In the rapidly evolving landscape of 3D printing technology, innovation and competition have led to the launch of numerous cutting-edge machines that promise to revolutionize industries and democratize production. As we enter 2024, five new professional 3D printers have made a splash in the global market, showcasing unparalleled features, capabilities, and price points. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of these high-end 3D printing solutions, exploring what makes them stand out and what they can bring to the table for professionals and industries alike.
Maker’s Muse: The LulzBot Mini 2
The LulzBot Mini 2, an upgraded iteration of the popular LulzBot Mini, boasts an impressive 3D printing experience. With a robust and compact design, this printer offers a 15.5 inch (3.9 cm) build volume and a user-friendly interface. What sets it apart is its exceptional print quality, thanks to a 3D printed Z-axis cable management system, which minimizes vibrations and wobbles, resulting in razor-sharp details and precision. The LulzBot Mini 2 is also open-source, allowing users to tweak and customize settings to their heart’s content. Its upgradeability, reliability, and reasonable price point (starting at $2,495) make it an attractive choice for professionals and educational institutions.
MIG Systems: The Matrix 3D Printer
The Matrix 3D Printer from MIG Systems is a significant step forward in large-scale 3D printing. This behemoth of a machine boasts a massive 30 x 24 x 24 inch build volume, making it perfect for rapid prototyping, production, and manufacturing. The Matrix features a cutting-edge fiducial markerless alignment system, automating the calibration process and reducing setup time by up to 90%. Its modular design allows for easy upgrading and maintenance, and its SEPS (Smart Extrusion Predictive System) technology ensures consistent extrusion and reduced material usage. Although it comes with a hefty price tag (starting at $24,995), the Matrix 3D Printer promises unparalleled productivity and reliability for high-volume users.
Form 3
Formlabs, the industry leader in stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing, has unveiled its latest flagship model, the Form 3. This high-end printer boasts an impressive 9.5 x 7 x 19.7 inch build volume, with the ability to handle a wide range of resins, from flexible materials to advanced photopolymer materials. The Form 3’s proprietary Low-Viscosity Resin (LVR) technology enables the use of thinner resins, resulting in faster print times and reduced material costs. Furthermore, its Wi-Fi connectivity, touchless sensing system, and automated resin droplet creation make the process smoother and more efficient. With a price tag of $3,499, the Form 3 is an investment for demanding applications in industries like biotech, medical, and reverse engineering.
Ultimaker: The Ultimaker 3
The Dutch company Ultimaker has been a long-time player in the FFF (fused filament fabrication) market, and its latest offering, the Ultimaker 3, is a significant upgrade. Boasting a 15.7 x 12.2 x 12.2 inch build volume, this printer is designed for speed and reliability, with a focus on large-format prototyping and production. The Ultimaker 3 features a unique double-extrusion system, allowing for the use of different materials and colors in a single print. Its wizard-based user interface and extensive documentation make it user-friendly, while its modular design allows for easy maintenance and upgrading. With a competitive price point (starting at $2,499), the Ultimaker 3 is an attractive option for those seeking a high-performance, high-volume 3D printer.
Prusa: The Prusa i3
The Prusa i3 is a force to be reckoned with in the world of open-source 3D printing, offering an unbeatable price-to-performance ratio. With a compact 10.2 x 8.2 x 8.2 inch build volume, this printer is perfect for small-scale prototyping, hobbyists, and educational purposes. The i3 features a highly customizable, DIY-oriented design, allowing users to upgrade and modify their printer to their heart’s content. Its impressive print quality, coupled with a price point of $699 (including open-sourced hardware and software), makes it an attractive choice for those looking to dip their toes into the world of 3D printing.
As the 3D printing landscape continues to evolve, it’s clear that innovation and competition are driving the development of cutting-edge technology. The five new professional 3D printers discussed in this article offer unparalleled capabilities, features, and pricing options for professionals, educators, and hobbyists alike. Whether you’re a seasoned industry expert or a newcomer to the world of 3D printing, there’s something for everyone in this list. By exploring these new additions to the 3D printing market, we can unlock new possibilities for rapid prototyping, production, and innovation, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and democratizing access to 3D printing technology.
Daguang focuses on providing solutions such as precision CNC machining services (3-axis, 4-axis, 5-axis machining), CNC milling, 3D printing and rapid prototyping services.
