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 Renishaw RenAM 500Q, the Four-Laser Metal 3D Printer
The Renishaw RenAM 500Q is part of the well-known British manufacturer’s RenAM 500 series of metal powder bed fusion. All machines in this range have a build volume of 250mm x 250mm x 350mm and boast features like the company’s intelligent gas flow system, precision dynamic control and dedicated software for connected digital workflows. What sets the 500Q apart is its integration of four lasers, allowing for a high productivity multi-laser system which is well suited for making high quality parts at a lower cost and faster (building up to 150 cc/hour). Renishaw also highlights the fact that with this machine, it is possible to achieve a 99.9% density for your final part as well as maximized strength and ductility no matter where it is placed on the build plate.
ProJet MJP 2500 / 2500 Plus, 3DSystem’s Offering for Jewelry, Medical and More
The ProJet MJP 2500 / 2500 Plus is a printer from the American manufacturer 3D Systems that prints using MultiJet technology. This proprietary technology belongs to the group of material jetting processes. The printer can be used to print high-performance and durable parts at high speed and in high quality. The maximum volume is 295 x 211 x 142 mm. The printer can achieve a very high resolution in the printed parts thanks to the ultra-high definition mode. 3D Systems recommends using its VisiJet materials with the ProJet MJP 2500 / 2500 Plus. The range of these materials is extremely diverse, including elastomers, high-temperature and biocompatible materials, as well as wax materials, which the printer can process. The ProJet MJP 2500 / 2500 Plus is therefore suitable for the production of parts for various applications, including concept models, prototypes, devices, medical parts or models for the jewelry industry.
Photo Credits: 3D Systems
Stratasys Origin One 3D Printer, the Company’s First Foray Into DLP 3D Printing
After additive manufacturing giant Stratasys acquired Origin, a company dedicated to resin 3D printing, under its name, it expanded into the realm of vat photopolymerization. Not only did it acquire materials (resins), for additive manufacturing, but in addition to that it acquired Origin’s DLP 3D printer, the Origin One. This printer entered the market in 2019, one year before the acquisition of this company by Stratasys. It is a professional printer designed to produce resin-printed parts on an industrial level. With a print volume of 192 x 108 x 350 mm, this printer has earned its place in the market thanks to its printing speed and precision in detail. Moreover, it is not an industry-specific printer; the Origin One can be used in a wide range of sectors, from biocompatible medical equipment to aerospace-grade components.
Photo Credits: Stratasys
The Metal Jet S100, the First Metal Additive Manufacturing Solution From HP
The American 3D printing solution manufacturer HP is well-known for its Multi Jet Fusion technology and its polymer machines. But did you know that it also has entered into the metal additive manufacturing market? The Metal Jet S100 from HP is a metal 3D printer designed for industrial applications and was launched in 2022. The technology for the printer is the “HP Metal Jet” process, a form of metal binder jetting, and it measures 2975 x 1350 x 2410 mm, with a maximum print volume is 430 x 309 x 200 mm. The S100 is suitable for use with stainless steel powders, for example, which can also be found in the manufacturer’s range. The minimum print density of the printer is 35 µm. In addition, HP’s Metal Jet not only includes the 3D printer with integrated heat treatment system, but also a powder management machine and a depowdering station. Finally, the end-to-end manufacturing system offers its users the ability to produce parts in various batch sizes.
The Creality CR-10 Smart 3D Printer
The Creality CR-10 Smart, the successor to Creality’s popular CR-10 3D printer, is a feature-heavy consumer 3D printer designed for advanced versatility, while still providing ease of use. Offering a print volume of 300 x 300 x 400mm and a minimum precision of 100 microns, it accommodates a variety of printing needs. With compatibility for PLA, ABS, and TPU filaments and a heating plate reaching 100°C, users can work with different materials efficiently. The CR-10’s printing stability is improved through a double Z-axis and double diagonal drawbar, while a user-friendly touch interface, available in multiple languages, simplifies operation. The printer is also equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling wireless printing and on-the-go monitoring through the Creality Cloud application. Notably, the printer produces virtually no sound during operation, as it relies on a silent 32-bit motherboard, complemented by energy-saving features such as an automatic sleep mode and shutdown. With its modern design and 6-step assembly, the CR-10 offers beginners and experienced users a reliable, user-friendly 3D printing experience.
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.
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