The Best Commercial 3D Printers | Top Picks for 2024
22nd Jul 2024
Simon Cross
Welcome back to the series where I test, rate and review the best types of printers. This week I'm taking a look at the best commercial 3D printers, if you haven't already make sure to check out my review on the best beginner 3D printers.
Commercial 3D printers are taking massive strides in revolutionising the building and manufacturing industry, offering unparalleled capabilities for creating complex and customised parts with precision and efficiency. These advanced machines use various technologies such as Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to produce high-quality prototypes, end-use products, and intricate designs and even buildings that were previously impossible or prohibitively expensive to manufacture. As the technology continues to evolve, commercial 3D printers are becoming indispensable tools in sectors ranging from aerospace and automotive to healthcare and consumer goods, driving innovation and transforming traditional production processes.
What features Make A Good Commercial 3D Printer
Commercial 3D Printers Should Have Large Build Volume
Now as a business using a commercial printer a great feature will be a large build volume. This is great for handling bigger projects and multiple parts in one go. This will mean you won't need multiple print cycles, so you can print at an efficient rate.
A larger build volume will cut item production time as well as allow you to make larger parts, giving you a wider range of things to print as well as speed up the process, ultimately making your printing more efficient.
So build volume is an important factor for the best commercial 3D printer.
Why is this an important factor for us ranking the best commercial 3D printers?
A Good 3D Commercial Printer Will Have High Resolution
If you're a business with client facing prints you're going to want a professional standard, as well as being accurate in the X,Y and Z axis to make sure that the final product not only matches the computer design but gives a good finish to all the edges and surfaces.
So having a high resolution is extremely important when it comes to choosing the best 3D printer because it dictates the quality of your prints, and ultimately can boost your reputation if you have quality products.
Great 3D Commercial Printer Should Be Able To Print With A Wide Range Of Materials
Now this feature can really make the difference between a good and average 3D commercial printer. The more flexible the machine is with different materials the better, as it will give you and your business free reins to experiment and play around with different materials to give different finishes and styles.
You’ll have the ability to print with advanced materials such as composites, metals, or high-temperature polymers for industrial applications.
Having a flexible machine really allows creativity and control over your prints, which in my opinion is valued in any business.
A Quality 3D Printer Will Be Able To Print Fast
Alright so we all know that when it comes to business time is money, so having a fast 3D commercial printer can save plenty of both.
Especially for those who produce parts to sell or make your whole product , the faster you can make the items the more you can produce and therefore sell, meaning your output and turnaround will be great.
Therefore, speed is an important factor we consider when judging the best 3D printer.
Commercial 3D Printers Should Be Durable
Honestly this is a big one. A good commercial 3D printer will be durable and reliable.
Problems with your 3D printer could mean you have to shut down production until the problem is fixed, this could have a serious impact on revenue.
As well as this you may have to be forking out for repairs, costing you even more money.
So in short, as a business you should be looking into getting a 3D printer that's durable and reliable to avoid production issues and forking out for repairs.
Therefore, we can all be in agreement here, the durability of commercial 3D printers is an important ranking factor in choosing the best one.
Commercial Vs Household 3D Printers
Okay, there is a considerable difference between commercial and household 3D printers, so in order make an informed decision about which is right for you, you’ll need to know what they're about.
Now one of the main differences between commercial and household printers is that commercial 3D printers have a much higher build volume.
This is done so that multiple items can be printed at once, as well as being able to print bigger items. A larger build volume will increase productivity of the machine as well as be able to print more parts.
This suits businesses who need to be efficient and have a high output, as well as make specialist larger items that perhaps household 3D printers cannot make.
So in short, commercial 3D printers are best for those planning to do a lot of high volume printing at speed, whereas smaller individual projects are best done with household 3D printers.
Material Flexibility
Alright so a household printer tends to have less flexibility when it comes to materials you can use. Now, while there are definitely models that can accept a wider range, on average commercial 3D printers are more flexible with materials.
So If a flexible machine is important to you then a commercial 3D printer will be a better choice over a household 3D printer, although bare in mind that you’ll be paying more so you’ll need to weigh up the cost with what it’ll give you.
Cost
This is a pretty obvious one but commercial 3D printers are more expensive than household ones. It's true that on the whole commercial 3D printers are better, as they have better quality, a larger build volume and faster prints.
However, this quality comes at a price and it may not always be worth it for you.
The right 3D printer is personal, for some a commercial printer will be worth it for their business as they will benefit from the high quality and speeds enough for it to be worth the money.
Although for those who don't need to be producing parts all day to a high quality, the higher price might not be worth it and so a cheaper household model will probably be a better investment.
Choosing between a commercial and household 3D printer
In short, choosing between a commercial and a household 3D printer depends largely on your specific needs and budget. If you need high precision, large build volumes, and advanced material compatibility for professional applications, a commercial 3D printer is the way to go.
