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AnkerMake M5 Review: Speed Nearly Perfected

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So fast you won’t notice it’s a bed slinger.

Editor’s Choice

(Image: © Tom’s Hardware)

Tom’s Hardware Verdict

AnkerMake’s first 3D printer is surprisingly fast, boldly modern, and can warn you of print failures too.

Cons

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No SD card slots
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Noisy fans
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AI monitoring only works with native slicer
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Slicer is still being developed at time of delivery
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Proprietary nozzles

Why you can trust Tom’s Hardware
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

Earlier this year Anker, purveyors of power banks and phone cords, surprised everyone by entering the 3D printing market with the AnkerMake M5. Promising unheard of speeds for a bed slinger (that doesn’t have special Klipper firmware installed), the project launched on Kickstarter and was immediately backed by over 11,000 people. It is now available for pre-order for $799, with a December delivery date.

The AnkerMake M5 is a Cartesian type 3D printer, much like the popular Ender 3 S1 Pro. The Ender 3 produces its best quality around the 50-60 mm/s mark and can successfully top out at 150 mm/s if you don’t mind a little wobble in the details. The AnkerMake M5 lists its standard speed at 250 mm/s – much faster than ordinary printers of its kind and a bit faster than the Klipper-boosted FLSun V400 Delta, which has a recommended print speed of 150 mm/s.

It’s also a very modern machine aimed at today’s tech savvy consumer. The AnkerMake M5 has two CPUs – one for Marlin to handle the printing and another running Linux to monitor the results via camera and operate the WiFi. It has a free app for your smartphone which allows you to monitor and stop prints remotely. It comes with a flexible PEI coated steel plate, auto bed leveling, and a direct drive that tames TPU like nobody’s business.

Oh, and did I mention it has RGB lights?

We finally got our hands on an AnkerMake M5 and put it to the test. Our unit is from the same batch the Kickstarter backers received, and though the machine is exceptionally polished, the software still has a few minor missing features. More on that later. Because our unit is from the Kickstarter phase, it’s entirely possible that small improvements could be made before the next batch of retail machines are produced. However, even in its current state, the AnkerMake M5’s epic speed, ease-of-use, output quality and features make it one of the best 3D printers.

Specifications: AnkerMake M5

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Machine Footprint	502 x 438 x 470 mm (19.7 x 17.2 x 18.5 mm)
Build Volume	235×235×250 mm (9. 25 x 9.25 x 9.8 in)
Material	PLA/PETG/TPU/ABS
Extruder Type	Direct Drive
Nozzle	0.4mm (interchangeable)
Build Platform	Double sided PEI Spring Steel, Heated
Filament Runout Sensor	Yes
Bed Leveling	Auto Leveling
Interface	4.3 inch color touch screen
Connectivity	Wi-Fi/USB-C

Included in the box: AnkerMake M5

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The AnkerMake M5 comes with everything you need to get started: tools in a handy kit to build and maintain the printer, side cutters, and nozzle cleaner. You also get a spare nozzle and small sample of PLA on a spool.

There’s a paper booklet with a quick start guide to help you build the printer. It’s rather thick because it is repeated in 10 languages. Two sample prints are stored on the printer’s internal memory, but the custom AnkerMake slicer needs to be downloaded from the company’s website.

Because our unit was for reviewers, we also received an extra build plate and more spare nozzles.

Assembling the AnkerMake M5

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The AnkerMake M5 arrives mostly pre-assembled and only needs 8 bolts – four for each side – to put together. I got it assembled in about 20 minutes. The wiring is the easiest I’ve yet to deal with – two sets of wires for the stepper motors and a pair of USB-C cables which are screwed in securely.

Leveling the AnkerMake M5

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The AnkerMake M5 has a pressure sensor mechanism connected to the hotend for automatic bed leveling. This is my favorite method of bed leveling, as it physically taps the surface and often produces the best Z offset – in fact I didn’t need to change it at all.

The build platform is hard mounted to the Y-Axis and there are no knobs for manual tramming. Everything is done through the printer’s touch screen.

To level the bed, select Control from the home screen. Then select Auto Leveling and the printer takes care of the rest. It will home the bed, heat up, then double tap 49 spots in a 7×7 in a grid across the bed surface.

If you do need to adjust the Z offset – perhaps to accommodate a tricky filament – you can access the Z offset right from the print screen.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Loading Filament in the AnkerMake M5

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The AnkerMake M5 has an extremely easy filament path and allows you to load materials without effort. The large box on the left-hand side holds the filament runout sensor. Filament is inserted through this box, into the Bowden tube and on to the extruder.

Tap Control →Extrude to warm up the hotend, then click extrude to load filament or retract to remove it. You can program exactly how much filament you want to advance from the touch screen so you don’t need to wait around for it.

Please note, this is a direct drive machine with a “reverse” Bowden tube used to protect the filament on its way to the extruder. If you need to replace filament on the fly you will need to gently push the plastic through the tube until it reaches the gears located at the hotend.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The AnkerMake M5 is a Cartesian style printer with a polished, ready-for-prime-time appearance. This is not your kid’s science fair project, though it is easy enough to use that a child could run it without trouble. (Just make sure they know not to touch the nozzle when it’s hot.)

Everything about the AnkerMake’s chonky design helps to keep the machine steady during high speed printing. The structure is made of die-cast aluminum alloy, with a low center of gravity. The gantry towers are clad in wide sleeves to keep them sitting square, and the stepper motors are sunk deep into the base, not just bolted to the top of it.

Those wide towers also conceal the wires for the Z axis, and the hotend has a simple home appliance style cord connecting it to the side of the machine.

AnkerMake is not using Klipper to boost the speed of this printer. Instead, they’ve beefed up the Y-Axis with something they’re calling “PowerBoost.” All they’re saying is the Y-Axis has a more powerful stepper motor, a driveshaft with two belts and a stabilized motor algorithm to assist with high speed printing.

The direct drive is something AnkerMake cooked up themselves, and they’ve dubbed it the Ultra-Direct Extruder. It has a super short filament path, a high gear ratio and a large heating block to keep the filament flowing. The nozzle is also a custom length, longer than a standard Creality MK8, but not as long as E3D Volcano. Unfortunately, this means that you will need to get your spare nozzles directly from AnkerMake.

All that speed requires extra cooling, which the AnkerMake provides with twin 15,000 RPM cooling fans. They are regrettably quite noisy. But anything less and the prints won’t firm up, leaving you with sloppy walls. The stepper motors are dead quiet, not that you can tell.

The real star of the show is the camera, which can monitor in real time at 720p and produce timelapse videos of 1080p. It also has an infrared and a LED light for printing in a dark room. The timelapse videos aren’t that special due to the camera’s odd angle, and they’re not as clean as you might get with Octolapse. So why is the camera so important? AI, my friend.

The AnkerMake has the ability to watch over your print and compare it to the sliced file (when you use the native slicer). When it deviates, the printer will alert you via the app and a loud beep. It won’t stop the print on its own – just in case it misread what it sees – but you can stop the print from your phone after looking at the live video. And because this information is going through an app, you can monitor your prints even while miles away.

