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Best pro 3d printer


The Best Cheap 3D Printers for 2022

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.

More About Our Picks

Original Prusa Mini

4.5 Outstanding

Best Overall Budget 3D Printer

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

Read Our Original Prusa Mini Review

XYZprinting da Vinci Mini

4.0 Excellent

Best Budget 3D Printer for Schools, Community Centers

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.

Read Our XYZprinting da Vinci Mini Review

Toybox 3D Printer

4.0 Excellent

Best Budget 3D Printer for Children

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

Read Our Toybox 3D Printer Review

Monoprice Mini Delta V2 3D Printer

4. 0 Excellent

Best Budget 3D Printer for Beginners, Non-Techies

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

Read Our Monoprice Mini Delta V2 3D Printer Review

Anycubic i3 Mega S

3.5 Good

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

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

Read Our Anycubic i3 Mega S Review

Anycubic Vyper

3.5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer for the Biggest Build Area Possible

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

Read Our Anycubic Vyper Review

Creality Ender-3 V2

3. 5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer for Tinkerers and DIY Types

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

Read Our Creality Ender-3 V2 Review

Flashforge Finder 3D Printer

3.5 Good

Best 3D Printer for the Very Tightest Budgets

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

3.5 Good

Best Budget 3D Printer for Dabbling in Small Objects

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

3.5 Good

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

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

3. 0 Average

Best Budget 3D Printer for Cheap Filament

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

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.

mix of features, performance, and price

What is the best professional desktop 3D printer?

There are so many different 3D printers on the market today that it can be a real challenge to choose one. When every penny of your quarterly budget counts, you want to make sure your professional 3D printer is adapted to your needs. Material compatibility, build size, ease of use, workflow, software, and many more elements come into play.

To help you cut through the clutter, we made a shortlist of some of the best professional 3D printers available this year. These benchtop and desktop FFF (fused filament fabrication) 3D printers for professionals offer a great combination of features, performance, and reliability, and come from well-established brands. They are ideal tools for rapid prototyping and iterative design processes, and are also suitable for low-volume production series. Keep in mind, though, that while part quality does depend on your printer’s performance, it also greatly relies on your choice of materials.

Towards the end of this article, we also provide a brief buying guide where you can learn more about different 3D printer specifications such as printing temperatures, layer thickness, dual extrusion, and more.

Best benchtop 3D printers for professionals in 2022: our selection

The table below recaps our selection of some of the best professional 3D printing options for office use. Our goal is to provide a quick, visual overview of the market; there are of course numerous other factors to take into account (material compatibility, certifications, customer service, software, etc.) before making the right choice.

BrandProductBuild sizeCountryPrice

Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …).

Prusa ResearchOriginal Prusa i3 MK3S

This product has been reviewed by our team.

250 × 210 × 210 mm9.84 × 8.27 × 8.27 inCzech Republic$ 9991 029 €902 £145,309 ¥Buy
BCN3D TechnologiesSigma D25420 × 300 × 200 mm16. 54 × 11.81 × 7.87 inSpain$ 3,9953 495 €3,607 £581,089 ¥Quote
UltimakerUltimaker S5330 × 240 × 300 mm12.99 × 9.45 × 11.81 inNetherlands$ 5,9955 495 €5,413 £871,997 ¥Quote
MakerBotMethod X190 × 190 × 196 mm7.48 × 7.48 × 7.72 inUnited States$ 6,4996 695 €5,868 £945,306 ¥Quote
Raise3D

This brand is a certified partner from our network.

Pro3 Plus

This product has been reviewed by our team.

300 × 300 × 605 mm11.81 × 11.81 × 23.82 inUnited States$ 7,2496 249 €6,545 £1,054,396 ¥Quote
MarkforgedOnyx Pro320 × 132 × 154 mm12.6 × 5.2 × 6.06 inUnited States$ 9,60010 000 €8,668 £1,396,358 ¥Quote
StratasysF120254 × 254 × 254 mm10 × 10 × 10 inUnited States$ 12,00011 000 €10,835 £1,745,448 ¥Quote

Expand to see more specs

The products in the table are ranked by price (low to high).

BrandProductBuild sizeBuild volumeExtruder temp.CountryPrice

Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …).

Prusa ResearchOriginal Prusa i3 MK3S

This product has been reviewed by our team.

