Best Professional 3D Printer 2023 – Our top pro printer picks
Finding the best professional 3D printer is crucial for effective workflows and executing projects but there are quite a lot of industrial-grade printers to choose from. Professional 3D printing applications are on the rise and now the physical size of models has significantly reduced, it has never been a more accessible business.
Regardless if you need the best 3D printer for crafting or require the best for your small business, you need to ensure you choose the right machine for the right application.
This guide will help you learn more about the types of printers for professionals and industry along with some other consumer advice to guarantee you select the right model.
Products at a Glance
Types of Professional 3D Printers
High-quality professional 3D printers are designed to meet the specific needs of businesses and industries, setting them apart from models intended for individuals. They come equipped with an array of advanced features and enhanced precision when compared to their consumer-grade counterparts.
These adaptable devices have the potential to become valuable resources for numerous small and medium-sized enterprises. They enable swift prototyping, encourage environmentally friendly manufacturing techniques, and accelerate the product development cycle.
Within the market, one can discover an assortment of the best professional 3D printers, each harnessing its own distinctive technology:
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printers: These machines employ a thermoplastic filament that undergoes melting and extrusion through a nozzle to build the object layer by layer.
- Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printers: SLA printers utilize a liquid resin that undergoes curing via a UV laser, incrementally constructing the object layer by layer.
- Digital Light Processing (DLP) 3D Printers: Similar to SLA, DLP printers utilize a projector in lieu of a laser to solidify the resin and create the object layer by layer.
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D Printers: These devices employ a laser to sinter powdered materials like nylon or metal, layer by layer, to form the object.
- Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D Printers: MJF printers rely on a powder bed and an inkjet array to selectively fuse materials together layer by layer.
- PolyJet 3D Printers: Utilizing a liquid resin, PolyJet printers jet the material onto a build platform and cure it with UV light, fashioning the object layer by layer.
- Binder Jetting 3D Printers: These printers utilize a powder bed and a liquid binder to selectively bond materials together, layer by layer.
Best Professional 3D Printer 2023 – Our top pro printer picks
- The printer has a dual extruder with electronic-driven lifting, 4× increased torque performance, and diverse filament compatibility (up to 300℃)
- Large build volume suitable for printing big and complex objects
- Fully enclosed design, which helps to maintain a stable printing environment and reduce noise
- Can reach 5 microns (0.005m) in the Z-axis
- Expensive
The Raise3D Pro2 Plus 3D Printer is a high-quality desktop printer made for professional use. It’s built to handle serious projects and comes with some impressive features.
First off, it has a really large printing area, measuring 12 x 12 x 23 inches. This means you can create some big stuff with it. The printer also boasts a dual extruder system that’s been upgraded to be 1.5 times faster than the previous N2 series. This means you can get your prints done more quickly.
When it comes to detail, this printer can produce layers as thin as 10 microns, which is really precise. You can use pretty much any type of filament for FDM printing except for materials that need extremely high temperatures.
The Pro2 Plus is also a tough cookie. It’s fully enclosed and built to industrial standards, catering to the needs of businesses by acting as the best 3D printing option for experts in 2023. That means it can handle complex projects and support manufacturing and rapid prototyping, no matter the size. So, if you’re looking for a reliable 3D printer for professional applications, this one’s got you covered.
- Fast 2.5 second per-layer cure time
- 4K resolution
- Powerful COB light source for razor-sharp detail without compromising on print speed
- Small print area
The ELEGOO Resin 3D Printer, Mars 3 MSLA, is a thoughtfully designed 3D printer that packs quite a punch. It boasts impressive features like 4K resolution and a speedy 2.5-second per-layer curing time. What’s even more remarkable is that it maintains a compact footprint similar to other printers in its sub-$400 price range.
The Mars 3 stands out due to its potent COB light source hidden beneath the monochrome screen. This cutting-edge COB UV LED light source delivers both exceptional detail and swift printing speeds thanks to the rapid 2.5-second per-layer curing capability.
However, it falls just short of claiming the title of the best 3D printer. This is partly due to an inadequately designed test print, a casing that feels somewhat cheap, and its unavailability for purchase at the time of our publication.
Nonetheless, if your main priorities are top-notch resolution and speed, the Elegoo Mars 3’s 0.035mm XY resolution makes it an excellent choice. It offers fast, high-resolution printing, making it a compelling option for those seeking exceptional print quality.
- High-speed printing with a 105mm/h average printing speed
- 10.1-inch monochrome LCD screen
- 2-in-1 large UV washing and curing box that is compatible with the Photon Mono M5s and other LCD, SLA, and DLP 3D printing models
The Photon Mono M5s boasts a substantial 10.1-inch monochrome LCD screen, achieving an average printing speed of 105mm/h, and is regarded as one of the best resin 3D printers on the market. It utilizes high-speed release film, which reduces the force required for part separation, leading to a higher success rate for your prints. Additionally, this printer has a handy print status detection function that alerts you to common failures, saving both resin and time.
What’s more, the Anycubic App provides access to a library of pre-sliced models and STL files, making 3D printing a breeze with just a single touch.
