for very intricate and complex part creation. As a 3D printer, it offers multi-material 3D printing, for example with TPU and PVA, with PVA’s solubility making it ideal for simply removing PVA supports later. The CNC mill part can mill soft metals up to 75 HRB strength — it really is a full-service solution. The Diabase H-Series’ rotary axes offer fantastic part complexity and intricate geometry options for manufacturing.

Ecubmaker TOYDIY — 4 in 1 3D printer

Price: $549 — Available on Amazon here
Build Volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm
Type: 4 in 1 3D printer: FDM, dual color, CNC engraving and laser engraving
Country based: China

Though it calls itself a 4 in 1 3D printer, this claim involves splitting the 3D printing part into standard FDM 3D printing, and dual color 3D printing, which both fall under 3D printing. In reality, the Ecubmaker TOYDIY is a 3 in 1 3D printer, but with four easily changeable tool heads for 3D printing, CNC engraving or laser engraving.

For 3D printing, the extruder can reach temperatures of up to 240C, with a heated bed that can reach up to 50C. Therefore, printing higher temperature filaments like ABS and HIPS is not possible, and you’re restricted to using the Ecubmaker TOYDIY as a strictly PLA 3D printer. (Testing has occurred for using the dual extruder to print PVA as a support, though the company do not recommend this). Therefore, if using the dual extruder 3D printing option, you can only print two different colors of PLA, rather than soluble material supports.

Each of the Ecubmaker TOYDIY’s four modes.

For a 3D laser printer that isn’t specialized in any one dimension, it’s surprisingly accurate – with layer thicknesses of up to 0.05 mm. The bendable, 3-layer build plate also makes removing finished prints easy and helps reduce warping, though PLA rarely warps badly anyway.

As a laser engraver 3D printer, the TOYDIY features a 1500MW purple laser which can engrave wood, plastic, leather, cardboard, and several other materials. However, this is strictly a laser engraver, and cannot cut materials.

The CNC tool head features a 385DC motor, and spins at between 8,000 and 10,000 RPM. The CNC printer can engrave and carve wood, plastics, acrylic and most non-metallic materials, but cannot be used with transparent materials like glass. Ecubmaker also stress that the CNC tool head should not be used for longer than 3 hours at once.

The TOYDIY comes with Ecubmaker’s Ecubware 4 in 1 3D slicer software for every application type. The 3D laser printer comes with an SD card containing tutorials for the 3D printer, engraver and CNC carver to help you get started, and if you encounter any serious problems, you can return it within its warranty.Though only offering a small build volume, the TOYDIY is a great entry level multifunctional 3D printer.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

Our guide to the best 3D pens
Our guide to the best 3D scanners
The complete dual extruder 3D printer buyer’s guide
Our ranking of the best FDM 3D printers

Top 5 3-in-1 3D printers of 2022 (with laser engraving and CNC!)

Ideally, we would all have one machine that could perform all the necessary production tasks - a laser 3D printer that would print , laser cut, CNC engraved and much more. 3-in-1 3D printers aren't perfect yet, but they offer versatility in 3D printing, CNC machining, and laser engraving - at different levels.

Sometimes referred to as multifunction 3D printers or AIO 3D printers, these printers feature removable tool heads that can be swapped to change their functions. If you want to prototype and cut out a wooden model first, use a CNC machine and then switch to a 3D printer extruder to create the final plastic prototype.

After testing dozens of 3D printers over the years, including our top pick, the Snapmaker 2.0, we've compiled our findings into our top 3-in-1 3D printer recommendations to help you make the best choice for you.

Contents

How good are all-in-one 3D printers?
The criteria we used to rate the best 3 in 1 3D printers
When ranking the 3 in 1 3D printers we recommend below, we compared:
Best all-in-one 3D printers
Snapmaker 2.0 - comes in 3 shapes: A150, A250 & A350
Snapmaker Original - good starter laser engraver 3D printer
ZMorph Fab - 4 in 1 3D printer
5axismaker - Excellent CNC 3D Printer
Diabase H-Series - Powerful CNC Router 3D Printer
Ecubmaker TOYDIY - 4 in 1 3D Printer

one"?

Naturally, focusing on being good enough at everything means losing quality in some areas. Elite athletes can't compete at the top of the NBA, NFL, and NHL at the same time - not even Michael Jordan could beat baseball - and the same is true for less specialized all-in-one 3D printers.