250 × 210 × 210 mm9.84 × 8.27 × 8.27 in11.03 L300°CCzech Republic$ 9991 029 €902 £145,309 ¥Buy on Prusa
BCN3D TechnologiesSigma D25420 × 300 × 200 mm16.54 × 11.81 × 7.87 in25.2 L300°CSpain$ 3,9953 495 €3,607 £581,089 ¥Get a quote
UltimakerUltimaker S5330 × 240 × 300 mm12.99 × 9.45 × 11.81 in23.76 L280°CNetherlands$ 5,9955 495 €5,413 £871,997 ¥Get a quote
MakerBotMethod X190 × 190 × 196 mm7. 48 × 7.48 × 7.72 in7.08 L260°CUnited States$ 6,4996 695 €5,868 £945,306 ¥Get a quote
Raise3D

This brand is a certified partner from our network.

Pro3 Plus

This product has been reviewed by our team.

300 × 300 × 605 mm11.81 × 11.81 × 23.82 in54.45 L300°CUnited States$ 7,2496 249 €6,545 £1,054,396 ¥Get a quote
MarkforgedOnyx Pro320 × 132 × 154 mm12.6 × 5.2 × 6.06 in6.5 L–United States$ 9,60010 000 €8,668 £1,396,358 ¥Get a quote
StratasysF120254 × 254 × 254 mm10 × 10 × 10 in16.39 L–United States$ 12,00011 000 €10,835 £1,745,448 ¥Get a quote

Overview of the best professional 3D printers in 2022

In this section, we give some more context and information about each pro 3D printer from our selection.

The Prusa Research Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ is a desktop 3D printer manufactured by Prusa Research, based in the Czech Republic. Prusa Research is a well-known brand created by Josef Prusa, inventor of the open-source Prusa i3 3D printer design.

Prusa 3D printers are highly reliable machines and can produce excellent parts right out of the box. Priced just under $1,000, the MK3S+ offers a very good price-to-performance ratio. With its open chassis and customizable “everything”, it’s a great option for those that like to get manual. Professionals who are looking for easy and low-maintenance operation may want to look at options in a higher price range.

Full review: Original Prusa i3 MK3S review

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The BCN3D Sigma D25 is a large desktop 3D printer for office use made by BCN3D Technologies. BCN3D, or BCN3D Technologies, is based in Spain and is one of the desktop 3D printer market leaders. They produce high-quality 3D printers for professionals, the Sigma being their flagship series.

The Sigma D25 pro 3D printer offers a relatively big build volume and boasts BCN3D’s IDEX technology. This means that there are two separate print heads that can both move independently to either print two identical objects at the same time or print in mirror mode.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

The Ultimaker S5 is a professional desktop 3D printer made by Ultimaker, a manufacturer based in the Netherlands. Users may control their S5 from a distance thanks to the Ultimaker App and a Wi-Fi connection. There is also an onboard camera to monitor 3D prints from a distance. Furthermore, to maximize production efficiency, it is possible to group multiple S5 3D printers together with Cura Connect.

Today, the Ultimaker S5 is often referred to as the best professional 3D printer, especially when equipped with the Pro Bundle. The Pro Bundle includes a “material station” where up to 6 spools of filament can be loaded and automatically managed (auto-switch, humidity control, etc. ), and an “air manager” that closes up the build area and filters particles.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

The Method X is a professional benchtop 3D printer produced by MakerBot (a Stratasys-owned brand). It was designed to 3D print ABS filament reliably and efficiently, thanks to a number of features– including a 100°C heated build chamber– than enable comprehensive environmental control.

Makerbot’s Method X is equipped with a 5-inch touchscreen with real-time feedback and status on print jobs, and offers automatic calibration. This pro 3D printer also boasts “SmartAssist Material Loading”, for fast and easy filament changing. Users can log in to the manufacturer’s proprietary CloudPrint software to monitor prints remotely at any time.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

The Markforged Onyx Pro is a professional desktop 3D printer made by Markforged, a manufacturer based in Somerville, Massachusetts (USA). With its dual printhead, the Onyx Pro reinforces plastic parts with a continuous strand of fiberglass.

The main available materials for the Onyx Pro are Onyx (a carbon fiber filled nylon) and Precise PLA. Markforged advertises parts up to ten times stronger than non-reinforced plastic ones.

