Cheapest nylon 3d printer

The 8 Best Nylon 3D Printers for Easy Nylon Printing (2022) – Clever Creations

Nylon filament is one of the most versatile 3D printing materials that you can print on a desktop 3D printer. It has excellent tensile strength, is flexible, and has a high melting point, making it ideal for functional prototypes and interlocking prints that undergo high wear and tear.

Despite these benefits, 3D printing Nylon filament has its own set of challenges, and not all 3D printers are equipped or designed to print with Nylon. For someone looking for printing with Nylon, this might become a challenge and confuse them further as to what printer will deliver the best results with Nylon.

To help make it easier for you and to make you aware of your choices in the market, we’ve curated a list of some of the best Nylon 3D printers that you can buy right now. We have also included the things you should look for when getting a Nylon printer.

Read on to learn how to choose the best Nylon 3D printer for you!

The Best Nylon 3D Printers in 2022

Matterhackers Pulse XE

Best overall

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The Matterhackers Pulse XE is a 3D printer specifically designed to print with NylonX material. It comes with a hardened steel nozzle, a specially engineered bed surface, and a maximum extruder temperature of 300 °C, letting you print Nylon filament with ease.

You get a Prusa i3 style open-frame design, and a BLTouch leveling sensor for ease of use. The print surface is textured with Garolite, which guarantees better print adhesion with Nylon and is durable enough to last for many print cycles. The Pulse XE uses the best components currently available right now, such as a Bondtech extruder and a E3D V6 hot end, to deliver high-quality 3D prints.

For under $1000, the Pulse XE is a feature-packed printer, which serves excellent value to the end-user, making it the best overall Nylon 3D printer on the list. It will print anything you throw at it with ease, and if you’re in the market for a professional-grade Nylon 3D printer, the Pulse XE is the best choice for you.

Standout Features

• BLTouch leveling probe
• Garolite print surface
• Robust i3 design

Technical Details
Build Volume	250 x 220 x 215 mm
Materials	PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, Carbon Fiber, PC
Bed leveling	Automatic
Max hot end temperature	295°C
Max bed temperature	100°C
Connectivity	SD card, USB
Supported slicers	Mattercontrol
Filament diameter	1. 75 mm

What We Like

• Easy to upgrade
• Hardened steel nozzle
• Easy to use interface

Could Be Better

• Lacks enclosure
• Outdated LCD

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Ultimaker S5

Best high-end

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Ultimaker 3D printers are known for their premium build quality and excellent print results. The Ultimaker S5 is the flagship 3D printer in the Ultimaker printer lineup and comes with the best features that make it great for printing industrial prototypes and end-use components.

The Ultimaker S5 is a dual extruder 3D printer with a large print volume of 330 x 240 x 300 mm that lets you fully take advantage of its dual print heads. It offers convenient swappable print cores and a removable glass bed to print with advanced materials such as NylonX, Polycarbonate, and Polypropylene.

The airflow manager add-on maintains a stable printing temperature, which is useful when printing with Nylon. And with the material station, you can easily store Nylon filament without having to resort to a filament dry box.

Given its features and the high-end components, printing with Nylon should be as easy as printing with PETG or PLA filament on the Ultimaker S5. Overall, it’s an excellent 3D printer that will deliver consistent printing results and cover nearly all FDM 3D printing needs.

Standout Features

• Dual extrusion
• Swappable print cores
• Large build volume

Technical Details
Build Volume	330 x 240 x 300 mm
Materials	PLA, ABS, PETG and CPE, ASA, Nylon, NylonX and NylonG, PV, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene
Bed leveling	Automatic
Max hot end temperature	280°C
Max bed temperature	140°C
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
Supported slicers	Ultimaker Cura
Filament diameter	2. 85 mm

What We Like

• Multi-material printing
• Premium components
• Remote monitoring

Could Be Better

• Serious investment
• Separate enclosure kit

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Flashforge Adventurer 3

Best on a budget

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The Flashforge Adventurer 3 is a fully-enclosed 3D printer designed to be easy to use and beginner-friendly. With its intuitive interface and an excellent feature set, it gives you excellent value for your money.

The Adventurer 3 comes with an interchangeable nozzle design that lets you upgrade the default nozzle set up to a high-temperature nozzle that goes up to 265 °C, letting you print with ABS, PETG, PC, and Nylon. Its heated print bed and the enclosure help maintain a passively heated, stable printing temperature, further improving print quality.

Its automatic filament loading, inbuilt camera, and remote monitoring greatly benefit the user experience and are nice features for beginners to use the 3D printer efficiently and safely.

Overall, the Flashforge Adventurer 3 is a great package that comes at an affordable price of under $400. It is excellent for beginners and hobbyists that need a reliable 3D printer that can print with Nylon filament on a budget.

Standout Features

• Detachable nozzle design
• Automatic filament loading
• Wireless 3D printing

Technical Details
Build Volume	150 x 150 x 150 mm
Materials	PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon
Bed leveling	Automatic
Max hot end temperature	240°C / 265°C
Max bed temperature	100°C
Connectivity	USB stick, Wi-Fi, Ethernet FlashCloud, PolarCloud
Supported slicers	Flashprint
Filament diameter	1. 75 mm

What We Like

• Beginner-friendly
• Fully enclosed
• Removable print bed

Could Be Better

• Small build area
• Only compatible with FlashPrint

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Creality Ender 3 S1

Most silent

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The Creality Ender 3 S1 is the latest printer from Creality and comes with all the best features you would expect from a desktop 3D printer in 2022. The PC-coated flexible spring steel bed is a new inclusion in the Creality lineup and is perfect for adhesion with printing materials such as Nylon.

It also offers a newly designed “sprite” extruder that weighs less than traditional direct drive setups and is excellent for printing flexible filaments like TPU. It comes with a 32-bit motherboard with silent stepper motors, letting it print at < 50 dBs. This makes it one of the quietest 3D printers available right now, especially when coupled with its official enclosure.

The hot end is designed to reach up to 260 °C, letting you print Nylon filament with ease. However, the aforementioned enclosure is something you will need as well if your goal is to 3D print Nylon filament. It helps prevent the warping of your Nylon prints, significantly increasing your success rate with this tricky filament.

The Creality Ender 3 S1 is a superb hobbyist-level printer resulting from years of community feedback. Its silent stepper drivers make it an ideal 3D printer for a home or an office setup. It is a great fit if you want a Nylon 3D printer with all essential features, that is easy to set up and delivers excellent print quality.

Recommended:

Creality Ender 3 S1 Review: A New Standard

Standout Features

• Improved "sprite" extruder
• Dual Z-axis design
• PC spring steel print bed

Technical Details
Build Volume	220 x 220 x 270 mm
Materials	PLA, TPU, PETG, ABS, Nylon
Bed leveling	Automatic
Max hot end temperature	260°C
Max bed temperature	100°C
Connectivity	Type-C USB, SD Card
Supported slicers	Ultimaker Cura
Filament diameter	1. 75 mm

What We Like

• Easy to assemble
• Automatic bed leveling
• Direct extrusion for TPU, TPE

Could Be Better

• Open-frame design
• Enclosure comes separately

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QIDI Tech X-Plus

Highest print temperature

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The QIDI Tech X-Plus 3D printer is one of the rare 2-in-1 3D printers that is fine-tuned for printing with basic and advanced materials alike. It has two separate direct-drive extruders and bed surfaces, each configured for different printing materials.

You get one extruder that reaches up to 250 °C, combined with a textured print surface meant for printing with PLA, ABS, and PETG. The second hotend-extruder set up can go as high as 300 °C and can be combined with the smooth bed surface on the opposite side of the printing bed. This second setup enables you to 3D print with Nylon, PC, and Carbon Fiber.

The dual Z-axis setup delivers stable and precise printing and the enclosed spool holder design, too, is beneficial when printing with Nylon filament.

One of its biggest shortcomings, however, is its relatively small build height (200mm) given the machine’s price. If your needs include printing tall Nylon 3D prints, the Tech X-Plus is not the best option.

Considering the features and ease of switching hot ends when printing with different materials, the QIDI Tech X-Plus offers a great printing experience. It is a great choice for hobbyists and even professionals who need a versatile 3D printer that is well-built and delivers reliable results.

