Products at a Glance
How We Picked the Best 3D Printer for Jewelry
3D printers may seem like complex creations, but most jewelers will find them to be highly similar to their current machinery – albeit with different terminology. On the whole, we prioritized print speed, build volume, and an array of filament compatibilities in our selection of 3D printers, in order to give the designs the best range of size, speed and substance to print with. We also gave preferential treatment to printers with additional quality-of-life features, such as automated leveling or an easily-removed print bed.
We settled on five products, across a range of price points so as to not alienate jewelers working to a budget, that provide great high-quality results in a range of materials. Though each machine has its respective merits, there can only be one “best” 3D printer for jewelry making…
Product Reviews
- 3-in-1 printer
- Highly precise
- Highly automated
- High price point
The Snapmaker A350T is a productivity powerhouse, able to create a huge range of products thanks to its 3-in-1 design. Boasting a CNC Carver and Laser Engraver as well as 3D print functionality, this unit is a high-value purchase – and the best 3D printer for jewelry.
With a 320mm x 350mm x 330mm, you have the scope to create a wide range of jewelry and accessories in a huge range of sizes. In fact, this multipurpose printer is highly popular among cosplayers, looking to create armor or other ambitious builds. The dual extruder design makes for fast 3D printing in a range of popular filaments, and the end results are just as detailed and as complex as you desire. Highly automated, this unit takes the stress out of the craft for beginners, whilst merely making things easier for more seasoned 3D print specialists.
However, in buying a 3-in-1 device, you are paying for 3 devices: the price point is notably higher than many other products. If you can afford the investment, then it’s doubtless than the A350T is the best 3D printer for jewelry making on the market!
- 22 Micrometer resolution
- High compatibility
- Affordable
- Resin only
Resin 3D printers are a burgeoning industry for jewelry, able to create incredible works with ease out of stylish and versatile resisns. The phrozen Sonic Mini is our favorite of this selection: boasting mind-boggling detail at a great price.
With a resolution of 22μm (micrometers), the Sonic Mini is capable of stunning results with as little as half as many layering lines as other SLA 3D printers. Setup is quick and easy, with minimal steps after unboxing this small 3D printer, and it comes packed with automated features that make starting your prints quick and easy.
That said, the notable downside to this otherwise great 3D printer for jewelry is that you are limited to resin printing: other forms of filament aren’t compatible, and will need a dedicated machine. If you want stunning detail, though, then the Sonic Mini is near-impossible to beat!
- Wide filament compatibility
- Built-in camera
- Fast print speeds
- Limited build volume
If you’re looking for a versatile jewelry 3D print solution for your business, consider the Dremel DigiLab 3D45. Highly versatile and built to power through prints quickly and efficiently, this unit is ideal for business-minded jewelry printing.
With automated leveling and a built-in camera for monitoring progress, this unit combines some of our favorite features with a closed frame to reduce noise. Top that off with automated filament run-out detection – which automatically pauses your print should you need to resupply on filament – and this unit is a versatile and helpful option for offices not needing an involved printing process. It’s capable of printing with a huge range of filaments – from olfactory favorites like PLA through to specialist options such as nylon. All in all, there’s a lot to love about the DigiLab 3D45.
One thing you may not love, however, is the build volume. Due to the enclosed design of this 3D printer, the scale of your projects is limited to a mere 170mm x 254mm x 152mm. That’s still more than enough for most jewelry, and for a utilitarian 3D printer for small businesses, the DigiLab 3D45 is hard to beat!
- Decent build volume
- Low price
- Fast speeds
- Intensive configuration
A budget-friendly alternative to the Sonic Mini, the Anycubic Photon Mono SE is a tremendous 3D printer for jewelry under $300. It boasts an array of great features you don’t normally find in a budget 3D printer, making for tremendous value for money.