The MarkForged Onyx Pro is delivered with Markforged’s browser-based Eiger software, powerful and easy to use. Eiger allows precise control over the 3D printing process.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

The Raise3D Pro3 Plus is a professional, industrial-grade 3D printer made by Raise3D, an ISO9001:2015 and ISO14001-certified manufacturer based in the US (California). Raise3D also has offices in the Netherlands (Rotterdam) and in China (Shanghai).

This 3D printer for office environments is a true workhorse, capable of printing for hours without any hiccups. It does an impressive job with complex overhangs and features an intuitive, user-friendly workflow. The printer comes with an air filtration system, an onboard camera, and a dual extruder. Its control software is also available as a smartphone app for convenient remote monitoring.

Raise3D’s Pro3 series also includes the Pro3, featuring a smaller build volume. Both printers are a follow-up to the Pro2 Series.

Full review: Raise3D Pro3 Plus review

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

Stratasys is the Apple of the 3D printing industry. Their 3D printers, including the F120, are reliable machines with industrial-grade components and printing quality. However, Stratasys 3D printers generally only work with Stratasys materials and hardware. At the moment, less than a handful of filaments are available for the Stratasys F120.

The F120 is one of the most affordable FDM printers from Stratasys and is destined to be a desktop workhorse for professionals. Stratasys emphasizes on the printer’s ease of use, durability, and industrial quality.

Contact manufacturer Get a quote Add to comparison

Professional 3D printer buying guide

There are several features and specifications to take into account when choosing the best professional 3D printer for your needs.

Technology

For this professional desktop 3D printer selection, we focused on FFF (fused filament fabrication) 3D printers. They are ideal for creating both prototypes and end-use parts.

For professionals in dental or jewelry industries where high precision and detail are required, resin 3D printers are more adapted, with SLA, DLP, or LCD-based technologies.

There are also desktop SLS 3D printers (powder 3D printers), PEEK 3D printers, continuous fiber 3D printers, and more for advanced applications. Explore these topics with all of our other 3D printer guides.

Build plate or print bed

A heated print bed is mandatory for users that need to 3D print with ABS and other more demanding materials. The heat helps prevent warping and offers better first-layer adhesion.

While today’s 3D printers almost always feature heated build plates, they don’t all reach the same temperatures. It is best to know which thermoplastics you will be printing and to choose your desktop 3D printer accordingly.

Some professional 3D printers have interchangeable build trays to help speed up the workflow, enabling users to quickly launch new prints while the previous build plate cools down. On higher-end 3D printers, there can even be vacuum systems for instant part release from the print bed.

Print head

PLA and ABS can be considered the most common and basic 3D printing materials in general. Professionals, however, often need to print more complex materials, such as Nylon, Polycarbonate, PETG, ASA, or other engineering-grade polymers.

They don’t all have the same melting or glass transition temperature and therefore have to be 3D printed at different temperatures. For example, PLA can be extruded at around 200°C, PC at around 260°C, and some high-performance materials like PEEK or PEKK need the extruder to reach at least 450°C.

Popular professional filaments also include plastics filled with carbon fiber or glass fiber for increased strength and resistance. These materials are abrasive and require tough nozzles; many professional printers are already compatible with these composites, but it’s important to make sure beforehand.

Some 3D printers are compatible with multiple types of nozzles with varying diameters, and even paste-type print heads exist to 3D print clay.

Automatic calibration

Most professional 3D printer systems are equipped with automatic calibration features to make the process as plug-n-play as possible. It’s important to recalibrate a 3D printer from time to time to ensure consistent print quality.

There are two main types of calibration:

  • Print bed leveling (making sure the print bed is perfectly parallel to the nozzle, and not tilted)
  • Nozzle offset (determining the right gap between the nozzle and the print bed)

Most 3D printers for professionals feature a probe attached to the print head to automate these processes instead of users having to use a piece of paper or business card.

Some 3D printers also have NFC readers to automatically adjust their temperature settings according to the detected material (so long as the spool is chipped, too).

Dual extrusion and independent dual extrusion (IDEX)

A dual extruder enables users to 3D print with two different colors or materials simultaneously, including soluble support material for complex objects.

If there are two separate print heads, the system is referred to as IDEX (independent dual extruder). BCN3D Technologies was one of the first manufacturers to offer this feature a few years back.

