We’ve created this overview to help you find the best 3D printer in the category: filament deposition. The list is divided in two sections: 3D printers for professionals, and plug and play 3D printers for in the classroom.
We regularly update this list, so you can always check back to find out what the best 3D printers in each category are.
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Best 3D Printers for Professionals
Professional 3D printers can be quite strenuous on a buyer’s budget but their utility should not be under-stated. These devices are for anyone looking for a serious, high-quality, production-grade workhorse. They are much larger and are often made to process a wide range of filament, including high-strength polymers like Nylon. These are professional machines for complex 3D printing duties.
CraftBot FLOW IDEX XL
- - Plug and Play - Easy setup
- - Independent Dual Extruder System (IDEX)
- - New Pr3dator Motherboard - for maximum print speed
- - Heated & removable print bed
- - Mesh bed leveling to simplify the calibration process
- - 4GB internal storage
- - 5" color touchscreen
- - Dual Drive filament feeder
- - 5 year warranty!
Ultimaker S5 Pro Bundle
- Ultimaker S5 – the award-winning, composite-ready dual extrusion FFF 3D printer
- Material Station – a 6-spool pre-feeder with humidity control that automatically switches between materials
- Air Manager – a top enclosure with a material-matching adaptive EPA filter
MakerBot METHOD X
Features
- - Print with a wide range of materials
- - Easy deployment and operation
- - Circulated heated chamber (110°C)
- - Sturdy metal frame construction
- - Dual performance extruders
- - Optimized material storage
Modix BIG-60
- - Large print volume of 600 x 600 x 660 mm
- - Duet 2 Wifi, 32Bit controller developed by Duet3D
- - Reprap Firmware developed and supported by Duet3D
- - 7 inch touchscreen made by Duet3D
- - E3D Titan Aero extruder with E3D Volcano hotend
Best 3D Printers for Schools
Since 3D printing is becoming more accessible to everyone, there has been a clamour for plug-and-play educational 3D printers. Classrooms are already gearing up to use 3D printers as new teaching tools. The market has responded in kind by introducing a new class of 3D printers ideal for in the classroom.
The must-haves for educational printers can vary. However, a good general rule is anything that simplifies the system and makes 3D printing safe. Think of assisted (or fully automatic) bed leveling, a closed print chamber and removable bed. This category primarily judges the printers on ease-of-use, diversity of functions and versatility.
CraftBot FLOW
- - Plug and Play - Easy setup
- - Maintenance tools included
- - Heated & removable print bed
- - Mesh bed leveling to simplify the calibration process
- - 4GB internal storage
- - Raspberry Pi is the engine of HMI
- - 5" color touchscreen
- - Dual Drive filament feeder
- - 5 year warranty!
Ultimaker S3
- Network connectivity: Print via Wi-Fi, LAN, cloud, or with USB
- Touch screen: Effortless operation via an award-winning user interface
- Advanced active leveling: Reliable first-layer adhesion, enables unattended use
- Front enclosure: Improved printing environment for better print results
- Flow sensor: Stay informed when filament runs out to increase print success
- Easy setup and monitoring: With NFC material recognition and internal camera
- Composite materials compatible: Print parts with high strength and unique properties
Dremel DigiLab 3D45
Features:
- - Can print a wide range of specialty materials, including nylon
- - Remote monitoring with built-in HD camera
- - Queue your prints via cloud print management software
- - Carbon Filters
- - Easy to stack (perfect for schools, maker spaces, print farms)
Dremel DigiLab 3D40 Flex
Features:
- - Flexible and removable build plate
- - Wi-Fi enabled cloud printing
- - Perfect for beginner and intermediate K-12 education institutions
MakerBot SKETCH Classroom Bundle
The bundle includes
- - (2) MakerBot SKETCH 3D Printers
- - (4) spools of MakerBot SKETCH PLA Filament (1kg)
- - (2) spools of MakerBot SKETCH PLA Filament (250g)
- - (2) seats for MakerBot Teacher Certification
- - (10) seats for MakerBot Student Certification
Bernie Lobb says
A very interesting list which certainly opened my eyes as to the direction and limits that are available.
It might have been interesting to see a section on 3D printers that can 3D print buildings. I am certainly interested to see what is currently available (not that I want to buy one!) And what the future may hold for housing.
Peter Strikwerda says
Hi Bernie, take a look here or here.
Akshay says
This is a great list of 3d printers. I am a beginner and want to get a 3d printer which is easy to use and yes is affordable, maybe under $500. I am on the same side confused which one to get because I don’t want to spoil my first impressions on this kinda printer. Can you help me decide? By the way, Tronxy X5S looks good to me… is it really great for a beginner?
Thanks!
Peter Strikwerda says
Hi Akshay! The Tronxy X5S is not a 3D printer for a beginner.
Dhruv says
I have two requirements:
– Must have a build volume of at least 325 W 325 L 120 H
– Must be under $2000 USD
Any suggestions?
Peter Strikwerda says
You can use our compare tool to filter 3d printers.
Bob says
How would you rate the Creality CR-10S5 against this list?
The Modix Big 60 V2 would work for what I’m wanting to do but I’m not clear on the added value given it’s 3x the cost.
I’m wanting a good print size as I will be doing large pieces and would prefer not to have to go to 3 or 4 sections to get them to fit together (rough dimensions are 42″ x 36″ by 12″h).
The 42″ section will have to be 3 sections by design so a 20″ printer seems like it will be fine to keep the large middle section (38″) to 2 pieces.
Ultimately I would like to print in aluminum but I can live with outsourcing the printing at that point (once the design is confirmed to work).
I would appreciate hearing your thoughts.
Peter Strikwerda says
First off, the parts that Modix uses are of better quality. Modix also offers an optional closed print chamber which you might need when printing large parts (prevent warping).