This is not to say that the 3D printer/laser hybrids we recommend don't work well. For hobby projects, laser 3D printers are great, but we don't recommend starting a full-service manufacturing company after purchasing a desktop 3D laser printer and CNC laser engraver.

The criteria we used to rate the best 3 in 1 3D printers

When ranking the 3 in 1 3D printers we recommend below, we compared:

3D Printer Quality: Most of these 3 in 1 3D printers are made by 3D printer companies and are mainly focused on additive manufacturing. Therefore, the quality of a 3D printer is a key factor.
CNC Router Power: Some CNC machines cannot fully mill but only engrave. More powerful CNC machines rotate faster, can engrave harder materials, work more accurately and last longer.
Laser engraver power: As with CNC machine, some all-in-one 3D printers can only engrave while others can cut materials.
How easy it is to change heads: It's good to have powerful heads that work great, but if they're too hard or difficult to change, they can only do one thing.
Software Efficiency: most of our recommendations contain specialized software that allows you to cut models for 3D printing, prepare designs for CNC and laser. The best software is easy to use, yet effective and reliable in all functions.

Best All-in-One 3D Printers

Snapmaker 2.0 - Available in 3 shapes: A150, A250 & A350

Price: $1,199 to $1,799
Assembly volumes: A150 = 160 x 160 x 145 mm / A250 = 230 x 250 x 235 mm / A350 = 320 x 350 x 350 mm
Type: 3D in 1 3D printer: 3D printing, CNC and laser engraving

The original Snapmaker has already made a splash with over $2. 2M on Kickstarter, but Snapmaker 2.0 has completely surpassed all expectations, becoming the most funded tech project in Kickstarter history, raising an astounding $7.85M. Thousands of enthusiastic fans who love Snapmaker Original , are back to support the new version, and it has remained the most popular all-in-one 3D printer since its full release.

We've tested and reviewed Snapmaker 2.0 and talked about how great it is. It is undoubtedly the best 3-in-1 3D printer, offering fantastic 3D printing experience as well as excellent CNC carving and laser processing. You could even call it a 4-in-1 3D printer, as you can purchase an optional 4-axis rotary module that turns the laser and CNC heads into 4-axis versions with a 360-degree field of view. We've carved cylindrical chess pieces, engraved cylindrical gift boxes, and more with this add-on.

The 3D printer can print with PLA, ABS and flexible filaments such as TPU, and with WiFi and USB connectivity, you can print remotely online or offline using USB. The portable and movable touch screen used to control the printer looks and acts like a smartphone, simplifying workflow and making it easier to control and manage projects.

What's more, the low filament sensor automatically pauses printing when it runs out, giving you time to load more filament and resume printing without ruining it, and if you purchase an extra housing, you can print ABS more easily to prevent warping - and save money. CNC from dust, and laser brightness from your eyes.

Snapmaker 2.0 3D printed vase

A vase that we 3D printed with Snapmaker 2.0.

The laser engraver creates high contrast images on fabrics, leather, plywood and acrylic materials. The built-in camera allows you to monitor the design remotely and make sure everything runs smoothly. This is an efficient low cost laser 3D printer. We also tested it as a laser cutter and were able to cut and assemble a gift box from a 1.5mm thin sheet of softwood.

Snapmaker 2. 0 laser 3d printer with laser cutter

Snapmaker 2.0 also works as a laser cutter as well as a 3D printer.

The CNC machine can carve designs on walnut, PCB wood, as well as carbon fiber sheets, acrylic and hard wood. A key enhancement to Model 2.0 is increased speed, which means that large projects can be created in record time.

Overall, we highly recommend the Snapmaker 2.0 models, of which we tested the largest version, the Snapmaker 2.0 A350. You can optionally purchase a body, a 4-axis rotary module, and a powerful new 10W laser head, but we haven't tried the 10W laser head.

We recommend purchasing a body for safer and more consistent manufacturing, as well as replacement CNC bits.

Snapmaker Original is a good starter laser engraver 3D printer

Price: $719
Assembly volume: 125 x 125 x 125 mm
Type: 3 in 1 3D printer: 3D printing, CNC and laser engraving

Snapmaker went public and made headlines when it raised an incredible $2. 2 million on Kickstarter for its first all-in-one 3D printer, the Snapmaker Original. Functioning as a small 3D printer, as well as being able to carve wood and engrave images into phone cases and other materials, the Snapmaker Original captured the hearts of many crafters around the world and became a wild success.

