Best 3D printers in 2020

The modern world of technology is diverse and exciting. Progress constantly strides forward, each year bringing surprises. To date, the ability to independently create real things has already become available. This does not mean painstaking manual labor, but machine work that does not require any physical effort from the user. We are talking about 3D printers.

At one time, these devices were available exclusively in factories. These were cumbersome and heavy machines that could not be placed in an ordinary city apartment, but over time, the devices have improved and now every consumer can take home or buy a 3D printer for a small business. These devices help broaden the horizons, showing that even seemingly complex things can be created at home, and not only at huge factory enterprises.

What is a 3D printer for?

Previously, one could only imagine that the item was not being bought, but created at home. Does the child want a plastic Teddy bear? Not a problem! We start the car and the toy is ready. Broken towel hook in the bathroom and too lazy to go to the hardware store for a new one? So that's great! This means you don't have to go anywhere, just set the machine to create a hook.

A 3D printer is a kind of "magic wand" that fulfills desires at the household and production levels. The device can be used by students when creating demonstration materials, architects making models of buildings, as well as electronics engineers. The range of applications for such devices is wide enough. Products created with a 3D printer are suitable for personal use, entertainment, work, and also suitable for use in business.

Principle of operation

A 3d printer creates any thing thanks to layers that are sequentially superimposed on each other. In simple terms, first a personal computer gives information on an object to a printer, and that one already displays a three-dimensional model. The smallest layers of consumables are stacked on top of each other layer by layer until a specific planned item is obtained. Layered printing technology is fast and has the advantage of no human factor. This means that the device runs smoothly and eliminates all sorts of errors.

Materials required for work

To make quality products on a printer, you need to know the production technology. Don't think that once you buy a car, it will print itself.

Much depends on the source material. The following six types of consumables are very popular.

ABS plastic

This is the most common material. It has a special shock-resistant structure that allows it to withstand strong mechanical stress. This consumable is superior to many materials in terms of strength and rigidity. It can be used for precision casting, welding or vacuum plating.

Dimensional stability at the proper level. When you print objects made of ABS plastic, they have a shiny surface.

PLA plastic

This type of consumable can be safely attributed to the most ecological material. It is perfect for 3D printing. Objects that are printed from PLA have excellent sliding properties, which means they can be used to create things like plain bearings. This material is also ideal for making toys for children. Why? Because there are no toxic substances in it.

PVA plastic

This cryptic word is polyvinyl acetate. Simply put, it is PVA glue. This type of consumable has such a quality as solubility in water, which means that it will not be possible to create long-lasting products from PVA plastic, but it can be used as a support material.

Photopolymers

This consumable can change its shape with certain exposure to sunlight. The consumable can be in liquid or solid form. Items that are created from photopolymers are distinguished by enviable strength, as well as resistance to water and sun.

Metal powder

Such a consumable is often used to print various items. Its role will not necessarily be played by the metal itself. You can take copper, aluminum, gold or alloys. It is also used in the manufacture of jewelry or jewelry.

Nylon

The material is very similar to ABS plastic, but against its background it absorbs moisture much better and has high resistance at high temperatures. Among the disadvantages should be highlighted long solidification and toxicity. There are other materials, but the consumables listed above are among the most in demand.

Best 3D printers for the home

Professionals who have already encountered 3D printing probably know which 3D printer is best to buy for home use. Basically, these are budgetary devices of an open design. They are released partially disassembled, but provide extensive opportunities for customization and experimentation: in such devices, you can change gears, extruder nozzles, work tables and controller firmware.

Creality3D Ender-3

This device is a sensation in the 3D printing industry. The Shenzhen Creality 3D brand entered the low-cost segment of 3D printers with the CR-10 device, but the device we are considering excited the entire market. The average number of samples that were released within 12 months reached 300,000, which is about 25,000 devices per month.

This 3D printer is an intuitive and high-quality device that, as of 2020, in addition to being one of the best solutions for beginners, is also ideal for experienced users. Ease of use for beginners lies in intuitive and quick assembly, as well as easy setup and stable operation out of the box.

The device does not need any modifications, and experienced users have found in it a high-quality, but at the same time affordable device that can be used both as an additional tool for professional equipment and as the main unit.

The average price is 17,000 rubles.

• availability;
• ease of assembly;
• small size;
• prints perfectly out of the box;
• intuitive to use.

• not detected.

Anet a8

This model is an improved modification of its own predecessors, which has become even more famous when compared with devices of the previous generation.