Standout Features

• Two different extruder setups
• Dual print surface
• Double Z-axis

Technical Details
Build Volume	270 x 200 x 200 mm
Materials	PLA, ABS, PETG, Flexibles, Nylon, PC
Bed leveling	Automatic
Max hot end temperature	260°C / 300°C
Max bed temperature	100°C
Connectivity	USB, WiFi, LAN
Supported slicers	QIDIPrint, Cura, Simplify3D
Filament diameter	1. 75 mm

What We Like

• Easy to set up and configure
• Stores filament inside
• Wi-Fi connectivity

Could Be Better

• Easy to damage print surface
• No filament guiding system

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FlashForge Adventurer 4

Best air filtration

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The Flashforge Adventurer 4 is the next iteration of the Adventurer 3 / 3 Pro 3D printers and keeps many of the existing features while improving in areas related to the design and user experience of the printer.

It offers a fully-enclosed print chamber to maintain a stable printing environment and a HEPA 13 air filtration system to keep away any harmful 3D printer fumes. This is something that is of use when working with Nylon filament.

Additionally, the Adventurer 4 offers an interchangeable nozzle design to let you quickly swap between high-temperature nozzles and a flexible metal printing plate that facilitates easy print removal.

The Adventurer 4 is designed for beginners, hobbyists, prosumers, and educational use. The air filtration system is excellent for using the printer indoors and near kids or pets. With this Nylon 3D printer, you get a machine that is full of features and that is safe to use.

Standout Features

• HEPA 13 air filtration
• Quick release nozzle
• Built-in spool holder

Technical Details
Build Volume	220 x 200 x 250 mm
Materials	ABS/PLA/PC/PETG/PLA-CF/PETG-CF/Nylon
Bed leveling	Automatic
Max hot end temperature	265°C/240°C
Max bed temperature	110°C
Connectivity	USB. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Cloud
Supported slicers	FlashPrint
Filament diameter	1. 75 mm

What We Like

• Easy to use
• Remote monitoring
• Fully enclosed design

Could Be Better

• Small build volume
• Assisted bed leveling

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Dremel DigiLab 3D45

Most user-friendly

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Coming from a renowned tool manufacturer, the Dremel DigiLab 3D45 is easy and intuitive to use, even when 3D printing with advanced materials such as Nylon, PC, and Carbon Fiber.

The DigiLab 3D45 comes with 9-point automatic bed leveling, removing the need for manual leveling and improving first-layer adhesion. You get a hot end capable of reaching up to 280°C and a maximum print bed temperature of 110°C for easy and high-quality prints with high-temperature filaments such as ABS and Nylon.

It also includes 30 lesson plans, which is a valuable addition to a 3D printer designed to improve the educational experience in classrooms. The 3D45 is just that, with an intuitive user-friendly touchscreen that makes it easy for students to access all of the printer’s features, and a design that is focused on safety.

While the Dremel DigiLab 3D45 is specifically designed for use in classrooms, based on its features and capabilities to print with advanced materials, you can equally use it for your hobby and prosumer prototyping needs. Do keep in mind that it comes at a significant 3D printer cost. As far as Nylon 3D printers are concerned, it is one of the most expensive.

Standout Features

• RFID Filament recognition
• Remote 3D print monitoring
• Industrial design

Technical Details
Build Volume	254 x 152 x 170 mm
Materials	PLA, Eco-ABS, Nylon, PETG
Bed leveling	Manual
Max hot end temperature	280°C
Max bed temperature	110°C
Connectivity	Wifi, USB, Ethernet
Supported slicers	Dremel DigiLab 3D Slicer (Cura), Dremel Print Cloud (3DPrinterOS)
Filament diameter	1. 75 mm

What We Like

• Plug-n-play design
• Over 30 lesson plans
• Intuitive touchscreen

Could Be Better

• Manual bed leveling
• Small build volume

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Raise3D Pro 2

Largest Nylon 3D Printer

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The Raise3D Pro 2 is a large-sized, fully enclosed dual extruder 3D printer built for professionals. It includes a 305 x 305 x 300 mm large print volume that offers enough space for larger Nylon 3D prints.

In terms of features, it has a hot end capable of going up to 300 °C and a heated bed that reaches up to 110 °C, letting you print with Nylon, Metal PLA, Carbon Fiber, and PC. The dual extruders allow you to do multi-material printing, for example, letting you print with soluble supports.

The addition of a large 7-inch touchscreen, a HEPA filtration system, a filament sensor, and a 32-bit mainboard are all designed to enhance the user experience. However, with a price tag of $3999, the Raise3D Pro 2 is aimed squarely at professional users.

It is one of the best Nylon 3D printers on the list and combines the best of all the others mentioned. The Raise3D Pro 2 is an ideal fit for your professional 3D printing workflow or use in print farms and industries.

Standout Features

• Dual extrusion
• Large build volume
• High-temp hot end

Technical Details
Build Volume	305 x 305 x 300 mm
Materials	PLA, ABS, HIPS, TPU, PC, NYLON, TPE, FLEX, PETG, Metallic PLA, Wood PLA, Carbon Fiber Reinforced Materials
Bed leveling	Automatic
Max hot end temperature	300°C
Max bed temperature	110°C
Connectivity	WiFi, LAN, USB Port
Supported slicers	Ideamaker
Filament diameter	1. 75 mm

What We Like

• Multi-material printing
• Large touchscreen
• Inbuilt spool holders

Could Be Better

• Reliability issues

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What to look for in a Nylon 3D printer

Enclosure

Nylon is a high-temperature material, meaning it extrudes at high temperatures beyond 230 °C. This makes it prone to warping quickly with even the slightest temperature differences in the print chamber. Enclosed 3D printers help to dial down these issues.

With an enclosure, you get a stable printing temperature, and the heat emitted from the bed stays contained in the print chamber, keeping an evenly heated area near the print. Moreover, a fully enclosed 3D printer that offers internal spool storage is able to keep Nylon filaments from absorbing any external moisture.

If the Nylon 3D printer you have an eye on is not enclosed, you can always opt for a DIY 3D printer enclosure or an aftermarket one.

Maximum nozzle temperature

As mentioned earlier, Nylon filament has a high melting temperature. Its typical extrusion temperature lies somewhere between 230°C – 270°C depending on the filament brand. When getting a 3D printer to print Nylon, you need to ensure that it has an all-metal hot end capable of reaching and sustaining these temperatures.

All of the 3D printers mentioned in this list are capable of printing at such high temperatures, with the maximum nozzle temperature of some printers going as high as 300°C. It gives a bit of freeway to print Nylon at higher temps and better quality. Higher nozzle temperatures let you set a faster printing speed, too, as they can melt and push Nylon filaments at a high rate.

Heated bed

The high-temperature hot end and a heated bed go hand in hand while printing with Nylon filament. A heated bed helps with better print surface adhesion of Nylon, while also passively heating the print area. It leads to relatively stable printing temperatures, thus reducing warping with Nylon prints.

For printing with Nylon filament, you need bed temperatures between 70°C – 90°C. The exact temperature varies from brand to brand, which you will need to figure out with a bit of experimentation or by reading the recommended temperatures in the documentation.

In addition to the heated bed, you need to look at the print surfaces too. A Garolite print surface and a glass bed with a PVA glue stick result in the best bed adhesion and can easily sustain the heating temperatures of 70 °C and beyond that is required to print with Nylon filament.

Build volume

The build volume of a 3D printer is one of its defining characteristics, and it becomes an important criterion to consider when deciding to get a printer to print with Nylon filaments.

Nylon filament has excellent mechanical properties with high resistance to abrasion and a low coefficient of friction.

Having a large print volume for such applications will give you more freedom to print bigger models in a single piece. It will lead to better uniformity throughout the print, resulting in excellent mechanical properties. Similarly, you can print larger-sized display pieces in a single part, thus saving you post-processing times and giving you a seamless model.

Remote monitoring

Nylon as a filament is expensive compared to other materials like the PLA, ABS, and PETG. It is difficult to 3D print too, and there are chances of print failures due to poor bed adhesion or something else going wrong during the printing process. It leads to material losses, wasted filament, and an overall loss in productivity.

