Are you feeling limited by the size of your current 3D printer? As your projects grow in scale, finding a printer that can handle larger designs without succumbing to frequent malfunctions or sky-high costs becomes a pressing need for both professionals and hobbyists.
Choosing the right large 3D printer is essential for anyone looking to expand their creative or professional output. Whether you’re constructing intricate prototypes or sizable art installations, a robust printer that delivers consistent, quality prints is crucial. Our guide on the best large 3D printers will walk you through the top choices, ensuring you find a model that matches your needs and budget.
Key Factors To Consider:
- Build Volume: The build volume determines the maximum size of objects you can print. A small build volume (<150 x 150 x 150 mm) will suffice if you’re working on small projects. For more versatility, a medium build volume (150 x 150 x 150 mm – 300 x 300 x 300 mm) is ideal for most users. Larger industrial projects may require a large build volume (>300 x 300 x 300 mm).
- Print Technology: Different print technologies cater to different needs and budgets. FDM is affordable and perfect for beginners. SLA offers higher precision and is suited for detailed work but comes at a higher cost. SLS delivers exceptional quality for professional and industrial use, though it is the most expensive.
- Materials Compatibility: Your choice of 3D printer should also align with the materials you plan to use. For basic projects, PLA and ABS compatibility is enough. If you need flexibility, printers that handle PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU are more versatile. Printers compatible with metal, nylon, carbon fibre, and resin for high-end applications provide advanced capabilities.
Outline
ToggleBest large 3D printers- An Overview
Product Name | Build Volume (mm) | Print Technology | Buy Now |
---|---|---|---|
Creality Ender 3 3D Printer | 220 x 220 x 250 | FDM (Affordable, entry-level) | Check On Amazon |
Creality K1C 3D Printer | 220 x 220 x 250 | FDM (Advanced for entry-level) | Check On Amazon |
QIDI MAX3 3D Printer | 325 x 325 x 315 | FDM (High-end, advanced) | Check On Amazon |
FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer | 220 x 220 x 220 | FDM (Entry-level, mid-speed) | Check On Amazon |
Longer LK5 Pro 3D Printer | 300 x 300 x 400 | FDM (Entry-level) | Check On Amazon |
Best large 3D printers- Reviewed
1. Creality Ender 3 3D Printer
From the moment we unboxed the Creality Ender 3 3D Printer, we were impressed by its quality. This printer features a self-developed silent motherboard, which ensures quiet operation and stability while printing. The built-in UL-certified power supply heats up quickly and safely, perfect for long sessions.
We love the easy filament feed-in and the resume printing function, which saves time after power outages. With a carborundum glass platform, the first layer adheres smoothly, making it one of the best large-area 3D printers available. Overall, the Ender 3 is a solid choice for anyone looking to explore the world of 3D printing, especially for large miniatures and projects that require precision.
Specifications:
- Materials Compatibility: Limited (PLA, ABS)
- Ease of Use: Intermediate (some assembly required)
- Price: Budget ($169.00)
- Workspace Size: Compact (desktop-sized)
- Reliability: Reliable (consistent, low maintenance)
Pros:
- Amazing ability to turn plastic filament into functional objects with consistent performance.
- Setup is straightforward with time invested in learning and careful bed leveling.
- Free slicer and design programs make it beginner-friendly with vast online resources.
- Immense satisfaction in designing and printing your objects.
Cons:
- Major quality control issues, including damaged components and misaligned parts.
- Poor customer service with inadequate responses to replacement and refund requests.
2. Creality K1C 3D Printer
After putting the Creality K1C 3D Printer through its paces, we’re excited to share our thoughts. With a printing speed of 600mm/s, this is one of the best large-scale 3D printers on the market today. It’s ready to use right out of the box, and the auto-calibration feature makes setup a breeze.
Its clog-free direct extruder impressed us, which allows for versatile material printing, including carbon fibre filaments. The smart AI function adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring quality prints every time. If you’re looking for the best large format resin 3D printers or large home 3D printer options in 2024, the K1C stands out.
Specifications:
- Materials Compatibility: Medium (PLA, ABS, Carbon Fiber)
- Ease of Use: Beginner (plug-and-play)
- Price: Mid-range ($599)
- Workspace Size: Compact (desktop-sized)
- Reliability: Highly reliable (AI camera, auto-calibration)
Pros:
- Excellent print quality for the price, ideal for hobbyists who enjoy tinkering.
- Highly customisable and rewarding for those willing to invest time in setup.