In this version, the developers have improved the base, completed the track calibration and improved the mobile platform. The device has an automatic calibration sensor and 1 extruder, which is 100% made of metal. This distinctive feature increases the mechanical reliability of the device and makes it possible to interact with the printer in difficult conditions without sacrificing performance in terms of performance.

The guide is moved along the X-axis using an induction sensor, which makes it possible to accurately process the edges and bumps of the printed sample. To start working, you need to assemble the device. It is easy to install and has been tested in the factory before, so there should be no problem with the first print.

This model is widely used in various fields.

The average price is 18,000 rubles.

• adequate price;
• heated table;
• good extruder;
• can be printed with soft plastic SDS;
• easy to remove and wash.

• long to collect.

Anycubic 4Max Pro

This 3D printer is equipped with a touch-type display, a filament end sensor, resume printing (in case of power failure), a brush to clean the nozzles from adhering plastic, an air purification system, a passive thermal camera and an auto-off option after printing.

Compared to the previous model, this one is sold assembled. All the user needs to do to turn it on for the first time is to unpack the printer, remove the shipping ties and supports, fix the filament end sensor with 2 bolts from the back of the device, hang the plastic holder here and fill the gadget with material.

On the left, there is a connector for connecting a USB cable, a tray for an SD drive and a handle for transportation. On the right side there is a second handle for transportation, a power cord port with an ON / OFF button and a ventilation hole for cooling the PSU.

On the front of the printer, there is a plastic door fixed with 2 magnets, a diagonal touchscreen display, and a start button for the device. There is a hole at the top that is closed with a special transparent plastic cover, which makes it easy to print with shrinkable plastic, which needs a thermal chamber.

The average price is 35,500 rubles.

• compact;
• closed;
• quiet;
• pretty fast;
• capable of printing a decent range of plastics: PLA, PETG, ABS, Nylon.

• not very good blowing of the print area.
• The warm air is vented directly to the control board.

Best 3D printers for medicine

3D printing has been used in medicine since 2000, when this technology was first used to create dental implants.

Since that time, the use of 3D printing for medical purposes has increased significantly - experts from all over the planet tell how to use this technology to create ears, skeletal parts, respiratory organs, jawbone, eye details, cells, etc.

Wanhao Duplicator i3 Mini

This is a small device that prints in a layered directionality method. As consumables, you can use PLA plastic and other materials that do not need to heat the platform.

The printer does not take up a lot of useful space on the desktop, and the lack of heating has a beneficial effect on electricity consumption. Among other things, this minimizes the risk of burns, so that minor calibration can be done directly in the printing process. Due to the adequate pricing policy of Wanhao, this device can be purchased by both medical institutions and beginners in the field of three-dimensional printing.

The printer is suitable for use in schools.

The average price is 15,500 rubles.

• the principle of work - "got it, turned it on, print";
• easily connects to the seven;
• glue stick included;
• holds the sample securely;
• good print quality.

• not detected.

Hardlight sirius

This is a completely new photopolymer model of the Russian manufacturer with a lot of innovations and improvements. The new version of the printer has an improved paired 2K matrix, completely updated appearance, increased speed and accuracy of printing along XY guides, rigid four-point calibration, 72-watt laser, 3.5-inch color screen and, of course, Russian software.

Supports all basic and biocompatible polymer types.

The average price is 55,000 rubles.

• Has a 2K LCD display and a PARALED 405nm matrix;
• mechanics based on calibrated shafts, made of hardened steel, makes it possible to obtain a smooth coating and no vibration along the Z-axis;
• high-quality localization;
• thoughtful interface;
• simple control.

• not detected.

Best entry-level 3D printers

The printing process of such devices is based on FDM-modeling. A filament made of plastic melts, and then it is sprayed in thin layers, forming a sample. Devices from an inexpensive segment have 1 filament displacement nozzle.

Recently, SLA DLP models have begun to be encountered, which after a while will be equal in price to FDM.

FlashForge Finder

The model is produced in assembly, therefore it is ready to use "out of the box". This device will be an excellent choice for home, school, college and 3D printing newbies. The heating components of the device are protected from contact, and non-toxic and ECO-pure PLA is used as a consumable, which makes the device in question safe for both adults and children.

Due to the "smart" calibration system, preparing and configuring the gadget for work does not take a lot of time.

The average price is 31,500 rubles.

• Practical 3.5-inch touchscreen display with required control components and real-time preview of the 3D model and print status;
• sensor for the end of the supply of consumables during printing;
• the ability to work via USB;
• wireless control using second generation Wi-Fi;
• ten gigabytes of integrated memory.

• not detected.

