Which is the best large format 3D printer you should buy? Read our guide for recommendations of the best models that offer excellent performance and value for your money.
Most 3D printers have relatively small build volumes. This is mainly because most manufacturers target hobby 3D enthusiasts and small businesses. In fact, most 3D printers on the market have a build volume of 6 inches or less.
However, what if you need to print a 3D model that is larger than 1:200 on the architecture scale? For such a model, you’ll need an advanced 3D printing machine with a larger build volume.
Generally, large 3D printers require a little bit of more setup and maintenance than plug-and-play 3D printers for beginners. Therefore, you should be ready for some hands-on DIY sessions if you will be going for a large format 3D printer.
Large format 3D printers come in handy during product development stages that require rapid prototyping. When you have one of these printers, you won’t have to worry about investing in a full-scale industrial additive manufacturing solution.
EDITOR’S PICKS: BEST LARGE FORMAT 3D PRINTERS3D PRINTER | CATEGORY | OVERVIEW |
Raise3D Pro2 Plus | Industrial Option | The Raise3D Pro2 Plus is the best large format 3D printer on the market. This unit has a dual extruder, boasts of a 305 x 305 x 305 mm build volume, wireless connectivity and more features.
READ FULL REVIEW | CHECK PRICE |
Modix Big60 V3 | Best Balance Between Desktop and Industrial Option | The Modix Bg60 V3 has a build volume of 600 x 600 x 660 mm. Other features of this large format 3D printer include a heated bed with dual-zone silicon heater and PEI print surface, automatic bed leveling, and a filament sensor. |
Creality CR-10S Pro V2 | Budget Option | If you are looking for a budget large format 3D printer, get the Creality CR-10S Pro V2. This printer powerful and reliable printer has a build volume of 300 x 300 x 400 mm and is one of the affordable options on the market. |
Best Large Format 3D Printers
Below are the best large format 3D printers with an enviable build volume. As expected, the larger the build volume, the higher the cost of the printer.
This list contains both consumer-grade 3D printers that cost under $1000 to professional grade machines that cost much more.
If you are not sure what unit to buy, make sure you check our article on the factors to consider when choosing a large format 3D printer.
What Are You Looking For?
- Consumer Large Format 3D printers (Under $1000)
- Industrial Large Format 3D Printer (Over $1000)
Best Large Format 3D Printers for Consumers (Under $1000)
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1. Tronxy X5SA
CHECK PRICE ON AMAZON | GEEKBUYING | 3D PRINTERS ONLINE STORE
Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 330 x 330 x 400 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 1 | Filament Diameter | 1.7 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 40 μm | Connectivity | USB, TF card |
Printing Speed | 100 mm/s | Material | PLA, ABS, HIPS, PC, PVC |
Open Source | No | Market Price | $360 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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The popularity of the budget-friendly Tronxy X5S has led to the release of new iterations, including the Tronxy X5SA and the X5SA Pro. Both of these 3D printers feature the familiar box design and have a double Z-axis, which helps to make the printing more stable.
The Tronxy X5SA has a single-row design that makes it look tidier. Other features of this machine that make it better than the X5S include an improved fan, a larger touchscreen, and a silicone sleeve that regulates the nozzle temperature better.
Troxy X5SA Review: Features, Specs, & Test Prints |
The Tronxy X5SA has a build volume of 330 x 330 x 400 mm and its features make it easily outshine some of the competitors that cost 10x more.
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2. Creality CR-10S Pro V2
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Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 300 x 300 x 400 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 1 | Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 100 μm | Connectivity | SD Card, Wi-Fi |
Printing Speed | 150 mm/s | Material | PLA, ABS, PETG, Exotics |
Open Source | No | Market Price | $620 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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The Creality-10S Pro V2 is easy to set up and boasts of proper wire management. The printer’s control box is at the bottom of the machine, which helps to keep it stable during the printing process.
This printer is packed with some of the best 3D name-brand components such as TMC 2208 ultra-mute drivers, Capricorn tubing, the Bondtech-certified extruder with dual filament feed, and BL-Touch auto-leveling. All these components work together to make the machine well-equipped for the task.