With a remote monitoring setup, you get a camera and Wi-Fi connectivity to view the current printing progress remotely. If something were to go wrong, you can immediately stop the print and remedy any issue. Asides from this, you get the flexibility to be away from the 3D printer and continue with any other work without worrying about the print’s status.

Common problems with 3D printing nylon

Moisture Absorption

Nylon is a hygroscopic material, which means that it readily absorbs moisture from its surroundings. It will cause under-extrusion issues, air bubbles, or blobs on the print’s surface, eventually leading to print failures.

It is recommended to store Nylon in airtight containers with desiccants that absorb any moisture. Before printing, drying it in an oven or a filament dryer will help remove any residual moisture from the material. And an enclosure that will isolate the material from the external environment will help keep the filament dry during the printing process.

Warping

We’ve established that Nylon is a high-temperature material that melts between 230°C – 270°C. If we cannot control this cooling rate once Nylon is extruded out of the nozzle and let its temperature come down drastically, it will contract rapidly and result in warping and layer separation issues.

To counter this, you need a heated bed to maintain a heat zone near the print’s surface and an enclosure to prevent any sudden air drafts and keep the hot air inside the print chamber. A printing surface with Garolite or PVA glue stick also helps with better bed adhesion and reduces any warping of Nylon.

Advantages of Nylon filament

High impact strength

Nylon has the highest impact strength than PLA, ABS, and PETG. It makes it highly durable and perfect for applications where parts are constantly subject to impact loads such as hammering, banging, or crashing with each other.

Low coefficient of friction

Nylon has a low coefficient of friction, meaning it can easily slide on other parts without substantial damage to the surface. It is beneficial for applications such as interlocking gears and constant motion mechanisms.

Flexibility

Nylon’s flexibility can be varied by varying its thickness. If you have thinner models or print thin walls, you can create a very flexible part that flexes without breaking apart.

Post-processing

Nylon’s hygroscopic nature makes it easier for you to use fabric paints or dyes with it as the print will quickly absorb the color leading to quick and easy post-processing.

Disadvantages of Nylon filament

Absorbs moisture

Nylon filament will readily absorb the moisture from the air, even during the printing process, and it results in poor print quality and might even cause print failures.

Warping

Nylon has a high melting point. If it is allowed to cool down gradually or the print area is not at a stable temperature, the Nylon print will warp, resulting in a deformed part.

Prior drying

Even if you’ve stored Nylon in an airtight container, there are chances of still some moisture being present in the filament. It would be best to dry Nylon before printing to remove any leftover moisture. This can be a cumbersome process and adds to the overall time spent on 3D printing Nylon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can 3D printers print Nylon?

Yes, 3D printers can print Nylon. However, the printer needs to be calibrated properly to ensure proper printing quality. In addition, you also need to take into account the high printing temperature and warping issues that come with using Nylon filament.

What is a good brand of Nylon filament?

There are many brands of Nylon filament available in the market. Some of the more popular brands include OVERTURE, Taulman3D, and Polymaker. Either of these brands likely has the right Nylon filaments to cover your needs.

Polymaker Nylon Filament 1.75 Black, Easy to Print Nylon Filament...

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What are some applications where Nylon filament can be used?

Nylon filament can be used in a variety of applications including industrial parts, mechanical parts, and consumer products. It has high impact strength and low friction making it ideal for use in wearable products, automotive parts, and other moving parts.

What type of Nylon is used for 3D printing?

There are two types of Nylon that are used for 3D printing: Nylon 6 and Nylon 12. Nylon 6 is the most popular type as it has a low melting point and is easier to print with. Nylon 12 has a higher melting point and is less brittle, but it is more difficult to print with.

Is Nylon stronger than PLA?

Nylon is stronger than PLA filament, but it also has a higher printing temperature. It is more flexible than PLA and can withstand more impact loads. However, it is also more prone to warping. Both are likely to absorb moisture from the air and need proper filament storage.

What 3D printer will print in Nylon?

Not all 3D printers can print in Nylon. The printer needs to be able to handle temperatures up to 260 degrees Celsius in order to print with Nylon filament. In addition, the printer also needs to be calibrated properly to ensure good printing quality. An enclosure is beneficial as well.

Is Nylon hard to 3D print?

Nylon is not hard to 3D print. However, the high printing temperature and tendency to warp can cause some issues if the printer is not calibrated properly. It is important to make sure that the area where the print is taking place is at a stable temperature.

Can Nylon be used without a heated bed?

Nylon can be used without a heated bed, but it is not recommended. The print will likely not stick to the bed and the quality of the print may be affected. A heated bed helps to keep the Nylon filament at a stable temperature, which reduces warping and helps get high-quality prints.

Conclusion

Nylon is an excellent 3D printing material with outstanding mechanical strength and practical applications. You can use Nylon in functional components, interlocking gears, constant motion mechanisms, and even display models owing to its various properties.

In our comparison, the Matterhackers Pulse XE stands out as the best Nylon 3D printer that covers all of your Nylon printing needs. Since it is designed to print with Nylon material, it has all the features you need to achieve excellent print results. You get a high-temperature hot end, a heated bed with Garolite, and a decent print volume, all at a relatively budget price.

The only thing the Pulse XE lacks is an enclosure. And this is where the QIDI Tech X-Plus and the Flashforge Adventurer 4 have the edge. These 3D printers come with a fully-enclosed design, are easy to use, can print at high temps with ease, and have loads of other valuable features to make the Nylon 3D printing experience a little easier.

Let us know your thoughts on the list, and if you have anything else to add, feel free to comment below.

Best Nylon 3D Printers 2022 (& KEY Tips & Tricks)

Nylon filament is one of the toughest and best-looking filaments around – you can create impact-resistant parts that look great, yet for notably cheaper than filaments like Polycarbonate.

Unfortunately, unlike filaments like PLA, your average desktop printer will struggle with the high temperatures Nylon needs to print properly, as well as the carefully managed cooling via an enclosure to prevent it from warping.

You also need to take good care of your Nylon filament – it is very hygroscopic.

So we’ve picked out the best 3D printers for nylon that can handle the temperatures – starting at the lowest price range.

It is worth noting that while all of these Nylon 3D printers are good for Nylon printing, even tougher and more abrasive filament blends – like carbon fiber, kevlar or glass mixes – require extra consideration.

Standard brass nozzles will be destroyed quickly – you’ll need hardened steel or ruby – and not all printers are designed for this. The Pulse XE is designed especially for abrasives, however.

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Nylon 3D Printing Settings

• Nozzle Temperature: 230°C to 290°C
• Heated Bed Temperature: 25°C to 80°C
• Hotend: All-metal capable of reaching 300°C
• Print Speed: 30 mm/s to 60 mm/s
• Layer height: 0.2-0.4 mm
• Fan speed: 0%
• Bed Surface: Glass, garolite
• Adhesion: Magigoo, PVA glue
• Enclosure: Highly recommended but not required

Nylon can be pretty tricky to print compared to PLA. To help ease the process, here are recommended settings for printing with nylon. You’ll want to tweak and adapt these to your printer and filament brand for optimal results.

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Best Nylon 3D Printers 2022 – Reviews

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Qidi Tech X-Plus – Best Low-cost Enclosed 3D Printer for Nylon

• Price: Check price on Amazon here
• Build volume: 270 x 200 x 200 mm

An excellent offering from Qidi Technology, our breakdown of the best printers for nylon wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the Qidi Tech X-Plus.

Versatility acts as a cornerstone of what the Qidi Tech X-Plus is all about, chiefly thanks to dual interchangeable extruders.

The basic extruder hit temperatures up to 260°C, ideal for your PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG projects. But for nylon printing, the other cranks up the heat to 300°C.

This duality also extends to the double-sided print bed with different adhesive qualities on each surface. One side is designed for your standard filaments; flip it over to use temperature-sensitive materials like nylon.

Another central selling point is the Qidi Tech X-Plus’ enclosed chamber and air filtration system, which go the extra mile compared to other similar nylon-capable 3D printers. The chamber helps reduce printing errors by maintaining a stable thermal environment, vital when working with nylon and ABS.

Added niceties such as Wi-Fi connectivity, a touch screen, print resume, and dual filament holders bolster the Qidi Tech X-Plus feature list beautifully. You’ll also find a 270 x 200 x 200 mm build volume; not the largest out there, but certainly enough for medium-sized functional parts.