The heated bed of the 3D printer can reach 80C, allowing both ABS and PLA to be printed. It is accurate, with layer resolution down to 50 microns. The heavy metal frame secures the printer and improves stability and durability, while the heavier frame is less prone to vibrations that can affect print quality and surface quality.
The CNC cutter can create intricate parts up to 90 x 90 x 50 mm, while the laser engraver works up to 125 x 125 mm.

Snapmaker's 3-in-1 software, Snapmaker Luban, allows you to do 3D printing, CNC and laser engraving on the same platform and seamlessly switch between each tool head.

Snapmaker claims that a 3D printer can be assembled in just 10 minutes, and switching between tool heads to change the functions of an all-in-one 3D printer is very easy. Highly acclaimed by manufacturers as one of the best 3-in-1 3D printers in its price range, Snapmaker recently upgraded the Original with the Snapmaker 2.0, with a higher build volume and higher price tag.

A selection of wood and other materials cut with the Snapmaker Original CNC tool head. Source: snapmaker.com

ZMorph Fab 4 in 1 3D Printer

Price: $3,999 for a complete set of
Assembly volume: 250 x 235 x 165 mm
Type: 4 in 1 3D printer with CNC milling, laser cutting and engraving, and thick paste extruder.
Home country: Poland

Poland's ZMorph makes some of the most versatile all-in-one 3D printers: Fab can print, CNC, engrave and laser cut, and can even turn into a food 3D printer with ZMorph's thick paste extruder . This edible material can print chocolate as well as other similar materials such as icing and pastry.

ZMorph 3D printers are renowned for their reliability and workhorse quality, and the Fab is no exception. This is a great 3D printer with a high quality heated bed that can comfortably print ABS, HIPS and other stiffer materials like nylon. The printer can automatically align and easily transform from a 3D printer to a laser engraver or CNC router.

Also, with the dual head option, the ZMorph works well as a dual extruder 3D printer, capable of printing multiple colors or soluble support materials such as HIPS and PVA, and even mixing two colors together to produce multiple different shades in one details. The hybrid CNC laser 3D printer can be configured to print with both 1.75mm and 3mm 3D printer filaments, and has a large enough build area to print even the largest projects.

When used with a CNC tool head, the ZMorph becomes a powerful 3D printer with a CNC router that can mill and engrave almost any type of wood, as well as other materials such as acrylic glass and EVA foam. The 300W power allows you to mill at speeds up to 120mm/s, while ZMorph recommends a cutting depth of up to 0. 5mm.

The Laser PRO attachment turns the Fab into a 3D laser engraver capable of burning and engraving plywood and many other types of wood, cardboard, leather and acrylic glass with a powerful yet compact 2.8W blue laser. Although the default speed is 15mm/s, the laser can run up to 120mm/s for faster engraving.

ZMorph's Voxelizer 2 software works as a 3D slicer for 3D printing parts, and offers the features of CAD CAM software for CNC and laser cutting models, all in one. All in all, this is a fantastic and extremely versatile all-in-one 3D printer and the closest thing to a machine with a complete manufacturing facility.
zmorph vx cnc wood carving printer

ZMorph CNC tool head creates design from wood. Source: ZMorph on Medium.

Creality CP-01

Price: $819
Assembly volume: 200 x 200 x 200 mm
Type: 3 in 1 3D printer: 3D printer, CNC and laser engraving

Creality makes the world's most popular affordable 3D printers today, including the Ender 3, Ender 5 and CR-10 series. The Creality CP-01 is their all-in-one 3D printer venture offering CNC engraving and laser engraving along with a 3D printer.

As a 3D printer, it has a good print volume of 200 x 200 x 200mm and comes with a heated bed that can reach 100C. Such temperatures mean that 3D printing on ABS, HIPS and TPU shouldn't be a problem, and in theory you could even try printing on materials like polycarbonate and carbon fiber.

The textured glass plate should promote adhesion and reduce warping, and the direct drive extruder also makes flex filament 3D printing easier in most cases.

