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Which is the best 3D printer?
There's no such thing. The best 3D printer or rapid prototyping system is the one that meets more of your criteria than the others. All additive fabrication machines come with limitations and unknowns - some more than others. This is especially true of the low-cost market segment where several entries are still quite new.
The most important thing is to first ask yourself what you will be doing with the machine.
The important point is that no additive fabrication machine or 3D printer does it all. You'll need to trade-off what you need and want with what you can afford. Look over the related information presented on this site. That will save you a lot of time. But once you have made two or three preliminary choices, get your hands on some real parts or models made by those machines. That will tell you more than anything you'll ever read. |
 Learn More About 3D Printer Choices Below US$20,000...
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(Self-replicating RP Machine) |
[Complete mechanical parts kit only. Can be less if user supplies parts.] |
WxDxH approx. |
Thermoplastic Polymorph (similar or identical to polycaprolactone). Other versions of the machine also have used polyethylene, PLA, etc. |
 Lowest-cost
 Highly-adaptable: allows customization for specific applications
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Slow process
Do-It-Yourself from top to bottom. - Not appropriate for the mechanically, electronically, software-ally disinclined
Only fair quality parts and models so far
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(Your home!) |
[parts only, if purchased by user] |
WxDxH |
Anything you can squirt, (but don't be a wiseguy). Tried so far: silicone, epoxy, cheese, chocolate, frosting, clay, PlayDoh, plaster |
Low-cost
Highly-adaptable: allows customization for specific applications
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Slow process
Slow hardening times for materials tried so far
Do-It-Yourself - or at least some assembly required - Not appropriate for the mechanically disinclined
Poor quality parts and models so far
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90 lbs |
Low-cost system & materials
Strong materials
Small size
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Limited materials selection
Possible geometric limitations
Finish, accuracy & detail
Post-processing may require a lot of work due to robust materials
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in HxDxW; 145 lbs |
cost is approx $9/cubic in or $214/lb. |
(Z-Axis) |
Accuracy: 0.002 to 0.005 in |
Low cost for stereolithography-like quality
Accuracy, resolution & finish; (potentially improvable, as well)
Speed
Mechanical components subject to wear included in materials cartridge
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Limited material selection
Materials mechanical properties & durability
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[Sold in US by 3D Systems as InVision LD] |
plastic layer lamination |
[US price] |
WxDxH; 97 lbs (incl. material cartridge) |
Fairly fast process
Attractive parts that can be mechanically altered
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Pronounced stairstepping on sloping surfaces
Limited material selection
Requires manual de-cubing of parts resulting in quite a bit of waste
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WxDxH; 300 lbs |
Strong, durable parts
FDM reputation for reliability
Quiet, clean operation
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Slow process
Material cost is relatively high
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WxDxH; 326 lbs |
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255 lbs |
elastomeric, direct casting, investment casting |
[2 to 4 layers per minute] |
selectable layer thickness 0.0035 to 0.008 in |
Fastest of all available technologies
Wide material selection
Low cost materials
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Removing parts from machine and cleaning them can be messy
Poor material mechanical properties
Finishes not as attractive as other technologies
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