3D printing is one of the most exciting fields in the technology industry, but it’s also one which is greatly misunderstood. Or rather, not understood at all! Sure, we’ve read that the tech can be used to print guns. We may even have seen a BBC news report about 3D printing being used in the medical profession as a way to mimic certain organs. But really, much of the public is none the wiser to its role in society.
All that looks set to change, as 3D printing is going ever more mainstream, entering the workplace and the home with increased frequency in the next few years.
Indeed, with a huge range of devices on the market for both work and home use. 3D printers use computer-aided design (CAD) to create three-dimensional objects, building them up one layer at a time. This method offers many advantages over traditional manufacturing techniques, delivering ever more intricate designs quickly and with high accuracy. What’s more, because this technology has become increasingly accessible in recent years, there are options suited for hobbyists and businesses alike.
Now we’ve cleared that up, let’s look at the best 3D printers of 2020, and the IDEAL choices for work and home use.
THE BEST 3D PRINTERS FOR COMMERCIAL USE
With such a diverse selection of commercial 3D printers on the market, choosing the right one for your business can be tough. Here are a few of the leading printers, all efficient at creating 3D objects, but with a wide range of characteristics.
Formlabs Form 2
The Formlabs Form 2 3D printer provides consistently reliable performance, producing incredibly complex and detailed 3D objects with ease. The printer offers both network, WiFi, and USB printing, and its large touchscreen makes using the device easy. There’s no doubt that this is a good all-round 3D printer; but at £2,449, it’s also a sizable investment. That said, if you have very specific needs and a big budget, this could be the printer for you.
Ultimaker 3
The Ultimaker 3 isn’t the newest 3D printer on the market, but it still deserves a place in our list. This printer offers high-quality printing, with dual extruders allowing you to print with two colours or filament types. The print quality surpasses previous Ultimakers and is probably the best we’ve seen from the fused filament fabrication (FFF) printer genre. Plus, with several new connectivity options, it offers more versatility than other options.
MakerBot Replicator+
The MakerBot Replicator+ 3D printer is a much-improved version of the original Replicator, with more advanced features, improved speed, and better design quality than its predecessor. Its workflow features are particularly useful for commercial users, and it’s relatively quiet too.
There’s a wide range of connectivity choices, allowing you to print via USB, WiFi, Ethernet, or even USB thumb drive. This also boasts one of the best selections of connectivity options we’ve seen on 3D printers.
THE BEST 3D PRINTERS FOR HOME USE
3D printers aren’t just for businesses – they can also be used by hobbyists domestically or for someone with a home office in need of a 21st century update. The market is filled with affordable 3D printers which are ideal for beginners.
Whether you’re a 3D printing aficionado or you just want to experiment with this exciting technology for the first time, you’re sure to find the right printer or online 3D printing service to suit your needs and budget.
XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 2.0 Mix
The XYZprinting da Vinci Jr. 2.0 Mix is one of the most popular budget models on the market in 2020. This printer allows you to print objects in either one or two colours, with only a single extruder and nozzle required to print with two different-coloured filaments at once.
The print quality is very good, especially considering its modest price. The Mix is an excellent option if you’re looking for a 3D printer for home use, particularly if you want to be able to print in two colours.
LulzBot Mini 2
The LulzBot Mini 2 is a fantastic mid-range 3D printer. Possessing excellent speed and versatility, it’s a good choice for serious hobbyists. Not only are prints of high quality, but the printer supports a wide range of materials. The Mini 2 is similar in appearance to its predecessor, LulzBot Mini, with a clean and minimalist look.
However, it’s a lot more advanced, with several upgrades including a more flexible printhead; quicker motors; new modular print bed; and a bigger print bed. If you want a fast and flexible printer that can be relied upon to produce consistently high-quality prints in both the standard ABS and PLA filaments and using various materials, this is it.
WobbleWorks 3Doodler Create+ Leather Edition
The WobbleWorks 3Doodler Create+ Leather Edition is a 3D pen that lets you draw with various materials, such as wood-based filaments. It’s great fun to experiment with and easy to use too, making it ideal for people trying this technology for the first time. What’s great is that there are lots of resources to be found online, including various stencils and videos.
Whilst it’s certainly a seriously stylish handheld, freeform 3D printer (its Italian leather sheath adds to its appeal), it’s important to consider that it’s more expensive than some other similar models.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Whether you’re looking for a seriously powerful commercial 3D printer or you’re a hobbyist seeking the perfect machine for home-use, there are many options available to you in 2020. Whilst printers are becoming more advanced with a multitude of exciting features, they’re also becoming a lot more accessible, with prices to suit all budgets.
You can find out more about the latest 3D printing processes over at the Protolabs website.