As a laser engraver, the Creality CP-01 3-in-1 3D printer is equipped with a 0.5W laser tool that can engrave areas up to 100 x 90mm. The engraver can create contrasting halftone patterns on paper, plastic and wood.

As a CNC cutter, the CP-01 is equipped with a 4800 rpm CNC rotating spindle, capable of cutting plastic, wood and circuit boards. It can cut sections of the same size as a 3D printer - 200 x 200mm.

The CP-01 comes with Creality Workshop's own 3D printer software that supports engraving and CNC functions. The offline Creality Slicer software is well suited for 3D printing.

Overall, it's similar to the Snapmaker and seems to offer similar specs and features, so it remains to be seen if the kings of cheap 3D printers can compete in the all-in-one 3D printer sector.

Each of Creality CP-01 tool heads for 3D printing, CNC cutting and laser engraving.

5axismaker - great CNC 3D printer

Price: £5,500 / £6,800 depending on size
Assembly volume: 5xm400 = 400 x 400 x 400 mm / 5xm600 = 600 x 600 x 400 mm
Type: 2 in 1 CNC 3D printer

London-based 5axismaker has developed a great multi-functional CNC 3D printer that comes in two main sizes to meet your production needs:

5axismaker 5xm400 model: 400 x 400 x 400 mm building volume
model 5axismaker 5xm600: 600 x 600 x 400 mm

As a 3D printer, the 5axismaker comes with a default 0. 6mm nozzle - although you can go to 0.4mm if you're used to smaller nozzles, and up to 1.2mm nozzles if speed is important to you and you are willing to sacrifice some precision. 5axismaker can print to PLA or ABS.

As a CNC machine, 5axismaker offers a fast spindle speed of 10,000-15,000 RPM on a powerful 500-1000W brushless motor capable of milling foam, hardwood, carbon fiber, engineering plastics, processable wax, etc. .d. There is also a touch sensor option - but for this head and any other custom tools you need to contact 5axismaker directly.

5axismaker has also developed its own CAM software to support CNC milling and NC code generation called 5xmonkey. 5axismaker focuses primarily on CNC machining, preferring not to offer laser engraving with a 3D printer, but it is well suited as a 2 in 1 3D printer.

Price: from $9,750
Assembly volume: depends on the number of axles

Another 2 in 1 3D printer focused on 3D printing and CNC milling, Diabase offers three different H-series options:

H5-400A Hybrid: no tool plate, 5 or 4 axis upgradeable , but can mill printed parts.
H5-400A CNC Lite: offers 4 and 5 axis upgrades.
H5-400B CNC Full: offers 4 material printing, 14 tool changes and a powerful spindle.

Diabase is already well known for its excellent 3D printer extruders focused on making 3D printing as reliable as possible with flexible filaments that were previously considered difficult to print - especially on Bowden extruders.

Now they offer a complete manufacturing solution: their multifunctional 3D printers can print and mill parts in a single workflow with each tool head.

h-series diabase CNC 3D printer

H-series hybrid 3D printer with CNC cutter offers 5-axis CNC production and 12,000 RPM rotation speed to create very complex and intricate parts. As a 3D printer, it allows 3D printing in multiple materials such as TPU and PVA, with PVA's solubility making it ideal for later easy removal of PVA supports. The CNC milling part can machine soft metals up to 75 HRB hardness, truly a full service solution.

Diabase H-series rotary axes provide fantastic detail complexity and complex geometries for production.

Ecubmaker TOYDIY - 4 in 1 3D Printer

Price: $549
Case volume: 180 x 180 x 180 mm
Type: 4 in 1 3D printer: FDM, dual color, CNC engraving and laser engraving
Country of manufacture China

Although it calls itself a 4 in 1 3D printer, this statement implies the division of the 3D printing part into standard FDM 3D printing and two-color 3D printing, which both belong to 3D printing. In reality Ecubmaker TOYDIY is a 3 in 1 3D printer but with four easily interchangeable tool heads for 3D printing, CNC engraving or laser engraving.

For 3D printing, the extruder can reach up to 240C and the heated bed up to 50C. Therefore, printing with higher temperature materials such as ABS and HIPS is not possible and you are limited to using the Ecubmaker TOYDIY as a PLA 3D printer only. (Testing has been done to use a dual extruder for PVA printing as a support, although the company does not recommend this). So when using the dual extruder 3D printing option, you can only print two different colors of PLA, not soluble support materials.

ecubmaker toydiy 4 in 1 3d printer

Each of four Ecubmaker TOYDIY modes.

