Picking up the right 3D printer to cope with all your demands is tricky because the additive manufacturing market has become quite extensive. With the help of additive manufacturing, you can create different varieties of models out of numerous materials, and among them, the most common is thermoplastics.
But the question is which 3D printer is best suitable for 3D printing plastics. In this article, we will discuss the ten foremost plastic 3D printers with you. You can classify the 3D printers according to their technologies for 3D printing. FDM, SLA, and polyjet are the widely used methods in 3D plastic printing.
Contents
Ten Leading 3D Plastic Printers
- Monoprice Voxel
- Formlabs Form 3
- Monoprice Delta Mini V2
- ProX 950
- Photon Mono X
- FlashForge Adventurer 4
- LulzBot Mini 2
- XYZ da Vinci Nano
- 3Doodler Create Plus
- Toybox 3D Printer
1. Monoprice Voxel
Monoprice voxel is one of the best plastic 3D printers to start your 3D printing journey. It will be the best aid if you want to deliver high-quality prints without costing a fortune. With speedy printing and a warm print bed, beginners will commend the heated print base of Monoprice Voxel.
It uses a fused filament fabrication technique. This 3D printer is easy to set up; in case you are wondering about using this 3D printer at your home or school, you can definitely go with it.
The breakneck printing speed of the Monoprice voxel surpasses other expensive printers. The print quality is outstanding and sharp, with accurate details and natural and smooth curves.
The main disadvantage of this 3D printer is the lack of wifi connectivity. You can go with this versatile 3D plastic printer to experience 3D printing if you are a novice.
Specifications:
Printer Type:Fused filament fabrication
Layer Resolution: 50 to 400
micronsMaterials: ABS, PLA, Wood Fill, Copper Fill, Steel Fill, Bronze
FillBuild Volume:6.9 x 6.9 6.9 inches
Printer Size / Weight: 15.9 x 15.7 x 15 inches / 19.8 pounds
2. Formlabs Form3
Formlabs Form 3 is one of the premier resin printers available and stands in second place after Monoprice voxel. Compared to other plastic 3D printers, you will get a slightly larger print area. The best part of this printer is its upgradation.
Formlabs Form 3 is equipped with an optics engine. The laser and optic are located in a packed system that protects the laser from dust and makes the 3D printer more reliable.
This printer uses SLA(stereolithography) technique for 3D printing. In this process, 3D printing is done by hardening the liquid resin layer by layer. When this layer is exposed to a laser, the photopolymer solidifies and links the previous layer. By following each layer, the recoater wipes new material on the surface.
Unlike the FDM process, it consists of full material strength. FDM is not capable of producing accurate and fine 3D plastics designs. Still, in the case of SLA technology, you can easily 3D print elastics, transparent plastics, cast wax, and models with very high surface quality.
Specification:
Printer Type:SLA
Layer Resolution: 300 to 25 microns
Materials:Resin
Building volume: 7.3 x 5.7 x 5.7inches
Printer Size / Weight:15.9 × 14.8 × 20.9 inches / 38.5 pounds
3. Monoprice Delta Mini V2
If you are a beginner and want a start fresh in plastic 3D printing, you need to go with one of the noted plastic 3D printers, i.e., Monoprice Delta mini V2. You will get this fully-featured affordable printer at $200.
Since this 3D printer is best suitable for beginners, you need to compromise in build volume. However, no need to worry about it. Even with this plastic 3D printer, less build volume is still worth it and has excellent output capabilities than other 3D printers like Vinci Nano.
Specifications: Printer Type: FFF
Layer Resolution: 40 -200 microns
Build Volume:4.7 x 4.3 x 4.3
inchesPrinter Size / Weight: 18.9 x 17.3 x 14.2 inches / 2.2 pounds
4. ProX 950
One of the most highly accurate plastic 3D printers, Prox 950, uses SLA technology for plastic 3D printing. ProX 950 provides you with highly precise large parts, up to 1500mm in length in one piece. This versatile 3D printer can print in large formats with complex assemblies, prototypes, and production parts. It creates highly detailed 3D printed plastics prototypes without burning a hole in your pocket.
Specifications:
Dimension: 242 × 173 × 254 cm
Weight: 1724 kg
5. Photon Mono X
Photon Mono X is one of the budding plastic 3D printers available in the market, equipped with remarkable and sharp tools. Even with its low cost, it provides pretty impressive results. This 3D printer is designed for those who are on a tight budget.
Specifications:
Printer type: SLA
Build volume:9.6 X 7.5 X 4.6 inches
6. FlashForge Adventurer 4
The FlashForge Adventurer 4 is a dual extruder 3D printer that offers high quality prints at an affordable price. It features a sturdy metal frame and a heated build plate, making it ideal for printing larger items. The Adventurer 4 also comes with a built-in webcam, so you can monitor your prints from anywhere in the world. Plus, the dual extruders allow you to print with two different colors or materials, giving you more options for your projects. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced 3D printer, the Adventurer 4 is a great option for your next project.
Specifications:
Printing type: FFF
Build volume: 9.8 x 8.6 x 7.9 inches
7. LulzBot Mini 2
LulzBot Mini 2 is an extended version of LulzBot mini. This is one of those versatile 3D printers in which you will get to handle different materials at an affordable price. Its predecessor model did not have access to print in a large area, but LulzBot Mini 2 offers a vast print area to work and produce fine structure and shapes.
Specifications:
Print type: FFF
Build volume: 7 x 6.3 x 6.3 inches
8. XYZ da Vinci Nano
XYZ da Vinci Nano uses FDM(Fused deposition modeling) to create 3D plastic models. Within the range of $200, you can start your journey. Yet, unlike other 3D plastic 3D printers discussed above, it does not provide fast and refined structure and shapes.
It is very compact, and its build area is around 4.7 inches on all sides. The software used in this 3D printer produces objects in less time but not fast like other printers.
Specifications:
Print type: FDM
Build area: 4.7 x 4.7 x 4.7 inches
9. 3Doodler Create Plus
3Doodler create plus is for beginners. With its help, you can easily design what you desire by simply using a doodle. This plastic 3D printer supports a variety of materials. It is very cost-effective and wouldn’t burn a hole in your pocket. You can dive into your printing dreams smoothly.
10. Toybox 3D Printer
One of the most sophisticated plastic 3D printers is the Toybox 3D printer, specially designed for young beginners who want to strengthen their muscles in thermoplastic 3D printing. With the help of it, you can create thermoplastic 3D printed models.
One of the main disadvantages of using this plastic 3D printer is its limited dimensions. You are provided with a build dimension of 3 inches on each side. It is effortless to operate and does not require any steep learning curve.
Specifications:
Print type: FDM
Build volume: 3.5 x 3.1 x 2.8 inches
3D Printer Software
There are various 3D printer software available, but we recommend using SelfCAD. SelfCAD is an intuitive free CAD software that makes 3D printing easy and accessible for everyone. With SelfCAD, you can design and print your own 3D models in just a few clicks. SelfCAD is also great for beginners, as it offers step-by-step tutorials and a wide range of built-in tools. Plus, SelfCAD is constantly updating its software to include the latest advances in 3D printing technology. So if you’re looking for a user-friendly, affordable, and constantly evolving 3D printing software, SelfCAD is the way to go.
Conclusion
We’ve gone through the finest budget-friendly 3D printers to 3D print using thermoplastics. Choose wisely and kick start your 3D design and printing aspirations. Feel free to ask if you have any doubts or concerns.