In addition to being able to 3D print two materials at a time, independent dual extrusion offers different 3D printing possibilities:

  • Duplication mode: 3D prints two identical objects at the same time.
  • Mirror mode: to 3D print an object twice as fast as with just one extruder, each nozzle completes one-half of the object.

Onboard camera

Some 3D printers are equipped with an onboard camera that monitors prints remotely or saves time-lapse videos. This feature can be useful if the printer must be left unattended for long periods of time. We found it to be quite practical when we launched a long print for our Pro3 Plus review.

With the right 3D software, onboard cameras can help with quality control. Quality control can also be done during post-processing workflows with a metrology 3D scanner.

Minimum layer thickness

3D print quality is intricately linked to layer thickness, a.k.a. layer height or Z resolution. It’s the minimum height of each successive layer that forms the 3D printed object. The thinner the layers, the less they are distinguishable and the smoother the object will be (similar to the ratio of pixels in an image).

Thinner layers also mean that more layers are required to complete the object, which translates into more 3D print time. Layer thickness can be adjusted depending on if you need a quick print (thicker) or a high-resolution print (thinner).

The typical minimum layer thickness for mid-range FFF 3D printers is 100 microns or 0.1 millimeters, but it can go down to 0.01 mm in some cases.

A simple representation of layer height. Source: Primantes3D

Build volume

The build volume is the maximum size that your prints can be. If you need a bigger volume than what the 3D printers in this guide provide, you may be interested in these selections:

  • L: Large volume 3D printers
  • XL: Large format 3D printers
  • XXL: Large scale 3D printers

Now, there are even large-sized resin 3D printers for those that need both volume and finer surface quality.

Closed frame

Many variables can interfere with 3D print quality, such as temperature changes and room drafts. Hence, 3D printers with an enclosed build chamber tend to provide better quality prints, in addition to reducing noise, odors, and– with a HEPA filter– harmful particle emissions.

A closed frame is almost mandatory when 3D printing with basically anything other than PLA. Today it is quite rare to see a professional 3D printer without an enclosure.

FAQ

Are 3D printers safe?

With basic precaution, 3D printers are relatively safe to use, although there has been some concern over harmful particle emissions from the melted filament. It’s best to use closed 3D printers with filters and to use 3D printers in well-ventilated areas. Users should also be careful not to burn themselves on a hot build plate or extruder; some 3D printers feature door safety sensors to lock the printer while it is printing.

Can 3D printers print metal? What 3D printers can print metal?

Yes, some FFF 3D printers are able to print metal-filled filaments. This is called metal FFF. Once the part has been 3D printed, however, it must undergo two processes called debinding and sintering. Other types of 3D printers (much more expensive and industrial-grade) are able to 3D print metal powder using various metal 3D printing technologies like L-PBF (laser powder bed fusion) or metal binder jetting, among others.

What is the best 3D printer for jewelry?

For jewelry, resin 3D printers are more adapted than FFF 3D printers. They use SLA, DLP, or LCD-based technologies to produce objects with fine details and smooth surfaces.

Can 3D printers print in color?

Yes, some 3D printers can print in color. They are called full-color 3D printers and often use powder-based technologies. Systems that mix CMYK filaments exist, but cannot reproduce photorealistic colors like powder-based 3D printers.

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

Creality3D Ender 3. Photo: market-yandex.ru

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

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

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

A small display that displays only basic information

2.

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

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

Pros and cons

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

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

3.

FlyingBear Ghost 5 FlyingBear Ghost 5. Photo: market-yandex.ru from FlyingBear is ideal for semi-professional use. Uniform supply of filament (plastic) provides good opportunities for creating three-dimensional figures with a fairly high resolution. High productivity is achieved thanks to the transparent Dual Drive extruder with BMG double drive. The gadget has a body closed on three sides. Its walls are made of heat-resistant non-toxic ABS plastic. This protection prevents the accumulation of dust on the working parts of the device, which greatly facilitates the maintenance of the printer. The device is controlled using a 3.5-inch color TFT display.

