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High end 3d printer price


How much does a 3D printer cost? (2022 update)

David Durbin13 January 2022

Guide

3D printer categoryAverage price
Low-cost 3D printers$100 - $400
Hobbyist 3D printers$400 - $1,000
Enthusiast 3D printers$1,000 - $3,000
Professional 3D printers$3,000 - $10,000
Industrial 3D printer price$10,000+

If you're wondering how much a 3D printer costs. Or, if a 3D printer is worth it. You're in the right place.

The good news is this: These days you can find almost any 3D printer for any budget.

And while the average 3D printer price across the market is around $400...

That average is pulled down because of the high volume of low-cost 3D printers sold.

So is it worth it to buy a 3D printer in 2022? If yes, what is the best 3D printer for the price? And are there price range “sweet spots” that you should look out for?

You can prepare yourself to answer these questions by asking yourself:

Am I looking for a hobby or a tool?

And you can get the full answers by reading below.

How much does a 3D printer cost? Low-cost 3D printer prices start from $100 to $400. Then hobbyist 3D printers will set you back by up to $1,000. The next level of enthusiast and professional 3D printer prices range between $1,000 to $10,000. After that, the sky’s the limit – with industrial 3D printer prices starting at $10,000 but quickly reaching $100,000 or $250,000 for specialist technologies.

If you're looking to find out exactly how much Ultimaker printers cost, you can request a quote to find out now.

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DIY / Low-cost 3D printer price $100 - $400

Low-cost 3D printers are all about the novelty of the technology. They exist for newbies who want to say, "Hey – check out what I just 3D printed!" Almost all will come as kits that the buyer puts together. And while these machines might have beginner-friendly price tags... It won't be a beginner who can get them to produce a good 3D print. That's because manufacturing problems are too common to overlook. And these lead to a painful setup and user experience. Also, when asking how much does a basic 3D printer cost? This tier can save you money. But expect to pay more for modifications, upgrades, and repairs down the line. That said, if it's a choice between "having a 3D printer" and "not having a 3D printer", this tier offers the biggest bang for your buck.

The Ultimaker Original was sold as DIY 3D printer that you put together yourself

Hobbyist 3D printer price $400 - $1,000

3D printers at this price range can produce some great parts and models. But that's only after you have set them up and dialed in their settings. In this way, they are aimed at hobbyists. (People who are happy to spend time watching tutorials and tweaking settings to improve their prints.) This also limits your flexibility. Over time, you might be able to 3D print well with a basic material like PLA. But don't expect to switch filaments too easily. While these machines are often delivered as kits, manufacturing problems are less common.

Enthusiast / Prosumer 3D printer price $1,000 - $3,000

Up until this price range, almost all the 3D printers will have had an open design. But now you will begin to see more partially and fully enclosed printers that increase safety and print reliability. This also marks the end of the hobbyist range. And the start of 3D printing becoming a useful production tool. Therefore, the enthusiast and prosumer category is great for lower and higher education customers who want to avoid spending time on maintenance. Plus, they present a smart option to 3D print cheaply at home. These machines can 3D print a handful of materials with good reliability. However, these will often be own-brand filaments with carefully tweaked settings. The best enthusiast 3D printers include hardware and software features taken from the professional 3D printer price tier. On which note...

Safer, more reliable, and low maintenance – Enthusiast 3D printers are a great option for schools

Professional 3D printer price $3,000 - $10,000

A lot changes at this price point. Instead of being a technology to tweak and adjust, these 3D printers focus on easy use and adoption. They become one tool among many in an engineer's or designer's toolbox – giving a growing number of businesses a new way to innovate. And that's why, at this price point, FFF 3D printing is at its most disruptive. The only way this can happen is for the 3D printer to work – and for it to work hard. Expect a factory-tested machine that you can leave running over the weekend and come back to a finished part on Monday morning. Plus, prints start being repeatable. For example, if you 3D print the same part on the same printer in two or more locations...the part quality should be almost identical. The user also has more flexibility. You can choose to print with a build material and a support material in the same print (called dual extrusion), offering more design freedom. And you gain a growing range of engineering-grade material options. These can include materials reinforced with carbon fiber or even metal.