For a laser 3D printer that doesn't specialize in any one measurement, it's surprisingly accurate - with layer thicknesses down to 0.05mm. The foldable three-layer plate also makes it easier to remove finished prints and helps reduce buckling, although PLA rarely warps.

As a laser engraver, TOYDIY 3D printer is equipped with a 1500MW violet laser, which can engrave wood, plastic, leather, cardboard and some other materials. However, this is purely a laser engraver and cannot cut materials.

The CNC tool head is equipped with a 385DC motor that rotates at 8,000 to 10,000 rpm. The CNC printer can engrave and cut wood, plastic, acrylic and most non-metal materials, but cannot be used with transparent materials such as glass. Ecubmaker also emphasizes that the CNC head should not be used for more than 3 hours at a time.

TOYDIY comes with Ecubmaker Ecubware 4 in 1 3D Slicer software for any type of application. The 3D laser printer comes with an SD card containing tutorials on how to use the 3D printer, engraver and CNC cutter to help you get started, and if you have any serious problems, you can return the printer within the warranty period.

Top 10 3D printers available for purchase in 2020

3D printing is relatively new. Therefore, special attention is riveted to it, both experienced and novice users of office equipment. In this article, we will present a list of the top ten 3D printers available for purchase in 2020. Here you will find devices that meet high quality standards, are simple and easy to use, and are also capable of producing large volumes of products. After reviewing the information provided, you can easily choose a 3D printer that suits your requirements.

In the list you will find the following 3D printer models:

Original PRUSA i3 MK3s
CEL-UK RoboxPro
Ultimaker S3
FormLabs Form 3
Original PRUSA SL1
TRILAB DeltiQ 2
Raise3D E2
CEL-UK RoboxDual
LulzBot Mini 2
Snapmaker 2.0 A350

Immediately, we note that all printers are diverse and suitable for use in various fields of activity. Therefore, we did not list them in any particular order. Purchasing any printer from the list is a smart financial investment. | Size: 550x400x500 mm | Weight: 7 kg

Advantages:

excellent working speed;
high quality printing.

Disadvantages:

lack of protective walls.

Description: Josef Pruscha is a leader in 3D printing. Their products are famous for their high reliability and long service life. The flagship model is the Original PRUSA i3 MK3s. It is characterized by high speed, low noise and excellent print quality. The most innovative developments are used in the production of the device: Bondtech extruder, P.I.N.D.A. 2, E3D V6 nozzle and thread sensor. The main feature of the printer is that it can be used for a variety of purposes. It is worth noting that the device is supplied both assembled and as a kit for assembly.

3D printer for business

Model:

Cel-UK RoboxPro

Characteristics: Modeling Models Models Models . Material: thread 1.75 mm | Working area: 210x300x400 mm | Layer thickness: 50-500 µm | Size: 513x508x605 mm | Weight: 26 kg

Features:

interchangeable print heads;
network connection option.

Disadvantages:

oversized.

Description: CEL-UK is a leader in 3D printing innovation. Their Robox series printers are the most functional in the FDM class. The flagship model CEL-UK RoboxPro is a direct proof of the above words. The device has a huge set of functions, including: auto-filament, automatic layer alignment, Wi-Fi and the ability to print over a network. In addition, the closed design and interchangeable print heads make it the best choice for businesses.

3D printer for educational institutions

Model:

Ultimaker S3

Characteristics: 9004 Material: thread 2.85 mm | Working area: 230x190x200 mm | Layer thickness: 20-600 µm | Size: 394x489x637 mm | Weight: 14. 4 kg

Advantages:

easy to connect to the network;
high quality printing.

Disadvantages:

high price.

Description: Ultimaker has been attracting attention ever since 3D printing began to take off. Although representatives of the company have only recently begun to use modern open source software. The new Ultimaker S3 is valued for its fast speed, robust design and excellent print quality. The main features include replaceable cartridges, a touch-screen display and a Cura-branded slicer. Ease of use makes the device indispensable for educational institutions.

