A 3D printer can be thought of as a “machine that makes things”—a desktop object factory. Unlike traditional manufacturing processes, this process does not use any cutting or welding tools and is therefore considered to be more environmentally friendly than other methods used for producing finished products such as injection molding and machining.
3D printers are not just for making toys and household items. A growing number of people are using them to create everything from miniature sculptures to functional medical devices for human use.
The term “3D printing” refers to the process of creating three-dimensional objects on a machine called a 3D printer (also known as additive manufacturing or AM). The machines can create objects layer by layer, following computer instructions that specify exactly how each new piece is put together.
Let’s take a look at the best brands of 3D printers in the world today:
9. Formlabs Form 1
Formlabs Form 1 is a desktop 3D printer that makes use of stereolithography or SLA technology. It has an array of laser beams which are used to solidify liquid photopolymer resin between each layer and build the object in three dimensions. This process uses light energy, allowing for much faster production times than other methods such as extrusion or powder bed fusion. The result is a highly detailed print made up of hundreds, if not thousands, of individual blocks of material.
8. MakerBot Replicator 2X
MakerBot’s second-generation 3D printer is dedicated to making products in large volumes and comes with a larger build volume (225x220mm), 20 percent faster printing speeds, dual extruder design for better adhesion of materials, 100 micron layer resolution and the ability to print on any type of material including metals such as stainless steel and titanium as well as plastic or resin plastics. It also features WiFi connectivity and can be controlled via smartphone app.
7. Objet Eden 260V 3D Printer
The Objet Eden is a professional-grade desktop 3D printer with a range of features including dual extruder heads, a patented composite filament process and additional materials such as carbon fiber composites which can be fused together in layers to create complex shapes at high resolution. It also comes with an integrated computer via USB port and a web interface for rapid setup, slicing software to design the objects before printing and custom-designed enclosures that can be fitted precisely.
6. Monoprice Maker Select Plus 3D Printer
The Monoprice Maker Select is an affordable desktop 3D printer aimed at hobbyists who want to print prototypes at home but don’t require huge build volumes or complex features such as dual extruders or desktop computers. It has a maximum build volume of 200 x 200 x 180mm and a relatively low resolution (100 microns) but is still capable of creating parts with a complex shape using the stereolithography process. It has an automated bed leveling feature, separate power supply for each extruder nozzle and can print on different materials including wood or metal.
5. Flashforge Creator Pro 3D Printer
The FlashForge Creator Pro is one of the most sophisticated desktop 3D printers in its class that comes with a large build volume (150 x 227 x 148mm) and a dual extruder design. It features two hot end heads to increase print speed, high-speed electronics for improved reliability and custom software that controls the machine’s user interface including LCD display, printer menu settings and start/stop button. The ability to print on different materials such as wood or composite plastics is also included.
4. MakerGear M2 1st Gen 3D Printer
The MakerGear M2 is an upgraded version of the MakerGear M1 and is a more affordable alternative to the Replicator 2X. It has a capacity for printing objects up to 203 x 254 x 203mm, dual extruders and can print on both plastic or resin materials.
3. Monoprice Select Mini 3D Printer
The Monoprice Select Mini is another entry-level desktop 3D printer that’s suitable for hobbyists who want to try out the process without spending a lot of money or for those who want to print objects on their own but only require small volumes. It has a 120 x 120 x 120mm build volume, dual extruder design and an integrated computer that controls all of its functions including software slicing, auto-calibration and other user-friendly features such as LCD display.
2. LulzBot Mini Delta 3D Printer
The Lulzbot Mini is one of the smallest desktop 3D printers in the world and has a maximum build volume of 152 x 152 x 158mm. It’s capable of printing with plastic or resin materials using multiple colors, can be controlled via smartphone app and comes with an integrated computer that allows for the use of software slicing tools to create 3D models before printing.
1. Ultimaker 2 Extended Edition
The Ultimaker 2 is a high-end desktop 3D printer that has been used to produce objects in industries such as aerospace, medicine and military. It’s able to print with plastic or resin materials using multiple colors, has an enclosure with three separate air filters, dual extruders for improved material adhesion and an auto-calibration feature that works out the exact distance between each of the printed layers.
Ultimaker’s second-generation 3D printer is dedicated to making products in large volumes and comes with a larger build volume (342 x 460 x 580mm), 20 percent faster printing speeds, dual extruder design for better adhesion of materials, 60 micron maximum recommended layer resolution and the ability to print on any type of material including metals such as stainless steel and titanium. It also features WiFi connectivity and can be controlled via smartphone app.
Conclusion
3D printers are the next big thing in additive manufacturing, and it’s becoming more accessible to consumers every day. As technology advances and prices come down, we should be seeing a lot more 3D printing being used for many things from helping people create their own prototypes to creating functional medical devices. It’s also a great way to bring new ideas and concepts to life before they’re even thought of, saving people time and money.
There are many different types of 3D printers on the market with each manufacturer offering their own unique features, but there is one thing that remains constant: The fact is that using these machines makes for more efficient processes in terms of the speed at which things can be created while cutting down on waste by eliminating the need for finishing materials or labour costs