I named the printer Steve. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The AnkerMake uses AES-128 data encryption technology to secure your privacy.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Fun fact, the AnkerMake had no failed prints during testing. In order to see the AI in action, I had to purposefully muck up a print to make it fail. This is the first time I’ve seen a print failure monitor included with a machine. The technology isn’t new – The Spaghetti Detective has been doing this for years, but it is a paid service you need to install on a Raspberry Pi alongside Octoprint.

I have one bone to pick with AnkerMake, and that’s the company’s choice of inputs for this printer. Although the Wi-Fi works beautifully to get prints from the slicer to the machine, I like knowing there’s a backup. There is no SD card slot or standard USB on the machine. Instead, you need a USB-C flash drive to plug into the machine directly. As it turns out, I don’t have a USB-C flash drive sitting in my desk drawer, and my local big box store – as well as Microcenter – are fresh out. It would be nice if AnkerMake would have included a flash drive if they were going to use something a bit off the wall like USB-C.

Preparing Files / Software

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The AnkerMake M5 has its own custom slicer, and it’s in your best interest to figure it out. I generally loath printers that ask me to use their own slicers, because they usually don’t do anything better than my already installed Cura, which I keep constantly updated.

AnkerMake Slicer is a little different. It appears to be Cura under the hood– all the wording and most of the functions are the same. But the slicer is also the only way to transmit files via Wi-Fi, and most importantly, the only way the AI camera can tell if a print is failing. It needs information from this slicer to compare to the image it sees through the lens.

You could use Cura or PrusaSlicer if you like, but you will need to make your own profiles from scratch, and find a USB-C flash drive to transfer them.

As the AnkerMake M5 is just coming out of its Kickstarter phase, the software is somewhat incomplete as of this testing. It’s fully functional, but I could not find vase mode/spiralize contour, there’s no way to automatically lay a print flat on the surface, and there’s no automatic grouping or arranging multiple parts. Hopefully these will be added with later firmware updates.

Printing on the AnkerMake M5

The AnkerMake M5 can print at any speed up to 250mm/s and the manufacturer insists that 250 is not the top speed, but the STANDARD speed. In our testing, the overall quality of the prints was quite good, though in a few prints with smooth walls, you can detect some echos, or ringing from all the vibrations fast printing causes. I used AnkerMake Slicer and their standard settings for all the following prints, which have a .2mm layer height while running at 250mm/s.

I started with the pre-sliced test file that was included in the printer’s onboard memory and the sample sized spool of filament provided with the printer. The samples are just enough to get a few small test models printed, so you’ll definitely need to shop for some more. To see my favorite materials to use, check out our guide to the best filaments for 3D printing.

The test print was a Benchy, using a brim which seems like cheating because brims help with adhesion. The end results was perfectly fine, though you can detect a tiny bit of ringing at the porthole. This took 35 minutes and 56 seconds using AnkerMake’s standard settings. It would normally take an Ender 3 S1 one hour and 50 minutes running similar settings and Cura’s default speed of 50 mm/s.

Creative Tool’s 3D Benchy. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

I wanted to print something more challenging, so I turned to Cinderwing3D’s Crystal dragon. This takes 1 day, 5 hours and 16 minutes to print on an Ender 3 S1 at a .2 layer height and 50 mm/s. The AnkerMake printed this rainbow dragon in 9 hours and 37 minutes – not exactly 5x faster, but it saved nearly a whole day. The print is crisp with just a touch of wisp and no flaws caused by high speed. This is printed in Inland Twinkling Rainbow PLA, a heavily glittered filament.

Cinderwing3D’s Crystal Dragon. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

I don’t normally have a lot of luck with TPU, but the AnkerMake did a great job with this low poly dino turtle, printed in Matterhacker’s Build Series Translucent Purple TPU. This one is going to the 3D printed Toys for Tots drive, right after I clean up the strings – which aren’t many. Normally TPU has to be printed painfully slow. An Ender 3 S1 could print this in 2 hours and 43 seconds at 50 mm/s but it wouldn’t look nearly as good. This took 39 minutes and 29 seconds to print, going full out at 250 mm/s. Amazing.

3D Printing Professor’s Low Poly Archelon. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

For PETG, I picked out this vase mode cauldron from Clockspring3D, then realized that AnkerMake Slicer didn’t have a vase mode. Instead of giving up, I printed it with 2 walls, no infill and no top layers. The print shows a little roughness from vibrations, but that is most likely because the print is so thin and has no support. Using the same method, an Ender 3 S1 could print this in 5 hours and 18 minutes, but the AnkerMake did it in 1 hour and 7 minutes. This was printed in CoEx Salsa Red PETG.

Clockspring3D’s Vase Mode Cauldron. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Cinderwing3D’s Crystal Dragon. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The AnkerMake M5 isn’t just a fast 3D printer, it’s an easy printer, and one of our best 3D printers right now. This machine was quick to assemble, painless to level and immediately got to work without any headaches. It includes a few premium features unheard of in out of the box 3D printers – a built-in camera and print fail detector is simply amazing.

Anker fueled the recent interest in out of the box high speed 3D printers – although they were not the first to get a faster printer to market. 3D printing has always been considered a slow hobby, with those interested in speed relegated to building their own Voron machines from raw parts or, perhaps, hacking their commercially acquired machine with a Raspberry Pi, Klipper and copious amounts of swearing.

Retailing at $799, the AnkerMake M5 costs twice as much as an Ender 3 S1 and delivers similar overall quality and build volume. However, if you factor in the 1080p camera, the currently ridiculous price for a Raspberry Pi, a subscription to Spaghetti Detective and all the time you’ll save trying to write code to get Klipper to work…the price looks pretty reasonable.

Plus, It’s good to know that AnkerMake is still working on the M5 project and will be introducing a six color MMU to work with this machine. Look for that in the spring.

If you’re interested in other speedy printers, check out the FLSun V400 Delta, a fun machine that takes the pain out of Klipper. Or if you want more bang for your buck, you could buy four Anycubic Kobra Gos, our pick for Best Budget printer, currently on sale for $189.

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MORE: Best Filaments for 3D Printing

Denise Bertacchi is a Contributing Writer for Tom’s Hardware US, covering 3D printing.

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Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus 3D Printer Review: Affordable Large Volume, Direct Drive

Tom’s Hardware Verdict

Large format printing with a direct drive extruder? The Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus is a printer that looks good on paper, and looks even better on a workbench.

Pros

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Silent steppers allow for very quiet printing
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Large and usable build volume
+
Automatic 49-point bed leveling with adjustable thumbscrews
+
Integrated LED bar for illuminating build volume
+
Removable PEI sheet makes for fast part removal
+
Dual Z axis threaded rods

Why you can trust Tom’s Hardware
Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

The Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus is the middle child of the new Neptune 3 line of printers, falling between the Neptune 3 Pro and the Neptune 3 Max. The Neptune 3 Plus offers an impressive 320mm x 320mm x 400mm build volume and features the same direct drive extruder and automatic leveling probe as the smaller Neptune 3 Pro, a printer that impressed us during testing. The Neptune 3 Plus lives up to this reputation, and we were impressed with the quality and features of the printer as well as how easy it was to set up.