Creality CR-10S Pro V2 Review: Features, Specs, & Test Prints |
We love how reliable the Creality-10S Pro V2 prints. The large build volume, easy setup and affordable price makes this the best budget large format 3D printer.
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3. Tronxy X5ST-500
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Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 500 x 500 x 600 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 1 | Filament Diameter | 1.7 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 100 μm | Connectivity | USB, TF card |
Printing Speed | 100 mm/s | Material | PLA, ABS, HIPS, PC, PVC |
Open Source | No | Market Price | $800 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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With a build volume of 500 x 500 x 600 mm, the Tronxy X5ST-500 is one of the biggest X5S series 3D printers. The printer’s total size is 850 x 770 x 875mm.
The X5ST-500 is built of aluminum and metal, has a resume print and filament detection function, comes with Z-axis double screws for better precisions and has a touchscreen control panel. These are the features you would expect to find a large-scale 3D printer.
The price of the machine is quite affordable (check here). This is one of the cheapest large format 3D printers you can buy.
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4. Creality CR-10 S5
BUY ON AMAZON | MATTERHACKERS
Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 500 x 500 x 500 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 1 | Filament Diameter | 1.7 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 100 μm | Connectivity | USB, SD Card, WiFi |
Printing Speed | 200 mm/s | Material | ABS, PLA, PETG, Exotics |
Open Source | Software | Market Price | $800 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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Another large format 3D printer from Creality is the CR-10 S5. Boasting of a build volume of 500 x 500 x 500 mm, this printer is what you need to print those large-scale models.
Creality CR-10 S5 Review: Features, Specs, & Test Prints |
The CR-10 S5 stands out for its simplicity. Moreover, you can take its capabilities further by improving through various mods and upgrades.
Best Industrial Large Format 3D Printers (Over $1000)
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1. Craftbot XL
BUY AT TOP3dSHOP
Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 300 x 200 x 440 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 1 | Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 50 μm | Connectivity | USB, Wifi |
Printing Speed | 200 mm/s | Material | PLA, ABS, Exotics |
Open Source | Software | Market Price | $1,800 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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The Craftbot XL is a large format 3D printer for engineers and other makers that require a big build volume. The XL version is an upgrade of the popular Craftbot Plus, a plug and play machine that makes it easy to print prototypes.
With the Craftbot XL, you get a build volume of 300 x 200 x 400mm. But apart from the build volume, the printer has other upgrades such as improved bearings and linear rails. The result is a machine with better precision and less noise during printing.
The Craftbot XL is capable of 50-micron layer resolution. Therefore, you can be sure of excellent quality prints.
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2. Modix Big60 V3
BUY ON TOP3DSHOP
Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 600 x 600 x 660 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 2 | Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 40 μm | Connectivity | USB, WiFi, SD card |
Printing Speed | 150 mm/s | Material | PLA, ABS, Nylon, TPU, HIPS, Exotics |
Open Source | Firmware | Market Price | $3,700 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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The Modix Big60 V3 is an affordable industrial large format 3D printer. The unit has a build volume of 600 x 600 x 600 mm and other features, including a PEI print surface, filament run-out sensor, dual-zone silicon heater for the print bed, Duet3D Board, fully automatic bed leveling and an E3D high flow Volcano heating block.
Modix Big60 V3 Review: Features, Specs, & Test Prints |
You can take the capabilities of the printer further through various optional upgrades, such as different nozzle sizes, an enclosed frame, dual extruder, and more.
While this printer is a little costlier (check price), it definitely offers value for your money.
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3. gCreate gMax 2
BUY AT OFFICIAL WEBSITE
Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 457 x 457 x 609 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 1 | Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 40 μm | Connectivity | WiFi, SD Card, USB |
Printing Speed | 150 mm/s | Material | PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, CF-Nylon, CF-Composits, Polycarbonate, Metal Composites, and many more |
Open Source | No | Market Price | $3,995 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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The gCreate gMax 2 is a large format industrial 3D printer with a build volume of 457 x 457 x 609 mm. This 3D printer is great for small businesses, prosumers, and hobbyists looking print large, high-quality 3D models.