Main characteristics
, SD , SD 9001
Print technology fdm/fff/pjp
Field for house/diy, initial level
Open Camera Open Camera Open Cam ABS, PLA, Wood, HIPS
Workspace width 255 mm
Workspace height 210 mm
Working space 210 mm
Features Heated table, display, active cooling, nozzle adjustment, temperature control
Connection Wi-Fi, SD
Print speed (extruder speed) 150mm/s
Number of extruders 1
Printing accuracy X, Y 0. 01 mm
Positioning accuracy Z 0.002 mm
Pros and cons

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

4. Anet N4

Anet N4. Photo: market-yandex.ru

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

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

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

Small work surface, slightly inferior to competitors in some parameters

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

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

Plus and minuses

High printing quality

Small worktop

6. ELEGOO Mars Pro

ELEGOO Mars Pro. Photo: market-yandex.ru

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

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

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

Pros and cons

Low price, easy and convenient to use

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

8. Wanhao Duplicator i3 Mini

Duplicator Mini i3. Photo: market-yandex.ru

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

The main characteristics

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

Spacious work surface, robust housing

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

10. Tianfour Sparkmaker

Tianfour Sparkmaker. Photo: market-yandex.ru

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

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.

TOP 15 best models in terms of quality and reliability

A 3D printer is a device used for 3D printing. In this article, we will tell you how to simplify the search for the necessary 3D printer model among the variety on the market. We analyzed the options available in online stores, studied their functionality, got acquainted with the technical characteristics and user reviews. Here we present the ranking of the best 3D printers for 2022. They are grouped by the most popular request categories.

Ranking of the best 3D printers for 2022

Rank Designation Price Description
Best 3D printers by price/quality for 2022
1 Wanhao D12/500 Ask for a price User Choice Best Price/Quality for 2022
2 Creality 3DPrintMill CR-30 Ask for a price High quality 3D printer using conveyor printing method
3 Phrosen Schuffle XL Lite Ask for a price Stable and easy to use large format 3D printer
Best Kids Educational 3D Printer
1 Creality Ender 7 Ask for a price The best children's educational 3D printer
2 Anycubic Vyper Ask for a price Excellent value for money 3D printer with new board and high performance control chip
3 Flying Bear Aone Ask for a price Budget model of children's educational 3D printer
Top Industrial 3D Printers
1 Anycubic Photon Mono X Ask for a price Experts voted the best industrial printer today
2 Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K Ask for a price Robust 3D printer for industrial projects
3 CF Chef Ask for a price New chocolate 3D printer which is suitable for making various kinds of chocolate figurines
Top Resin 3D Printers
1 Creality HALOT ONE PLUS Ask for a price Best Large Area Resin 3D Printer Chosen by Users Today
2 Phrozen Sonic 4K 2022 Ask for a price Good photoresin 3D printer often used in dentistry and dental laboratories
Best Home 3D Printers
1 Creality Ender 3 Pro Ask for a price Best 3D printer for home projects
2 Flash Forge Adventurer 3 Ask for a price Reliable and high quality 3D printer for various home projects
Best Inexpensive 3D Printers
1 Creality Ender 3 Ask for a price Best budget 3D printer available as a do-it-yourself device
2 Anycubic Mega-S Ask for a price Inexpensive 3D printer model with excellent functionality

Contents

  • Top 3D printers for 2022
  • How to choose a 3D printer?
  • Best value for money 3D printers for 2022

    • printing technology and volume;

    If you are going to produce high precision and small parts, SLA or DLP is the way to go. If the range of tasks is wider and low manufacturing cost is important, then your choice is an FDM printer.

    • workspace size;

    Many 3D printers have a working space of 200x200x200mm. This is enough for most tasks. However, you may need a smaller size, or vice versa, you will need a larger one, it depends on your needs.

    • print precision;

    Nozzle size affects print accuracy. Not only smooth layers depend on it, but also the detailing of the model. A smaller nozzle diameter gives more detail, but slower production speed. Many printers have the ability to change the nozzle for a specific task.

    • platform heating;

    The presence of this function ensures better adhesion of the first layer. Engineering plastics, for example, cannot be used without heating the table, since the figures can warp.

    • camera type;

    Can be open or closed. The latter options are usually presented on more expensive and advanced models.

    • number of extruders;

    When printing complex elements, you will need a model with two materials and corresponding extruders in order to be able to print supports from soluble material. Models with a large number of angles greater than 30 degrees or a large number of hanging elements are called complex. If the models are not too complex, one extruder will suffice, which will greatly help save the budget.

    • print speed;

    The parameter implies the maximum head movement speed. A 14x4x10 tablet stand will print approximately 6-6.5 hours at 100mm/sec.

    • functionality;

    Printers can support wireless communication with various devices: phones, tablets, etc., as well as memory devices. Plus, as a rule, printers are already equipped with software when they are sold. Pay attention to the compatibility of the OS with the OS of the computer.

