Products at a Glance
How We Picked the Best Professional 3D Printer
Professional 3D printers are required to both meet a number of niche industry requirements whilst also maintaining across-the-board quality for sterling models beyond that of consumer-grade models. We looked at the best 3D printers that excelled in certain core criteria: having the most accommodating build volume, the broadest filament compatibility, or the fastest print speeds. Ease-of-use features such as auto-leveling print beds or built-in cameras to monitor progress, whilst not essential, were also given due consideration.
In order to balance the scales, we ultimately chose five products across a range of price points, to account for different-sized business needs. Hopefully, you should come away from this guide with at least one potential 3D printer to suit your venture’s budget and specialist needs.
Product Reviews
- Accommodating build volume - at 500mm x 400mm x 600mm, you have plenty of room for your prints.
- Detailed print resolution - the A9 Pro has precise multi-functional controls for high-resolution print results.
- Slow print speed - despite the professional status, the A9 Pro is slower than many of its contemporaries, which can prove difficult to beat.
For a top-of-the-range professional 3D printer, consider the JG Maker A9 Pro: our top spot on today’s ranking. An industrial-grade enclosed 3D printer, this unit is ideal for businesses who need ample versatility without impeding quality, for tremendous client-facing results.
The most striking feature of this model is its immense build volume of 500mm x 400mm x 600mm, which allows for huge-scale designs for architects, engineers and anyone else wishing to create sterling 3D models. Detail isn’t lost to scale, however, as the printer employs highly precise z-axis controls to maintain consistent accuracy from the magnetic printheads. With automatic leveling and compatibility with a wide range of filaments such as ABS, the A9 Pro adds tremendous value to any business.
That said, the printer is notably slower than many other professional 3D printers. With a maximum speed of just 150mm/s, you’ll be waiting a while to see the fruits of the printer’s labor. It’s always worth the wait, however, and we still recommend the A9 Pro as the best professional 3D printer on the market.
- 3-in-1 unit - boasting laser engraving and CNC carving as well as 3D printing, this is a highly versatile 3D printer.
- Smart features - near every element of printing is automated thanks to the A350T's intelligent, user-friendly design.
- Noisy - due to the open-frame nature of the device, the A350T is louder than other professional 3D printers.
Combining a professional 3D printer with a CNC carver and laser engraver, the Snapmaker A350T is a tremendous value-add for businesses of any kind. Enabling you to create an even wider range of designs, this 3D printer is a tremendous multipurpose print solution, often retailing under $2000.
With a build volume of 320mm x 330mm x 350mm in an open-frame design, the A350T is a healthy median between print volume and print quality. Aside from the other two functions of this 3-in-1 unit, the 3D print functionality is stellar. It features a power loss recovery function, ensuring that you can continue your projects in case of power interruptions, as well as an automated filament run-out detection. You can configure and customize the A350T to your specific business needs thanks to it’s highly advanced operating system with personal profiles and intuitive interface.
That said, one elements that loses the A350T marks is in the noise level: it’s difficult to work in the same room as this 3D printer, so smaller office spaces may not want it in operation during busy periods. If you can accommodate the noise, then this is one of the best professional 3D printers on the market.
- Dual Extruder Printing - Print in a number of difficult styles. filaments or colors thanks to the SV04's IDEX system.
- Smooth running - the dual z-axis rails and quiet board mean that the printer is efficient and runs quietly despite its open frame.
- Poor automated leveling - the SV04 is not entirely automated, and the print bed leveling is unreliable.
For business-quality results that you don’t have to expense a client for, consider the Sovol SV04. This budget professional 3D printer is capable of stunning prints, and boasts many of the features often reserved for higher-end models.
Thanks to its dual-extruder print system, the SV04 is capable of printing quickly using two extruders, printing two prints simultaneously, or printing in multiple colors. Despite its open-frame design, the printer runs smoothly and near-silently with a 32-bit silent board. With a maximum build volume of 300mm x 300mm x 400mm, you have plenty of space to experiment, along with an easy-to-grasp interface that makes the entire print process easier. With many more quality-of-life features in this value-for-money model, there’s plenty to like about the SV04.
However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to dislike. Though the SV04 features automated leveling, it is notably inconsistent which often results in warped or failed prints. It’s rare enough to not discount this printer entirely, but worth mentioning if you require guaranteed results. For a budget professional 3D printer solution, this is definitely a worthwhile investment.
- Highly accurate prints - with resolution up to 100 microns (0.1mm accuracy) the Replicator+ is capable of stunning prints.
- Built-in camera - monitor progress from afar thanks to the Replicator+ built-in camera, which also helps spot errors in the print process.
- PLA only - with no variation in filament compatibility, this 3D printer is less of an all-round professional 3D printer.