To complement the printer, the Wash Cure Machine Plus is included. This versatile device serves as a 2-in-1 UV washing and curing station compatible not only with the Photon Mono M5s but also with other LCD, SLA, and DLP 3D printing models. Its L-shaped strip curing light ensures even and thorough curing of your printed creations.
- 2 spools and 4 printing modes
- Independent dual direct drive extruder
- Compatible with both ABS and PLA filaments
- No specific cons
The Flashforge Creator Pro 2 is a top-notch 3D printer packed with impressive features. It includes an independent dual direct drive extruder, two spools, four printing modes, a robust metal frame structure, acrylic covers, and an optimized build platform. This classic enclosed machine design ensures excellent results, especially when working with ABS printing materials.
What sets this printer apart is its redesigned independent dual extruder system, tailored for demanding engineering materials and ensuring smooth extrusion. One extruder handles the main model body, accommodating PLA, ABS, and PETG filaments, while the other focuses on printing support structures using a water-dissolvable material. This dual-extrusion capability opens up a range of possibilities for your 3D printing projects.
Moreover, the printer is compatible with both ABS and PLA filaments, and its metal frame structure and sturdy acrylic covers contribute to a durable and reliable build.
- 50-micron build resolution and heated bed
- Automatic filament recognition and clog-resistant extruder
- Integrated carbon air filter and one-year limited warranty
- May struggle with advanced materials like Nylon
The Dremel DigiLab 3D45-01 3D Printer with Filament offers reliability and user-friendliness, making it an ideal choice for maker spaces and demanding usage scenarios. This desktop 3D printer features a fully enclosed workspace and holds UL Safety Certification, ensuring safe operation.
Impressive features include a 50-micron build resolution for precise prints, a heated bed to enhance adhesion, automatic filament recognition, and a clog-resistant extruder. It offers connectivity options such as Wi-Fi and Ethernet. Additionally, the printer is equipped with an onboard HD camera, an intuitive touchscreen with integrated software, and a removable glass build platform for easy print removal. It also includes an integrated carbon air filter for air purification and comes with a one-year limited warranty.
The Dremel Print Cloud software streamlines the management of printers and print jobs, elevating the overall printing experience. Furthermore, this printer’s versatility allows it to work with various filaments, including PLA, Eco-ABS, Nylon, and more, making it suitable for a wide array of 3D printing applications.
Uses of 3D Printers for Professionals in Different Industries
Leading 3D printing technology has completely transformed how things are made, making it faster, more cost-effective, and accessible. It’s like a game-changer in manufacturing. Here are some cool places where 3D printing is making waves:
Automotive World
Think about fancy cars and racecars. Well, many carmakers now use Advanced 3D printing technology to make different car parts like engines, dashboards, and even the entire car body. It’s like building a car from scratch, one layer at a time.
Flying High with Aerospace
In the world of airplanes and rockets, 3D printing is like a superhero. It helps create lightweight parts that can handle extreme heat and pressure. Plus, it can make super tricky shapes that regular machines can’t.
Robots and Beyond
Robots need parts that are strong but not heavy. 3D printing is the solution here. Engineers use it to make robot arms, fingers, and even whole robot pieces. This makes robots lighter and more efficient.
Building Dreams
Architects and builders are using industrial 3D printers to make models, prototypes, and even entire buildings. They can create super complex designs that regular construction methods can’t handle.
Making it Perfect
In factories, 3D printing is a game-changer. It helps make perfect parts and prototypes. Everything fits just right, which saves money and makes things run smoother. So, 3D printing isn’t just about printing stuff; it’s about changing the way we make things across many different industries. Cool, right?
FDM vs. Resin 3D printers
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Resin 3D printing are two popular 3D printing methods, each with its unique characteristics. Let’s explore the distinctions between the finest professional 3D printing equipment technology:
FDM 3D Printing:
- Utilizes thermoplastic filaments to construct 3D objects.
- Filaments are user-friendly, offering a wide variety of materials and colors.
- FDM printing is generally simpler for beginners but can be slower overall.
- Great for rapid prototyping, crafting large items, and making fun trinkets.
- Perfect for newcomers venturing into 3D printing.
- Efficient for producing large prints quickly and affordably.
- Suitable for crafting ultra-stiff and low-density parts.
Resin 3D Printing:
- Uses liquid photosensitive resin to create 3D objects.
- Resin printing is faster but requires more hands-on involvement.
- Offers superior print quality compared to filament printing.
- SLA (Stereolithography) printing employs a precise laser that excels in tiny movements, resulting in higher print resolution and overall quality.
- Allows for significantly smaller minimum layer heights, enhancing detail and quality.
- Ideal for intricate, high-detail objects (such as miniatures), complex geometries, batch printing, and producing molds.
- Requires straightforward operation but demands more attention during the cleaning process and safety precautions.
- Preferred for high-detail, complex geometries, high-temperature parts, batch printing of small components, and creating molds for jewelry casting.
Our Verdict
All of the best professional 3D printers above will serve you well depending on your needs, with each model from a well-respected, trustworthy manufacturer. As most professional 3D printers cost quite a lot of money, it is important to iron out the exact use cases for your projects to ensure you get the absolute best model available. A lot of the recommendations are some of the best enclosed 3D printers in town.