3D Printing: 3D Printer Characteristics and Uses
In the previous posts, a high-level overview of consumer grade 3D printing was provided and the characteristics
of 3D printers were covered. Now we will get down to a survey of some of the printers that are available, their
characteristics and costs. Note that the information in this post will have a very short shelf life – the consumer
3D printing market is where the home computer market was 30 years ago; as you were driving home with your
shiny new computer, you were driving past the billboard going up for the next computer with performance putting
yours to shame. Also, please bear in mind that this is a survey of available printers and is not exhaustive.
I may have missed some. Also, none of the descriptions below should be taken as an endorsement nor
condemnation of any of the printers; this is merely a survey of available 3D printers and some examples within
each price range along with some observations (positive or negative). Before buying, do some further research
on all printers you can find in your price range. Apologies in advance if this seems rambling. There are a huge
number of printers out there, the more one looks, the more one finds. Please use this as a starting point if you
are seriously thinking about acquiring one of these machines.
Major Suppliers
Several major suppliers of 3D printers are:
1. Airwolf
2. Cube
3. Leapfrog
4. Lulzbot
5. Makerbot
6. Lulzbot
7. RepRap
8. Type A Machines
9. Ultimaker
10. Zeepro
Options
In addition to a broad selection of vendors, one has a choice of capabilities and features. If one is
interested in low cost and is willing to spend some time tinkering, kits can be purchased. Other features for
consideration were discussed in the previous blog post and are summarized below:
1. Build volume
2. Heated bed
3. Single vs. multiple extruders
4. Enclosed vs. open build platform
Survey of Printers
Kits
Several kits are available. Several examples include the Kossel Pro kit that starts at $1349, the Airwolf 3D
XL printer kit that starts at $1895, the SeeMeCNC Rostock that starts at $999, the RepRap Mendelmax that
starts at $899 (this model is being sold fully assembled for $999). If one is very adventurous and wants to really
build from scratch, the printed parts for some of the printers are available, and you can purchase your own
controllers, rails, bearings, extruders, motors, etc. For example, the Mendel90 printed parts can be had for $94.
Lower Cost Printers
We will define lower cost printers as those in the $500 to $1200 range. These are typically open frame
printers with relatively small build volumes. Example printers in this category:
XYZprinting Da Vinci printer that can be had from Amazon for $500. This printer has a 7.8 x 7.8 x 7.8” build
volume, enclosed print chamber and is capable of printing PLA or ABS plastic. There appear to be mixed
reviews regarding its software and what you need to do to get this printer operational. A fully assembled printer
for $500 is probably going to require some work on your part to get it tuned in.
The Printrbot Simple Metal Black 3D printer is available for $599: The Printrbot has a 6” x 6” x 6” build volume,
100 micron layer resolution, and an unheated bed so it is made for PLA only. Printrbot also has a Metal Plus
model for $999. This printer has a 10” x 10” x 10” build volume and the same characteristics as the Metal Black
for other features.
Mbot Grid 2 by Mbot 3D for $999 to $1022: 9.25” x 8.25” x 7” build volume, 100 micron print resolution and
capable of printing both PLA and ABS. Can be had in both single and dual extruder versions.
The Cubify Cube: $999 Build volume: 6” x 6” x 6”. This is designed as home-friendly printer that you can let
the kids use. Layer resolution of 70 microns is quite competitive. This is also a two-color printer. Capable of
printing both PLA and ABS but without a heated bed, so there is some question regarding how well ABS will
print. Downside is that you must buy Cube print cartridges that are more expensive than other printer filaments.
Mid-Range Printers
We’ll define these as printers from $1201 to $2000. Several examples include:
Zeepro zim for $1399 (from NewEgg); it is definitely an artistically designed printer and can do two color printing.
It requires its own print cartridges and will do PLA, ABS, and PVA. It does not yet have a heated bed, so this
could be a problem if you are doing ABS plastic. At 5.9” x 5.9” x 5.9” (essentially a 6” cube), the build volume
could be limiting.
Affinia H: $1449, Build volume 5.5” x 5.5” x 5.3” is relatively small. 150 micron layer resolution is middle of the
pack. Open build platform. Capable of printing PLA and ABS, this printer has a heated bed. The platform
moves in the Z direction.
Lulzbot Mini: $1350 Build volume 6” x 6” x 6.2”. Semi-enclosed build area. 50 micron layer resolution. Capable
of multiple materials, has a heated bed.
Makerbot Replicator Mini $1375: 3.9” x 3.9” x 4.9” build volume, 200 micron layer resolution, unheated bed
Higher End Printers
Moving into the $2001 to $3000 regime brings larger build volume and more features.