The features of the Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus are impressive on their own, but when weighed against its $350 retail price, it deserves a place among the best 3D printers. The Neptune 3 Plus handles notoriously difficult-to-print flexible TPU filament just as easily as it handles PLA, and the included Elegoo Cura slicer app makes it easy for beginners to set up their first prints.

Specifications of Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus

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Machine Footprint	20. 98 x 20.35 x 25.19 inches (533mm x 517mm x 638mm)
Build Volume	12.6 x 12.6 x 15.78 inches (320mm x 320mm x 400mm)
Material	1.75mm PLA, PLA+, TPU, PETG
Power Supply	480W
Bed Leveling	49-Point Automatic Mesh Leveling
Nozzle	.4mm
Max. Nozzle Temperature	260°C / 500°F
Max. Bed Temperature	100°C / 212°F
Printing Speed	30-180mm/s
Build Platform	Magnetic Flexible Removable PEI Platform
Connectivity	USB, microSD
Interface	4.3-inch Color Touchscreen LCD

Unpacking and Assembling the Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus ships almost completely assembled, with the only real assembly consisting of attaching the Z-axis frame to the base of the printer. This process requires only 4 bolts, but the large size of the Neptune 3 Plus means a second set of hands will be helpful when aligning and attaching the frame. The included printed manual includes well-written instructions and should be easy for even novice users to follow.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Neptune 3 Plus is designed in a way that allows most users to go from unboxing to first print in well under 30 minutes. Allen keys, flush cutters, screwdrivers, and a variety of other tools are included but will likely only be used once during the initial assembly of the printer. The Neptune 3 Plus even includes a scraper for removing parts from the platform, which you probably won’t need due to the excellent adhesion and easy part removal provided by the textured PEI build platform.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Neptune 3 Plus looks like an oversized Creality Ender 3 Pro or any other number of bed-slinger style i3 3D printers. Dual rails on the Y-axis provide stability for the large moving build platform, and the removable LCD touchscreen interface is located on the right side of the printer. The spool holder is mounted to the center of the top bar, and the peg that the spool sits on can be mounted on either side.

Overall, the Neptune 3 Plus has a polished feel with molded plastic components and a generally high-quality appearance. However, the “CREATE THE FUTURE” text that is printed on both sides of the Z axis frame isn’t necessary and slightly cheapens the look of this premium printer.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Neptune 3 plus includes an integrated LED light bar on the top of the Z-axis frame, a welcome feature for anyone who has trouble seeing their prints during printing. Some printers include a single LED mounted to the hot end module that will illuminate parts during printing, but this can also make it difficult to see or photograph light-colored filament or thin parts. The top-mounted LED light bar illuminates the entire build volume, and makes it easy to see parts during printing.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Neptune 3 Plus includes tensioning knobs on both the X and Y axis, which make adjusting the belt tension very easy. The dual threaded rods on the Z axis frame are connected by a timing belt located at the top of the printer, which prevents the threaded rods from falling out of sync with each other during printing.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The 480 Watt power supply is mounted underneath the build platform and missing the 115/220V switch typically seen on similar power supplies. Elegoo designed the Neptune 3 Plus to accept either voltage, something that will save users a step during the initial setup of the printer. The 480 Watt power supply provides enough juice to quickly bring the bed up to printing temperature, despite the large area that needs to be heated.

User Interface on Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The 4.3-inch touchscreen LCD on the Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus has a bright, easy-to-read screen and intuitive menus. Features such as filament run-out and power loss recovery are easily accessible during printing. The settings and tools are laid out in an intuitive fashion, and I was impressed with the UI / UX on the Neptune 3 Plus.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The touchscreen module is connected to the printer with a curly cord that allows the user to remove it and make adjustments during a print without disconnecting it. The touchscreen module has a magnet embedded in the back of the case, which aligns it with the printer base and holds it in place. Being able to remove the screen and use it without disconnecting it from the printer is a useful addition to the Neptune 3 Plus, and this feature is also present on the Neptune 3 Pro and the Neptune 3 Max.

Calibrating and Leveling Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus is advertised as featuring 49-point Auto Mesh Leveling, which enables precise calibration across the entire build platform. The Neptune 3 Plus has a probe mounted on the hot end module which is used to detect the distance between the platform and the probe at 49 discrete points.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The automatic build platform leveling is accessed through the printer UI, and the process is highly automated with minimal user input required. After initiating the leveling process, the hot end and bed will heat up to a set temperature before detecting the height at 49 different points across the platform. Once the offset detection is complete, the printer UI will show a map of all the different points and the offset amount at each point. This intuitive layout makes it easy to visualize where the platform is high or low relative to the rest of the platform.

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Unlike the smaller Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro, the Neptune 3 Plus has adjustable wheels on the corners of the platform for making small adjustments. The Neptune 3 Plus is unique in that it has six adjustable offsets as opposed to four, something I have never seen on a 3D printer before. Most printers use four adjustable points (one at each corner) combined with a global Z height to create a flat surface for printing. Some printers (like the Makerbot Replicator+) use a three point leveling setup for creating a flat place, but these are much less common.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

In theory, you only need three points to define a plane. However, most printers use a four point leveling system, which can be trickier to visualize when adjusting the corners. The six points on the Neptune 3 Plus are likely to be a highly-debated feature, as six points is technically double the required amount. It’s worth remembering that the three point plane exists only in theory: in practice, the large platforms used on 3D printers can have high or low spots due to manufacturing issues, warping during heating, or damage to the build platform from previous prints.

The six point leveling on the Neptune 3 Plus allows users to make minor adjustments to compensate for these defects while still automatically detecting the offsets using the built-in sensor. I wasn’t sure how useful the six point leveling setup would be when I first started using the Neptune 3 Plus, but after some use, I found it helpful.

Build Platform on Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus

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(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Model: Mr J Pond: Froggy on a Lilypad by Loubie3D (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus uses a textured PEI sheet that can be easily removed from the magnetic surface that holds it down. This sheet is thin and flexible, and can be bent to easily pop parts off after printing.

While the platform is heated during printing, parts have excellent adhesion and aren’t easily removed. Once the print is finished and the platform has cooled, the part will easily detach with minimal effort. More complex or delicate parts can be removed by flexing the platform and allowing the part to organically delaminate.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The gritty texture on the platform also translates over to the printed parts, and leaves a texture on any platform-facing surface. This texture isn’t necessarily a bad thing, and it looks more consistent than the mirror-like finish on printers that use glass build platforms. For organic parts with high levels of detail and texture, this gritty texture gives the part a more intentional appearance.

