Best industrial 3D printer 2024 – our top industrial design 3D picks
The best industrial 3D printer is an essential piece of equipment for both small and large businesses. Whether your field is in engineering, design, or hobby craft, one of the best 3D printers can transform your manufacturing process. From prototypes to models, they can build large-volume products accurately. An industrial-grade 3D printer may be just the ticket to streamlining your production, helping you optimize development, and serving as a cost-effective solution for creating complex, specialized components.
When you’re investing any amount of money in equipment, reliability and quality need to be assured. In this guide, we will run through the best 3D printers for the job, let’s take a look.
Products at a Glance
How we choose the best industrial 3D printer
The selection process for the best industrial-grade 3D printer brings several key factors together to find an ideal solution for a range of budgets and requirements. We considered the printing technology, as different methods like Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), or Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) offer varying degrees of precision and material compatibility. We tried to pick a range of models to accommodate various build volumes, while also keeping an eye on quality and print speed. Our finalized list offers highly recommended printers with reliability at their core.
Product Reviews
- Dual extruder with diverse filament compatibility (300℃)
- 32-bit motion control board for precise and smooth movement
- 7-inch touch screen for easy monitoring and control of the printing process
- HEPA air filtration for a cleaner printing environment
- Bulky
The Raise3D Pro2 Plus stands as one of the best industrial 3D printers for its unwavering 24/7 reliability. This features a robust metal build plate, ensuring uniform heat distribution. Its complete metal framework guarantees seamless motion and pinpoint accuracy.
This printer exhibits versatile compatibility with an array of 3D printing materials, complemented by proactive measures to safeguard your work. Featuring a user-friendly 7-inch touch screen, it facilitates efficient monitoring of the 3D printing process. Additionally, it incorporates a HEPA air filter to enhance the printing environment.
- Large build volume
- Fully enclosed structure
- Dual filament feeding
- Automatic closed lift
- Complex bed leveling process
The JG MAKER A9 Pro is a large enclosed 3D printer with a build volume of up to 19.6 x 15.7 x 23.6 in. The stable body minimizes vibrations during the printing process, resulting in improved printing stability. This printer features a magnetic extrusion kit design, auto bed leveling, and a self-adapting level sensor, ensuring high-quality prints.
With an industrial linear rail, high-precision ball screw, and dual feeding motor top-tier accuracy and reliability are ensured.
- High resolution
- Spacious build volume
- Pre-calibrated build plate
- Not the best for extra large projects
The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K is our top budget choice for industrial 3D printers. It comes with an 8K resolution, delivering incredibly detailed models that outshine other large-scale 3D printers. With a spacious build volume of 330 x 185 x 400 mm, it accommodates substantial projects. What’s particularly appealing is the pre-calibrated building plate, which eliminates the hassle of time-consuming setup procedures. Constructed entirely of metal, the Sonic Mega 8K exudes durability and stability, perfectly suited for long-term usage. The exceptional printing quality and reliability make it a compelling choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
- Versatile Filament Compatibility
- Dual Extruder and Precision
- Easy to use
- Better suited for the home
The QIDI iFast 3D Printer is not going to be suitable for anyone looking to upscale their printing business, however, it is a solid option for those looking to start at home. Its standout feature is its impressive speed, with a 20% boost in printing rate, achieving 100cc per hour. The versatility in filament choices, including PLA, ABS, and more, ensures you can bring your creative ideas to life. The dual extruder and automatic adjustment are particularly handy for crafting complex, precision parts, and the support for water-soluble PVA is a bonus.
Desktop vs. Industrial 3D Printers
Desktop and industrial 3D printers differ significantly in terms of their capabilities, applications, and cost. Here are some key differences between the two types of printers:
Applications:
- Industrial 3D printers are used in industries such as aerospace, automobile, medical, and electronic products, where they can be used to create life-saving elements.
- Desktop 3D printers are typically employed to print smaller objects and are commonly used in areas such as industrial design, education, animation, archaeology, lighting design, and various other fields.
Printing Capacity:
- Industrial 3D printers boast expansive printing platforms, enabling the production of larger parts in a single run, and can also print more models at the same time.
- Desktop 3D printers have a smaller printing capacity and are generally used to print smaller items.
Accuracy:
- Both desktop and industrial 3D printers use Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology, which involves creating a layer by layer by applying thermoplastic material.