Though you are once again limited to SLA printing, the Photon Mono SE delivers sterling quality in its singular filament. The printer keeps both the upfront and ongoing costs low, with affordable resin options and an affordable RRP. The Photon Mono also prints entire layers of resin in batches, which makes for fast rendering speeds. With a build volume of 165mm x 143mm x 89mm, you’ve got a healthy amount of space to design with.
That said, it is a more involved 3D printer, with limited support in how to correctly master it. Though it’s more affordable, total novices may want to avoid this unit. If you’re prepared for a steep learning curve and a shallow price, then the Photon Mono SE is a great option!
- High filament compatibility
- Fast print speed
- Dual extruder
- Limited build volume
Our final pick of the best 3D printers for jewelry is the QIDI X-Plus 3, a sterling multimedia 3D printer with an array of filament compatibility. With bafflingly fast print speeds, this is an excellent choice for creating designs quickly from a diverse range of materials.
When discussing the best ABS 3D printers, we crowned this as the top choice – and the same reasons give it a worthwhile spot on our rankings today, plus a few more. The high-heat capabilities and fast print speeds make this unit a highly versatile and valuable investment for the discerning 3D print jeweler. The range of compatible filaments include carbon fiber, for sterling metal-like results. The printer features two nozzles, one made from hardened steel and one from copper alloy, along with a direct drive extruder to deliver the smoothest printing possible. All this, on top of a whopping base print speed of 600mm/s, makes the X-Plus 3 a fearsome commercial 3D printer.
It’s not all good news, though. Like the DigiLab 3D45, the printer’s enclosed design limits the functionality, with a small build volume that may not suit every jewelry maker. Depending on your needs, however, the X-Plus 3 may still surpass them!
Features and Considerations
When it comes to choosing the best 3D printer for jewelry, there are a number of factors that individual buyers should account for. Since a 3D printer can be a costly investment, it is important to make an informed purchase decision. Consider the following:
Build Volume
Depending on the scope and scale of your desired projects, a larger build volume may be required. Factor the listed volume into your purchase, but likewise consider whether bigger is necessarily better in your use case. A large build surface on a resin printer can cure entire layers simultaneously, allowing you to print dozens of models at the same time. So if you produce jewelry models at a frequent run, make sure to get a 3D printer with a large build volume. This way, your production time will be minimal.
Print Resolution
Arguably the most important factor in 3D printing jewelry, resolution – normally measured in microns or micrometers – is the level of detail that your printer is able to produce. We recommend the highest level of detail, with the best 3D printers being accurate within a fraction of a millimeter.
Print Speed
Similarly, a fast 3D printer is an advantage, but not at the expense of detail when it comes to jewelry. Consider a healthy median between high speeds and high resolution for your 3D printer, allowing you to have quality results quickly and efficiently.
Filament Compatibility
As mentioned, there are a number of 3D printing filaments available, from standard choices like PLA thermoplastic, to carbon fiber or even wood. This is a wholly subject issue, and you’ll need to choose the appropriate 3D printer with material compatibility to suit your needs. Most manufacturers list the range of compatible materials with the 3D printer, but some may be compatible with the right temperature settings and nozzle. With some elbow grease, you can broaden your creative choices – though some may be broader than others, depending on the model.
What is filament?
Filament – sometimes known as a “substrate” – is a catch-all term for a 3D printing material. These include PLA, ABS, PETG, Carbon Fiber, Wood and Nylon.
Are 3D printers dangerous?
Like any technology, 3D printers are dangerous if used incorrectly: the high-heat and fumes exhaustion from the units can cause health issues or injury if care isn’t taken. However, many 3D printers are designed with safety features to prevent this, making them safe for kids and adults to use alike.
Our Verdict
For the ultimate solution for jewelry making, the Snapmaker A350T is a beastly unit and the best 3D printer for jewelry in today’s ranking! Highly versatile, if expensive, this unit is well worth the expense for journeymen or newcomers to the world of 3D printing.
If you’re looking for more creative outlets, check out our guide on the best 3D printers for miniatures today!