Printing on the Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus includes a pair of demo models: a small Buddah statue and a tool holder that attaches to the frame of the printer. The Buddah statue has been prepared and is included in a print-ready .gcode format, while the tool holder is included only as an .STL file. The Buddah file is a good demonstration of textured surfaces and organic shapes, and the resulting print looked very sharp printed in Prusament Azure Blue PLA, which is one our list of the best filaments for 3D printing.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The tool holder is an excellent example of what printer manufacturers should aspire to include with their machines. The print is reasonably long (about 2 and a half hours at standard settings), and includes precisely-sized cutouts for the included Allen keys, screwdrivers, and other tools. This shows both the accuracy of the printer as well as the repeatability across each individual slot. This is an excellent test print, unlike the difficult-to-remove rook test print that Elegoo includes on the Saturn and Mars resin 3D printers.

Model: Cute Mini Octopus by McGybeer (Image credit: Elegoo)

Elegoo includes a copy of Elegoo Cura 4. 8.0 on the microSD card, a skinned version of the popular Ultimaker Cura slicer app. Elegoo Cura includes profiles for the Elegoo Neptune 3, Neptune 3 Pro, Neptune 3 Plus, and several older Elegoo 3D printers. While this version of Cura doesn’t include some of the newer features or architecture of the latest version of Ultimaker Cura (5.2.1 as of the writing of this article), it is still a reasonable choice for a first slicer app.

Model: Cute Mini Octopus by McGybeer (Image credit: Elegoo)

The default profile for the Neptune 3 Plus is a conservative starting point for a printer of this size, with a 60mm/s print speed, a 200°C nozzle temperature, and 15% grid infill. Elegoo Cura allows for a line-by-line preview of the toolpath, which can be useful when planning a complex print that requires specific toolpathing or pauses.

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Model: Schrodinky by Loubie3D (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Model: Schrodinky by Loubie3D (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Model: Schrodinky by Loubie3D (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Shrodinky cat model by Loubie3D printed perfectly on the first attempt, and the clean and consistent toolpathing from the Neptune 3 Plus resulted in a smooth and even model. Printed with Amolen Tri-Color Silk PLA using the default .2mm profile, the organic curves of the model look clean and the resolution is high enough to see the tessellation of the mesh .STL file.

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Model: Vase Mode Christmas Tree by Kazi Toad (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Model: Vase Mode Christmas Tree by Kazi Toad (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Just in time for the holidays, the Vase Mode Christmas Tree by Kazi Toad printed in just over an hour using a single spiralized toolpath. Vase mode prints can be tricky to remove from a glass platform as they tend to be thin and delicate. Being able to bend the platform and pop the model off reduces the chances of damaging the vase mode print while also allowing the operator to quickly prepare the printer for another print.

Model: Mr J Pond: Froggy on a Lilypad by Loubie3D (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The generous build volume of the Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus makes it ideal for printing large models in a single piece, like the sculpt of a frog on a lilypad by Loubie 3D. This model was printed with Sliceworx Robitobi Green PLA and took about 19 hours to print in a single piece and highlights some of the strengths of the Neptune 3 Plus. The wide area of the base can be a challenge to print without warping due to the large cross-sectional area, but the textured PEI sheet on the Neptune 3 Plus kept it locked down during printing.

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Model: Mr J Pond: Froggy on a Lilypad by Loubie3D (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Model: Mr J Pond: Froggy on a Lilypad by Loubie3D (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The model has fine details present throughout, including individual buttons on the vest and a small bow tie that printed without any issues. The model has an organic texture applied to it, which both hides the layer lines and highlights the fine detail that the Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus is capable of printing with a .4mm nozzle.

Printing TPU on Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The dual-gear direct drive extruder on the Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus offers a short and constrained filament path, both of which are ideal for printing TPU filament. Flexible and stretchy, TPU is notoriously difficult to print on low-cost printers with Bowden extruders that have to push the rope-like filament through a long tube before heating and extruding. The extruder on the Neptune 3 Plus excels as printing TPU, and is capable of printing the material without much difficulty.

(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

TPU is a naturally resilient material and can be stretched, bent, and deformed repeatedly without permanent damage. TPU filament on a spool feels a bit like a wet noodle, and can be easily stretched or compressed. The filament path from the spool to the dual-gear extruder is practically a straight line, so the filament doesn’t have a convoluted path to travel before reaching the nozzle.

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Model: Low Poly Snorlax by Flowalistik (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)Model: Low Poly Snorlax by Flowalistik (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Using the default TPU profile and a .2mm layer height, the Low Poly Snorlax by Flowalistik highlighted the ability of the Neptune 3 Plus to print this tricky material without issue. Reducing the infill to 8% and scaling the model to 150% resulted in a mostly hollow model that is easily deformed and can be squeezed like a stress ball.

Model: Low Poly Snorlax by Flowalistik (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

Printed with Overture TPU in Space Grey , the layers all adhere well to each other and the model is flexible and malleable without breaking. Some of the overhangs showed drooping, which can typically be addressed by tuning the print speed, toolpath width, and other parameters.

Model: Snowglobe Votive Ornament by RetroMaker (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)

The Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus represents a major milestone in the consumer 3D printing market: a large format direct drive extruder 3D printer that can be purchased new for under $400. Typically printers under this price point lack instructions, slicer setups, or have other compromises that keep them from reaching widespread adoption. The bundled slicer app, intuitive touchscreen LCD, and fast assembly all give the Neptune 3 Plus a serious edge in an otherwise saturated market.

While other printers like the AnkerMake M5 offer faster print speeds and other features, they typically come at a higher price point and are less accessible to consumers on a budget. Elegoo posted a statement on Twitter that indicated they had listened to customer feedback and integrated it into the new Neptune 3 line, and the resulting printers (Neptune 3 Pro, Neptune 3 Plus, and Neptune 3 Max) will all likely be major hits for Elegoo.

With a retail price of $350, the Elegoo Neptune 3 Plus is a direct competitor to other large format FDM 3D printers like the Anycubic Kobra Plus. The direct drive extruder, flexible PEI sheet, and low-cost of this machine all come together to make it one of the best 3D printers that you can buy in 2022. If you’re interested in a similar printer with a similar spec sheet but smaller build volume, the Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro and Anycubic Kobra Neo are printers worth investigating.

MORE: Best 3D Printers

MORE: Best Resin 3D Printers

MORE: Best Filaments for 3D Printing

Andrew Sink first used a 3D printer in 2012, and has been enthusiastically involved in the 3D printing industry ever since. Having printed everything from a scan of his own brain to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, he continues to dive ever more deeply into the endless applications of additive technology. He is always working on new experiments, designs, and reviews and sharing his results on Tom’s Hardware, YouTube, and more.

90,000 best 3D printers 2022 for production and business: Expert rating

3D scanners

Analyst and business

The best on the topics

Experts recommend

3D printer

Author: Semen PopaDYADYUK

Author: Semen Popdyuk

Summing up the results of the outgoing year, we tried to choose the most interesting solutions that appeared in 2022 on the global 3D printing and 3D scanning market. Of course, our top is far from covering even a small part of the novelties of the grandiose 3D industry. We have highlighted several developments that have attracted increased attention from users and professional industry experts.