Creality3D Ender 3 Pro

This is an improved modification of the company's previous 3D printer with FDM technology. The model also provides a dimensional platform with heating, so the user is given the opportunity to interact with various consumables ranging from PLA and ABS, ending with TPU. The platform dimensions are 235x235x250 mm, which allows to accommodate almost any project.

The average price is 20,500 rubles.

• extruder MK-10 has passed numerous tests, which reduces the likelihood of contamination or incorrect material supply;
• high smoothness of the carriage was achieved thanks to the installation of modern durable rollers;
• all grooves on the Y-axis are machined on the machine, which was able to minimize possible gaps;
• a large nut, practically placed under the platform, is responsible for calibrating the table;
• The device has an integrated memory, which makes it possible to interact with the printer even in the event of a power failure.

• incomprehensible menu.

Best Educational 3D Printers

Apart from being widely used in small and large companies, as well as in traditional production, 3D printing technology is also becoming one of the most fashionable trends in the field of education. Even with the basic configuration model, it is now possible to make a real physiological object of high quality, which is important when training technical and creative specialists.

An increasing number of managers are deciding to install devices from this segment in educational institutions.Moreover, it concerns not only improving the equipment of informatics classes, but also facilitating the preparation of teachers for teaching children to work with non-standard materials.

Tiertime UP mini 2 ES

This is an updated and improved model of the popular Up mini 2 3D printer with improved technical parameters and software. The device takes over from the previous version an elegant miniature body, a container with compartments for consumables and auxiliary tools, as well as a HEPA type filter with activated carbon.

The filter effectively reduces the content of toxic elements in the air, which are released during printing with ABS plastic.

The average price is 50,000 rubles.

• determining the sequence of tasks;
• control using a touch screen;
• improved communication functionality - there is Wi-Fi, Ethernet and an additional USB-connector;
• you can replace consumables during printing;
• files are stored in the cloud.

• not detected.

Wanhao Duplicator D9 / 500 Mark II

This is one of the most common versions used in the global industry. To ensure high stability of the device, the developers made a metal case, which also reduces vibrations. All this allows you to produce the sharpest models on this printer and minimizes operational errors.

The average price is 66,900 rubles.

• the bearing system was taken for the guides;
• the software is presented with an intuitive code that is easy to understand even for beginners;
• the device does not overheat during operation, since the developers have supplied an auxiliary overall fan;
• the device has a monolithic extruder of the MK10 modification, made of sheet metal, which makes it possible to interact with the device in a wide range of melting temperatures (the maximum melting temperature is 500 ⁰FROM);
• compatible with many types of consumables;
• the gadget is suitable not only for professionals but also for beginners.

• the motor drivers on the board are not removed, and therefore, in the event of a breakdown, it will not work to change them without completely removing the board and soldering.

Best Industrial 3D Printers

These are high-end units that stand out from the background of others with increased stability of functioning, excellent performance, as well as a large area, speed and clarity of 3D printing of elements up to several microns in size. On such printers, it is possible to create both single projects and models of various shapes and sizes.

Exclusively this type of 3D device allows printing with metal consumables - metal powders. With the help of such devices from metal powder, it is possible to reproduce the most complex shapes and textures, which cannot be achieved by casting and other classical methods.

Kongten MBrush

This industrial type model stands out from the competition with its modern appearance, which makes it portable and ergonomic. This printer is easy to set up, and also knows how to synchronize with the user's mobile device, so all actions related to printing can be controlled with a single button.

The average price is 13,000 rubles.

• suitable for printing on paper;
• makes high-quality prints on cardboard;
• able to apply color patterns to wooden surfaces;
• prints excellently on plastic;
• synchronizes with mobile devices.

• not detected.

3D Systems sPro 60 HD-HS

A distinctive feature of this line of devices is their block architecture, which allows increasing the functionality of the device by integrating special systems and packages. The latter two include, for example, the ProScan GX digital scanning system, the TruTemp temperature system and other technologies, the use of which makes it possible to improve the performance parameters of the standard version of the device by more than 2 times.and also to minimize the technical differences of the created models.

This industrial 3D printer allows you to create reliable and highly accurate plastic models from an extensive list of compatible consumables. The system of this device allows the sPro to be upgraded to an ultra-fast production system to maximize productivity parameters.

Like the rest of the latest generation of 3D printers in this series, this system offers high-speed forming, consumable availability, and best-in-class project clarity.

Today's industrial sPro series is based on the highly reliable and tested SLS printing technology, patented by 3D Systems, and therefore produces robust and reliable plastic models that can be up to 457 mm in length.

Average price - not indicated by the manufacturer.