However, if you are a hobbyist, teacher, or someone looking to explore 3D printing for smaller projects, a household 3D printer will likely do the job while being more affordable.
Understanding these differences ensures that you invest in a 3D printer that aligns with your goals, whether for professional use or personal creativity.
Best Budget Commercial 3D Printer
Best Budget Commercial 3D Printer
- 16 Points Auto-Levelling
- Quick Swap Extruder
- Smooth Printing Result
Mingda Magician X2
When it comes to affordable quality the Mingda Magician X2 is a standout option in the budget commercial 3D printer market, it has some really impressive features that make it great to both small businesses and individual creators.
Pros
- The print quality of the Magician X2 is fantastic, making it suitable for detailed and complex projects that need a professional standard.
- I was very impressed with the spacious build area, this printer accommodates larger models and multiple parts in a single job, enhancing productivity and versatility.
- Honestly the touchscreen interface is excellent, the Magician X2 is easy to navigate, even for beginners.
Cons
- Now the Magician X2 might be restrictive for users needing more specialised materials for their projects, especially for a creative business. Although it supports PLA and ABS, which is the most common and arguably all you need.
- So I did actually find this machine a little noisy while printing, although this can be expected from most 3D printers
What I Thought
Okay so the headline here is value for money, while the build volume and precision isn't the highest quality in the market, what you get for money is excellent.
Honestly the touchscreen interface makes navigating this machine a breeze, 3D printers can be hard to work so this feature really does go a long way.
I do think the limited material compatibility is a downside to this machine, as it caps how much you can do with it, as there is a lot of experimenting and creativity to be done with new materials.
Although in fairness the materials it uses does cover most bases already, so the printer is only slightly missing out on new material styles.
My Advice
Now, for those looking for a commercial 3D printer but not wanting to break the bank this is a great choice.
While this machine doesn't have the best quality or highest build volume on the market, what you get for the money is excellent. This machine will allow you to have a decent quality machine at a budget.
However if you are looking for something more specialised or high quality you should consider other models, just be prepared to pay more.
Also if you are a creative company or individual I would recommend looking into a printer that has more flexibility on the type of material it can print with. As each material can do something different and give different qualities.
So the more materials you can use to print the more creative freedom you have to experiment new styles and products, which is important for creatives.
Best Large Scale 3D Commercial Printer
Best Large Scale 3D Commercial Printer
- Large Build Volume: 350 x 300 x 300 mm
- LeviQ: 25-point Precise Levelling
- Fast Printing Speed: Typical Speed up to 100 mm/s
AnyCubic Kobra Plus
Okay so for large scale 3D printing at a commercial level the AnyCubic Kobra Plus is a leading choice, having advanced features and a spacious build volume. This printer is designed to meet the needs of businesses and professionals that need reliable, high-quality prints on a larger scale.
Pros
- The most impressive feature of this machine is its build volume, it is very large meaning it can print multiple parts at once and also print larger models.
- Honestly this printer delivers really excellent print quality with fine details and smooth finishes, essential for professional-grade projects.
- The setup and navigation is a breeze on this printer thanks to the touchscreen interface, making it user-friendly even for those new to large-scale 3D printing.
Cons
- Now the AnyCubic Kobra Plus is pretty large so might not be suitable for smaller workspaces or home offices. This is a trade-off for its impressive build volume size.
- A downside to this printer is the high initial cost compared to smaller 3D printers, a fair trade-off for its key features.
What I Thought
Okay so the build volume on this machine is the standout feature, being one of the largest in the market. This combined with a fast nozzle movement means the printer feels very fast, making it absolutely perfect for high volume printing.
On top of this it also had a user friendly interface and a pretty decent range of materials which is a big plus.
Although I did find this machine pretty large, which could not be an issue if you have the space but for those with limited room it may not be viable.
Okay so I know this printer has a higher upfront cost than other models, but honestly if you use this printer's features well then it's absolutely worth the investment. Given the productivity boost you can get from its build space, this could be worth it to your business.
My Advice
Okay so if you're looking for a printer that can handle high volume 3D printing at speed and in an efficient way then you've found your model. The huge build volume means you could make multiple parts in one print.
So for businesses that need to print lots of parts at speed this can save you a lot of time and money, as well as print larger parts which can save even more time.
Now, this printer is expensive upfront. While I do believe this can be a good investment for a business doing lots of high volume printing, it may not be worth the high upfront cost for some businesses.
If you aren't planning to do lots of high volume 3D printing you may not need the efficiency boost of this machine, making it a bad investment.
For those who don't think the high upfront cost will be worth it I'd recommend looking into a cheaper model that can fulfil your needs on a budget.