Note that the best 3D printers and 3D scanners of 2022 roundup does not include the home (consumer) segment. In accordance with the direction of the blog, we are considering professional and industrial equipment that will reduce time, material and labor costs for manufacturing enterprises, research, educational and medical organizations, as well as in the field of business projects. Thanks to such innovations, the locomotive of the industry is moving.

Blog materials will help you navigate the typology of equipment and choose the best solution:

Types of 3D printers: technologies, materials, applications
Choosing a 3D Printer: Find the Right Solution for You
How to choose a 3D scanner

If you have questions about the implementation of 3D technologies, please contact iQB Technologies experts

Top 8 3D printers

HBD E500

HBD is one of the Chinese market leaders in metal 3D printing. The manufacturer’s portfolio includes more than 15 models of printers with cameras from 150 to 1500 mm. In 2022, the line was replenished with perhaps the most versatile machine — the HBD E500. It’s a true workhorse for trouble-free printing of complex custom or prototype designs up to 520mm.

The printer is equipped with two or three lasers, depending on customer requirements, equipped with a safe and reliable filtration system and provides a closed powder supply cycle. With its high print speeds of up to 10,000 mm/s, the E500 is well suited for continuous batch production in a variety of industries such as automotive, mechanical engineering, aviation, foundry, education and R&D.

SLM NXG XII 600E

At Formnext 2022, SLM Solutions, the market leader in metal 3D printing, announced its latest development, the largest additive manufacturing machine for selective laser melting technology. Based on the popular NXG XII 600 model, the new model has a larger build area of 1.5 m in the Z-axis, which is reportedly 50% larger than the equipment of the closest competitor.

Metal-to-metal additive manufacturing customers are demanding ever larger parts – and as quickly as possible. Serial production of products of complex geometry can now be implemented in a few hours or days, rather than weeks and months. To meet these expectations, the NXG XII 600E provides an end-to-end manufacturing process to increase machine uptime.

The system platform features an open SLM architecture that allows flexible process parameters for maximum performance at a layer thickness of 90 micron or more (when working with popular materials such as IN718, AlSi10Mg, TiAl6V4 and copper alloys).

IEMAI FAST JET 1500

Technology: FDM/FGF
Construction area: 1500 × 1500 × 1500 mm
Features: creation of large objects from granulated thermoplastics and remote control of the printing process

The use of polymers in the form of granules in 3D printing makes it possible to save even more on materials and speed up the process of printing large-sized objects compared to filaments. Another well-known Chinese manufacturer, IEMAI, introduced the FAST JET 1500 large-format FGF printer for printing products up to 1.5 meters in length, width and height.

The 3D printer features an elevated extrusion temperature (500°C), a 3-stage extrusion temperature control system, and a closed isolation chamber to handle most thermoplastic pellets available on the market, including PLA, nylon, and high-performance materials such as PEEK and PEKK. .

The FAST JET 1500 also features a proprietary 6-axis control system and a 10″ full color touch screen with remote automatic loading. In addition, the printer is one of the first models to be sold with a built-in IEMAI cloud platform for remote control of material drying, G‑od file uploads, printing at regular intervals, and remote monitoring of the printing process.

F2 Gigantry

The Perm company F2 innovations, which develops and manufactures industrial 3D systems, has introduced a novelty — a granule printer with the largest print area.

The F2 Gigantry is an open gantry with an extruder capable of creating parts up to 4 meters long, 2 meters wide and 1 meter high. The technology allows printing with polymer granules with a capacity of up to 10 kg/h, including recycled materials (recycled granulate).

FGF-printing technology is not new, but F2 Gigantry became the first domestic large-format 3D printer in this category. Today, the question of a quick and high-quality replacement of imported solutions, as well as the acceleration of production with an increase in the number of manufactured products, is acute. The novelty from F2 Innovations will help to solve these problems effectively.

ProtoFab PF‑S300 / PF‑S350

Professional Russian users are already familiar with SLA printers from the Chinese company ProtoFab, and this year the manufacturer introduced a series of high-precision industrial units based on selective laser sintering (SLS) technology.

The ProtoFab PF‑S300 and PF‑S350 are equipped with a new dynamic thermal control system that further optimizes temperature distribution monitoring, encapsulation and sensor performance. Nylon, carbon fiber composite nylon powder, glass fiber composite nylon powder and other plastics are used as consumables.

The speed of laser illumination is increased to 3 m/s, which significantly speeds up molding by increasing the speed of powder spraying. The printers are equipped with new, efficient powder removal accessories, which can reduce production costs and lead times. With a cylinder temperature of 220°C, the PF‑S300 and PF‑S350 are capable of sintering materials with a melting point of 225°C or lower.

Sinterit Lisa X

The Polish company Sinterit sets another record: according to the manufacturer, the new SLS system is ten times faster than its predecessor, the Lisa PRO model. Lisa X is capable of sintering PA12 at speeds up to 14 mm/h and completing a full print session in just 30 hours. Relatively inexpensive and compact, a 3D printer can truly boast the performance of an industrial device and allow companies to speed up product development and time to market.

Open source software allows you to customize 32 print settings to suit your individual needs. Media changes can be done in 15 minutes, and printing and cooling can take up to 40% less time than any other compact SLS printer.

Lisa X also features a unique «airblade» system that automatically cleans the glass around the laser during production, meaning users don’t have to do it manually in two out of every three sessions, speeding up print preparation.

Massivit 10000

©Massivit 3D

Technology: Cast-In-Motion
Construction area: 1200 × 1500 × 1650 mm
Features: production of molding equipment in the shortest possible time

Another interesting novelty for 2022 is a large-format additive machine from the reputable Israeli manufacturer Massivit 3D. The system uses a hybrid technology of photopolymer 3D printing and thermoplastic injection, called «Cast-In-Motion» (CIM). The printer is designed for the production of molding equipment for the subsequent manufacture of products from composite materials. Two printheads are used respectively to form the photopolymer gel formwork and to fill the internal cavities with thermoplastic. After heat treatment of the printed product, the photopolymer shell dissolves, and the resulting form undergoes finishing machining.

This technology, according to the manufacturer, allows to reduce the number of stages of the production process and reduce the time for the manufacture of molding equipment by 80%.

BMF microArch S350

Technology: projection microstereolithography (PµSL)
Construction area: 100 × 100 × 50mm
Features: high resolution microscale photopolymer printing

And here is one of the latest new products for 2022 — a photopolymer microprinting machine from Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF). The microArch S350 is the highest performing BMF printer for the final part industry, as it can print not only high-resolution micro-scale objects (up to 10 microns), but also many small objects that require high precision and detail. The 3D printer is suitable for prototyping and additive manufacturing in the amount of one thousand to 30 thousand products and will find its place in enterprises and research laboratories.

The microArch S350 is based on BMF’s projection microstereolithography (PµSL) technology, which is a form of masked stereolithography (MSLA) using ultraviolet light with microscale resolution.

Top 5 3D Scanners

FARO Focus Premium

Type: ground laser 3D scanner
Distance measurement accuracy: ±1mm
Scanning speed: up to 2 million points per second
Features: Unsurpassed scanning quality in one minute

The super-hit FARO Focus series has been replenished with improved Premium models. The new line includes three instruments with a scanning range of 70, 150 and 350 meters and features higher speed, increased resolution, hardware noise reduction and the ability to remotely control the instrument from any mobile device.