Professional 3D printers are workhorse tools for an increasing number of engineers and designers

Industrial 3D printer price $10,000+

3D printers that cost tens or hundreds of thousands are made to do a few things at a high level of quality. This includes production technology for specific materials, like high-temperature polymers or metal. 3D printing these materials with a high success rate often requires you to stay within a manufacturer's material portfolio and software stack. If you are in the market for an enterprise-level machine, this will rarely be the first 3D printer your company buys. And you will know what's required to make the investment: a strong business case, competitor analysis, and a purchase order. You or your company may be happy to pay extra for increased speed, accuracy, and reliability. But also know that, the higher you go in this price bracket, the more you chase diminishing returns.

Is a 3D printer worth it?

These five price tiers cover the majority of 3D printers sold today.

If you consider 3D printing as a hobby, 3D printing successfully will largely be paid for with your time and patience. If 3D printing needs to be a tool for you, then you will pay extra for a user experience that saves time and attention.

But it's also in this second category where 3D printing offers significant business value. And the right 3D printer can end up paying for itself with substantial time and cost savings.

The total cost of 3D printing

Finding the best 3D printer for the price, then, is not only about the machine you buy. The picture is bigger than just the initial price tag.

It's also about the software, accessories, materials, and service that go with it. Together, these contribute to an easy-to-use, time and cost-saving 3D printing experience.

The Ultimaker platform creates a seamless flow between hardware, software, and materials

For example, every Ultimaker 3D printer works seamlessly with Ultimaker Cura, which is updated every few months. They also ship with a suite of free online tools and e-learning courses. Together these resources transform your ability to click-and-print with up to 239 materials.

So it's no surprise that hundreds of leading companies – from Ford to L'Oréal – 3D print day and night with the Ultimaker platform to drive innovation and sustain their competitive advantage.

If you would like to do the same, click below to find out more.

Discover Ultimaker 3D printers

3D Printer Price: How Much Does a 3D Printer Cost?

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The average consumer 3D printer costs around $700. The cheapest 3D printers start at around $200. High end consumer 3D printers can cost several thousand dollars.

The cost of 3D printers has dropped considerably over the past three years. As late as 2014, it was hard to find quality 3D printers for under $2000. Today, numerous high-quality options exist for under $1000.

The price of 3D printers for professionals is a lot more than for hobbyists. This is because professionals tend to invest in higher-quality equipment. According to Sculpteo, the average professional had a budget of $9504 for 3D printing in 2017. This is up 55% compared to 2016, which indicates that companies are finding more value in 3D printers.

If you want to know how much a 3D printer will cost there are questions you need to ask yourself first. As with all electronic devices there are different makes and models to suit different needs. 3D printers are no exception.

Whether you’re buying a 3D printer for home or office, begin by asking these two questions:

  1. What do you want a 3D printer for (be specific)?
  2. What is your budget?

It’s a simple start, but it’ll give you a great foundation when it comes to narrowing down your choices. By answering these two questions you’ll be able to make a much better informed decision.

The Different Types of 3D Printer

The 3D printer you want may not be the one you get. This could because it’s not available or it’s out of your budget. To make your choices simpler you need to search the category that’s right for you.

The five 3D printer categories include:

  1. Entry level 3D Printers
  2. Hobbyist 3D Printers
  3. Enthusiast 3D Printers
  4. Professional 3D Printers
  5. Industrial 3D Printers

The size, capability, features, and the price of a machine change for each category. An entry level 3D printer can start as low as $200, whereas a top end industrial machine can go for well over $100,000.

3D printers are always changing. That’s great news for consumers. It means we get better machines for less money.

OK, let’s take a look at what you can expect from each of these categories:

See Our Top Picks for 3D Printers in 2018

We have spent hundreds of hours to find the best 3D printers on the market. We looked at various factors including price, reviews, and hands-on testing to pick our winners. We have pros and cons for each printer as well as technical specifications. Take a look at our detailed guide to help you make a decision.

Read More >>> Top 3D Printers of 2017

Entry Level Category 3D Printers

Entry level 3D printers are for novices. They are a great way to learn about the technology before upgrading to a more expensive model. They generally have a gentle learning curve. Your experiments will have limitations though.

Most entry-level machines won’t let you print much over 3-4″ in any dimension (height, length, and width). Another restriction is with material choice. Most printers will only allow you to use one filament.

An entry-level 3D printer can be noisy and slow compared to more expensive models. The print quality isn’t all that impressive either. They are also not very durable. Despite this, they’re wonderful learning tools and act as a great stepping stone for anyone who wants to progress to better things later on.