For a mid-range professional 3D printer – not overtly expensive but still highly capable – we’ve chosen the MakerBot Replicator+. This high-end professional 3D printer capable of impressive build space and exceptional print quality.
Boasting a build volume of 252mm x 199mm x 150mm, the Replicator+ isn’t the largest printer on our rankings, but allows for enough space to freely experiment. An internal camera is capable of smartphone connectivity, and allows you to monitor your print progress in real-time. With fast print speeds and accuracy within 0.1mm, you won’t be waiting long and will certainly be satisfied with the results.
So why is this printer not higher in the best professional 3D printer rankings? With support only provided for PLA filament, this unit is inherently limited in its design potential, effectively hamstringing its usefulness to businesses. It’s still a professional 3D printer in terms of quality, but it’s less impressive than other models on our list.
- High print resolution - designs built by the MK3S+ are detailed and accurate, with little-to-no warping or ridging.
- Automated leveling - using a unique design, this 3D printer keeps prints level throughout the process, with great print bed adhesion.
- Long setup - not for the faint-of-heart, the MK3S+ takes some time to set up and get running.
Our final pick for the best professional 3D printer is the Prusa i3 MK3S+, which we have consistently sung the praises of – and for good reason. At a midpoint of price and quality, this is a terrific option for businesses wanting a high-end 3D print solution.
Utilizing a unique SuperPINDA print probe, the MK3S+ ensures level designs from the outset, making for minimal errors or creasing of filament. The build volume of 250mm x 210mm x 210mm matches your design ambitions perfectly. Print resolution is steller, and with a wide range of filaments to choose from this 3D printer can accommodate a number of professional needs. Easy to setup and equally easy to calibrate, this printer has a lot of benefits.
One drawback, however, is the assembly of the model: the MK3S+ is quite involved, which can be cumbersome for business needing a quick and easy 3D print solution. It’s a small issue to overcome, however, and we still rank the MK3S+ highly among our best 3D printers for professionals.
Features and Considerations
If you are considering a different professional 3D printer and want to know if it is truly professional, here are some features to factor into your purchase:
Build Volume
Large 3D printer build volumes can swell to ludicrous sizes measured in meters rather than millimeters, which are overkill for most applications. For most, a more modest but large build volume compared to that of typical 3D printers is a more cost-effective option and still offers plenty of versatility. Consider the maximum size of the prints you are aiming for, and buy accordingly.
Open vs Closed Frame
The design of a 3D printer fundamentally affects how large the build volume can be. With enclosed 3D printers, the entire print space is kept within the model. Most – if not all – of the best large 3D printers will be open-frame, to minimize restrictions on build volume. These models tend to be heavier and bulkier, along with being louder.
Filament Compatibility
Another factor to consider when shopping for a large 3D printer is material compatibility. In a sense, this is a simple step to overlook, but one that can hamper your printing plans if you find out a printer doesn’t support your filament of choice before hitting the buy button. Most will handle PLA out of the box, while pricier options may extend compatibility to less popular materials such as Nylon. Some large 3D printers can handle more abrasive materials like carbon fiber.
Print Speeds
A few factors determine the print speed of a 3D printer: the number of extruders, their acceleration, and even a slowly-heating bed can have drastic effects on print speeds. A quick tradeoff between quality and speed can be achieved by replacing the nozzle with a wider-diameter model, but that is never ideal. If you know you’ll need quick turnover rates, it is best to invest in a high-speed 3D printer from the outset.
What Makes a Professional 3D Printer?
We’d argue that the two key factors that contribute to a professional 3D printer are resolution and customization. If you are needing to present a fully-realized design in 3D, most businesses will require the ability to customize that design for the best results. 3D printers that have compatible slicer software allow professionals to better configure their print before the process begins. Equally, once that process starts, ensuring that the model remains accurate is essential. Printers with high resolutions, measured often in microns or fractions of a millimeter, will provide the most professional results.
Are 3D printers worth it for businesses?
Yes: the ability to create stunning 3D realizations of computer-adided design is a tremendously undervalued asset, and can be especially pertinent for any kind of design field such as sculpture work, engineering or even game design.
What is the best 3D printer brand?
There are a number of 3D printer brands on the market, and each has its own respective merits and demerits. We trust more established companies such as Qidi Technology, Creality, Flashforge and Sovol for great consumer 3D printers.
Our Verdict
Though it’s slower than average, especially for it’s price, the JG Maker A9 Pro compensates with tremendous print speeds and a build volume rivalled only by the largest of 3D printers. It’s our top pick for the best professional 3D printer, and is a sterling option for businesses both large and small!
Looking for something a bit more affordable? Check out our guide on the best 3D printers under $1000 today.