Premium is 50% more productive than its predecessors: measurements take an average of one minute using the optional PanoCam, even when scanning in color. Remote control of the scanner and stitching of scans from a mobile device is performed using the Stream application with subsequent integration into the Sphere cloud platform.

New devices are perfect for projects in the field of manufacturing, architecture, civil and industrial construction. And a nice bonus: the official warranty period from the manufacturer has been extended to two years.

Also in 2022, FARO launched the Focus Core, a cost-effective terrestrial scanning solution with an optimal balance of speed and accuracy.

EPiC EasyScan T10

Type: terrestrial 3D laser scanner
Accuracy: 1cm at 10m, 2cm at 30m, 5cm at 100m
Scanning speed: 320 thousand points per second
Features: Easy-to-use entry-level device

The appearance of such devices marks a new milestone in the evolution of laser scanning technology, which optimally combines economy, quality and ease of use. The EasyScan T10 from China’s EPiC (Wuhan Eleph‑Print Tech Co, Ltd.) will be in demand when processing time and measurement convenience are more important than obtaining high-precision data. The scanner is equipped with a 360 °C panoramic camera, and the signal emission system and sensors are securely and ergonomically integrated into the body.

The scanner is launched with one button. A dual scan mode is available, which allows you to combine the simultaneous operation of a panoramic camera and lidar. Data stitching is done on a mobile device. Weighing only 3.2 kilograms, the instrument is one of the lightest geodetic scanners on the market. The package includes everything you need for scanning, including a tripod, batteries and free software for data processing.

Artec Leo 2022

Type: Handheld Structured Illumination 3D Scanner
Accuracy: up to 0.1 mm
Scanning speed: up to 35 million points per second
Features: The legendary Leo — with double the power and even more accuracy

In the past year, Artec 3D introduced a new version of its popular Leo system, released in 2018. The Artec Leo 2022 Wireless Handheld 3D Scanner offers twice the processing power, improved capture of vibrant colors, an updated built-in touch screen, a multilingual interface, and guaranteed high accuracy. The new Auto Temperature Control feature allows the scanner to regulate its operation and maintain the optimal operating temperature of the components.

Powered by an updated NVIDIA Jetson TX2 processor, power consumption is reduced to less than 7.5W. The capture area is 160,000 cm ³ , meaning the Leo 2022 can scan objects larger than 200 cm, from car parts to people and rooms.

peel 3d peel 3

Type: Handheld Structured Illumination 3D Scanner
Accuracy: 0.250 mm/m, up to 0.1 mm
Scan speed: 80 sec/m ²
Features: A new generation of affordable scanners for reverse engineering

peel 3d, a subsidiary of Creaform, has released a completely redesigned peel 3 solution. This scanner boasts not only higher accuracy than the brand’s previous models, but also improved usability thanks to its ergonomic design, tactile feedback and intuitive touch screen capabilities. All of these improvements aim to improve the scanning experience for both novice and advanced users. Applications of the 3D scanner cover product development, cultural preservation, AR/VR, healthcare, auto tuning, parts manufacturing, engineering, and more.

The scanner is also offered with peel 3.CAD proprietary software, which has been specifically designed as a complete reverse engineering solution.

Scantech SIMSCAN

Type: Handheld 3D Laser Scanner
Accuracy: up to 0.2 mm
Scanning speed: up to 2.8M points per second
Features: compact and high performance device for professional use

Scantech (China) has released an updated version of the compact and portable SIMSCAN 3D scanner. It aims to set a new standard in metrology with palm-sized, high scanning performance, low power consumption and 0.020mm accuracy.

Scantech engineers have been able to improve 3D scanning efficiency by 40% and reduce power consumption by 20% compared to the previous version. Thanks to its blue laser scanning technology, the device is ideal for digitizing narrow spaces. 42 laser lines further enhance scanning efficiency.

The device is designed for long-term and stable use. To ensure reliability, the 3D scanner calibration plate is made of aerospace grade carbon fiber, which is more resistant to shock and other loads. Finally, SIMSCAN is extremely portable, allowing you to carry it with you and take measurements anywhere.

Formlabs Form 3

Raise3D Pro2

The best 3d printer is a device that quickly builds a given part. The device allows you to create cases for your smartphone, toys, dishes, etc. Suitable for home and business use.

Review of the best budget 3D printers for the home

These are inexpensive models with a minimum set of options. Create elements from different materials using different technologies.

Wanhao Duplicator i3 mini

Compact device with small print area. Can be used immediately after unpacking. To do this, just install the device, perform calibration. Compatible with various operating systems. Quickly creates the given element. Monochrome screen for easy parameter setting. The display shows information about the current process — nozzle temperature, percent complete, etc. Good cooling system.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM, FFF, PJP;
design — open chamber;
raw material — PLA;
connection — USB, SD;
speed — 70 mm/s;
OS compatible — Windows, MAC, Linux, Unix;
dimensions — 325x380x240 mm;
weight — 7 kg;
price — from 14900 rubles.

Advantages:

is completely ready for operation;
easily connects to the operating system;
securely holds the model;
Glue stick included.

Disadvantages:

freezes periodically;
poor quality table screw levelers;
no Russian menu.

Creality Ender-3

A device with convenient control, high speed of model creation. Sturdy platform with even heating. Allows you to work without an adhesive coating. Printing can be paused with saving the settings, then resuming the process. Power supply with active cooling.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM, FFF, PJP;
design — open chamber;
raw materials — ABS, PLA, Wood;
connection — USB, micro SD;
speed — 180 mm/s;
dimensions — 440x465x420 mm;
weight — 6.9 kg;
price — from 16900 rubles.

Advantages:

prints well;
ease of use;
wear parts;
compact.

Disadvantages:

noisy;
is obsolete and needs to be upgraded.

TEVO Tornado

Repairable and upgradeable model. Suitable for use by beginners. Easy control, simple settings. Can be used daily. Creates smooth elements of different dimensions. Large print volume. The titanium extruder ensures the high performance of the printer. Installed on any surface. Well implemented cooling system.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM, FFF, PJP;
design — open chamber;
raw materials — ABS, Flex, PLA, PVA, Wood, PETG;
connection — USB, SD;
speed — 150 mm/s;
OS compatible — Windows, MAC, Linux, Unix;
dimensions — 560x620x600 mm;
weight — 11 kg;
price — from 31700 rubles.

Advantages:

quick assembly;
easy to set up;
strong, stable frame;
can create large elements;
is easy to reflash.

Disadvantages:

airflow is poorly implemented;
some accessories are made of plastic;
The work table has a bad adhesive coating.