• multifunctionality;
• high quality samples at the exit;
• quick and easy material change;
• a wide range of different consumables compatible with SLS printing technology;
• the integrated ProScan system guarantees high quality of the models with a mirror surface.

• lack of information about the price.

TRONXY X5SA 330 PRO DIY

This printer is an enhanced version of the X5SA-330. The main difference between the models lies only in the presence of an automatic level sensor, which facilitates the calibration process of the device before printing. Of the other differences, it is worth highlighting that the ordinary screen was replaced with a touchscreen - more understandable and practical.

In the version we are considering, the guides and power supply units with wiring were changed to better ones. The body of the device is made of an aluminum profile, which gives it better stability. In addition, during operation it favorably affects the final quality of the model, in particular, during high-speed printing. The nozzle diameter that comes with the device is 0.4 mm. The nozzle can be changed. The device also has a heated print pad, which makes it possible to interact with all key consumables.

This device is based on the technology of modeling by the method of layer-by-layer melting of plastic filament (FDM).

The average price is 35,000 rubles.

• touchscreen;
• alignment is carried out in automatic mode;
• heating sensor;
• reliable case made of aluminum profile;
• the possibility of replacing the nozzle.

• not detected.

Best professional 3D printers

This heading includes additional devices that are designed for special applications in factories.

Due to the wide assortment and exclusive characteristics of consumables (such models work with plastic, photopolymer resins, plaster, wax, etc.), professional-type devices are suitable for the aviation, car creation, mechanical engineering industry, as well as medical, jewelry, scientific and design industries.

Anycubic Photon S

Instead of a metal case, this model got a plastic one. This did not affect the technical parameters, except perhaps that the developers were able to reduce the weight of the device. In addition, thanks to this decision, the manufacturer managed to improve the rest of the device's components without raising the price tag.

The most important modification concerns the vertical guides. Now there are 2 of them, which made it possible to reduce the risk of wobbling (the formation of "waves" on the vertical sides of the model). The UV floodlight now includes 28 LED elements, up from the 4 in its predecessor. Thus, it was possible to increase the total LED power from 40 to 50 W.

This allows users to work with a minimum exposure interval of each layer, and therefore - the printing process can be made faster. The printing area is not made with an anodized mirror surface, but matte.It seems to be nonsense, but this greatly reduces the risk of the model being torn off.

The average price is 32,900 rubles.

• the ability to work offline;
• quick preparation of the printer for work;
• advanced UV block;
• double guides for the Z axis;
• LCD 2K backlight display.

• not detected.

Wanhao Duplicator 8

This is Wanhao's most coveted photopolymer model, and stands out from the competition with the best value for money. The principle of operation of the printer is based on LCD technology with an LCD display, which is responsible for backlight.

If we talk about technical parameters, then this device is similar to the D7, but there are a number of significant differences. First of all, the difference between the devices lies in the working area, which is much larger in the model we are considering and is 192x120x180 mm.

The ease of installation of the printing plate makes cleaning or changing the film quick and easy. To do this, you just need to position the bath above the display and fix it with locking nuts.

There is also a large touchscreen display for real-time print settings. From the reproduced information, print duration, temperature condition, number of layers, part preview, resin level, calibration sensor, USB and Wi-Fi indication should be highlighted.

There is no camera in the model.

The average price is 91,900 rubles.

• ease of installation of the printing bath;
• large touchscreen display;
• high speed of calibration;
• a small translucent window with a measuring scale is provided on the printing platform, which is located on the side and makes it possible to monitor the amount of resin.

• not detected.

Anet E10

This is one of the first models to have a large print space. Due to the fact that the device does not have a solid sheet metal extruder, the operating temperature does not rise above 240 degrees Celsius. The upper layers are cooled by blowing. The bar feed is carried out according to the scheme with separate fastening of the pulling mechanism and the head.

The model is available in 2 colors:

1. Black and green.
2. Black and orange.

The laconic metal frame combined with bright colors will appeal to many users. The electronics are housed in a separate system module to reduce the stress on the instrument frame.

This model is sold as a kit that must be assembled by hand.

The average price is 24 900 rubles.

• excellent print options;
• clear control via LCD touch screen;
• the ability to connect to a personal computer via USB-B port;
• micro SD flash drive included;
• Compatible with all basic plastic consumables as well as HIPS.

• not detected.

Conclusion

What to look for when buying a 3D printer? First of all, of course, you need to ask yourself the question: what needs this technique is required for. If for home, then inexpensive models are suitable, and if for business, then you should pay attention to professional or semi-professional equipment. Over time, the purchase costs will certainly pay off. In any case, the fantastic technology of 3D printing is capable of saturating your life with new bright emotions.