    Best Price/Quality 3D Printer for 2022

    1. Wanhao D12/500

    Wanhao D12/500 is the best price/quality 3D printer for 2022 as voted by users. A 3D printer that is great for mass production. The optimal size of its zone makes it possible to print a large model in one cycle. The control system here is intuitive and clear, the user can easily calibrate the printer to fit his needs.

    Wi-Fi wireless connection helps you connect to your PC or laptop. Extruders will allow you to print using supports. The color display with touch keys will be an excellent assistant in setting up the device.

    Designed with a heavy duty frame and adjustable straps. The working surface is automatically heated to achieve adhesion to the first layers of plastic. The switch is equipped with 2 fuses for emergency protection.

    Specifications:

    • Print technology: FDM/FFF/PJP
    • working space dimensions: 500x500x500 mm;
    • print speed (extruder speed): 150 mm/s;
    • number of extruders: 2;

    Features:

    • 2 extruders;
    • high print speed;
    • workspace size;

    Drawbacks:

    • cost;

    2.

    Creality 3DPrintMill CR-30

    The Creality 3DPrintMill CR-30 is a quality 3D printer using a conveyor printing method, which is perfect for small and medium businesses with the ability to organize mass production. Instead of a platform, there is a nylon-based transport tape with excellent adhesive properties.

    The design allows printing of long products of non-standard dimensions. Three powerful fans provide excellent airflow. Management is carried out using a convenient display, which is located on the right side of the case. There is an SD slot for downloading files offline.

    End of filament sensor will stop the device if the filament breaks. In the event of a power failure, auto-update will help restore functionality. The maximum extruder temperature is 240 degrees.

    Specifications:

    • Print technology: FDM/FFF/PJP;
    • working space dimensions: 200x170 mm;

    Advantages:

    • wireless connection;
    • the ability to adjust the temperature and speed;
    • is suitable for small and medium businesses;

    Disadvantages:

    • noisy;

    3.

    Phrosen Schuffle XL Lite

    The Phrosen Schuffle XL Lite is a stable and easy to use large format 3D printer. It makes it possible to print both large models as a whole, and many small ones at once. The new matrix shows excellent print accuracy. The software is included in the kit, so it is quite easy to manage the device.

    The printer is suitable for dentistry, jewelry and prototyping as it prints reliably with high precision. The double linear guide guarantees long-term operation without interruption.

    Operation is simplified by the large and bright display with an easy-to-use touch panel. The device can be used not only by professionals, but also by amateurs. Z-axis of the printer is stable, has zero fluctuations during printing.

    Specifications:

    • print technology: DLP, LCD;
    • print material: photopolymer;

    Advantages:

    • acceptable cost;
    • high precision printing;
    • stable Z-axis;

    Disadvantages:

    • sometimes there are some difficulties when changing already programmed material;

    Best Kids Educational 3D Printer

    1.

    Creality Ender 7

    The Creality Ender 7 is the ultimate children's educational 3D printer and one of the fastest in the mainstream segment. Its speed is its main trump card, but you need to remember that it is impossible to work with some types of thermoplastic at high speed. In general, not very high-precision details are printed quickly.

    Operation is carried out using a convenient display, which is located in the central part of the housing. For downloading files offline, there is an SD slot and a USB connector. The maximum extruder temperature is 260 degrees.

    The print platform is heated to 100 degrees. The nozzle has one of the most popular diameters of 0.4 mm. The printer is also equipped with a filament control sensor, and calibration is automatic.

    Specifications:

    • Print technology: FDM/FFF/PJP;
    • working space dimensions: 250x250x300 mm;
    • print speed (extruder speed): 250 mm/s;

    Advantages:

    • reasonable cost;
    • high print speed;
    • large working space;

    Faults:

    • small printable area;

    2.

    Anycubic Vyper

    The Anycubic Vyper is a great value 3D printer with a brand new board and high performance Cortex M3 control chip. It features good speed and smooth operation. It prints not only accurately, but also silently. The platform has a high-strength coating that provides easy removal of the finished model.

    The blower system consists of a pair of fans that will allow you to quickly cool the models. Management is carried out using a large touch screen. It features a new interface, simple and smooth operation, and the ability to switch languages ​​to English and Chinese.

