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 reached 2.2 million in 2021 and 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 in 3D printers!

The Carmel 1400C 3D Printer From XJet

The Israeli company XJet is known for its pioneering material jetting technology, specifically its patented NanoParticle Jetting™ (NPJ) technology for the production of metal and ceramic parts. The process involves spraying liquid inks containing solid metallic or ceramic nanoparticles onto the build platform instead of powders, creating the finished object layer by layer. The company’s Carmel 1400C solution is an industrial 3D printer that prints ceramic, end-use parts – alumina, zirconia and soluble support materials – which are characterized by their high level of detail, precision and surface finish. The technology offers not only high quality, but also high throughput rates and short production times. The Carmel 1400C can be used in a variety of industries and enables a wide range of ceramic parts to be printed at the same time. With a weight of 3000 kg, it has overall dimensions of 3100 × 2120 × 1850 mm and a maximum build volume of 500 x 140 x 200 mm. A heated printing bed, a closed printing chamber and a touchscreen are also integrated into the printer.

The Kobra 2 Max 3D Printer From AnyCubic

The Kobra 2 Max is a 3D printer from Chinese manufacturer Anycubic that uses FDM technology. Its optimized design and robust structure make it an attractive option for both beginners and experienced users looking for a large, high-speed 3D printer. With support for PLA, ABS, PETG and TPU filaments and a build plate that reaches 90°C, users can work with different materials efficiently. In terms of technical features, it is a large-format, dual Z-axis, dual-motor 3D printer that stands out for its 420 x 420 x 500 mm print volume. It offers a high printing speed of up to 500 mm/s, with a 1.2 GHz Cortex-A7 core processor that optimizes performance. It features 49-point auto-leveling, vibration compensation and filament flow control to ensure accurate and reliable prints. In addition, through Anycubic’s mobile application, users can control their prints, access a library of models, monitor their work in real time and via video, remotely control the printer, among other functions.

The InnoventX 3D Printer From Desktop Metal

Desktop Metal’s InnoventX is a versatile and affordable binder jet 3D printer, offering high-density and near-net-shape printing for an extensive range of metals, ceramics, and composite materials. The printer is compatible with both high and low-throughput materials, enabled by its Triple ACT Powder Compaction technology. This, and its piezoelectric print head system, ensures exceptional detail, maintaining tight tolerances while delivering superior surface quality. Furthermore, the InnoventX boasts an open-material platform, allowing users to leverage a vast selection of powders, from common stainless steels and alloys to sand and advanced ceramics, with a D50 of 3 to 100 µm. The printer offers a generous build volume of 160 x 65 x 65 mm to accommodate a variety of production needs, and has a max build rate of 54 cc/hr for efficient, cost-effective production. Celebrated for its high-quality surface finish and user-friendly operation, the InnoventX has become a preferred choice for 3D printing in prominent academic institutions and industrial settings worldwide.

Photo Credits: Desktop Metal

The DMP70 Series From 3DMicroPrint

German company 3D MicroPrint GmbH is specialized in the creation of solutions for micro metal parts using the company’s Micro Laser Sintering technology. Among these, we can count the DMP70 series, which is the latest machine generation for MicroPrint’s technology, improving upon previous models. For the 3D printer itself, it uses a 50-watt, infrared fiber laser and has a build volume of 60 x 60 x 30 mm and a layer thickness between 1 µm and 5 µm. In the chamber, there is a purified argon atmosphere with a gas tight design, air locks and rapid transfer ports and a zero-point clamping system. The DMP70 has a reduced footprint, weight and cost as compared to the DMP63 as well as CE and UL conformity, a pneumatic shock absorber for rough environments and an optimized machine design for reduced material loss, which is important for precious metals.

Photo Credits: 3D MicroPrint

Shape 1+ Dental From RAYSHAPE

The RAYSHAPE Shape 1 + Dental is, as the name suggests, a 3D printer designed specifically for dental applications. The Chinese company RAYSHAPE focuses on a variety of applications with its resin 3D printers and provides several solutions for the dental sector. However, the Shape +1 Dental stands out above all for its speed and user-friendliness. The printer uses Digital Light Processing (DLP), a technology that is valued among resin processes for its speed. The Shape 1+ Dental is able to print 40 mm per hour. In this way, for example, around 14 surgical templates can be printed in just 30 minutes, as the printer has a print volume of 192 x 108 x 200 mm. Weighing 26 kg and measuring 420 x 400 x 604 mm, it is perfect for dental practices looking for a powerful desktop printer. With the RAYSHAPE Shape 1+ Dental, various dental applications can be realized, including models, splints, aligners, crowns and many more. Thanks to the open material system, resins from different suppliers can also be used.

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.