3D printers can make great investments for engineers. They are one of the most exciting gadgets to buy at the moment and their potential applications are almost endless. New and exciting products along with spare parts are at the user’s fingertips and can be made at home, in the office or anywhere the user chooses.
It is definitely a futuristic technology, having the means to create anything that springs to mind. This makes 3D printers essential in fields that need to create prototypes to demonstrate design ideas or display their concepts.
3D printers can come in various flavors, with some being used in industrial settings. These are more expensive and will be expected to be used a significant amount over a longer stretch of time. Students and artists also have some options in this area, as there are plenty of models that are cheaper aimed at more casual users. Professionals that utilize 3D printers for design work would also fall into a class nearer to the casual user that the industrial user.
The printers themselves come in all shapes and sizes, they vary in price and quality. To choose the right 3D printer for you you must take into account your budget and the application that the printer will be used for. Here are the best 3D printers for engineers, sorted from most affordable to most expensive:
1. 3Doodler Create+
The 3Doodler Create+ is the latest 3D printing pen from the company 3Doodler. Of course, this is not a conventional 3D printer, it is a “pen” that used plastic filament to create physical models. It is pretty much a handheld 3D printer that allows the user to “doodle” their way to their creations!
2. Original Prusa i3 MK3S
From Prusa Research, the Original Prusa i3 MK3S is a newer model in comparison to the previous entry on this list. It features a new extruder system and some other significant improvements that include a new optical sensor and and textile sleeves. The 3D printer is compatible with Windows, Linux and Mac computers.
3. Original PRUSA SL1
The Original Prusa SL1 3D printer is a desktop resin open-source 3D printer created by Prusa Research. This Czech manufacturer developed the Original Prusa SL1 as their first resin 3D printer that uses MSLA (stereolithography) technology. The 3D printer’s UV LED and high-res LCD screen are utilized by this technology. It can be used both by beginners and professionals and it is easy to use while also being accurate.
4. LulzBot Mini 2
The Lulzbot Mini 2 is a 3D printer that fits on your desktop and is a high-performance, versatile product that was developed to create premium models. It features a GLCD Controller that allows tetherless 3D printing, can print both flexible and rigid filaments, all with a “whisper-quiet” operation.
5. Dremel DigiLab 3D45
The Dremel DigiLab 3D45 is a third-generation flagship printer targeted towards anyone from a novice to an experience professional user. The company’s confidence in this product is backed by their lifetime warranty, and it is clear that the 3D45 is a printer built for heavy use and reliability. Some of its features include: an automated 9 point leveling system, 4.5″ touch screen and built in HD camera.
6. MakerBot Replicator +
This award-winning 3D printer comes from MakerBot, it is a desktop printer that is created for reliable and fast 3D printing. It prints up to 30% faster than any of its predecessors, and includes a 25% larger volume for building. These premium machines are tested for over 380,000 hours before it’s design was approved.
7. Raise3D E2
The Raise3D E2 is a combination of impressive features and specifications, wrapped in an eye-catching package. It is a modern 3D printer built for today’s standards, this can be seen from it’s size, price and weight. It includes, wi-fi, a touchscreen interface, dual extruders and Raise3D’s proprietary software that makes operating this printer a breeze.
8. Ultimaker S3
Another desktop 3D printer that amazes due to it’s quality-to-size ratio, the Ultimaker S3 provides composite-ready dual extrusion that is reliable and premium. It has all of the latest industry and market leading technology packed into its miniature frame, creating a product that has plenty of power while also being easy to use.
9. Zortrax M300 Plus
This stealthy 3D printer utilizes LPD (Layer Plastic Deposition), Zortrax’s own take on FDM (Fusion Deposition Modeling). The Zortrax M300 Plus uses a variety of it’s own proprietary materials to produce high-quality models. It also avails of intuitive model processing, multiple infill options, thin wall detection, among many more features in order to produce the best product possible.
10. LulzBot Taz Pro
The LulzBot Taz Pro is without a doubt an industrial-grade 3D printer. It creates multi-material products on a larger scale that can include manufacturing aids, functional prototypes and print-on-demand parts among many more. Combing industry-leading features with Lulzbot’s famous reliability, this premium, professional printer will not let it’s user down.
11. Raise3D Pro2 Plus
Our last entry on our list of the best 3D printers for engineers, is a large-format printer from Raise3D. The Riase3D Pro2 Plus can print complicated mechanical parts, it supports various material filaments and prints at an impressive speed. The “large-format” design of this printer also allows the creation of larger parts, while providing superior reliability and high repeatability.
So there you have it, some of the best 3D printers for engineers that are in the market right now, at all price points. These are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to 3D printers that are on sale online but it should give you an idea of what your money can buy.
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