3D printer SLA

Model :

Formlabs Form 3

9004

9004 9004 9004 9004

9,0002 Material: resin Multiple | Working area: 145x145x185 mm | Layer thickness: 25-300 µm | Size: 405x375x530 mm | Weight: 17. 5 kg

Pros:

high print quality;
large selection of materials.

Flaws:

prints need to be finished (cleaning and trimming).

Description: FormLabs manufacture SLA 3D printers. These devices use a special liquid resin as the main material for printing. Form 3 is the most compact device in the series. But because of the precise laser that guarantees the highest quality prints, this printer is most suitable for the production of product prototypes, jewelry and various castings. The device is considered the most original 3D printer available on the market.

3D printer MSLA

Model:

Original Prusa SL1

Characteristics: Technologies:

Technology: Material: resin 405 nm | Working area: 120x68x150 mm | Layer thickness: 25-100 µm | Size: 400x237x225 mm | Weight: 10. 6 kg

Pros:

high print quality;

large selection of materials.

Flaws:

prints need to be finished (cleaning and trimming).

Description: With the Original PRUSA SL1, Josef Prusha's company was able to conquer the market of SLA 3D printers (previously they worked only in the field of FDM technologies). True, the device was classified under the MSLA subcategory, due to the fact that it uses an LCD matrix and an ultraviolet LED backlight for resin processing, instead of standard high-precision lasers. Despite the fact that the printer consists of cheap components, the print quality meets the highest standards.

3D printer Delta

Model :

Trilab Deltiq 2

Technology: Material: thread 1. 75 mm | Working area: 250x250x300 mm | Layer thickness: from 50 µm (nozzle dependent) | Size: 410x500x810 mm | Weight: 10 kg

Advantages:

advanced technology;

versatility and versatility of use.

Disadvantages:

difficult to master the printer.

Description: This 3D printer uses 3 articulated print heads. This is what distinguishes it from conventional 3D printers. This approach allows you to reduce the space occupied by the device, as well as the amount of additional equipment used. At the same time, TRILAB DeltiQ 2 is characterized by a large working area and a wide range of features. The device has an E3D hotend extruder and a Wi-Fi Duet 2 panel. In addition, the printer can be connected and controlled from a smartphone.

3D printer for work

Model:

Raise3D E2

Characteristics:

Modeling 9003 Models 9003 | Material: thread 1.75 mm | Working area: 330x240x240 mm | Layer thickness: 20-250 µm | Size: 607x596x465 mm | Weight: 40 kg

Features:

high resolution;

touch screen display.

Disadvantages:

significant size and weight.

Description: Raise3D E2 is a printer capable of producing high quality FFF prints. Great for home, education, medical and business. The printer is equipped with two independent extruders. Has a strong and reliable design. In addition, the 3D printer is easy to operate and maintain. Such an apparatus will be able to meet the needs of any consumer involved in modeling, design or design. High quality of the press is provided with automatic calibration of a platform.

3D printer for home and office

Model:

CEL-UK Roboxdal

Characteristics:
Methods Methods: Methods Methods: Material: thread 1.75 mm | Working area: 210x150x100 mm | Layer thickness: 50-500 µm | Size: 410x340x240 mm | Weight: 11.7 kg

Advantages:

robust construction;

easy operation.

Disadvantages:

use only branded consumables.

Description: The printer went on sale in 2016 but is still the best in its segment. Equipped with a dual extruder, smart spools, autoloader, self-levelling and flexible platform, the CEL-UK RoboxDual allows you to quickly prepare the material, as well as fully control the printing process. The device is adapted to work in any conditions. Therefore, it is great for both home and industrial use.

3D printer for beginners

Model :

Lulzbot Mini 2

Characteristics: 9003

Modeling Models Models . Material: thread 2.85 mm | Working area: 160x160x180 mm | Layer thickness: 50-400 µm | Size: 457x339x607 mm | Weight: 9 kg

Features:

Open source software;
ease of operation.

Disadvantages:

lack of protective walls.

Description: If you are just learning the basics of 3D printing, then start with the LulzBot Mini 2 printer. Another important advantage of the device is its moderate overall dimensions. The compact design and light weight allow this printer to be placed on a typical desktop.

Multifunctional 3D printer

Model :

Snapmaker 2.0 A350

REPARITIES:

Advantages:

multifunctional;
structural strength.

Disadvantages:

delay between mode changes.
Learn more