A technology that has revolutionized our conception, design and manufacturing of products in the past decade is 3D printing. A 3D printer is a device that takes a digital design and makes it real, creating three-dimensional, tangible objects before our very eyes. The principle is very simple: the 3D printer deposits material in layers, according to instructions from the digital file, until the physical object has been completed.
Potential applications are limitless, from prototyping in industries like aerospace and automotive to manufacturing at home by hobbyists or makers. Our ability to innovate and make has been transformed by 3D printing.
This technology is available to everyone, regardless of their experience level. Whether you’re just exploring the world of 3D printing for the first time or are a seasoned user looking for a more advanced machine, this guide is here to help. We’ve evaluated a range of 3D printers to find the best options available today based on various user needs and preferences.
Are you in a rush? Check out our three top 3D printers for quick selections.
Types of 3D printers
When we speak of 3D printers, there are two main types. These are filament-based and resin-based.
Filament 3D PrintersFused Deposition Modeling Printers (FDMs), or heated nozzles, melt and extrude filament plastic onto a building plate to create objects layer by level. They are easy to use and versatile, which makes them popular among beginners, educators and hobbyists. They are also popular because of their affordability and wide selection of compatible materials.
Resin 3D printers Stereolithography or Digital Light Processing technology is used. Instead of melting plastic, these printers use a light source—usually ultraviolet (UV)—to cure liquid resin into a solid form, layer by layer. These printers are popular with professionals and hobbyists because of their precision and smooth finish.
The criteria for choosing the 3D printers from the list
We evaluated each 3D Printer based on a number of critical attributes. They were selected to ensure that we offer a wide range of options for different needs and skills levels.
Print Quality The ability of a 3D Printer to reproduce a design digitally in the physical realm is a crucial factor. A superior print quality will result in more fine details, less imperfections and an accurate representation of the design.
Simple to Use: 3D printing can be complex, but the printer itself shouldn’t add unnecessary challenges. We consider factors such as the setup process, user interface, and software compatibility when assessing a printer’s ease of use. There will always be some learning curve.
Speed: Print speed is important for many reasons, but it’s not the most important. This is especially true for large prints and batch printing. A faster printer can produce more work, boosting productivity and bringing your visions to life quicker.
Build Volume This is the largest object a printer will be able to print in a single pass. The flexibility of larger build volumes is increased by the ability to print multiple smaller prints simultaneously or even bigger prints. Consider what type of projects you want to pursue when looking at a printer’s build volume.
Reliability: A reliable 3D printer will run without interruptions and maintenance problems for a long time. Sometimes, there are faulty devices or parts, but it’s key to avoid them as much as possible.
The factors listed above, as well as others, influenced our choice of printers for this list. But it’s important to remember that the “best” printer ultimately depends on your specific needs and circumstances. This list contains a wide range of choices, ranging from small-scale printers for beginners to larger models and more advanced machines.
ELEGOO Mars 3 MSLA 3D printer
The ELEGOO Mars 3 MSLA 3D printer is a marvel for anyone who wants high precision without spending a fortune. The ultra 4K HD Resolution combined with the 37% bigger build volume ensures that your ideas will come to life. Release Film 2.0 offers exceptional protection to delicate model supports.
The unit’s optimized heat sink is equipped with copper tubes and a top-quality cooling fan. This results in a remarkable heat dissipation, which extends the life of UV LED lights. This ensures that your prints are always of the best quality.
PRODUCTS
- High Precision
- Excellent value
- Superior heat dissipation
CONS
- Poor customer service
- Limited build volume
- Manuals of mediocre quality
ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M5s 12K Resin 3D Printer
The ANYCUBIC M5s Photon Mono is a true 3D printing powerhouse. Your prints will be stunning with their 12K resolution, 19-micron X precision and exceptional accuracy. This printer also boasts a speedy 105mm/hour average print speed, which allows you to quickly bring your designs to reality.
Ease of use isn’t sacrificed for performance. The Photon Mono M5s uses mechanical sensors to automatically level the print, eliminating tedious manual calibration. This resin is designed to be fast and precise.
PROS
- Superior resolution
- Rapid Print Speed
- Auto-leveling feature
CONS
- Exclusive resins are expensive
- High Purchase Price
- Limited User Community
Creality Ender-3S1 Pro 3D printer
The Creality S1 Pro 3D Printer from Creality is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to get started in 3D printing. The versatile brass nozzle can withstand high temperatures up to 300°C, making it compatible with a diverse range of filaments from PLA to ABS and more. The machine features a 4.3-inch touchscreen with nine languages that is easy to use.
The CR Touch AutomaticLeveling feature is included in this printer to compete with more expensive options. This printer’s 16-point auto-leveling feature ensures high-quality, consistent prints. It saves you the time and effort of manually leveling. Beginners will love the user-friendly features and high-temperature heating nozzle.
PRODUCTS
- High-temp nozzle
- Easy-to-use interface
- Auto leveling
CONS
- Price for Beginners
- Moderate detail only
- Noisey operation
ELEGOO Saturn 2, 8K 3D printer
Expanding on its predecessor’s success, the ELEGOO Saturn 2 8K 3D Printer offers a generous 7.55 x 4.72 x 7.87-inch build volume, catering to those needing more room for their projects. The high-resolution LCD masking screen combined with the 2.5-second cure time per layer makes this a highly-productive device that can handle larger projects.
ELEGOO has improved the Saturn 2 by adding an easy-to use bed leveling solution, as well as native integration with Chitubox’s slicer app. This allows both novices and seasoned operators to enjoy a quick and painless installation process.
