Choosing a 3D Printer: A Closer Look at 5 Models on the Market

The additive manufacturing industry has experienced rapid growth in recent years, with projections indicating that the 3D printer market will more than double in the next decade. According to a report by Grand View Research, the number of shipped 3D printers reached 2.2 million in 2021 and is expected to reach 21.5 million by 2030. Consequently, the market now offers an increased variety of 3D printers. From FDM to SLS to DED and more, there are numerous options available for each 3D printing technology. However, this wide selection can make it challenging to make the right choice. To assist you in navigating the market, we feature five printers each month in our comprehensive comparison, which encompasses hundreds of 3D printers, including desktop, RepRap/kit, professional, and industrial models. Check out the selection below to discover the current popular choices in 3D printers!

C1000 Flexmatic – 3D Ceram

French manufacturer 3D Ceram, a specialist in ceramic additive manufacturing, has developed an industrial solution to meet large-scale production requirements. The C1000 Flexmatic is a 3D printer for semi-automated in-line ceramic part creation. Featuring a 320 x 320 x 200 mm platen, it offers a layer thickness of between 0.025 and 0.125 mm, and is compatible with the manufacturer’s range of ceramics. The C1000 Flexmatic is an industrial machine based on the stereolithography process, enabling it to achieve high levels of detail. It offers repeatability and precision for users wishing to automate their manufacturing processes.

P1S – Bambu Lab

Bambu Lab’s P1S is a 3D printer for home use that uses FDM technology. Plug and Play, it’s easy to use. It has a print volume of 256 x 256 x 256 mm and can print in 16 different colors if Bambu Lab’s Automatic Material System (AMS) is added. The manufacturer particularly emphasizes the speed of the 3D printer, with a maximum speed of 500 mm/s. The maximum nozzle temperature is 300°C. The P1S is compatible with various filaments: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET, ABS, ASA, PA and PC. It features an enclosed chamber and activated charcoal air filter. For more details, read our full review of Bambu Lab’s P1S.

Hunter S – Flashforge

The Hunter S 3D printer, developed by Chinese manufacturer Flashforge, is an improved version of the Hunter model. Like the Hunter S, it is based on Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology, which enables the resin to be photopolymerized layer by layer. Compact and high-precision, it has been designed for the dental sector. It features a large print volume of 144 x 81 x 180 mm, and a print speed of between 10 and 50 mm/h. It can print layers ranging from 20 to 200 micrometers. The Hunter S is also equipped with a high-resolution DLP optical module, designed to last up to 50,000 hours. Finally, it features a 3.5″ touch screen.

Dim – Tritone Technologies

Tritone Technologies, an Israel-based company, launched the Dim 3D printer in 2021. This industrial solution is based on the company’s patented MoldJet additive manufacturing technology. This technology consists of the creation of the mold and the part in a single machine operation; it is worth mentioning that this process does not produce dust and is capable of creating metal and ceramic parts on a large scale, at high speed and at the same time. As for its most outstanding features, we find that the Dim has a manufacturing area of 220 x 120 x 90 mm, divided into more than four inserts independent of each other. In addition, the 3D printer has external dimensions of 2150 x 1960 x 1800 mm and a weight of 1300 kg. The nominal layer thickness ranges from 50 to 100 μm, making it capable of creating parts with very fine details and ready surface quality. Finally, this machine is also ideal for the creation of complex parts requiring high resolution and precision.