    The electronic system automatically calibrates the platform with sixteen points. The dimensions of the device are compact, and the working space is large. Printing is recommended at a speed of 80-100 mm/sec.

    Specifications:

    • Print technology: FDM, FFF, PJP;
    • working space dimensions: 245x260x245 mm;
    • print speed (extruder speed): 100 mm/s;

    Advantages:

    • quick and easy to assemble;
    • silent operation of the device;
    • convenient and clear control;

    Disadvantages:

    • not very convenient location of the coil;

    3.

    FlyingBear Aone

    The FlyingBear Aone is a low cost educational 3D printer for kids in a compact package suitable for home projects. It comes as a self-assembly kit. Its case is open, like many inexpensive models. The printing table is heated from 60 to 100 degrees Celsius.

    Print speed up to 100 mm/sec. Management is carried out using a special color touch screen, which is located at the bottom of the printer.

    The USB port can be used to connect to a PC or laptop, while the SD slot is suitable for stand-alone operation. The power supply is installed in the bottom of the case and is built-in. The extruder is equipped with a nozzle with a diameter of 0.4 mm.

    Specifications:

    • Print technology: FDM, FFF, PJP;
    • working space dimensions: 190x190x190 mm;
    • print speed (extruder speed): 100 mm/s;

    Advantages:

    • quick and clear assembly;
    • inexpensive 3D printer;
    • is easy to use for beginners;

    Disadvantages:

    • very noisy fans;

    Best industrial 3D printers

    1.

    Anycubic Photon Mono X

    Anycubic Photon Mono X is the best industrial printer according to experts today. It has the largest printable area among resin printers. It features good speed and smooth operation. It prints not only accurately, but also silently. The platform has a high-strength coating that provides easy removal of the finished model.

    Controlled by large touch screen. It features a new interface, simple and smooth operation. The dimensions of the device are compact, and the working space is large.

    Printing recommended at 80-100 mm/sec. The printer is equipped with a wireless Wi-Fi connection to connect to the Internet, to a computer or laptop. The matrix light source consists of UV LEDs. This improves accuracy and reduces exposure time.

    Specifications:

    • Print technology: LCD, SLA;
    • working space size: 120x245x192 mm;

    Advantages:

    • high detail;
    • large print height and area;
    • comfortable and bright screen;

    Disadvantages:

    • high cost of spare parts;

    2.

    Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K

    The Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K is a robust 3D printer for industrial projects with a large build area and high print speed. It is an excellent choice for both creative and professional use. The new matrix shows excellent print accuracy.

    The software is included, so the device is easy to operate. The printer is suitable for dentistry, jewelry work and prototyping, as it has a reliable print with high accuracy.

    Double linear guide ensures long, trouble-free operation. Operation is simplified by the presence of a large and bright display with a convenient touch panel. The device can be used not only by professionals, but also by amateurs. Z-axis of the printer is stable, has zero fluctuations during printing.

    Specifications:

    • Print technology: DLP/LCD/SLA;
    • working space dimensions: 200x220x125 mm;
    • print speed (layer building): 80 mm/h;

    Advantages:

    • quiet operation;
    • fast printing;
    • compact dimensions of the device;

    Disadvantages:

    • high cost;

    3.

    CF Chef

    CF Chef is a new chocolate 3D printer that is suitable for making various kinds of chocolate figurines. It can be used to create openwork chocolate toppers for confectionery, print corporate chocolate gifts, make text messages and logos, and print chocolate figures.

    The dimensions of the printer are 300x300x380 mm, so it can be placed in any room, but the working area is quite large. The printing time of chocolate models depends on their complexity. The printer allows you to create 2D, 2.5D and 3D products. You can use a USB cable or a wireless WI-FI connection to connect to a computer. The printing speed can reach 100mm/s.

    Specifications:

    • print material: tempered chocolate and chocolate glaze;
    • print speed: 100 mm/s;

    Advantages:

    • the ability to connect to a computer or laptop;
    • good print speed;
    • suitable for the food industry;

    Drawbacks:

    • cost;

    Top 9 Resin 3D Printers0007

    1.

    Creality HALOT ONE PLUS

    The Creality HALOT ONE PLUS is the best large area resin 3D printer according to users today. It can be used for both business and home projects. The device is controlled using a convenient display, which is located in the central part of the case.