PROS
- Large build volume
- High-resolution printing
- Easy-to-use setup
CONS
- The Inferior Touchscreen
- It is difficult to use
Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K 3D Printer
The Phrozen Mini 4K is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to create intricate models. Its mono 4K LCD screen allows the printer to output high-resolution 3D models in just under 2 seconds per layer. It is a great asset for miniature sculptors and tabletop gamers, as it provides both speed and high detail.
The Sonic Mini 4K is a great printer, even though it costs more than similar MSLA printers. It delivers on its promises, especially in terms of producing fine details. Prepare to spend some additional time calibrating your build platform. This can be difficult for beginners.
PRODUCTS
- Excellent detail quality
- High-speed printing
- The best miniatures
CONS
- High Price Point
- Tricky bed leveling
- Misleading user instructions
ELEGOO Neptune Pro 3D FDM Printer
The ELEGOO FDM Neptune 3D Printer is a great starting point for 3D printer beginners. The Neptune 3 Pro, unlike complex unassembled kit, is easy to assemble and level. It also produces stunning prints straight out of the package. You’ll appreciate the convenience of the 36-point auto bed leveling system and the flexibility of the PEI steel sheet, which simplifies print removal.
This 3D Printer can print in a wide range of materials, from PETG to PLA, and consistently deliver high-quality prints. The 260-degree hotend makes it easy to print flexible filaments, which is a feature often difficult for printers of the same price.
PRODUCTS
- Beginner-friendly
- Fast assembly
- Versatile material compatibility
CONS
- No real standout features
- Mediocre touchpad
Creality Ender 3D Printer
Creality Ender 2 Pro 3D printer is a great choice for new users who are looking for a reliable, affordable device. The Ender 2 Pro 3D Printer is not a cheap novelty. It boasts a sturdy build and produces high-quality prints. It may be a smaller member of the Ender family, but it’s as hardworking as its larger siblings, delivering impressive results with decent filament and a slicer.
The small size and handle on top make it easy for hobbyists to move and store the printer when not needed. It is almost fully assembled when it arrives, and requires only a couple of screws to start. Its low build volume, lack of leveling assistance, silent operation, flexible platform, and upgrade options make it an excellent investment.
PROS
- Buy Tickets Online
- Compact and portable
- Easy to Assemble
CONS
- Limited build volume
- No assistance leveling
- Large projects not suitable
FLASHFORGE 3D Printer Adventurer 4 Pro
The Adventurer 4 Pro from FLASHFORGE offers a new level in 3D printing efficiency, including automatic bed leveling and rapid nozzle replacement. It also prints at speeds up to 300mm/s. Its enclosed design maintains optimal temperatures, reducing the chances of failures due to drafts.
Three extruders fans are included for optimal cooling. A flexible PEI platform is also provided for easy print removal. And a HEPA13 system filters the air in your workspace. Despite minor drawbacks, such as lackluster support and a steep learning curve for beginners, the Adventurer 4 Pro’s upgraded filament detection and print-resume capabilities make it a dependable choice for both hobbyists and professionals.
PROS
- High-speed printing
- Enhanced print quality
- Built-in air filtration system
CONS
- Unsatisfactory customer service
- Not for beginners
Anycubic Kobra 2 3D Printer
The Anycubic Kobra 2 3D Print is designed to be fast without compromising accuracy. This filament printer’s refined motion system allows for a remarkable acceleration of up to 2500mm/s², making it an excellent choice for those requiring quick turnarounds. Kobra 2’s maximum print speed is 250mm/s. Its recommended speed is 150mm/s.
This printer boasts an easy-to-use operation. The assembly can be done in only 10 minutes. Some users may find the assembly difficult. The dual-geared structure of the extruder ensures accurate material delivery and its increased extruder power allows for quick and efficient melting. Double-threaded rods in the Z-axis ensure excellent printing even at high speeds.
PROS
- High-speed printing
- Easy assembly
- Precision Printing
CONS
- Assembly may be difficult for some
- Maintenance required
- Large projects not suitable
ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 2 3D Printer
Anycubic’s Photon Mono 2 3D Printer is a commendable choice for beginners venturing into the realm of resin 3D printing. Its 6.6-inch monochrome LCD screen with a 4096*2560 resolution displays minute model details with impressive clarity. The LighTurbo Matrix upgrade provides a stable and uniform parallel lighting source that reduces layer lines, and eliminates grid lines to create a smoother surface.
The Photon Mono 2 is larger than similar models and can accommodate large prints, while saving on workspace. The laser-engraved plate ensures flatness, which improves model adhesion. The printer can appear a little flimsy and has a base that is not very stable, which may affect the print quality.
PROS
- High-resolution screen
- Smoother prints with improved light source
- Larger build volume
CONS
- The construction may appear flimsy
- Unsteady base
- This is not ideal for precision projects
Print Perfectly with a 3D printer
The maze of options and considerations can make choosing the right 3D Printer feel like a daunting task. But with a little research and an understanding of what’s important to you, finding the right printer becomes a much more manageable task.
For beginners, a printer that’s easy to set up and use, with a solid community for support, might be a top priority. For these users reliability and affordability may be more important than raw print speed, or the use of a wide range of materials.
A printer with high print quality, and the ability to handle different materials, might be more important for professionals or experienced users. An investment in an advanced printer will pay off in terms of quality.
The most important thing you should remember when selecting a 3D Printer is that it is just a tool. It’s a means to an end, and the “best” printer for you is the one that allows you to achieve your creative or professional goals most effectively.
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Spencer Hulse serves as the editorial director at Grit Daily. He is responsible for the day-today operations and coverage of breaking news, along with overseeing other writers and editors.