Airwolf 3D XL $2295: This model has been around for at least a couple of years, so is on the waning years of its
product life. 12” x 8” x 7” build volume, heated bed, upgrading to the JrX hot end allows printing nylon and other
high temperature material. Open platform, if you want to minimize the shrinkage of parts and warping, you will
need to provide some enclosure around the printer for large parts.
Airwolf 3D HDL $2295: Entry level printer, 12” x 8” x 11” build volume, 80 micron layer resolution. Does not have
a heated bed so materials are limited to PLA and other materials not requiring a heated bed.
Type A Series 1 3D, $2749, 12” x 12” x 12” build volume, 50 micron layer resolution, 50 to 150 mm/s print speed,
WiFi – PLA only, no heated bed, bed moves in Z direction,
Ultimaker 2, $2499, 9” x 8.85” x 8” build volume, 20 micron layer resolution, 30 to 300 mm/sec print speed, ABS
or PLA, heated build plate
Lulzbot Taz 5: $2200. Build volume: 11.7” x 10.8” x 9.8”. 75 micron layer resolution. Capable of multiple
materials; this unit has a heated bed and high temperature (up to 300C) hot end.
Makerbot Replicator $2899: 9.9” x 7.8” x 5.9” build volume, 100 micron layer resolution, unheated bed but
enclosed build chamber. It is WiFi capable and has a camera to monitor print progress. Like most Makerbot
printers, the unheated bed limits one to printing PLA only.
Airwolf 3D HD Printer $2995: 12” x 8” x 12” build volume, 60 micron layer resolution, partially enclosed build
chamber, heated bed and high temperature hot end, so it can print a wide variety of materials. The bed moves
in the z direction and the hot end remains fixed.
Makerbot Replicator 2X, $2499: The 2X is the only printer in the Makerbot line to come with a heated bed and
a dual extrusion capability. Build volume is 9.7” x 6” x 6.1” so it has a very good capability in that regard. The
price is right (it has come down significantly in the past 9 months), however, it would be good for potential buyers
to read reviews on this or any machine they are considering. When I was looking at printers, there was a strong
undertone that Makerbot was using its buyers as beta testers and that this particular unit had some issues.
Very High End Printers
On the very high end of the consumer market, priced from $3001 and up, one gains additional features,
including multiple color printers
Airwolf 3D HD 2X Printer $3995: This is a large build volume, dual extrusion printer with a semi enclosed
build chamber. Build volume is 11” x 8” x 12”, 60 micron layer resolution, a heated bed and is capable of
temperatures that support nylon and other high-temperature material.
Airwolf 3D HDR Printer $4595: High resolution, dual extrusion printer that is is WiFi enabled and “cloud”
accessible, allowing printing from a tablet. Build volume is 11” x 8” x 12”. Semi-enclosed build chamber.
Makerbot Replicator Z18 $6499: This printer really is priced at what can reasonably be considered top end of the
consumer market. It features an 11.8” x 12” x 18” build volume and a layer resolution of 100 microns. It has an
enclosed print area and has an available rolling base. However, build volume is really its only claim to fame. It
is only capable of printing PLA since it does not have a heated bed so for the price, one’s use options are pretty
limited for such a high priced piece of equipment.
Thus ends a very short overview of the many 3D printers out there. A net search will turn up many
reviews, manufacturers, and vendors for 3D related items. My own experience has been with an Airwolf 3D XL
(now on its waning days as a product from Airwolf) purchased through MatterHackers, a group with very good
filament prices and that provides an easy to use printer interface software called MatterControl. I’ve had good
service from both Airwolf and MatterHackers. The printer I chose was primarily based upon the features I
wanted (large build volume and multiple materials, thus a heated bed was needed) and reasonable price.
Knowing what I know now, I would look place much higher emphasis on getting a dual extruder system, not
because of being able to print two colors – which is cool, but because of the ability to use a dissolvable support
material when printing more complex models. That said, I have been very happy with my choice and have
already worn out several of the parts; but the cool thing is, I’ve been able to print the replacements for those
worn out parts. A good place to start is some printer vendors like www.matterhackers.com or
www.makershed.com. They have a consolidated line of multiple printers at varying price ranges and
capabilities.
A quick word on accessories. The build plates are critical for how the material adheres to the plate during
printing (you don’t want it to become loose) and how easy it is to remove your print after it is completed. Some
materials build well on painters tape, others on Kapton tape, others directly on glass. The downside to these
substrates is that they often tear when you remove your print. The painters tape is easy to replace, the Kapton,
not so much unless you have experience applying window film. Airwolf has released a product called Wolfbite
that paints onto boro-silicate glass and seems to work very well holding down the print during the print process
and releases when the plate cools.
A 3D printer is a very useful addition to anyone’s hobby repertoire and can be used to support household
maintenance, hobby design and builds (woodworking, metalworking and other prototypes) or just plain fun and
useful stuff.