    Wi-Fi port and USB port for uploading files and updating firmware. The nozzle has one of the most popular diameters of 0.4 mm. The printer is also equipped with a filament control sensor, and calibration is automatic.

    UV source for improved detail and print quality. Windows and Mac OS are compatible with the printer. Quad-core ARM Cortex M4 processor provides high power and performance, as well as stable operation.

    Specifications:

    • Print technology: LCD;
    • working space dimensions: 102x160x172 mm;

    Advantages:

    • low cost;
    • the presence of a USB connector;
    • UV source;

    Drawbacks:

    • 1 extruder;

    2.

    Phrozen Sonic 4K 2022

    The Phrozen Sonic 4K 2022 is a good photopolymer 3D printer that is often used in dentistry and dental laboratories. The new matrix shows excellent print accuracy. The software is included in the kit, so it is quite easy to manage the device.

    The printer is suitable for dentistry, jewelry and prototyping as it prints reliably with high precision. The double linear guide guarantees long-term operation without interruption.

    Operation is simplified by the large and bright display with an easy-to-use touch panel. The device can be used not only by professionals, but also by amateurs. Z-axis of the printer is stable, has zero fluctuations during printing. In the event of an unexpected power outage, operation can be resumed from the point at which it was stopped.

    Specifications:

    • Print technology: DLP, LCD;
    • working space size: 134x200x75 mm;

    Advantages:

    • improved accuracy;
    • excellent performance;
    • availability of various interfaces;

    Disadvantages:

    • very high cost;

    Best Home 3D Printers

    1.

    Creality Ender 3 Pro

    The Creality Ender 3 Pro is the ultimate 3D printer for home projects. It is quick to assemble, easy to understand and set up and ensures stable operation. Both an experienced user and a beginner can handle it.

    Operation is carried out using a convenient display, which is located in the central part of the housing. For downloading files offline, there is an SD slot and a USB connector. The nozzle has one of the most popular diameters of 0.4 mm.

    The printer is also equipped with a filament control sensor and calibration is automatic. The device can be used both as a main and as an additional to professional equipment. Branded power supply makes the device more stable. The camera of the printer is open, like many inexpensive models.

    Specifications:

    • Print technology: FDM, FFF, PJP;
    • working space dimensions: 220x250x220 mm;
    • print speed (extruder speed): 180 mm/s;

    Pros:

    • is great for beginners thanks to easy assembly;
    • simple and inexpensive repair;
    • inexpensive model;

    Disadvantages:

    • noisy model;

    2.

    FlashForge Adventurer 3

    FlashForge Adventurer 3 is a reliable and high quality 3D printer for various home projects. With its use, you can print pre-prepared files. The device has a closed chamber. The supply end sensor will tell you when to add it. The printer will automatically stop when the media runs out.

    The nozzle has a typical diameter of 0.4 mm. It is made of stainless steel, which perfectly resists mechanical stress and quickly warms up during operation. LAN, USB and WI-FI interfaces allow you to connect to a computer or laptop. The printer is compatible with all major operating systems: Windows, Linux, MAC, which will be a big plus. The main working program FlashPrint will provide professionals and hobbyists with all the basic functions to work with.

    Specifications:

    • print technology: FDM, FFF, PJP;
    • working space size: 150x150x150 mm;
    • print speed (extruder speed): 100 mm/s;

    Advantages:

    • convenient and clear slicer;
    • works silently;
    • flexible detachable platform;

    Disadvantages:

    • expensive to repair;

    Best Inexpensive 3D Printers

    1.

    Creality Ender 3

    The Creality Ender 3 is the ultimate budget 3D printer that comes as a DIY kit. The device is controlled using a convenient display, which is located in the central part of the case. For downloading files offline, there is an SD slot and a USB connector.

    One of the most popular nozzle diameters is 0.4 mm. Mechanical and electronic parts of the device are separated from each other. The device can be used both as a main and as an additional to professional equipment.

    Proprietary power supply makes the device more stable. The camera of the printer is open, like many inexpensive models. The workspace allows you to manage most projects. Even a beginner can handle this device.

    Specifications:

    • Print technology: FDM, FFF, PJP;
    • working space dimensions: 220x250x220 mm;
    • print speed (extruder speed): 180 mm/s;

    Pros:

    • platform area is great for most tasks;
    • simple and clear assembly;
    • budget model;

    Disadvantages:

    • slightly skewed in the Z-axis due to design features;

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