Entry level 3D printer price range:$200 – $400
Limitations:Build volume is a major constraint. You can typically print only smaller items. Entry level printers are often much slower and less precise than higher end machine. You can expect 100 micron resolution and you are often limited in which materials you can use. Finally, you might have to assemble the machine yourself which can be hard depending on the model.
Best 3D Printer:FlashForge Finder

Hobbyist Category 3D Printers

Hobbyists are people who have some experience with 3D printing and have developed the bug. They now have a real passion for it and want to get more creative with their 3D models. Hobbyist 3D printers are very capable machines, especially at the higher end of this category.

Hobbyist 3D printers let you print bigger 3D parts than entry level machines. You still won’t be able to make anything much over 5-6″ in either dimension with most models.

Most hobbyist 3D machines are faster than entry-level options. They offer more flexibility with material choices too, which means you can get extra creative with your 3D parts.

The 3D printers for hobbyists are a good step up from the more basic models. Even so, they’re still not capable of much more than printing for pleasure. They’re not as robust or as reliable as the following categories either, so you won’t want to leave them running for too long or use them too often.

Hobbyist 3D printer price range:$300 – $1,500
Limitations:You get a slightly larger build volume with this price range. You will be able to print with more materials in this price range. You will also have smoother prints. Make no mistake though, these printers are still for hobbyists. 3D printers at this cost also have much better software that is capable of auto-leveling and cleaning.
Best 3D Printer:QIDI Tech I

Enthusiast Category 3D Printers

You’re now a 3D printing enthusiast if you are ready to take your hobby to a more serious level. That means you’ll want to find an enthusiast category 3D printer to meet to your needs.

Here’s a quick breakdown on what you can expect from a 3D printer in this class:

  • A solid, robust printer with lots of user-friendly features
  • Prints up to 8-12″ in either dimension
  • Quite a bit *faster and quieter than entry and hobbyist level 3D printers
  • Wider choice of materials, though some will use brand-only filaments


It’s important to note that even at this level you won’t want to go into production. There’s a reason why they’re in the enthusiast’s 3D printers category and not the professional.

You could find yourself performing frequent repairs and maintenance if you run them for too long and often. Many of these machines are perfect for regular use, but not continuous use.

* Faster printing might sound great, but always choose slower print speeds if you want to produce 3D parts with the best quality.

Enthusiast 3D printer price range:$1,500 — $3,500
Limitations:The quality of prints really starts to increase in this price range. In fact, you will usually get twice as good resolution (50 vs. 100 microns). Printers at this cost are well-built and can take some abuse. The build volume is much larger and you will be able to print faster.
Best 3D Printer:LulzBot TAZ 6

Professional Category 3D Printers

To buy a 3D printer from the professional category means your machine “works” for you. Either that or you’ve got plenty of spare cash to splash out on a serious hobby.

These machines print high-quality 3D parts, and some boast a build area of around 12″ (all dimensions). The range of 3D print materials, including different textures and multiple colors, is now greatly expanded. The best machines in this category can also print fast while maintaining quality.

Find out a printer’s durability by reading real user reviews. For example, does it need regular maintenance? If yes, how easy is it to keep up? What are its pros and cons, and do any of those cons apply to you and your setup? You get the idea.

These printers are not cheap. To make the best decision, make sure any models you shortlist check all the right boxes.

People who invest in a professional 3D printer typically include:

  • Schools and universities
  • Robotics clubs
  • Businesses – large and small enterprises
Professional 3D printer price range:$3,500 – $6,000
Limitations:You can run printers in this class continuously without a problem. You might also see increased resolution and enclosures to keep the printing temperature constant.
Best 3D Printer:Fusion3 F400-S

Industrial Category 3D Printers

No one goes in blind when choosing a 3D printer from the industrial category. These are serious machines for serious business. They can print high-quality parts faster than any other category.

These machines are highly durable, built with plenty of metal in their construction. They also include efficient user-friendly interfaces for custom printing modes. They are not DIY 3D printers. That means there’s usually an extra maintenance fee with most models.

There may also be restrictions with materials and material availability. Filament can cost more compared to printers in the enthusiast and professional categories too. Still, anyone who buys one of these beasts should know all their options beforehand.

Although there’s a definite niche for industrial 3D printers, they’re on the decline. Many of the cheaper, professional machines are starting to compete with these mega-priced printers.

