The Best 3D Printers
Within a couple of years of its inception, the 3D printer went from a gimmicky novelty to a revolutionary tool. And although the earliest models were reserved for engineers and the wealthy, today's 3D printers come with modest price tags and advanced features. Because these fascinating printers have now become consumer-grade, we decided to help out those on the prowl for one by weeding out the winners from the duds. Here, we present our list of the best of the best in 3D printers. Read on to find the perfect pick for you and your 3-dimensional ambitions.
Comgrow Creality Ender 3 Pro 3D Printer
Make Your Dreams A Reality
Offering everything we look for in a 3D printer and more, Comgrow’s Creality Ender 3 Pro is a must-have for beginners and experienced tinkerers alike. With a bargain price tag and high precision, this pick rivals its expensive competitors with its grace and speed. The models this beauty churns out are accurate and free of unwanted artifacts. Even the build surface plate is exceptional, with a magnetic layer that allows models to cool quickly after printing. Heck, it even comes partially assembled, so you can put it together and start printing your dreams in no time.
Pros
- The upgraded build surface never sticks to the models
- Safe and affordable for beginners
- Takes just 5 minutes to heat up
- The nozzle is easy to clear and rarely clogs
Cons
- A great option for beginners willing to learn, but there’s still a learning curve and some assembly
Comgrow Creality Ender 3 V2 Upgraded 3D Printer
Quiet And Fast
The Creality Ender 3 V2 is an upgraded version of the Ender 3 Pro with a price tag to match. But for those with a little extra moolah to spend, it’s worth the extra cost. This printer features faster printing, a whisper-quiet operation, and superior stability. Where the V2 really shines, however, is in the upgraded user interface. This beautiful 4.3-inch screen makes navigating the interface smoother and more colorful than ever, so you can control your settings and punch in commands like the true 21st-century person that you are.
Pros
- Has all the features of its predecessor with several convenient upgrades, including a new interface and silent motherboard
- The new filament feed design makes swapping out colors a breeze
- Quality tech support from Comgrow
- The superior glass platform heats up quickly and never sticks to the models
Cons
- There is definitely a learning curve
- May require some tinkering with the bed to ensure it’s level
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro Mono MSLA 3D Printer
Compact SLA Creations
Another fantastic overall option, this MSLA printer from Elegoo has a small footprint to save precious workspace. It’s also insanely precise and produces high-quality models. For those out of the loop, MSLA printers don’t use filaments, but instead, build models top-down using liquid resin. This printing process creates smoother models free of aberrations and artifacts. And with the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, you can enjoy the high resolution of MSLA printing along with an easy-to-operate design.
Pros
- The screen has a 2K resolution
- The user interface is intuitive and clear
- Precise and stable
- The odor of the liquid resin is automatically filtered through a carbon box grate
Cons
- Models sometimes stick to the build surface
Anycubic Photon Mono X 3D Printer
Razor Precision
The Photon Mono X is a premium printer for a premium price. But although the price is high compared to the other options on our list, this pick actually offers fantastic value. Indeed, the Photon Mono X is really more of a professional 3D printer with a consumer-grade price tag.
This beauty can print as fast as 60mm per hour, so you can churn out multiple models over the course of a single day. Better yet, the 4K screen and user interface makes customization easy. Best of all? This SLA printer sports a massive build volume of 192mm by 120mm by 245mm. For those out there stuck in imperial units, that’s big.
Pros
- High-resolution SLA printing is as accurate as 0.01mm
- Although the max build size is very large, the vertical design of the printer gives it a small footprint for saving space
Cons
- Fairly pricey
Anycubic Photon Zero 3D Printer
Inexpensive Perfection
If you’re a tinkerer with tight funds or a beginner looking to get a jumpstart on 3D printing, you can’t go wrong with the Photon Zero. It’s an entry-level machine, so don’t expect super-advanced features or accuracy; however, this inexpensive option offers the same stability and precision that we’ve come to expect from Anycubic. The resolution of the prints is within the order of magnitude of 0.01mm. Combine that resolution with the anti-aliasing setting turned on, and you can rest assured that your models will come out detailed and beautiful. Best of all, it’s basically good to go right out of the box, so with the Photon Zero, you can expect to start printing quickly.
Pros
- User-friendly interface and setup
- Includes software to get you started
- Comes with everything you need (besides the resin), such as gloves and scraper tools
Cons
- Small build plate
- Doesn’t come with resin
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between FDM and MSLA printers?
FDM printers, or fused deposition modeling printers, use thermoplastic filaments to feed a heated nozzle. In other words, the plastic on these printers is provided by a filament. These are the most common types of 3D printers since they’re relatively simple in design and low in cost.
SLA printers, or stereolithography printers, use a liquid resin instead of a filament. Instead of printing the 3D model through a nozzle, SLA printers develop the model within the resin compound by selectively hardening layers using lasers. These printers are popular among engineers and advanced printers since they offer greater precision and detail. MSLA printers, or mask stereolithography printers, are a type of SLA printer with some unique features that make them fast and precise.
What plastic do I need to buy for my printer of choice?
Not all printers use the same type of thermoplastic, so make sure to double-check the manual or product listing before choosing. Generally, SLA printers use a UV-sensitive resin, while FDM printers commonly use filaments made of ABS, PLSA, PVA, or TPU materials.
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