- Desktop 3D printers have an error tolerance of around 0.5 mm, while industrial printers have a higher accuracy level.
Cost:
- Industrial 3D printers come at a higher price point compared to desktop 3D printers.
- Desktop 3D printers are more affordable and accessible to individuals and small businesses.
Material Offering:
- Industrial 3D printers offer a wider range of materials to print with, including metals, ceramics, and composites.
- Due to simplified print heads and lower-quality heat management systems, desktop 3D printers often cannot print more specialized and advanced materials.
Best industrial 3D printer
When deciding which industrial 3D printer to buy, consider the following factors:
Printing Process and Technology
There are various 3D printing processes, such as FDM, SLA, SLS, and DMLS, each with its own advantages and limitations. Choose advanced 3D Printing Solutions and the one that uses a process suitable for your application and desired output quality and offers the best Industrial-Grade 3D Printing Technology.
Materials Compatibility
Determine the materials you need to work with and ensure that the printer is capable of handling them. Some printers are designed for specific materials, while others offer more flexibility.
Build Volume
Consider the object’s size that you will print and choose a printer with a suitable build volume. Larger build volumes allow for the production of bigger parts or multiple parts in a single print job.
Print Quality and Resolution
Evaluate the printer’s resolution and layer thickness capabilities to ensure that it can meet your desired level of detail and accuracy.
Speed and Productivity
Evaluate the printer’s printing speed and overall efficiency to ensure it aligns with your production needs. Faster printers may come at a higher cost.
Ease of Use and Maintenance
Look for a printer that is user-friendly and easy to maintain. Consider the accessibility of technical assistance and educational materials.
Safety Features
Industrial 3D Printing Machines can pose certain risks, such as high temperatures and fumes. Choose a printer with appropriate safety features to protect your operators and workspace.
Cost and Return on Investment:
Compare the prices of different printers, taking into account their capabilities and features. Consider the printer’s ability to deliver long-term advantages and potential cost-efficiency for your business.
Reviews and User Feedback
Read industrial 3D Printer Reviews and seek feedback from other users to better understand the printer’s performance, reliability, and customer support.
What makes printers industrial?
Industrial printing refers to printing that is carried out on products and packaging and requires devices made for harsh conditions, with high print quality, low maintenance durability, and high-volume continuous printing. Industrial printers are designed to meet the specific needs of various industries and applications and differ from graphical printing in that they are used for functional purposes, not just aesthetics.
Industrial inkjet printers, for example, use inkjet technology for label printing and are used in a variety of industries, including cable and wire manufacturing. These printers use two main technologies, thermal bubble, and single pass printing, and can create tiny bubbles of ink to print on products and packaging.
Owning an industrial printer can provide several benefits for businesses, including simplified and more efficient workflows, on-demand possibilities, and cost savings from eliminating the need for outsourcing. When choosing an industrial printer, it is important to consider the industry’s specific requirements and application, as well as factors such as print quality, durability, and maintenance requirements.
Who makes the best industrial 3D printers?
Several manufacturers produce industrial 3D printers, and the best one for a particular business depends on their specific needs and requirements. Some of the top manufacturers of industrial 3D printers include Raise3D, Creality, Mosaic, and many more.
It is important to note that the best industrial 3D printer for a particular business depends on their specific needs and requirements. Factors to consider when choosing an industrial 3D printer include printing speed and precision, ability to print with engineering-grade materials, build volume, maintenance requirements, safety features, and cost. Therefore, it is recommended to do thorough research and compare different models and manufacturers before making a decision.
What are the advantages of investing in an industrial 3D printer over a hobbyist-level 3D printer?
Investing in an industrial 3D printer over a hobbyist-level 3D printer offers several advantages. Here are some of the key benefits of industrial 3D printers:
- Reliability and accuracy
- Advanced materials and build volumes
- Efficiency and time-saving
- Better support and service
- Controlled process variability
- Certified materials and compatibility
Our Verdict
Finding the best industrial 3D printer for your business needs can be quite tricky, these types of models do not come cheap. Still, as long as you pre-determine the budget and your needs, one of the recommended printers above will serve you well. The printers here are suited for small businesses, so if you are in the market for something more substantial, you may need to contact manufacturers directly for a consultation.