Today, big businesses have more to choose from. It now makes sense to include a few high-end professional 3D printers in with their shortlist of options. The price range below tells us why!

Industrial 3D printer price range:$20,000 – $100,000
Limitations:Price and size.

Closing Thoughts

It’s important to remember that the cost of the 3D printer is but one part of the overall cost to 3D print. You will also need to pay for electricity, maintenance, software (in some cases), and filaments. You can expect to pay around $20 per kg of filament.

3D printers are becoming more powerful everyday. There’s a lot you can do with these powerhouses that makes it worth the price tag.

Warning; 3D printers should never be left unattended. They can pose a firesafety hazard.

How much does a 3D printer cost?

3D printing is a one-stop solution for a wide range of applications, from high-resolution model production to rapid prototyping, rapid tooling for traditional manufacturing processes, production of aids and end-use models.

However, when you consider investing in a 3D printer, the viability of a solution usually boils down to a simple question: Is it cost-effective for your business? How much does a 3D printer cost and how much time and money can it save your business?

3D printer prices range from $200 to $500,000 depending on the printing process, materials, and complexity of the solution.

In this guide, we'll break down 3D printing costs by technology, compare outsourcing versus in-house manufacturing, list factors to consider when calculating the cost of each model, and look at what else to look for when comparing different solutions. for 3D printing and other production methods.

Interactive

This interactive ROI tool will help you find out how much time and money you can save by 3D printing with a Formlabs 3D printer.

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The three most well-known plastic 3D printing technologies today are Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).

Each technology has its advantages and disadvantages - take a look at the infographic:

Download this high resolution infographic here. Interested in learning more about FDM, SLA and SLS 3D printing technologies? Check out our detailed guide.

Prices for 3D printers have dropped significantly in recent years, and today all three technologies are available in compact, low cost systems.

FDM generally produces models at a lower cost if you only print relatively simple prototypes in limited quantities. SLA technology offers higher resolution and quality, as well as a wide choice of 3D printing materials at a slightly higher price. But this difference is quickly offset when you print complex designs or larger batches due to the less labor-intensive post-processing process. Finally, SLS technology is the most cost effective for medium to high volume production of high quality functional models.

Comparing the total cost of different 3D printers by price tags alone will not give you a complete picture of how the cost of a 3D printer and a printed model will compare. The cost of 3D printing materials and labor significantly affects the cost of a model, depending on the application and your production needs.

Let's look at the different factors and costs for each process.

FDM, also known as Fused Filament Manufacturing (FFF), is a printing method where the parts of a model are made by melting and extruding a thermoplastic filament, which the printer's nozzle applies layer by layer onto the model being made.

FDM is the most popular form of consumer grade 3D printing, fueled by the proliferation of hobbyist 3D printers. However, professional and industrial FDM printers are also popular among professionals.

The cheapest 3D printers are FDM printers. DIY kits for FDM 3D printers start at $200. However, most of these models are more like toys or DIY projects that require a significant amount of time to build, set up and calibrate. The quality of the print largely depends on the success of these operations. In addition, machines require repairs and regular maintenance to keep them working, so they are more suitable for people with a higher engineering education who have a lot of time and patience.

Hobbyist FDM 3D printers cost between $500 and $1,500, come pre-assembled or unassembled, require less setup, but have the same disadvantages as the cheapest 3D printers. More expensive models are capable of large print volumes and work with a wide variety of materials besides low temperature ones such as PLA.

Professional 3D FDM printers start at $2,500 and large format professional FDM printers are available from $4,000. The cost of the most modern industrial FDM printers can exceed 10,000 US dollars. Most of these printers come pre-assembled and calibrated in the box, or they can be automatically calibrated. Printers in this category offer better print quality, a wider range of media, higher print volumes, improved reliability, and ease of use and maintenance. In addition, professional 3D printer manufacturers offer customer support services for troubleshooting.

Material costs for FDM 3D printing range from $50 to $150/kg for most standard and engineering filaments, and $100 to $200/kg for auxiliary materials. There are also cheaper alternatives, but they are of lower quality.

In addition, FDM printing can be very labor intensive. Successful printing of complex models requires support structures that must be removed manually or dissolved in water. To obtain a high quality surface and remove layer lines, lengthy manual post-processing of models, such as sanding, is necessary.