The printer can process different filament materials, has Wi-Fi capabilities, comes with a BLTouch bed leveling sensor, and has an E3D v6 all-metal hot end.
If you are looking for a cheaper version of this machine, it’s the gMax 1.5XT, which has a build volume of 406 x 406 x 533 mm.
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4. BCN3D Sigmax R19
Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 420 x 297 x 210 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 2 | Filament Diameter | 2.85 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 50 μm | Connectivity | SD Card, Ethernet |
Printing Speed | N/A | Material | PLA, ABS, PVA, HIPS, Exotics |
Open Source | Hardware & Software | Market Price | $4,399 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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The BCN3D Sigmax is a large format 3D printer with an independent dual extrusion (IDEX) system.
The IDEX system allows the printer to use both heads to print a single object in two materials. For example, you can print a complex geometry model with dissolvable supports.
Another benefit of the IDEX system is that you can use both heads to print separate objects at the same time. This will help to cut your printing time in half.
The IDEX system comes in handy with the printer’s maximum print volume of 26.2 liters and horizontal Y-axis of 420 mm.
BCN3D Sigmax Review: Features, Specs, & Test Prints |
The Sigmax R19 has an enclosure and is, therefore, suitable for printing a wide range of materials. The printer can handle PVA, PLA, Nylon, ABS, PET-G, TPU and even composites.
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5. Fusion3 F410
BUY AT TOP3DSHOP
Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 355 x 355 x 315 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 1 | Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 20 μm | Connectivity | SD Card, Ethernet |
Printing Speed | 250 mm/s | Material | PLA, ABS, PVA, PETG, Nylon, TPU |
Open Source | No | Market Price | $4,599 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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The Fusion3 F410 is a large industrial 3D printer with a build volume of 355 x 355 x 315 mm. The printer has an enclosed chamber that ensure the temperature in the printing environment remain high and consistent.
This printer can reach print speeds of up to 250 mm/s and a layer resolution of 20 microns. The unit has three interchangeable print heads, which can be swapped depending on the print quality that you need.
Fusion3 F410 Review: Features, Specs, & Test Prints |
The Fusion3 F410 is a great printer both for small businesses and schools. Thanks to the enclosed design and optional air filter, you can be sure the printer will be safer in an educational setting. Moreover, the printer is easy to use, which makes it even better for students.
The Fusion3 F410 has an optional rolling cart that makes storage easier.
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6. Raise3D Pro2 Plus
BUY AT TOP3DSHOP
Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 305 x 305 x 605 | Heated Bed | enter values |
Extruder Heads | 2 | Filament Diameter | Yes |
Min. Layer Height | 10 μm | Connectivity | WiFi, USB, LAN |
Printing Speed | 150 mm/s | Material | PLA, ABS, HIPS, TPU, PC, Nylon, TPE, FLEX, PETG, etc |
Open Source | No | Market Price | $6,300 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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Raise3D is another company that makes large format industrial 3D printers. One of their printers that we recommend is the Raise3D Pro 2 Plus, which has a build volume of 305 x 305 x 60 mm.
The printer comes with a dual extruder as standard. Therefore, you can experiment with mixing different materials and filament colors. The printer also has a full-color touchscreen, an enhanced motherboard, a filament run-out sensor, and an emergency print recovery option.
Other features of the printer include a HEPA-filter exhaust fan, a built-in camera, a swappable magnetic build plate and others that make it a professional grade industrial printer.
Raise3D Pro2 Plus Review: Features, Specs, & Test Prints |
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7. Modix Big120 X V3
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Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 1200 x 600 x 640 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 2 | Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 40 μm | Connectivity | WiFi, USB, SD card |
Printing Speed | 100 mm/s | Material | PLA, ABS, Nylon, TPU, HIPS, Exotics |
Open Source | No | Market Price | $6,500 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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The Modix Big 120X V3 is a higher version of the Modix Big 60. This machine has a build volume of 1200 x 600 x 640 mm and comes with all the features you would expect in a typical desktop 3D printer. However, there are also some custom features made for the machine, such as the extensive 200-point automatic leveling system.