On the whole, we’d say the Qidi Tech X-Plus provides an excellent solution for semi-professionals in the market for a versatile nylon-capable printer. It’s affordable and has features generally reserved for the price rung above.

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Prusa i3 MK3S+

• Price: $999 — Available at Prusa store here
• Build volume: 250 x 250 x 210 mm

Straight from the folks with arguably the best reputation in the 3D printing game, we have the Prusa i3 MK3S+, one of the best all-around 3D printers on the market today.

While you’ll usually find owners praising it for PLA, PETG, and flexibles, the Prusa i3 MK3S+ impresses as much with more exotic, demanding filament types, including nylon.

A custom E3D V6 hot end does the heavy lifting in that sense. Sporting overall high-quality all-metal components, the hot end can comfortably reach a peak temperature of 300°C. 

Alongside the hot end, you’ll find a Prusa’s own MK52″ heat bed, capable of hitting 120°C, perfect for nailing a warp-free first layer of temperature-sensitive material. Nylon is a heat fiend, and the Prusa i3 MK3S+ dishes out all the toasty, thermal goodness needed to shine.

Discounting errors on the user’s part – the most common culprit for failed prints – the Prusa i3 MK3S+ generates admirable nylon results. It’s easy to forget this is an FDM printer by the level of detail on offer here. As it’s nylon, the parts retain all the durability and abrasion-resistance you’d expect, making them suitable for functional parts like hinges and gears, for example.

Nylon performance aside, the Prusa i3 MK3S+ has a feature list worth flaunting. Highlights include easy SuperPINDA 2 automatic mesh bed leveling, a filament sensor, power loss recovery, and ‘Stealth Mode’ near-silent printing. We’re merely scratching the surface here of what is a sophisticated, highly-reliable prosumer machine.

With the Prusa MK3S+ soaking in a glut of positives, it’s hard not to recommend it as one of the best 3D printers for nylon, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned maker.

However, it is an open-air 3D printer by default – options for enclosing it include buying the official Prusa enclosure, or making your own enclosure from scratch.

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Pulse XE

• Price: $999 — Available at Matterhackers here
• Build volume: 250 x 220 x 215 mm

The Pulse XE is a robust, machined aluminum 3D printing brute designed from the ground up to handle the most exacting, abrasive, and challenging material types under the sun, including nylon.

This is a machine to make durable parts for demanding real-world applications. Despite its tank-like build, the Pulse XE is a gentle giant of sorts – incredibly easy to set up and use from the get-go.

The Pulse XE houses the same best-in-class E3D V6 hot end as the Prusa i3 MK3S+ (it’s based on the Prusa design). Quickly hitting a maximum temperature of 300°C, the hot end has some help carrying nylon to great prints results from a heated bed with a LayerLock Garolite surface and Bondtech BMG extruder.

In action, the Pulse XE offers Prusa-level reliability with few noticeable imperfections and a superb finish on printed parts, making it one of the top nylon-capable 3D printers on the market.

Other positives include an automatic BLTouch bed leveling probe, filament run-out sensor, power resume function, and a respectable 250 x 220 x 215 mm build volume.

Put simply; the Pulse XE gathers up all the dream modifications you could think of and houses them in one sturdy piece of 3D printing kit. It’s a workhorse that performs out of the box. If demanding materials like nylon feature on your 3D printing bucket list, but you still want a printer equally at home with staples like PLA and Flexibles, consider the Pulse XE.

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Dremel 3D45

• Price: Check price on Amazon here / Available on Matterhackers here / Available on Dynamism here
• Build volume: 255 x 155 x 170 mm

Power tool manufacturer Dremel’s move to 3D printing has been something of a hit thanks to the Dremel 3D45. A fully-enclosed ecosystem printer aimed at schools, the Dremel 3D45 eases that steep 3D printing learning curve. Best of all, it works beautifully with nylon, and simplifies those first experimental prints.

Safe and dependable, thanks to carbon filters and transparent covers, the Dremel 3D45 melds into any learning environment. But, it still packs great printing capabilities under the hood.

A 255 x 155 x 170 mm build volume gives you enough room for small to medium-sized parts for, say, automotive or low-level robotic parts. You’ll also find other noteworthy features. These include a filament sensor, semi-automatic bed leveling, free lesson plans, and great slicing tools.

As for the Dremel 3D45 nylon printing, you can expect strong, durable prints with the right amount of flexibility for thinner parts. Dremel’s all-metal hot end can reach 280°C and the 100°C heated bed maintains suitable adhesion levels for consistent results.

While the Dremel 3D45’s great, there is one major concern. The printer only performs at its best when using Dremel’s proprietary filament. This is by design for an ecosystem printer for day-in, day-out educational use. You can, of course, use third-party filament. But, expect to fine-tune temperature settings to hone in on the best print quality.

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Ultimaker S3

• Price: ~$4,000 — Available at Matterhackers here / Available at Dynamism here
• Build volume: 215 x 215 x 200 mm

Following in the footsteps of the critically acclaimed Ultimaker 3, which burst onto the 3D printing scene back in 2017, the Ultimaker S3 is a powerful dual extrusion 3D printer suitable for professional and design applications.

The dual extruder setup oozes versatility, extending its competence to everything from ABS and PLA to PVA, CPE, and nylon. Whatever you throw at the Ultimaker S3, the print results are nothing short of excellent, with a particular emphasis on clean edges and smooth finish when printing with nylon. For those functional applications where durability and dependability are essential, the Ultimaker 3 absolutely sings.

Peeking briefly at the specifications list, the Ultimaker 3 hits its stride there, too. A decent 215 x 215 x 200 mm build volume, swappable print cores for different filament types, an enclosed chamber, Wi-Fi connectivity, automatic bed leveling, a layer resolution up to 20 microns, and a heated glass bed.

The only issue holding back the Ultimaker S3 is lengthy print times. Blame the fact we’ve become accustomed to much speedier printers due to advances in the intervening years. Key in fine-detail prints, especially when using several material types, and you’re in for a long old slog numbered in the dozens of hours.

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Ultimaker S5

• Price: $6,300 — Available at Matterhackers here / Available at Dynamism here
• Build volume: 330 x 240 x 300 mm

The Ultimaker S5 is a professional-grade printer fit for all manner of applications. Much of this is down to how it tackles various filament types, including nylon, all in a streamlined, functional setup that delivers outstanding print quality.

You certainly pay for the pleasure, and the Ultimaker S5 prices out hobbyist makers, who’d be better served with the more affordable, if older, Ultimaker S3. That said, for business and expert makers with the budget to spare, the Ultimaker S5’s price tag is entirely justified.

Beyond extensive material compatibility, the Ultimaker S5 ships with a large-scale 330 x 240 x 300 mm fit for series batch-printing, large prototyping, functional parts, and everything in between. 

Add in automatic bed leveling, an enclosed chamber, the same impressive dual extrusion capabilities Ultimaker S3, a touchscreen, and a heated bed. List the most coveted features among designers and engineers, the Ultimaker S5 has them.

While we could happily keep praising this machine to stress just how impressive an offering we have here, the Ultimaker S5 is best considered a super-sized, souped Ultimaker S3, itself one of the best affordable nylon printers around.

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Buyer’s Guide – What To Look Out For In a Nylon 3D Printer

Here are a few key features to look out for when shopping around for a nylon 3D printer:

All-Metal Hot End

Nylon requires high temperatures. A hot end capable of safely and consistently reaching 300°C is recommended as this covers the full run of filament manufacturer recommendations.

Another concern of non-all-metal hot ends is the internal PTFE tubing, which can break down and release toxic fumes at around 240°C. Given that 240°C sits at the lower end of nylon’s usual temperature requirements, you’ll likely push past it on a regular basis.

Enclosure

Much like ABS, nylon is particularly susceptible to changes in ambient temperature. Temperature drops cause curling and other deformations that ruin prints.

Though not 100% necessary, a printer with an enclosure drastically decreases the likelihood of these types of issues ruining your nylon printing experience.

There’s also particulate dust to consider when printing with carbon fiber and other composite nylon. A printer with a HEPA air filter is highly recommended.