XYZPrinting da Vinci Junior Pro

A simple but functional device. Supplied with a memory card containing the software. If there is no suitable output on the computer, the software can be downloaded from the official website of the manufacturer. The backlight of the camera allows you to see the internal components. Ready for use immediately after unpacking. No manual calibration required. The cooling system works well, so the device does not overheat during operation.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM, FFF, PJP;
design — open chamber;
raw material — PLA;
connection — USB, Card Reader;
speed — 40 mm/s;
compatible with OS — Windows, MAC;
dimensions — 420x430x380 mm;
weight — 12 kg;
price — from 38400 rubles.

Benefits:

Easy cartridge replacement;
safety;
easy operation;
compact;
no assembly required.

Disadvantages:

limited type, material manufacturers;
small screen.

Prusa i3 Steel

Easy to set up model. Small size allows you to install it on the desktop. The steel frame ensures accurate printing. Possibility of modernization. A clear step-by-step guide helps to quickly assemble the device. High quality cooling system. The medium print area allows you to make souvenirs, small toys, etc.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM;
raw materials — ABS, PLA, PVA, HIPS;
connection — USB, SD;
speed — 200 mm/s;
compatible with OS — Windows, MAC, Linux;
dimensions — 410x480x450 mm;
weight — 11 kg;
price — from 44800 rubles.

Advantages:

low vibration;
creates smooth models with a homogeneous structure;
rich equipment;
clear instructions;
ease of use;
rigid stable frame;
good airflow.

Disadvantages:

difficult to fix bar, SD card;
The work surface takes a long time to heat up.

Geetech A10M

Multicolour maker. The mixer allows you to mix material of different shades to simulate elements with gradients. Can be used by beginners at home. Firmware update via internet. High print speed. The finished part fully complies with the specified parameters. Convenient control panel with source open source. System for resuming an interrupted process.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM, FFF;
raw materials — ABS, HIPS, PETG, PLA, PVA, Rubber;
connection — USB, SD;
compatible with OS — Windows, MAC, Linux;
dimensions — 530x470x230 mm;
weight — 8.8 kg;
price — from 27000.

Advantages:

wide platform;
print precision;
ease of use;
large touch display;
forms products from different materials.

Disadvantages:

components fail quickly;
slow operation.

FlyingBear Ghost 4S

High performance device. Uninterrupted supply of plastic. Connecting to a computer via Wi-Fi. In the event of a power outage, the settings are saved. The process is resumed with the given parameters. Automatically deactivated after completion of work. Forms elements with complex geometry. Smooth surface details. Wear resistant components. The all-metal frame provides stability on the basis.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM;
raw materials — PLA, ABS, TPU, Wood, HIPS;
connection — Wi-Fi, USB, SD;
speed — 150 mm/s;
compatible with OS — Windows, MAC;
dimensions — 392x342x420 mm;
weight — 15 kg;
price — from 35000.

Advantages:

ease of operation;
large touch screen;
many functions;
simple setting.

Flaws:

mediocre assembly;
Poor blower system.

Anycubic I3 Mega

Compact device suitable for creating flexible elements. The heated work surface allows you to easily remove finished products after cooling. The material feeds smoothly for accurate printing. Can be used immediately after unpacking. Solid, secure platform. Rigid metal frame guarantees stability. Good adhesion of the first layers ensures a clear creation of figures. The touch display displays the set parameters. The screen provides access to settings, real-time operation control. Power failure protection system.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM/FFF/PJP;
design — open chamber;
raw materials — ABS, PLA, Wood, HIPS;
connection — USB, SD;
speed — 100 mm/s;
dimensions — 405x453x410 mm;
weight — 11 kg;
price — from 23800 rubles.

Advantages:

accurate printing;
works out of the box;
color screen;
updated table;
good adhesion to the substrate;
ease of use;
easy setting.

Disadvantages:

start-up squeak;
smell of plastic;
noisy.

Tevo Tarantula Pro

Budget model that works with different materials, including soft ones. Quickly forms an element. Smooth uninterrupted supply of plastic. Wide opportunities for modernization. Original design. Small dimensions, so the installation of the device does not require a lot of space. Suitable for creating large figures. The frame is not strong enough. This suggests that problems may arise during operation. To avoid their appearance, you need to securely fix the device on the countertop.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM, FFF, PJP;
design — open chamber;
raw material — ABS, Flex, Nylon, PLA, PVA, Wood, ASA, HIPS, PETG, PP, SBS, POM;
connection — USB, USB Type A, SD;
speed — 150 l/h;
OS compatibility — Windows, Linux, Unix;
dimensions — 434x504x333 mm;
weight — 8. 5 kg;
price — from 18900 rubles.

Benefits:

large print area;
compact;
powerful power supply;
quick work;
uniform platform heating;
well implemented cooling system.

Drawbacks:

cheap parts;
requires installation on a hard surface.

Top of the line models for small and medium businesses

These devices help organizations increase productivity, increase revenue. High speed, advanced functionality.

Zortrax M200

Semi-professional instrument with open housing. Platform with auto-calibration, uniform heating. The built-in Wi-Fi module allows you to connect devices without the use of wires. Large print area. Additional features to improve the product forming process. Automatic deactivation of the device when the material runs out.

Advanced cooling system. The built-in camera allows you to watch the creation of figures from a computer. You can use immediately after unpacking. No assembly or calibration required. Automatic firmware update via Wi-Fi allows you to improve the interface.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM, FFF, PJP;
raw materials — ABS, PLA, Nylon, PC;
speed — 100 mm/s;
compatible with OS — Windows;
dimensions — 345x360x430 mm;
weight — 13 kg;
price — from 138200 rubles.

Advantages:

is completely ready for operation;
accurate, fast printing;
silent operation;
well implemented cooling system.

Disadvantages:

problems with the creation of large products;
parts of poor quality.

Ultimaker 3

Professional, reliable device. Choice of preset, program settings. Automatic material feed. Suitable for creating elements with complex geometry. Built-in camera for monitoring work remotely. Uniform platform heating. You can work with different materials. Allows you to make shapes with two colors. Automation of the process eliminates the occurrence of errors during operation. Consumables recognition system, selection of suitable settings. No manual calibration required.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM, FFF, PJP;
raw material — ABS, PLA, PVA, NEYLON, HIPS, Flex, CPE;
connection — Wi-Fi, Ethernet;
compatible with OS — Windows, MAC;
dimensions — 357x338x338 mm;
weight — 13 kg;
price — from 330,000 rubles.

Advantages:

customizable;
the presence of a second switchable nozzle;
variety of materials;
white built-in lighting;
high print volume;
quick shaping.

Disadvantages:

engines get very hot;
balancing difficulty;
noisy work.

Picaso Designer X Pro

The model is made of reliable, durable, wear-resistant materials. Platform with uniform heating. Creates elements of different thicknesses. Convenient control, setting. Solves problems of any complexity. The process control system allows you to monitor the supply of plastic, the uniformity of the applied layers. The display reports the status of the current job. The device is suitable for the production of industrial parts. Automatic calibration sets up the platform in seconds.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM;
raw materials — PLA, ABS, PLA Flexible, PVA, PC, Hips, Nylon, Laywood, FilaFlex, Filamentarno;
connection — USB, Ethernet, USB Flash;
speed — 30 cm3/hour;
compatible with OS — Windows;
dimensions — 492x390x430 mm;
weight — 22 kg;
price — from 149000 rubles.