Modix Big120 X V3 Review: Features, Specs, & Test Prints |
With this printer, you can install either a single or dual extruder. You can also install an enclosure to ensure better temperature control when printing high-temperature materials. The printer features a heated bed, which means you can print a wide range of filaments.
The printer’s draft mode runs are 100 mm/s and its wide nozzle print modes are available in all the compatible software. Therefore, if you are looking to get your models printer fast and are not too worried about the quality, you will be able to get them at decent resolutions.
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8. Airwolf EVO 22
Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 305 x 305 x 578 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 2 | Filament Diameter | 2.85 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 40 μm | Connectivity | USB |
Printing Speed | 150 mm/s | Material | PLA, ABS, PVA, HIPS, Exotics |
Open Source | No | Market Price | $11,995 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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The Airwolf EVO 22 has a large build volume of 305 x 305 x 578 mm. This industrial large format 3D printer is suitable for small businesses, prosumers, and engineers.
Some of the printer include auto-leveling, print recovery, an air filtration system, and more. The printer also features Tri-Heat technology, which means it uses two internal chamber heaters and a heater bed to create an optimal thermal environment.
You can use the EVO 22 to print high-strength parts that can be used in real-world applications.
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9. CreatBot D600 Pro
Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 600 x 600 x 600 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 2 | Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 50 μm | Connectivity | USB |
Printing Speed | 120 mm/s | Material | PLA, ABS, Carbon fibre, PETG, TPU, Exotics |
Open Source | No | Market Price | $12,000 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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The CreatBot D600 is an industrial large format 3D printer that has a build volume of 600 x 600 x 600 mm. This 3D printer has two 1.75 mm extruder and hotends.
The left extruder has a 260°C hotend and can print PLA, Carbon fiber, Nylon, PC, ABS and flexibles. The right extruder is made of Martensite steel and reaches up to 420°C. This extruder can also print high-performance materials.
The D600 has a steel body that ensures it remains stable during the printing process. Its enclosed chamber ensures the temperature remains constant insider, noise is reduced and external interferences are blocked. The chamber makes the D600 the ideal 3D printer for high-performance thermoplastics.
Other features of the printer include a power outage function, a filament run-out sensor, and a heated filament chamber, all which ensure high print quality.
CreatBot D600 Pro Review: Features, Specs, & Test Prints |
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10. Builder Extreme 1000 Pro
Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 700 x 700 x 820 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 2 | Filament Diameter | 1.75 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 100 μm | Connectivity | WiFi, USB |
Printing Speed | 300 mm/s | Material | PLA, ABS, PETG, Exotics |
Open Source | Yes | Market Price | $22,000 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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The Builder Extreme 1000 Pro is a large industrial 3D printer that has a build space of 700 x 700 x 820 mm. This 3D printer comes with a versatile Dual-Feed extruder and can print multiple material objects as well as multiple colors.
The 3D printer has a heated bed that can manage up to 60°C. Therefore, you can print various temperature-sensitive materials with this printer.
The Builder Extreme 1000 has a 7-inch touchscreen and a built-in camera that you can use to check how your print job is progressing. The printer is mainly used for printing full size 3D prototypes, props, tooling, and molds.
The Extreme 1000 comes with customized Simplify3D profiles as standards. However, you can use the printer with other slicers as well.
This 3D printer is the perfect balance between small desktop FDM printers and large industrial 3D printers.
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11. BigRep Studio G2
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Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 500 x 1000 x 500 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 1, 2 (optional) | Filament Diameter | 2.85 mm |
Min. Layer Height | 100 μm | Connectivity | USB, Wifi |
Printing Speed | 140 mm/s | Material | PLA, ProHT, PETG, PVA |
Open Source | Hardware & Software | Market Price | from $62,700 |
Third Party Filament | Yes |
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The BigRep Studio is a large format 3D printer from Germany. This machine is not the biggest from BigRep but has plenty of space for most cases. The printer has a build volume of 500 x 1000 x 500 mm and can print up to a meter on the horizontal scale. On the X and Y axes, the printer manages 500 mm.