Heated Bed

A heated bed will help with first-layer adhesion and help prevent warping. Allied to an enclosure, a heated bed provides all the heat nylon requires to produce quality, warp-free prints.

Bed Leveling

Though not required, automatic bed leveling will vastly improve your time with a printer. It removes the hassle of manual leveling, allowing you to print faster and more efficiently.

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Nylon 3D Printer Tips and Tricks

Storing and Drying Nylon

Though nylon has many excellent properties, a major downside is that it easily absorbs moisture from the air. It does this at such a rapid rate that leaving Nylon filament out for just a few hours can degrade it to the point that it ruins parts and sours nylon’s signature smooth surface finish.

To avoid moisture-related issues, it’s essential to store nylon correctly. Typical solutions include sealed air-tight containers and resealable vacuum bags with desiccant sacs. Should the nylon absorb moisture, the issue isn’t permanent as it’s possible to dry the filament ready for 3D printing.

Here you have options. One of the most common is to place the filament in a domestic oven at roughly 70-80°C for around six hours. Doing so extracts all the moisture.

Alternatively, you can invest in a purpose-built filament dryer like the PrintDry Pro or Sunlu FilaDryer S1. The latter goes a step further as it allows you to print alongside drying the filament, perfect if you’re working in humid conditions where leaving the nylon exposed to air is problematic.

Bed Adhesion

Aside from being hygroscopic, one of the biggest challenges with printing nylon is just how prone the material is to warping. It doesn’t take much for nylon to throw a tantrum and cough up adhesion problems.

To give yourself a fighting chance, you’ll want to tune the nozzle and heated bed temperatures correctly, but also use a bit of extra adhesive to help to ensure a solid first layer.

Applying a layer of inexpensive, readily-available PVA-based glue onto the bed before printing works well, as do more specialized alternatives like Magigoo or Kapton tape. We recommend bed surfaces here.

Beyond adhesives, we recommend brims and rafts for every print. These act as an extra buffer to ensure the part sticks and is held down well to the bed and doesn’t warp. They mean using a bit more filament with every print, but the benefits far outweigh the extra material spent.

Pay Attention to Manufacturer Recommended Settings

Due to different blends, composite fills, raw material quality, and manufacturing processes, not all nylon brands have the same printer setting requirements. Pay attention to what the filament manufacturer recommends, especially in terms of the nozzle and heated bed temperature.

You’ll often find manufacturers unhelpfully listing temperature ranges rather than a specific number. While troublesome, this is to cater to as many printers as possible. Start from the highest recommended temperature and work your way down. Alternatively, a temperature tower test should help you zero in on the optimum settings.

Fans Off

Turn the part cooling fan off on your printer when working with the nylon. The material is extremely sensitive to temperature changes, and introducing rapid cooling can exacerbate first layer adhesion issues and warping.

Nylon prefers to cool at its own pace. Controlled and uniform cooling avoids warping and ensures parts come out with a smooth finish.

Print Slow

Another major point from the best practice nylon playbook is to print slower than you would with ABS or PLA. Around 30 to 50 mm/s is ideal, but never beyond 60 mm/s.

The optimum setting depends on your specific printer and filament brand, so be sure to dial in the print speed with a few initial test prints to see what works best.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Nylon

Advantages

• Strong and durable – Nylon boasts a high tensile strength and is extremely durable even under strain.
• Impact-resistant – Nylon can sustain heavy forces for long periods of time without degrading or breaking.
• Abrasion-resistant – Nylon weathers friction well, making it particularly suitable for applications such as functional gears and living hinges.
• Flexible – Though not as flexible as filaments like TPU, nylon is far more flexible than ABS and PLA. Additionally, it’s particularly useful for thin prints that require strength alongside flexibility.

Disadvantages

• Extremely hygroscopic – If left exposed, nylon absorbs water. Though this isn’t particularly an issue for printed parts, it’s a problem for spooled filament. When wet it can cause all manner of printing issues as it feeds through the hot end where the water effectively boils, degrading the filament and causing clogs.
• Prone to warping – Due to the fact it’s highly heat-sensitive, nylon is susceptible to warping, making it one of the more challenging materials to 3D print.
• Requires correct storage – To avoid moisture issues, nylon needs to be stored correctly, which can add extra cost.

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Nylon 3D Printer Applications

• Manufacturing, industrial, and engineering – interlocking gears, machine parts, tools, bolts, nuts, hinges, cable ties.
• Design – rapid prototyping.
• Electronics – housing and insulation.
• Hobbies – drone chassis, RC car parts, tyres, wheels.

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Can Any 3D Printer Print Nylon?

No, not all 3D printers can print nylon. Nylon properties make it particularly challenging to print, and many low-cost printers, generally designed to print PLA and ABS, simply won’t be able to keep up.

How to Dye 3D Printed Nylon?

Thanks to its hygroscopic properties, nylon is well suited to dyeing. MatterHackers offers an in-depth guide to dyeing nylon, either before or after printing.

How Strong Is 3D Printed Nylon?

When 3D printed, nylon exhibits a 7,000 psi tensile strength, allowing it to sustain forces up to 200 kg before any sign of degradation. Nylon is strong, durable, and particularly resistant to impact, wear and tear, sustained friction, and abrasion.

FAQs

What 3D Printers Can Print Nylon?

To print nylon, you’ll need a printer with an all-metal hot end capable of reaching temperatures up to 300°C, an enclosure, and, if you’re printing with composite filled nylon, a hardened nozzle. The Qidi Tech X-Plus, Prusa i3 MK3S+, Pulse XE, Dremel 3D45, and Ultimaker S5 are solid choices for 3D printing nylon.

What Is the Best 3D Printer for ABS and Nylon

One of the main crossovers between ABS and nylon is that both materials require a stable thermal environment to curb issues like warping. A printer with an enclosure will keep the printer operating in a steady and constant environment. Printers like the Qidi Tech X-Plus and Ultimaker S5 have a fully-enclosed chamber making them suitable for tricky filaments like ABS and nylon.

Can Ender 3 3D Print Nylon?

No, the stock Ender 3 isn’t designed to handle nylon. However, with a few targeted upgrades, notably an all-metal hot end like an E3D V6 and an enclosure, and a firmware upgrade to raise the max temperature ceiling, the Ender 3 can handle nylon printing. You can read more in our Ender 3 filament guide.

Can You 3D Print Glass Filled Nylon?

Absolutely, though if you have a brass nozzle, you’ll need to swap it out for a more robust and durable alternative, such as a hardened steel nozzle, to print glass-filled nylon filament (NylonG).

Can You 3D Print Nylon Indoors?

Yes, but you’ll want to do so in a well-ventilated area as nylon is known to produce potentially toxic fumes and particulate dust, or alternatively, use a sealed enclosure with an air filter.

Do Nylon 3D Printed Parts Shrink?

No, nylon 3D printed parts aren’t known to shrink. On the contrary, 3D printed parts excel at retaining their shape and structure even under heavy loads and high temperatures if printed correctly.

How Much Does It Cost to 3D Print Nylon?

It varies. You need to factor in the cost of the printer (anywhere from $700.00 to $6,000) and the cost of filament (anywhere from $30.00 to $80.00 per spool). For the best results, you’ll also need some sort of storage solution and drying equipment, the latter costing anywhere from $50.00 to $200.00.

Is 3D Printing Nylon Safe?

Overall, and with the proper precautions, 3D printing nylon is safe. Ensure you work in a well-ventilated area and use a printer with an enclosure and air filtration system. As with all 3D printing, avoid touching the heated parts during operation.

Related articles:

• The best 3D printers for ABS
• Best 3D printers for PEEK
• Best 3D printers for carbon fiber
• Best metal 3D printers
• Best Nylon filament

8 Best Enclosed 3D Printers of 2022 (All Price Ranges)

Enclosed 3D Printers prevent cold air from entering the print, causing warping or other problems. For basic materials like PLA, 3D printer cases don't matter much, but for more complex materials like ABS and Nylon, they will save you time and time again.

Most cheap 3D printers are open 3D printers - they don't have a frame or casing (sometimes you can buy them separately) and print outdoors. Almost all 3D printer kits like the Ender 3 and CR-10 are open source 3D printers.