- Magnetic bed makes removing prints effortless and leaves no residue.
- Helpful YouTube tutorials make assembly and levelling easier for beginners.
Cons:
- Extremely poor assembly instructions, requiring external guidance to build properly.
- Bed levelling and spring quality cause constant print failures and frustration.
3. QIDI MAX3 3D Printer
If you’re searching for a top-tier printer, let us tell you why the QIDI MAX3 3D Printer caught our eye. With a large printing size of 325x325x315mm, it can handle a variety of projects, making it one of the best large-volume 3D printers available. Its stable, all-metal frame ensures smooth operation and reliability for long-term use.
This printer is designed for high performance, capable of printing with various materials, including specialty filaments. The enclosed chamber keeps temperatures stable for high-quality results. If you want the best large 3D printer for 2024 that can handle intricate designs and large miniatures, the MAX3 is a great investment.
Specifications:
- Materials Compatibility: Wide (PLA, ABS, Carbon Fiber, Nylon, TPU)
- Ease of Use: Advanced (complex, but highly automated)
- Price: High-end ($899)
- Workspace Size: Moderate (table or bench setup)
- Reliability: Highly reliable (industrial-grade)
Pros:
- High customer support and free replacement parts make troubleshooting easier.
- Great starter printer with intuitive slicer software and Wi-Fi-enabled convenience.
- Excellent compatibility with QIDI filaments, producing consistent results.
- Constant firmware and slicer updates based on customer feedback ensure the product improves over time.
Cons:
- Frequent filament blob issues lead to tedious hot-end rebuilds and low-quality assembly.
- Support is slow, with long delays between communications, making the repair process lengthy.
4. FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer
Having recently tried the FLASHFORGE Adventurer 5M 3D Printer, we were surprised by its speed and efficiency. With ultra-fast printing capabilities of 600mm/s, it easily ranks among the best big 3D printers of 2024. The one-click automatic printing feature takes the hassle out of setup, making it perfect for beginners.
We also appreciate the printer’s adaptability; it handles various materials and provides exceptional print quality. The real-time app monitoring lets us track progress conveniently. Suppose you’re in the market for a reliable large-format printer that can deliver both speed and precision. In that case, the Adventurer 5M is an excellent choice for anyone looking into 3D printing.
Specifications:
- Materials Compatibility: Medium (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU)
- Ease of Use: Beginner (fully automated)
- Price: Budget ($379)
- Workspace Size: Compact (desktop-sized)
- Reliability: Reliable (low-maintenance)
Pros:
- Incredibly fast printing speed, up to four times faster than comparable models.
- Highly accurate with perfect bed levelling and exceptional print quality.
- Simple plug-and-play setup with automatic calibration.
- OrcaSlicer compatibility provides great control and Wi-Fi integration.
Cons:
- The printer is extremely noisy due to the fan and motor design.
- Limited Wi-Fi functionality, with only basic support for their slicer.
5. Longer LK5 Pro 3D Printer
Eager to elevate our 3D printing experience, we turned to the Longer LK5 Pro 3D Printer for help. This printer offers a maximum build size of 11.8″ x 11.8″ x 15.7″, making it one of the best large home 3D printers for ambitious projects. Its stable triangular structure enhances precision, ensuring smooth prints every time.
We were also impressed by features like filament depletion detection and auto-resume printing, which minimize waste and downtime. With high-speed printing up to 180mm/s and compatibility with various materials, the LK5 Pro is perfect for anyone looking to explore large-scale designs. If you want one of the best large-format resin 3D printers or need a reliable machine for big projects, this printer should be on your list.
Specifications:
- Materials Compatibility: Medium (PLA, ABS, PETG)
- Ease of Use: Intermediate (some assembly required)
- Price: Budget ($285.64)
- Workspace Size: Moderate (table or bench setup)
- Reliability: Reliable (triangular stability)
Pros:
- Excellent print quality and precise models, ideal for beginners and professionals.
- Sturdy construction with great tech support that swiftly resolves issues.
- Easy setup with online videos compensating for the poor assembly instructions.
- Reliable performance with consistent results after initial troubleshooting.
Cons:
- Poor customer service for the included software with long wait times.
- Difficulty reaching customer support for software-related issues or refunds.
Complete Guide To Buying Large 3D Printers
When looking for the best large 3D printers, several important factors should guide your decision, especially if you are searching for high-quality prints, reliability, and large build volume capabilities. Below is a breakdown of key considerations to help you select the ideal large-scale 3D printer for your needs.