The BigRep Studio G2 is faster and more precise than its predecessor. The printer also has a svelte frame and can, therefore, be used in an office.
This large format industrial 3D printer is available both in a single and dual extruder configuration. The printer has a power-failure backup and its hotend can work with the most demanding materials on the market. The print can also automatically pause when the door is opened to ensure a safe sprinting process.
Other features of this large format 3D printer include an onboard camera and a heated filament chamber that ensures that materials remain dry in an environment where the temperature is consistent.
The BigRep Studio G2 is an excellent printer for small workshops and professionals.
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12. BigRep PRO
Features
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Build Volume (mm) | 1005 x 1005 x 1005 | Heated Bed | Yes |
Extruder Heads | 2 | Filament Diameter | 2.85mm |
Min. Layer Height | 100 μm | Connectivity | USB, WiFi |
Printing Speed | N.A. | Material | BigRep PLA, BigRep PRO HT, BigRep PROFLEX, etc |
Open Source | No | Market Price | from $195,000 |
Third Party Filament | No |
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The BigRep 3D printer has a large build space of 1005 x 1005 x 1005 mm. This printer also has an insulated enclosed metal frame that ensures consistent temperature in the chamber. The printer’s doors are made of glass to allow you to watch the printing process.
The BigRep is equipped with Metering Extruder Technology (MXT). This proprietary technology by the manufacturer provides a clear separation between filament feeding and melting, and extrusion. The system enables the printer to print at over 600 mm/s, which is 5X faster than any FDM printer on the market.
The BigRep PRO 3D printer is particularly made for designers and engineers that produce large scale functional prototypes, end-use parts, composite tooling, and small-number serial production.
Guide to Buying a Large Format 3D Printer
Are you thinking of buying a large format 3D printer? If so, there are a couple of things you have to keep in mind.
First off, you should know how to operate a 3D printer. Generally, you should know how to level the build plates of the printer. If you have not used a 3D printer before, consider getting a budget 3D printer to get started with, before transitioning to a large format industrial 3D printer.
Alternatively, you can use an online 3D printing service, if you won’t be doing a lot of printing.
With that said, consider the following before choosing a large 3D printer:
- Do you need 3D models that are visually appealing and look like the real thing for your marketing campaigns?
- Do you want to quickly print prototypes that perform like the real products for functional testing?
- Will you be using the 3D prints as tools in injection molding to produce a small series of products?
If you answered “Yes” to any of the above questions, then you definitely should get a large format 3D printer.
Do You Need Models Printed Fast?
If you need 3D models printed fast, you will need a large format 3D printer. While an FDM 3D printer can do the work, it is considerably slow, especially when it comes to printing human-scale objects like furniture.
Of course, you can tweak the printer to improve the printing speeds. For example, you can decrease the infill or increase the layer height. However, doing such modifications would also affect the quality of your finished product.
What Size of 3D Prints Do You Need?
With SLA and FDM 3D printing technologies, you will only need the materials required for the actual print (together with supports).
However, for other technologies like SLS, the whole print bed of powder will be used, regardless of the size of your prints. This is the reason why 3D printing services automatically arrange the content of the build tray. Doing so helps to save the precious powder, which is not easy to reuse.
What Materials Would You Like to Print?
Majority of the large format 3D printers used by small businesses and consumers print thermoplastics like PLA and ABS. However, there are also 3D printers that print exotic filaments such as metal and wood.
Other large format 3D printers, such as the Delta Wasp 3MT, also print extrusions materials such as ceramics.
Why Use 3D Printing Services
If working with a 3D printer is too technical or much of a hassle for you, you can check out online 3D printing services. With these services, your 3D files will be processed by professionals who can print them perfectly.
While you can 3D print materials on your own, for professional work, it would be best to look for online 3D printing services, unless you are a professional.
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