However, this can cause problems. ABS, a widely used material for 3D printers, warps if it is not cooled slowly. In addition, closed 3D printers allow you to keep hot and dangerous parts of the 3D printer away from your hands and others. This is especially important for kids, which is why indoor 3D printers are some of the best 3D printers for kids.

Contents

1. Best Closed 3D Printers Under $1,000
2. Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite - cheapest indoor 3D printer
3. Monoprice Voxel - budget indoor 3D printer
4. QIDI Tech X-Pro - great 3D printer with 0 case
5. Flashforge Creator Pro 2 - best inexpensive IDEX printer
6. BIBO 2
7. Best Enclosed 3D Printers for Consumers
8. Dremel 3D45
9. Raise3D E2
10. Best High End 3D Printers with Housings
11. Raise3D Pro2
12. Ultimaker S5 (with housing kit)
13. Buyer's Guide - What to look for
14. Benefits of Enclosed 3D Printers
15. Frequently Asked Questions

Best Enclosed 3D Printers Under $1,000

Flashforge Adventurer 3 - Cheapest indoor 3D printer

• Price: about $339
• Assembly volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm

Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite is a compact and quiet, fully enclosed beginner printer that provides friction-free printing. Printer setup is minimal other than a well-managed five-point calibration process, making it the best choice for beginners or students looking to start printing without the hassle.

It is almost identical to the Adventurer 3, except for the built-in camera and thread runout sensor. These minor features do not detract from the simple typing experience.

In addition to a sleek, closed design, the Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite has everything you need to handle tough materials like ABS: a flexible heated bed with a maximum temperature of 100°C and a maximum nozzle temperature of 240°C. With these features, you can also work with more exotic heat-sensitive materials such as metal, wood, and more.

It also has a wide range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and remote print monitoring thanks to FlashForge's 3D Cloud Print technology. The build volume of 150 x 150 x 150mm results in a narrow printable area, which is one of the few gripes I had when evaluating the Flashforge Adventurer 3 Lite. You won't have much luck printing bulky and tall parts, but this is easy to fix by printing in batches.

It is also worth noting that the filament compartment located on the side of the printer, although practical, is not intended for all types and brands of filament. You may need an external holder if your chosen third party filament is not suitable.

Key points:

• Closed chamber
• Rugged, beginner-friendly printer
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Materials: PLA, ABS, Heavy Duty PLA, PLA Color Change, Metal Filled, Wood and High Speed ​​PLA

Monoprice Voxel - Budget Enclosed 3D Printer

• Price: $449
• Assembly volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm

The cheapest indoor 3D printer we recommend, the Monoprice Voxel is one of the best 3D printers for beginners. It's very easy to set up (within 10 minutes!), easy to operate with a touch screen, can print over WiFi, and comes with 8GB of onboard storage for 3D printer files. It comes with several 3D models in files, as well as some materials to get you started, so you can go from unboxing to printing in minutes.

If you're new to 3D printing and aren't too tech-savvy, the assisted leveling system reduces the experience to a simple click. It also comes fully assembled, so you won't need any DIY skills, which is surprising considering most printers in this price range are 3D printing kits. It can also connect to Polar Cloud, allowing you to manage and control your printer remotely, and even do so for multiple printers at the same time.

Key Points:

• Cheap Indoor 3D Printer
• Beginner Friendly
• WiFi Printing and Touch Screen on an Inexpensive Device
• Materials: ABS, PLA, PETG, Flexibles

QIDI Tech X-Pro is a great 3D printer with a $500 case

• Price: $500
• Assembly volume: 230 x 150 x 150 mm

One of last year's most popular low-cost 3D printers, the Qidi Tech X-Pro offers reliability, precision, dual extrusion and an efficient closed area print, all for $500.

The layer thickness starts from 0.05 mm, the printer can print at speeds from 30 to 150 mm/s - although at such high speeds the print quality deteriorates noticeably. The printer is Mac and Windows compatible and can print over WiFi, USB or Ethernet.

Flexible, removable plate allows for easy removal of prints with minimal damage, and comes with Qidi Tech's own QidiPrint 3D Slicer. Overall, this is one of the best indoor 3D printers under $500.

Highlights:

• Large 4.5" touchscreen for ergonomic printing
• Flexible assembly plate
• WiFi printing and dual extrusion for $500
• Materials: ABS, PLA and PETG

Flashforge Creator Pro 2 - Best value IDEX printer

• Build volume: 200 x 148 x 150mm

A well-equipped update to the classic Creator Pro, the Flashforge Creator Pro 2 offers all the benefits of a case with features you don't expect to see in the $600-$700 range. We see it as an ideal second printer for manufacturers who have already completed their initial training on a budget FDM kit and are now looking for something more versatile and feature rich.

While the Flashforge Creator Pro 2 has a solid, well-made enclosed print chamber suitable for both ABS and PLA thanks to its removable acrylic top cover, it's the independent dual extruder system that sets it apart from other best enclosed 3D printers.

The IDEX system is almost unheard of at this price point, giving manufacturers the flexibility to work with specular prints, duplicate prints, dissolvable support structures, and even print multiple materials or colors at the same time. It is suitable for complex prints with vertical overhangs or is the perfect tool to help the teacher to release as many student-designed prints as quickly as possible.

These two centerpieces aside, Flashforge Creator Pro 2 completes the offering with a touch interface, 200 x 148 x 150mm volume and compatibility with PLA, Pearl PLA, ABS, ABS Pro, PVA and HIPS materials.

It's worth noting that Flashforge made the wrong choice by tying the Creator Pro 2 to its own FlashPrint slicer. It does its job well enough, but doesn't have the versatility of an open source software suite like Cura. This isn't necessarily the deciding factor, especially for those new to 3D printing or educators who want simple software and pre-loaded settings specifically tuned to work with the Creator Pro 2 right from the start.

Highlights:

• Inexpensive independent system with two extruders
• Fully enclosed print chamber
• Materials: PLA, Pearl PLA, ABS, ABS Pro, PVA and HIPS

BIBO 2

• Price: $679
• Assembly volume: 216 x 187 x 160 mm

The Bibo 2 printer, with character and affordable for hobbyists, offers 50 micron accuracy, dual extrusion and WiFi printing, all for less than $1,000.

Although this closed 3D printer is not an IDEX printer, it still offers copy printing modes for printing two identical objects at the same time. It features an easy-to-use touch screen - which isn't a given in this price range - and has a low-filament detection feature to avoid spoiling prints.

In addition to the ABS and Nylon efficient 3D printing 3D printer body, Bibo is built in a stable and durable aluminum frame, minimizing unwanted vibrations that can slightly affect print performance and quality. Overall, this is a great indoor 3D printer for the price, and it can also come with a laser engraver kit.

Highlights:

• WiFi printing, dual extrusion and touchscreen, all for just over $500.
• Minimum layer height 50 microns
• Claims it can print polycarbonate but also says max temperature is 270C
• Materials: PLA, ABS, HIPS, flexible filaments, PETG, nylon, PC, carbon fiber
• Best Indoor 3D Printers for Consumers

Best Indoor 3D Printers for Consumers

Dremel 3D45

• Price: $1,599
• Assembly volume: 254 x 152 x 170 mm

Accurate, versatile and ideal for teaching 3D printing in schools, the Dremel 3D45 builds on nearly a century of Dremel manufacturing experience. Accuracy down to 50 microns, WiFi, USB or Ethernet cable connectivity, Mac and Windows compatibility, and iPad compatibility make the Dremel Digilab 3D45 the perfect addition to any school or business prototyping environment.

The heated plate allows you to print on nylon and Eco-ABS, while the built-in HD camera provides convenient remote control of the print progress, which is easily done using cloud-based 3D printing software.

If you have any problems, the Dremel Customer Service in the USA is here to help you. Overall, this is a solid and accurate indoor 3D printer that offers good volume and results for the price.

Highlights:

• Powerful automatic leveling system
• Highly rated customer support
• Universal
• Materials: PLA, PETG, Eco-ABS, Nylon
• Price: $3,499
• Assembly volume: 330 x 240 x 240 mm

Raise3D Large Enclosed 3D Printer adds to IDEX's already impressive range of dual extruder 3D printers. The extruders of IDEX 3D printers can move independently of each other, which greatly increases the speed and efficiency of printing, especially when printing multiple identical or identical parts.