Best 3D Printer For a Small Business
Best 3D Printer For a Small Business
- Intelligent Segmented Heatbed
- Print Volume: 225 x 225 x 265 mm³
- Support PLA/TPU/PETG/ABS/ASA/Nylon Filaments
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
Okay so the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro is a great choice for a small business, as it is budget friendly, easy to use and versatile.
This printer combines high performance with ease of use, making it ideal for various professional uses that are on a budget but also wanting commercial standards.
Pros
- Okay it has to be said the models this machine prints are accurate, high quality and professional.
- Despite its advanced features this printer is priced pretty well, making it accessible for small businesses without compromising on quality.
- Equipped with a touchscreen interface and straightforward setup, the Neptune 4 Pro is easy to operate, even for those new to 3D printing.
Cons
Unfortunately the Neptune 4 Pro mostly runs on PLA and ABS, which might limit its use for businesses needing more specialised materials. Although PLA and ABS are pretty versatile materials anyhow. The build volume isn't the biggest, making it not very suitable for a large company needing high volume printing or large prints. Although perfect for small businesses
What I Thought
First thing to mention is the print quality was excellent, giving accurate edges and smooth surfaces. This really stands out especially at a business level where quality is so important, this truely does have professional quality.
It has to be said this machine is very affordable, considering the great quality and abundant features I would say this printer is great value for money.
However, the build volume can feel small compared to other models which could be a problem for anyone wanting to print multiple parts at once or larger models.
My Advice
This machine will fulfil all small firm printing needs making it an excellent choice of any small business looking to buy a 3D printer. This machine is budget friendly, great on quality and easy to use.
So I really recommend it to any small business that wants to do a moderate amount of 3D printing, but hasn't set up their whole business around it or needs to do large printing at speed.
Now, if you are a larger business that needs to print large parts and fast then I'd recommend looking into a model with a larger build volume.
Also, as this machine is not very flexible on materials I recommend that you look into more versatile models if you want to experiment with different materials and effects, particularly those who are in a creative trade.
Best Premium Commercial 3D Printer
Best Premium Commercial 3D Printer
- Quiet High-Speed Printing
- Plug and Print!
- Open design - simple maintenance
Original Prusa MK4
Okay so this machine is for those who want the best of the best, the Prusa MK4 can be called the ‘bees knees’ of 3D printing as it has all the bells and whistles, printing to an exceptional standard at an impressive pace.
The Prusa MK4 has top-tier features and unparalleled print quality. It is designed for professionals who demand the highest performance from their equipment.
Pros
- Now this printer does offer one of the best print qualities on the market at the moment, the objects are very accurate and look very professional.
- A fantastic feature this printer has is its speeds, operating at impressive speeds without sacrificing quality, ensuring efficient project completion.
- The MK4 is equipped with numerous advanced features which is a real plus, including automatic bed levelling, a filament sensor, and silent operation, enhancing the overall user experience.
Cons
- Of course, when it comes to premium you've got to be willing to pay for it. This printer has a high initial cost.
- Honestly I would say this setup can be slightly difficult, it has so many features they can be hard to navigate. Although once you get them figured you’ll have plenty of features to work through.
What I Thought
The Original Prusa MK4 truly lives up to its reputation as a top-of-the-line 3D printer. Its exceptional print quality and advanced features make it a standout choice for professionals.
The high speed of operation allows for quick turnaround on projects, and the user-friendly interface simplifies the printing process despite its advanced capabilities.
However, the high cost and potential complexity in setup are important considerations.
My advice
Now for someone who is invested in high quality 3D prints at a commercial level at speed, this is a wonderful machine.
Perhaps a large business, or a small business focused on high quality would very much benefit from investing in a machine like this.
However there is a very large upfront cost. So a business whose quality doesn't need to be the best out there, or that are on a budget should not consider paying the high upfront cost for this machine.
Instead, you should look at budget models that still operate at a professional level but for a lower price.
Conclusion
Alright so there we have it, a comprehensive look at the best 3D commercial printers.
Now, whether you are looking for an affordable option like the Mingda Magician X2, a large-scale powerhouse like the AnyCubic Kobra Plus, a versatile and budget-friendly printer for small businesses like the Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro, or a top-of-the-line machine like the Original Prusa MK4, there is a printer out there that will meet your specific needs.
Commercial 3D printers offer significant advantages such as larger build volumes, higher print resolutions, the ability to work with a variety of materials, faster printing speeds, and greater durability. These features are crucial for businesses that need efficient, high-quality, and reliable printing solutions.
Choosing the right 3D printer depends on your specific needs and budget. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each model, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your business goals. Invest wisely and leverage the power of 3D printing to enhance your productivity and creativity.
Blog Author: Simon Cross is the engaging and knowledgeable voice behind the insightful articles on printers and printer consumables at IJT Direct, an ecommerce store renowned for its comprehensive selection of printers, printer consumables, and hardware. View Simons author page to find out more about him.