SLA 3D printers use the process of photopolymerization, that is, the conversion of liquid polymers into hardened plastic using a laser. SLA is one of the most popular processes among professionals due to its high resolution, accuracy and material versatility.

Models printed on SLA printers have the highest precision, sharpest detail and smoothest surface possible of any plastic 3D printing technology. But the main advantage of the SLA method is its versatility. SLA polymers have a wide range of optical, mechanical and thermal properties that match those of standard, engineering and industrial thermoplastics.

SLA 3D printers can handle a wide range of resin materials for a wide variety of applications.

SLA used to be used only in large and complex industrial 3D printers costing over $200,000, but the process is now much more affordable. With the Formlabs Form 3+ Printer, businesses can now use industrial quality SLA printing for as little as $3,750. With Form 3L, large format SLA printing starts at just $11,000.

Stereolithographic 3D printers will be shipped in a box assembled and calibrated. These are professional tools that are highly reliable and require virtually no maintenance. Technical support is also always available. It provides troubleshooting in a critical situation (but its probability is extremely small).

Most standard and engineered polymers for SLA technology cost between $149 and $200 per liter.

SLA printers are easy to use and many workflow steps such as rinsing and final curing can be automated to reduce labor costs. Printed models have a high quality surface immediately after printing and require only simple post-processing to remove supporting structures.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printers use a high power laser to sinter fine polymer powder particles. The unsprayed powder supports the model during printing and eliminates the need for special support structures. This makes SLS ideal for complex geometries, including internal features, grooves, thin walls, and negative taper.

Models produced using SLS printing have excellent mechanical characteristics - their strength can be compared with the strength of injection molded parts. As a result, SLS technology is the most popular plastic 3D printing process for industrial applications.

SLS printed nylon models are ideal for a range of functional applications, from consumer product design to healthcare applications.

Like SLA, SLS was previously only available in large format, complex 3D printing systems costing $200,000 or more. With the Formlabs Fuse 1 stereolithography printer, businesses can now solve industrial-scale tasks with SLS technology starting at $18,500. The complete kit, which includes the post-processing and powder recovery system, costs $31,845.

As with SLA printers, stereolithographic printers are shipped assembled and calibrated in the box. They are reliable and can operate 24/7. The package includes in-depth training and fast technical support.

SLS nylon print materials cost about US$100/kg. SLS does not require supporting structures and unused powder can be reused, reducing material costs.

SLS is the least labor-intensive plastic 3D printing process in the production environment, because the printed models are of high quality right away, and to remove excess powder, they simply need to be cleaned.

There are several processes for 3D printing not only plastics but also metals.

Metal FDM printers are similar in design to traditional FDM printers, but use extruded metal rods held together by a resin binder. The finished parts of the model are sintered in an oven to remove the binder.

SLM and DMLS printers are similar to SLS printers, but instead of polymer powders, they fuse metal powder particles layer by layer using a laser. 3D printers based on SLM and DMLS technologies can create strong, precise and complex metal products, making this process ideal for the aerospace, automotive and medical industries.

Prices for metal 3D printers have also begun to decline, ranging from $100,000 to $1 million today. However, these systems are still out of reach for most businesses.

SLA 3D printing is available as an alternative for casting workflows that allow metal models to be produced cheaper and faster than traditional methods and provide greater design freedom.

Technical report

Get design guides for 3D printing samples, see the step-by-step direct investment casting process, and study guides for indirect investment casting and sand casting.