Raise3D E2

The E2 printer has two basic modes:

Mirror mode: 3D printing simultaneously prints inverted mirror versions of your model, such as the sole of a shoe for the left and right foot.
Duplicating mode: uses both extruders synchronously, printing two identical objects at the same time and doubling the printing efficiency.

The E2 3D printer case keeps heat inside and everything else outside. If the door is opened during printing, the process is immediately suspended so that no one is burned or injured by the extruder or the heated layer. The E2 is also equipped with an efficient air filtration system that removes melted plastic particles and odors, as well as filament end sensors and power-off recovery functions.

Highlights:

• Build volume is reduced to 295 x 240 x 240mm when using the
dual extruder
• Useful "Mirror" and "Duplicate" modes
• Built-in security measures
• Materials: PLA, ABS, HIPS, PC, TPU and TPE, PETG, nylon, PP, ASA, PVA, glass-filled filaments, metal-filled, carbon-fiber and wood-filled.
• Price: $3,999 / $5,999
  Build Volume: 305 x 305 x 300 (605) mm

Top of the line 3D printers in the upper price range with housings

Raise3D Pro2

A true workhorse full body 3D printer, the Raise3D Pro2 series offers incredible precision, material compatibility, great workflow and many other key features.

The standard Pro2 already has a very large build area, while the Pro2 Plus extends the z-axis range to parts up to 605mm high. The extruders can reach temperatures of 300C for even the toughest materials such as PC, and the dual extruders enable efficient printing with support for soluble materials as well as multi-color 3D printing.

With a minimum layer height of 0.01mm, Pro2 3D printers can print incredibly sharp and finely detailed details. Swap out the nozzle for a smaller nozzle and focus on the small details to get a fantastic finish. The built-in camera makes it easy to control prints, while the 7-inch touch screen provides data and an easy-to-use overall workflow.

Highlights:

• Dual extruder build volume: 280 x 305 x 300 mm
• A complete printer: accurate, reliable, closed, versatile.
• Materials: PLA, ABS, HIPS, PC, TPU, nylon, ASA, PETG, PVA, glass, carbon fiber, wood.

Ultimaker S5 (with housing kit)

• Price: $5,995
• Assembly volume: 330 x 240 x 300 mm

The Ultimaker S5 is capable of printing industrial grade parts with layer resolution down to 20 microns. An enclosed 3D printer that becomes even more efficient and safer with the S5 Pro kit, the S5 delivers reliable and repeatable dual extrusion with amazing precision, even with abrasive filaments such as glass and carbon fiber.

Although Ultimaker manufactures its own filaments, the S5 is open and can be used with any 2.85mm filament. It prints over WiFi as well as other methods and can be monitored remotely using the built-in camera.

When you purchase the S5 Pro Bundle, you get access to 24/7 automated material handling, air filtration and heat control for 6 filaments, as well as an Air Manager that further encloses the 3D printer.

Highlights:

• Excellent accuracy and print quality
• Reliable and efficient in many materials
• Pro Bundle makes it even more efficient indoor 3D printer
• Materials: PLA, CPE, NYLON, ABS, glass, carbon fiber, PC, PVA, PP, TPU

Ultimaker s5 with optional pro kit including housing, air filter and filament storage

Buyer's guide - what to look for

Fully or partially enclosed chamber

Partially enclosed chamber printers are a bit of an oddity because they don't provide ideal printing conditions with either of the two main filament types, ABS and PLA. However, they provide an extra layer of security, which is useful for educational institutions or those with children. We recommend a fully enclosed chamber if you plan to print with ABS, and an open chamber if you choose PLA as your media. If you are going to print with ABS and PLA, choose an enclosed printer with removable covers.

Stock Volume

Build Volume is the printable area available to you on a closed printer. In other words, it is a measure of the size and type of prints you can make. If you are planning on making large prints or multiple copies, we recommend high volume printers such as the Ultimaker S5.

Material Compatibility

By design, the enclosed 3D printer is designed to be compatible with a wider range of media types due to the ability to maintain higher temperatures around prints and keep cold air out. ABS is the most common type of material for sealed chambers, but you will also find printers that can work with nylon, PC, and other heat-sensitive materials. PLA can also be used if the printer covers are removable as this material requires cooler ambient temperatures for best results.

Heated bed

Given that the purpose of the closed chamber is to provide a stable thermal environment for printing with more complex materials such as ABS, a heated bed is a must. It helps provide an additional source of heat directly below the print, which promotes layer adhesion and slows down the cooling rate, thus avoiding unwanted defects such as warping and curling.

Connectivity

Connectivity determines how you interact with the printer, whether it's sending cut prints or fine-tuning settings. An SD card reader is more or less standard, as is USB in many cases, but for ease of use, there's nothing better than a Wi-Fi connection and thus cloud printing and monitoring.

Layer Resolution

Layer Resolution indicates the smallest layer height that can be printed. Choose a printer with a lower layer resolution for parts with more detail, such as 20 microns on the Ultimaker S5. On a closed FDM printer, 100 micron layer resolution is relatively standard and allows for a wide range of detail.

Filters

If you're buying a sealed chamber, your plan is most likely to include ABS printing. ABS not only has an unpleasant odor, but also emits potentially harmful fumes. A printer equipped with filters, carbon or HEPA, helps to extract the most toxic elements from the fumes. In addition, we also recommend working with ABS in a well-ventilated area.

Touch Screen

For convenience, we recommend an enclosed touch screen 3D printer. After all, we're all used to scrolling and swiping on our phones, so it makes sense to want the same functionality and familiar interface when working with a 3D printer. Most modern printers come with a touch screen as standard.

Price

Closed printers tend to increase in price as you pay for additional production and design. But thanks to the ever-increasing popularity of the budget category, enclosed camera printers are more affordable than ever before. You can easily buy a reliable indoor 3D printer for less than $400. Naturally, if you have the budget, new professional-grade printers that cost thousands of dollars also hit store shelves every year.

Benefits of Enclosed 3D Printers

Better ABS and Nylon 3D Printing

Housings can cool parts more slowly and maintain a more stable and higher temperature in the working chamber. This reduces buckling and splitting during the printing process.

Much safer

3D printer housings keep hot parts such as the nozzle and heated bed away from children if you have a family at home or if 3D printing is done in schools.

Quieter

The closed area keeps noise out, making them ideal quiet 3D printers. The enclosures keep out the buzz and hum of the printing process, which is a real boon if you're typing at home or in confined spaces with poor acoustics that can amplify noise levels.

Stronger and more durable

Enclosed 3D printers typically feature a sturdy four-walled cubic design that keeps vibrations and other factors from degrading print quality.

Noise Reduction

Enclosures help reduce noise by reducing hum and hum during printing, which is a real boon if you're printing at home or in confined spaces with poor acoustics that can amplify noise levels.

Drawbacks of Enclosed 3D Printers

More Expensive - 3D printers with enclosures are more expensive than open FDM printers. The logic here is obvious: manufacturers are forced to spend more money on raw materials and the assembly process, which invariably reflects on consumers.

Difficulty in maintenance and troubleshooting - Due to the enclosed design, maintenance of an enclosed 3D printer is much more difficult. Cleaning, replacing, troubleshooting or upgrading parts is much more of a hassle than an open design 3D printer.

FAQ

What is the 3D printer case for?

Enclosures help improve print performance by keeping hot air in and cold air/draughts out. For heat sensitive materials such as ABS, a stable higher temperature environment is critical for proper layer adhesion and reduced chance of warping, curling and other problems. Likewise, the shroud helps prevent dust and dirt from getting on printer parts and the print itself; this is essential for successful printing as contamination can affect adhesion and print quality.

Are closed 3D printers safer? Why?

Yes. The housing shields hot and moving parts from prying fingers and hands, reducing the chance of injury compared to open design printers where all parts are exposed and easily accessible. Whether you live with children or work in an educational setting with younger students, an enclosed 3D printer will give you peace of mind. In addition, filters, often installed in enclosed printers, remove toxic elements from the fumes.


How to maintain a closed 3D printer?