Advantages:

printing precision;
easy calibration;
easily removable magnetic table;
directional material feed;
fast work.

Disadvantages:

the nozzle is constantly clogged;
when forming a new layer, a void is formed.

Tevo Nereus

Low cost, easy to use device. Suitable for personal use, custom printing. Wi-Fi module for wireless synchronization with devices. The process can be controlled remotely from a smartphone. Large touch screen for easy setup. Built-in uninterruptible power supply in case of a power outage. Durable aluminum frame provides stability. Open source.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM;
raw materials — ABS, HIPS, Nylon, PETG, PLA, PVA, Rubber;
connection — Wi-Fi;
speed — 150 mm/s;
weight — 13 kg;
price — from 30900 rubles.

Advantages:

color touch display;
surface heats up quickly;
wide print area;
backlash-free assembly;
option to restart the process after a power outage.

Weaknesses:

loud PSU fan;
«raw» firmware.

Artillery Sidewinder X1

A model that can be used right out of the box. Wide work surface. Almost instant heating of the platform. High positioning accuracy. Wear-resistant materials of increased strength. The table cover is perforated glass with good adhesion to all types of plastics used. After the process is completed, the figures are easily removed from the surface. Powerful, directional material flow.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM, FFF, PJP;
design — open chamber;
raw material — ABS, Flex, Nylon, PLA, Wood, HIPS, PETG, PC;
connection — USB, SD;
speed — 150 mm/s;
OS compatible — Windows, MAC, Linux, Unix;
dimensions — 780x250x540 mm;
weight — 16.5 kg;
price — 36900 rubles.

Advantages:

high print speed;
process control system;
easy setting;
touch control.

Weaknesses:

short USB cable;
inconvenient port layout;
noisy fans.

Two Trees Sapphire S

Device with stable aluminum frame. Option to resume operation after a sudden power outage. Fast uniform heating of the platform with three leveling points.

Features:

technology — FDM;
raw materials — PLA, ABS, PETG, Wood;
connection — USB;
speed — 180 mm/s;
compatible with OS — Windows;
dimensions — 450x450x320 mm;
weight — 12 kg.

Advantages:

easy assembly;
Russian language menu;
convenient touch screen;
forms elements quickly;
creates parts with complex geometries.

Disadvantages:

few settings;
incomprehensible interface;
inconvenient way to fasten straps;
Firmware failed.

Elegoo Mars

Compact model with no backlash assembly. Accurate, clear printing at high speed. High resolution color touch screen. Wide plotting area along the XY axis. Compatible with many materials. The smoothing function reduces the effect of stairs on the product.

Features:

technology — DLP;
design — closed housing;
raw material — 405NM UV resin;
connection — USB;
weight — 6.8 kg;
price — from 31500 rubles.

Benefits:

easy to calibrate;
ease of use;
high speed;
original slicer;
saving consumables.

Faults:

noisy fan;
inconvenient port layout.

The best SLA models for small and medium businesses

Laser stereolithography printing — the formation of elements with high resolution, accuracy, the smallest deviation of parts from the specified parameters. Wide working area. SLA 3D printers are suitable for use at home, in small workshops, and in large-scale production.

WANHAO DUPLICATOR 8

Model with simple, user-friendly controls. The print speed can be adjusted. Material — photopolymer resin. It allows you to create complex geometric shapes with a smooth surface. Cures quickly with LED light. There is a viewing window on the side of the table to monitor the process.

Characteristics:

design — closed chamber;
raw material — photopolymer;
connection — USB, Wi-Fi;
speed — 30 mm/hour;
OS compatible — Windows, MAC, Linux, Unix;
price — from 92000 rubles.
Advantages:
compact dimensions;
light weight;
works fast;
forms several products at the same time;
high performance;
automatic leveling mechanism;
high capacity resin tank;
convenient touch screen for operation;
no special conditions for installation, operation.

Disadvantages:

there is no on/off button on the front panel;
custom design.

Formlabs Form 2

Intuitive instrument. Forms elements with a smooth surface. Stable operation with uniform material feed. Suitable for forming large products. Good cleaning system — foreign particles are regularly removed from the construction, mixing area to create parts with a uniform structure. The platform heats up evenly.

Characteristics:

technology — SLA;
construction — closed chamber;
raw material — photopolymer;
connection — USB, WI-FI, Ethernet;
compatible with OS — Windows, MAC;
dimensions — 350x330x520 mm;
weight — 13 kg;
price — from 259000.

Advantages:

convenient touch screen;
smooth surface of figures;
automatic material volume control;
clear print;
ease of use;
You can create multiple items at the same time.

Disadvantages:

defects in the formation of small parts;
expensive consumables.

B9 Creator

Precision printed model. Wide working area. Suitable for creating products with complex geometry. A high resolution. You can make figures in a thin layer. Flat, smooth surface. Application of material without voids. Suitable for jewelry production. Works with cured epoxy.

Characteristics:

raw material — liquid photopolymer;
connection — USB, SD;
speed — 12-20 mm/hour;
compatible with OS — Windows, MAC;
dimensions — 790x470x305 mm;
weight — 13.5 kg;
price — from 337250 rubles.

Benefits:

fast printing;
finished items match the specified parameters;
simple design;
maintainability;
you can make complex parts.

Disadvantages:

fine tuning required;
Solid particles build up in the resin reservoir preventing uniform flow of material;
firmware problems.

Premium 3D printers

High performance expensive models. Extended functionality. Suitable for professional use.

Formlabs Form 3

Low power stereolithography laser 3D printer. Quickly creates features with complex geometry. Reproduces the smallest details. Built-in sensors control the process, support printing conditions, notify about changes in the state of the device. Can be used immediately after unpacking. Does not require complex assembly.

Characteristics:

technology — SLA;
design — open chamber;
raw material — liquid photopolymer;
connection — Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB;
dimensions — 405x375x530;
weight — 17.5 kg;
price — from 336600 rubles.

Advantages:

ease of replacement of consumables;
ease of use;
automated work;
free software included in the kit;
X, Y precision;
layer thickness can be adjusted;
wide range of materials;
maintainability.

Disadvantages:

print speed dependent on resin viscosity;
risk of product deformation;
high price.

Raise3D Pro2

Closed case model for low volume production. Sturdy aluminum frame provides stability. Large print area. Suitable for simultaneous creation of several products at once. Allows you to form complex shapes with fine details. Works at high speed. Convenient touch panel for process settings. Intuitive interface with a wide range of features. Complies with environmental safety standards, therefore suitable for the home. A silicone coating is applied to the surface of the working area, which allows you to remove the finished product without damaging it.

Characteristics:

technology — FDM;
construction — closed chamber;
raw materials — ABS, HIPS, Nylon, PETG, PLA, PVA, Rubber;
connection — LAN, USB, Wi-Fi;
speed — 30-150 mm/s;
compatible with OS — Windows, MAC, Linux;
dimensions — 620x520x760;
weight — 44 kg;
price — from 371000.