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Different plastic and metal 3D printing processes have unique qualities that make them suitable for different applications. Below is a comparison of different printing technologies.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Stereolithography (SLA) Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Metal FDM Printing Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Direct Metal Sintering (19008) 9008
Permission ★☆ ★ opa ★ ution ★ opa ★ opa ★ opa ventary
Surgery ★ opa ☆ 1111111 ☆☆☆ 1 ☆ ★ opa
Ease of use x 300 x 600 mm (Desktop and Workshop 3D printers) Up to ~300 x 335 x 200 mm (Desktop and Workshop 3D printers) Up to 165 x 165 x 300 mm (3D - workshop printers) Up to 300 x 200 x 200 mm Up to 400 x 400 x 400 mm
Price range DIY kits for 3D printers start at $200 and hobby printers cost $500-1500. Professional 3D FDM printers start at $2,500, while large format professional FDM printers are available from $4,000. Professional desktop printers start at $3,750 and high-volume large format desktop printers are available from $11,000. Workshop industrial printers start at $18,500 and traditional industrial printers start at $100,000. Metal FDM printers start at $100,000, but complete solutions including an oven are much more expensive. DMLS/SLM solutions start at around $200,000. These printers require special infrastructure conditions, which can further increase costs.
Cost of materials US$50-150/kg for most standard and engineering yarns and US$100-200/kg for auxiliary materials. US$50-150/L for most standard and engineering polymers. US$100/kg for nylon. SLS does not require supporting structures and unused powder can be reused, reducing material costs. Depends on material and technology. Significantly higher than plastic. Depends on material and technology. Significantly higher than plastic.
Labor Manual removal of support structures (soluble support structures may be used in some cases). Long post-processing is required to obtain a high quality surface. Washing and final polymerization (both can be automated). Simple post-processing to remove supporting structures. Easy cleaning to remove excess powder. Washing and sintering (both can be automated). It is possible to use mechanical processing and other types of surface treatment. Stress relief, support structure removal, heat treatment, and mechanical and other surface treatments.
Materials Standard thermoplastics such as ABS, PLA and their various blends. Various polymers (thermosetting plastics). Standard, engineering (similar to ABS and PP, similar to silicone, flexible, heat resistant, rigid), injection molding, dental and medical (biocompatible). Engineering thermoplastics - typically nylon and its composites (nylon 12 biocompatible + sterilizable). Stainless steel, tool steel, inconel, copper, titanium. Stainless steel, tool steel, titanium, cobalt-chromium, copper, aluminium, nickel alloys.
Applications Basic experimental models, low cost rapid prototyping of simple parts. Prototypes with a high level of detail requiring close tolerances and smooth surfaces: molds, tooling, templates, medical models and functional parts. Complex geometries, functional prototypes, low volume production or limited trial production. Strong and durable models, tools and production aids. Strong and durable models with complex geometries; ideal for the aerospace, automotive and medical industries.

When calculating the cost of one model, the cost of ownership of equipment, material costs and labor costs are usually taken into account. It is important to understand the factors that affect each of these cost components, as well as the questions to ask in order to evaluate alternative production methods and uncover hidden costs.

Hardware ownership costs are fixed costs: 3D printer price, service contracts, installation and maintenance. These amounts must be paid whether your printer is idle or produces dozens of models per week.

Add up all projected fixed costs over the lifetime of the equipment, then divide by the number of models you plan to make. As a rule, the higher the performance and efficiency of your 3D printer, the lower the cost of ownership of equipment per model.

In recent years, desktop 3D printers have shown excellent results in reducing the cost of ownership of equipment. With a price 10 to 100 times lower than traditional industrial 3D printers and the ability to produce thousands of models over a lifetime, the cost of ownership can be negligible.

Questions:

  • Are there installation, training or additional initial costs other than the cost of the machine itself?

  • Do I need to sign a (mandatory) service contract? What does it include?

  • What accessories and tools are needed to make the final models?

  • What kind of maintenance is required for the machine to function properly? What is the expected annual maintenance cost? Will it change with an increase in production volumes?

The 3D printing raw materials and consumables you need to create models at an affordable price. These costs largely depend on the number of models you produce.

When calculating the cost of materials, determine how much material is required to create one model, and multiply this figure by the cost of the material. Count the amount of waste and any other consumables. As production grows, the cost of ownership of equipment decreases, and the cost of 3D printing materials tends to become more balanced.

Be sure to check what materials you need to create specific models, as the cost of 3D printing consumables can vary greatly. Please note that some 3D printers only work with their proprietary materials and thus limit your ability to use third party materials.

Questions:

  • What is the cost of each type of 3D printing material?

  • How much material is required to create one particular model, including waste?

  • What is the shelf life of the materials?

  • Do I need other consumables to create models?

  • Can the machine work with third-party materials?

While 3D printing can replace complex traditional manufacturing methods and provide significant time savings, depending on the 3D printing technology, it can still be quite labor intensive.

Professional desktop 3D printers are generally optimized for ease of use. DIY kits for 3D printers and hobby printers often require additional effort to adjust settings, while regular maintenance or material changes on traditional industrial machines can involve time-consuming tasks that require the assistance of a skilled operator.