Maintaining a closed 3D printer is identical to maintaining an open design printer: regular cleaning of the bed and nozzle, updating the firmware, regularly inspecting parts for wear, leveling/calibrating the bed at regular intervals.

Are closed 3D printers better?

If you want to print on ABS, yes. The housing provides the correct, stable ambient temperature for ABS to thrive. On the other hand, if you are planning to print to PLA, an open design printer would be the best option. PLA needs plenty of cold air and ventilation to thrive.

Choosing a liquid photopolymer for a 3D printer. Classification of materials for SLA/DLP 3D printing.

Contents:

1. Introduction
2. SLA Overview
3. SLA Standard Resins
1. Standard photopolymer resin - Standard
2. Clear photopolymer resin - Clear
4. Engineering photopolymer resins
1. Rigid photopolymer resin - Tough (like ABS)
2. Durable photopolymer resin - Durable (PP-like)
3. Heat resistant photopolymer resin - Heat resistant
4. Rubber-like photopolymer resin - Rubber-like (Elastic)
5. Ceramic photopolymer resin - Ceramic filled (Hard)
5. How to choose the right resin for your application
6. Dental and medical SLA resins
1. Medical Device Photopolymer Resin - Custom Medical Appliances (Class I Biocompatibility)
2. Dental Long Term Biocompatible Resin (Class IIa Biocompatible)
3. Class I biocompatibility vs Class IIa biocompatibility
7. Castable SLA resins
1. Cast resin for jewelry making
8. Generalized rules

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This article compares photopolymer resins using Formlabs SLA 3D printing products –

Catalog of photopolymer 3D printers

Photopolymers from FormLabs

Detailed review of the Formlabs Form 3 3D printer

Introduction

The stereolithography prints plastic parts with high resolution, good fine detail, and a smooth surface. Due to the variety of photopolymer resins available for SLA, this technology is used in many different industries:

• "Standard" photopolymers are used for prototyping

• Engineering photopolymers have certain mechanical and thermal properties

• Dental and medical photopolymers have biocompatibility certificates.

• Cast photopolymers have a zero ash content after burning.

SLA 3D printing resin overview

SLA uses a laser to cure a liquid photopolymer resin. This process is called photopolymerization. Various combinations of polymers and other additives that are part of the resin allow you to get different material properties.

The main advantages and limitations that are common to all resins in SLA 3D printing are:

Benefits:

Weaknesses:

Base Resins for SLA

Post-Processing SLA/DLP 3D Printing Article



Standard photopolymer resin - Standard

Standard resins produce parts with high stiffness, detail and a smooth surface. The low cost of resins, from $250 per liter, makes them ideal for prototypes.

The color of the resin also affects its properties. For example, in FormLabs products, gray resin is suitable for models with fine details, and white resin for parts that require the smoothest possible surface.

Benefits of using Standard grade resins:

Cons Standard:

Also included in the class of "Standard" photopolymer resins from FormLabs is the Color KIT - a set of special dyes and "Color Base" photopolymer resin for mixing and obtaining a variety of color solutions. This eliminates the need for painting parts after 3D printing.


FormLabs Engineering Photopolymer Resins

Engineering resins have a range of properties for injection molded plastics.

All engineering resins require additional UV curing, such as using the Form Cure, to achieve their maximum properties.

Tough photopolymer resin - Tough (ABS equivalent)

Tough resin was developed for models that need to withstand high loads and be durable.

This material produces strong, shatter-resistant parts and functional prototypes such as snap-on housings.

Pros:

Cons:

Ideal for: functional prototypes, mechanical parts




Durable photopolymer resin - Durable


Durable resin is a wear-resistant and flexible material with mechanical properties similar to polypropylene.

Durable photopolymer produces models with a smooth glossy surface and high resistance to deformation.

Durable Resin is ideal for:


• Bushings and bearings;
  
• Various functional compounds

Pros:

Cons:

• Not suitable for thin wall parts (recommended minimum wall thickness 1mm)

• Low heat distortion temperature

• Low flexural strength (lower than hard resin)

Ideal for: functional prototypes.




Refractory Photopolymer Resin - Formlabs High Temp Resin

The heat resistant resin is ideal for parts that require high temperature resistance and operate at high temperatures.

Formlabs High Temp Resin provides the highest melting point (HDT): 238°C at 0.45 MPa.

The resin should be used to print detailed, accurate prototypes with high heat resistance.

Pros:

Cons:

Flexible Resin

Rubber-like resin allows flexible parts to be made. This material has a low tensile strength and high elongation at break and is well suited for parts that will be bent or compressed.

It can also be used to add ergonomic features to multi-material assemblies such as: dies, wearable prototypes, handles, pads and grips.

Pros:

• High flexibility (high elongation at break)

• Low hardness (simulates 80A durometer rubber)

• High impact resistance

Cons:


• Doesn't have all the properties of real rubber

• Requires extensive support structures

• Material properties deteriorate over time as the part is exposed to ultraviolet radiation (sunlight)

• Not suitable for thin wall parts (recommended minimum wall thickness 1mm)

Ideal for flexible prototyping.

Ceramic photopolymer resin - Rigid Resin

This resin is reinforced with glass, which provides very high rigidity and a polished surface. The polymer is very resistant to deformation and is excellent for 3D printing thin elements.

Ideal for: molds and tooling, jigs, manifolds, retainers, electrical and automotive fixture housings

Thermal management components printed with SLA ceramic (hard) resin. Image credit: Formlabs

How to choose the right resin for your application

The table below shows the main mechanical properties of photopolymers for SLA:

Source: Formlabs

Standard resin ( standart ) has high tensile strength but is very brittle (very low elongation at break) so it is not suitable for functional parts. The ability to create a good part surface makes it ideal for visual prototypes and art models.

Durable ( durable ) resin has the highest impact strength and elongation at break of any other SLA material. Best suited for prototyping parts with moving parts and latches. It lacks, however, the strength of thermoplastic 3D printing materials such as SLA nylon.

tough tough resin is a compromise between the material properties of tough and standard resin. It has a high tensile strength, so it is best suited for rigid parts that require high hardness.

heat resistant resin ( heat resistant ) can withstand temperatures above 200 ^o C, but has poor toughness and is even more brittle than standard resin.

ceramic ( ceramic reinforce ) resin has the highest tensile strength and flexural modulus, but is brittle (poor elongation at break and toughness). This resin is preferred for thin wall parts that require increased rigidity.

The graphs below compare the mechanical properties of the most common SLA materials visually:

Comparison chart for elongation at break and toughness for common SLA printing specifications and standard media. Image courtesy of Formlabs.

Stress-strain curves for conventional SLA technologies and standard materials. Image credit: Formlabs

Comparative chart of material properties of various technical resins. Image credit: Formlabs.

Dental and medical resins



Photopolymer resin for medical devices - CUSTOM

0 MEDICAL

Appliances 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9051 9055 Class 1 biocompatible resins can be used to make medical equipment such as surgical guides. Parts printed on this resin can be steam sterilized in an autoclave for direct use in the operating room.

Pros:

Cons:


• Moderate wear and tear resistance

Ideal for: Surgical aids and appliances

Dental Long Term Biocompatible Resin - Dental Long Term (Class 2A biocompatible) 0551

These resins are specially formulated for long term dental fixtures. Class 2A biocompatible resins can come into contact with the human body for up to a year.

High resistance to breakage and wear make this resin ideal for making rigid cotter pins or retainers.

Pros:

Cons:


• High price

Ideal for: durable dental instruments, fracture and wear resistant medical parts, rigid cotter pins, retainers

What is the difference between class 1 and class 2a biocompatibility?


Class 1 biocompatibility rules apply to materials that are allowed to be used for:

• non-invasive devices that come into contact with intact skin

• devices for temporary use or short-term use in the mouth or ear canal or in the nasal cavity

• reusable surgical instruments

Class 2a biocompatibility rules apply to materials that are allowed to be used for:

• devices that come into contact with bodily fluids or open wounds

• devices used to introduce substances into or remove substances from the human body

• invasive short-term devices such as invasive surgical items

• long-term implantable devices placed in the teeth

Photopolymer resins in SLA 3D printing for jewelers



Jewelry resins

This material allows you to print models with fine details and a smooth surface without leaving ash or residue after burning.

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