2017 has been on its way for a while now and so we thought it was about time to make a list of the best 3D printers to buy in 2017. Some of the 3D printers on the list we’ve tested ourselves and some were recommended by experts in our network.
The article has 5 categories and each category will goes over the top 5 pertaining to those qualities.
- Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers
- Best 3D Printers for the classroom
- Best Industrial Grade 3D Printers
- Best Open Source 3D Printer
- Best Resin 3D printers (SLA / DLP)
Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers
Dual head printers really took off this year. The entire concept has promoted continuous printing and overall production speed for FFF / FDM machines. They also enable complex, multi-color prints and add options like syncing and mirroring to the arsenal of machines that are already quite impressive. Independent dual extruders have also set the scene for more trust-worthy and consistent quality.
| 3D printer | Ships from | Type | Print area | Assembly | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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STACKER S2 | USA | Independent dual | 15.3 x 12.4 x 20.7 inches | Fully assembled | $7,995.00 |
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MakerGear M3 Independent Dual | USA | Independent dual | 8.0 x 10.0 x 8.0 inches | Fully assembled | $2,999.00 |
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BCN3D Sigma R17 | Spain | Independent dual | 8.3 x 11.7 x 8.3 inches | Fully assembled | $2,572.00 |
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Leapfrog Bolt | The Netherlands | Independent dual | 13 x 12.6 x 8.1 inches | Fully assembled | $6,999.00 |
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Ultimaker 3 | USA | Normal dual | 7.8 x 8.5 x 7.9 inches | Fully assembled | $3,495.00 |
Best 3D Printers for the classroom
Since 3D printing is becoming more accessible to everyone, there has been a clamouring for low-cost educational printers. Classrooms are already gearing up to set up printers as new teaching tools. The market has responded in kind by introducing a new class of printers (and 3D pens) specifically meant kids and newcomers.
The must-haves for educational printers can vary. However, a good general rule is anything that simplifies the system and makes printing safer. Think of assisted (or fully automatic) bed leveling, a closed print chamber (to prevent burns) and a removable / flexible print bed (to make removing prints from the print bed easier and safer). This category primarily judges the printers on ease-of-use, diversity of functions and versatility.
These are 2017’s the best additions to this emerging market.
| 3D printer | Ships from | Closed chamber | Bed leveling | Flex buildplate | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Sindoh 3DWOX DP201 | USA | Yes | Manual (assisted) | Yes | $1,299.00 |
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Tiertime UP BOX+ | USA | Yes | Fully automatic | No | $1,899.00 |
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Dremel Idea Builder 3D40-01 | USA | Yes | Manual (assisted) | No | $1,299.00 |
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XYZprinting da Vinci 1.0 Pro | USA | Yes | Manual (assisted) | No | $599.99 |
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MakerBot Replicator+ | USA | No | Manual (assisted) | Yes | $2,479.02 |
Best Industrial Grade 3D Printers
Industrial grade 3D printers are gaining prominence everywhere. The greatest innovations are increases in print heads and new materials. Companies are also setting themselves apart by varying their designs with heated chambers and multiple (5 or 6 axes).
| 3D printer | Ships from | No. of extruders | Print area | Max nozzle temp | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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STACKER S4 | USA | Four | 14.0 x 20.7 x 25.6 inches | 572 °F / 300 °C | $10,995.00 |
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Markforged Mark Two | USA | Two | 12.6 x 5.2 x 6.1 inches | 527 °F / 275 °C | $13,499.00 |
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Raise3D N2 Plus | USA | Two | 12.0 x 12.0 x 24.0 inches | 572 °F / 300 °C | $3,823.37 |
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Intamsys Funmat HT | Hong Kong | One | 10.2 x 10.2 x 10.2 inches | 752 °F / 400 °C | $5,000.00 |
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Airwolf 3D AXIOM 20 Dual Direct Drive | USA | Two | 12.5 x 12.0 x 20.0 inches | 599 °F / 315 °C | $9,995.00 |
Best Open Source 3D Printer
3D printers, like so many technologies today, are in a state of constant improvement. Open sourced printers and printer parts are a large part of moving us towards better technologies. Open source technologies have clear advantages: they are easy to upgrade, there’s more resources to learn from and dedicated communities looking to help everyone make their prints better.
| 3D printer | Ships from | Lead time | Print area | Assembly | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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LulzBot Mini | USA | 1-3 days | 6.0 x 6.0 x 6.2 inches | Semi assembled | $1,250.00 |
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Original Prusa i3 MK2S kit | Czech Republic | 7 weeks | 9.8 x 8.3 x 8.0 inches | DIY Kit | $845.79 |
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SeeMeCNC Rostock MAX v3 | USA | 1 week | 10.4 D x 15.7 H inches | DIY Kit | $924.00 |
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gCreate gMax 1.5 XT+ | USA | 1-3 days | 16.0 x 16.0 x 21.0 inches | Fully assembled | $2,995.00 |
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JellyBOX “Makers” DIY Kit | USA | 1-3 days | 6.7 x 6.3 x 5.7 inches | DIY Kit | $799.00 |
Best Resin 3D printers (SLA / DLP)
SLA and DLP have seen an upsurge in interest the past few years. When you are looking for a 3d printer that’s able to print with really high detail (for miniatures or jewelry), a resin based printer is what you need. As research and development goes along, companies are finding faster ways to develop prints with light sourcing.
DLP and SLA are already being used to make jewelry and dental endproduct appliances along with many other objects. While print fragility and speed are still issues, many industries have taken a shine to light curable raises and UV based methods of printing.
| 3D printer | Ships from | Technology | Print area | Material system | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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B9Creations B9 Core 550 | USA | SLA | 3.8 × 2.1 × 5.0 inches | Open material system | $9,955.00 |
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Hyvision Cubicon Lux | Singapore | DLP | 3.9 × 2.9 × 5.7 inches | Closed material system | $4,177.00 |
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Formlabs Form 2 | USA | SLA | 5.7 × 5.7 × 6.9 inches | Closed material system | $3,499.00 |
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XYZprinting Nobel 1.0a | USA | SLA | 5.0 x 5.0 x 7.9 inches | Closed material system | $1,932.37 |
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WANHAO Duplicator 7 | China | SLA | 4.7 x 2.7 x 7.9 inches | Closed material system | $347.00 |
Best large scale FFF / FDM 3D Printers
For an overview of the best FFF/ FDM extra large 3D printers, please read our article: the best large scale FFF / FDM 3D printers.
Conclusion
Did we forget a 3D printer that we should really add to this list? Let us know in the comments below or contact us.
I think the Up box is a great machine, I have had mine for a year now and it has being the best printer I’ve seen in years, I have worked for Mcor Technologies installing printers into fab shops around the world, every site I was in that had an Up mini loved the machine. The Up Box has been great. Maintenance is being tiny as I haven’t even changed a nozzle yet.