Post-processing workflows vary depending on the 3D printing process, but in most cases include cleaning up models and removing support structures or excess material. However, there are solutions to automate some specific tasks. For example, Formlabs Form Wash and Form Cure simplify the wash and finish process for Formlabs SLA 3D printers, while Fuse Sift offers a turnkey post-processing and powder recovery system for the Fuse 1 SLS printer.

More complex processes such as SLA and SLS do not take long to achieve high quality models, while FDM models require lengthy manual post-processing to improve quality and remove layer lines.

Questions:

  • What is the whole model production workflow? What specific steps are required to set up printing, change materials, and post-process models?

  • How long does it take to post-process one particular model?

  • Are there any tools or devices available to automate some of these tasks?

Outsource production orders to 3rd party service bureaus or labs when you use 3D printing only occasionally or to produce large models in non-standard materials. Typically, the bureau has several in-house 3D printing processes such as SLA, SLS, FDM, as well as metal 3D printers. They can also provide advice on a variety of materials and offer additional services such as design or improved finishes.

The main disadvantages of outsourcing are the high cost and duration of production. One of the main advantages of 3D printing is its speed compared to traditional production methods. But it is noticeably reduced if the delivery of the model produced by the involved organization takes several days or even weeks. And as demand and capacity grow, the costs of outsourcing are rising rapidly.

Desktop 3D printers are the perfect solution for fast model production. Depending on the number of parts needed and the volume of prints, the investment in a professional 3D printer can pay for itself in just a few months.

With desktop and workshop printers, you can pay for the capacity that matches your business needs and scale your production by adding more devices as demand grows, without the heavy investment of a large format 3D printer. Using multiple 3D printers also allows you to print models from different materials at the same time. But if there is a need for the production of large parts or the use of non-standard materials, service bureaus can come to the rescue.

Investment, material and labor costs are relatively easy to calculate. But what about indirect costs and hard-to-calculate factors that affect your business? Let's look at some of the main considerations when comparing a desktop 3D printer to outsourcing or other manufacturing methods.

Save time: What if you could get products to market a few months faster? Or reduce the delivery time of your products by a few days or weeks? 3D printing simplifies traditional prototyping and manufacturing workflows, helping you save time and stay ahead of the competition.

Top results: 3D printing allows you to create more iterations, overcome failures faster, and produce better end products. Troubleshooting a design early on also helps avoid costly redesign and the use of additional tools.

Interaction: Having high-quality prototypes and models allows you to communicate more effectively with customers, clients, suppliers and other stakeholders. Avoid misunderstandings and costly mistakes.

Intellectual Property Protection: Do you work with confidential information? Making your own models means you don't have to transfer intellectual property (IP) to third parties, reducing the risk of IP leakage or theft.

Usually, calculating cost per part, lead time, and comparing alternatives to see if a solution is right for your business is a tedious task of creating a complex spreadsheet in an attempt to collect all of the often hidden information from a manufacturer.

Use our simple online tool to calculate cost per model and order lead time when printing with a Formlabs stereolithographic 3D printer and compare time and cost savings with other manufacturing methods.

Calculate the costs and time

3D printers Italy - the most popular printer models

When buying a 3D printer DISCOUNT on plastics and polymers up to 10%

Anycubic printers

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Quick View 9000 4 out of 5

(1 review)

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  • Print technology - FDM
  • Print material - Plastic
  • Print area - 200x200x200

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Roboze

3D Roboze Argo 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000 9000

out of 5

(1 review)

On order

  • Print technology - FDM
  • Print material - Plastic
  • Print area - 500x500x500

Price on request

On order

Quantity

Quantity

buy 3D printers Italy. Italian brands offer top-class equipment, products of the well-known brand DWS, specializing in the jewelry industry of additive manufacturing, are in great demand. You can order Italy 3D printers at manufacturer's prices from us - we work without intermediary and guarantee you excellent quality at an affordable cost.

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Italy is a sunny country that many people associate with high fashion and pizza. The electronic industry is also well developed in this country. Especially the production of 3D printers. Many of them not only have high functionality, but also look very stylish and beautiful. The influence of industrial design is also felt in that area. Particularly striking models were successful for the following manufacturers: DWS, Kentstrapper and Sharebot.

Features of Italian 3D printers

Italy boasts advanced technology for the use of this technique in art. And not so long ago, the Italian company WASP presented to the public the largest 3D printer in the world.

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