Choosing a 3D Printer: A Closer Look at 5 Models on the Market

The additive manufacturing industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with projections indicating that the 3D printer market will more than double in the next decade. According to a report by Grand View Research, the number of shipped 3D printers is expected to reach 21.5 million by 2030. Consequently, the market now offers an increased variety of 3D printers. From FDM to SLS to DED and more, there are numerous options available for each 3D printing technology. However, this wide selection can make it challenging to make the right choice. To assist you in navigating the market, we feature five printers each month in our comprehensive comparison, which encompasses hundreds of 3D printers, including desktop, RepRap/kit, professional, and industrial models. Check out the selection below to discover the current popular choices!

The ZYYX Pro II MC

Developed by manufacturer ZYYX Labs, the ZYYX Pro II MC 3D printer is a desktop FDM solution compatible with a wide portfolio of filaments, including metal- and ceramic-filled materials. It offers a print volume of 285 x 235 x 210 mm and a maximum extrusion temperature of 275°C. It incorporates a number of features that will enable you to control your printing process, such as automatic platen leveling, filament control in the event of breakage, and a heated chamber to guarantee a constant printing environment, thus preventing possible deformation. The ZYYX Pro II MC 3D printer is ideal for designing tooling, functional prototypes and small series. Thanks to its size and virtually silent power supply, it fits perfectly into any working environment.

(Photo Credits: ZYYX Labs)

The Liquid Crystal Opus 3D Printer

The Liquid Crystal Opus 3D printer from British manufacturer Photocentric is an open-source machine featuring LCD light-curing technology. The machine works with a process patented by the manufacturer called Vat-Lift. It offers a large print volume of 310 x 174 x 220 mm and comes pre-assembled. According to Photocentric, the Liquid Crystal Opus 3D printer features high printing speed, with a polymerization rate of 2 seconds per layer, and 50 µm layers. In terms of resolution, the Liquid Crystal Opus achieves an accuracy of 95% or more for layer thicknesses below 100 micrometers, and 70% for layer thicknesses below 50 micrometers. The printer has practical applications in a variety of industries, including the medical and dental sectors and the automotive aftermarket.

The AconityMIDI+

The AconityMIDI+ is a 3D printer from the German company Aconity3D GmbH. The company specializes primarily in metal machines for industrial applications, including the automotive and aerospace sectors. The AconityMIDI+ uses laser-melting technology on a powder bed and has dimensions of 2,700 mm x 1,800 mm x 3,000 mm. It features an advanced multi-material powder deposition system that enables the manufacture of bi-metal parts and also has a maximum scanning speed of 12 meters per second. Moreover, the machine is equipped with an interchangeable processing chamber, enabling rapid changeover times and, therefore, reduced part costs. It also features high-temperature preheating up to 1,000°C and a process monitoring system that guarantees quality assurance and material flexibility. The option of using up to four lasers considerably increases the printer’s productivity.

(Photo Credits: Aconity3D GmbH)

The X25Pro

Desktop Metal’s X25Pro is a versatile and scalable binder jet 3D printer designed for use with a variety of materials, including metal, ceramic, and composite. Launched in 2020, this mid-volume printer features advanced Triple ACT compaction technology and industrial piezoelectric printheads, ensuring precision and high-density builds. Additionally, the X25Pro supports a wide range of materials, including ultra-fine metal injection molding powders, ceramics, and coarse sands, offering enhanced flexibility for prototyping and mass-production applications. It also boasts a maximum build volume of 250 x 400 x 250mm with layer thicknesses ranging from 30 to 200 µm. Moreover, it can print with a resolution of up to 800dpi and a build rate of 1,800cc/hr. Equipped with features such as an open material platform and a non-inerted chamber environment, the X25Pro is ideal for continuous 24/7 production, delivering high repeatability and sintered part densities exceeding 97%.

(Photo Credits: Desktop Metal)

The DragonFly IV

The DragonFly IV, developed by Nano Dimension, is a multi-material 3D printer specialized for electronic additive manufacturing. It employs proprietary technology that combines inkjet printing with nano-inks to produce electronic components. The printer has a print volume of 160 mm x 160 mm x 3 mm and offers a precision of 18 µm in the x and y axes, and 10 µm in the z-axis. It uses optimized silver nanoparticles and dielectric inks, delivered through two print heads—one for conductive ink and one for dielectric ink—that self-clean at regular intervals for continuous operation. Weighing 520 kg, the DragonFly IV is suitable for use in the automotive, aerospace, and medical sectors, as well as for consumer goods and research applications.

(Photo Credits: Nano Dimension)

Which 3D printer would you choose? Which 3D printing technology is most relevant to your business? Let us know in a comment below or on our LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter here, the latest 3D printing news straight to your inbox! You can also find all our videos on our YouTube channel.