1. Build Volume
- Small (<150 x 150 x 150 mm): Suited for compact models or miniatures.
- Medium (150 x 150 x 150 mm – 300 x 300 x 300 mm): Great for detailed parts and standard models.
- Large (>300 x 300 x 300 mm): For large-scale prints, ideal for industrial use or printing large miniatures.
For those needing the best large 3D printers, ensure your choice offers a large build volume for efficient big projects.
2. Print Technology
- FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling): Affordable and suitable for entry-level users. Best for large-scale prints at lower costs.
- SLA (Stereolithography): High precision, great for detailed prints but more expensive.
- SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): High-quality prints with advanced material options, but very costly.
For professionals needing the best large-format resin 3D printers, SLA or SLS might be your best option for high-detail, large-volume jobs.
3. Materials Compatibility
- Limited (PLA, ABS): Affordable and simple materials.
- Medium (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU): Flexible and durable materials for larger or complex projects.
- Wide (Metal, Nylon, Carbon Fiber, Resin): For advanced users needing durability and diverse materials.
If you’re searching for the best large home 3D printer or need to work with large miniatures, ensure material compatibility is wide enough for your specific needs.
4. Ease Of Use
- Beginner: Simple setup with user-friendly interfaces. Perfect for home users and hobbyists.
- Intermediate: Requires some assembly and calibration. Good for those with some technical knowledge.
- Advanced: Involves manual setup and fine-tuning, best for professionals and industrial use.
If you want the best big 3D printer 2024, ease of use is important to consider based on your technical skills.
5. Price
- Budget (<$500): Entry-level machines for hobbyists, typically smaller models.
- Mid-range ($500 – $2,000): Best for users wanting high-quality prints without the hefty price tag.
- High-end (>$2,000): Industrial-grade machines designed for large, complex projects.
For those seeking the best large-scale 3D printers, you might need to invest in mid-range to high-end models for more features and larger build capacity.
6. Workspace Size
- Compact (Desktop-sized): Fits easily in small spaces or on desks.
- Moderate (Table or bench setup): Needs a bit more room, usually for medium-sized models.
- Large (Dedicated floor space required): Big machines that require significant space in your workshop or industrial setting.
For the best large-area 3D printer, ensure you have enough space in your workspace for installation and operation.
FAQs:
The best large 3D printer for home use typically offers a balance between build volume, ease of use, and price. Look for models that provide large build capacity but still fit comfortably in a home workspace, like those with a medium to large build volume and FDM technology.
Large 3D printers require regular maintenance such as cleaning the nozzle, ensuring the bed is level, and checking for filament blockages. For higher-end models, additional maintenance might include inspecting moving parts and upgrading firmware.
Common materials for large 3D printing include PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. For more advanced users, materials like carbon fibre, metal-infused filaments, and resin are also popular in large-scale printing applications.
The time required to print large objects varies depending on the complexity, layer height, and size of the object. Larger prints can take several hours to days, depending on the printer’s speed settings and the object’s resolution.
Yes, several large-format 3D printers are beginner-friendly. These models usually feature simple assembly, intuitive interfaces, and preset settings, making them easier to operate even with large build volumes.
Many large 3D printers come equipped with a power recovery feature. This allows the printer to resume printing from the point of interruption after a power outage, minimizing the risk of failed prints on long or large projects.
For miniatures and highly detailed work, the best large 3D printer is typically an SLA or resin-based printer. These printers offer high precision and smooth surface finishes, making them ideal for intricate designs.
A heated bed is crucial for larger prints as it helps prevent warping, especially with materials like ABS or PETG. It ensures the print adheres to the build plate and improves overall print quality.
Yes, many large 3D printers can handle flexible filaments like TPU. However, you’ll need to ensure the printer’s extruder is compatible with flexible materials, as some may require direct drive extruders for better handling.
When selecting a large format resin 3D printer, consider factors like resolution, print speed, material compatibility, and the cost of resin. Large resin printers are ideal for precise, detailed models but may come with higher operating costs due to the price of resin and post-processing equipment.
Conclusion
Choosing the right 3D printer, especially a large one, depends on your specific needs like print size, material compatibility, budget, and ease of use. If you are a hobbyist or professional looking for the best large-volume 3D printer 2024, ensure you consider the features that align with your projects, be it printing large models or using advanced materials for production. Keep in mind your workspace and the printer’s price to strike a balance between cost-effectiveness and performance.