The best large format 3D printers. The buyer’s guide

Ideal for large-scale product development, the large 3D printer will be the most versatile solution for your needs. When we talk about “large format printer,” we mean options that print at sizes larger than 300×300—if that sounds interesting, read on to discover the best large format 3D printers.

How do you choose a large 3D printer?

When it comes to choosing the large 3D printer best suited to your needs, there are several criteria to consider:

• • value for money

• • print quality

• • ease of us

• • versatility

• • resistance over time.

Main uses:

If you’re wondering «do I really need a big printer?», the answer might be yes if you want to print one or more of the following:

• • mobile

• • billboards

• • props for movies, theater performances, etc

• • musical instruments

• • medical prostheses

• • decorations and more.

FDM or SLA printer?

The most widespread printing technologies on the market are FDM – fused deposition modeling and SLA – stereolithography; both are highly capable technologies that help create successful products, but each has advantages and disadvantages.

• • Printing Quality and Accuracy: SLA technology is known for its precision, fine details and impeccable quality of the final product.

• • Materials used: FDM technology uses filaments such as ABS, PLA and their variants, being available in a multitude of colors and materials. SLA uses resin, which is more versatile than filaments: it can be medium or hard, having different physical and mechanical properties; In terms of materials used, SLA is more versatile and flexible.

• • Ease of process: The process, the workflow is the same for both technologies: design, 3D printing, post-processing.

• • Cost: FDM technology is cheaper than SLA.

     

The notable advantages of FDM technology:

• • extremely simple process

• • speed

• • very low costs.

Disadvantages of FDM technology:

• • limited design

• • average accuracy.

Advantages of SLA technology:

• • very high precision

• • extremely fine and qualitative final surface

• • It has many useful applications in everyday life.

The best large format 3D printers

Depending on your needs and the objects you want to print, we have created a selection of the best large format 3D printers to choose from:

FORMLABS 3D PRINTING FORM 3L BASIC PACKAGE

One of the best printers on the market that uses SLA technology, or low force stereolithography, is Formlabs 3L module. Its print volume is 335x200x300 and the other technical details are:

• • leaf bundle diameter: 85 microns

• • compatible files: .STL/ .OBJ

• • layer thickness: 25-300 microns

• • resin cartridge: 2.

When to choose the Formlabs Form 3L?

• • if you want 5 times more print volume than the Form 3

• • if you want continuous, ultra-fast printing

• • for the large capacity of materials

• • thanks to the 2 times more powerful laser

• • for precise details and consistent quality.

MANUFACTURER OF EXTREME 1000 PRO 3D PRINTER

A high quality FDM printer, Extreme 1000 Pro 3D Builder It comes with a number of extremely attractive specs, of which the high print volume is at the top:

• • print volume of 700x700x820

• • Printing speed: 10 – 80 mm/second

• • layer resolution: 0.1 – 0.9 mm

• • printing bed: heated

• • weight: 225 kilograms

• • connections: WiFi and USB.

When to choose Builder Extreme 1000 Pro?

• • when you want to print large parts at 1:1 scale

• • if you want to print molds, prototypes, equipment, etc

• • if you want a 7 inch color touch display

• • whether you want an optimized, high-quality, two-color or even gradient print.

MANUFACTURER OF EXTREME 1500 PRO 3D PRINTER

3D printer Extrem 1500 Pro builder is another printer that might catch your attention. Its specifications include:

• • print volume: 1100x500x820

• • Printing speed: 10 – 80 mm/second

• • layer resolution: 0.1 – 0.9 mm

• • technology used: FDM

• • print bed: heated bed, 20 – 60 degrees

• • weight: 225 kilograms

• • connections: wifi, USB, LAN.

When to choose this printer?

• • when you want to print large objects, but still want a suitable printer in an office

• • when you want to print molds, templates, tools, etc. at 1:1 scale

• • when you want a color display with touch

• • when you want the printer to resume printing when the power is interrupted.

MANUFACTURER OF EXTREME 2000 PRO 3D PRINTER

One last printer on today’s list is the printer 3D Builder Extreme 2000 Prowhose specifications include:

• • technology used: FDM

• • print volume: 700x700x1700

• • extruders: 2

• • consumables used: filaments

• • Printing speed: 10 – 200 mm/second

• • bed leveling: semi-automatic

• • printing bed: heated

• • supply voltage – 2200 Watts

• • extruder: mono/dual feed, developed internally

Why choose 3D Builder Extreme 2000 Pro?

• • because the Dual Feed system gives you a lot of flexibility in color

• • because you will have uniform cooling of the print

• • because the printer is completely ready to print

• • because the press doesn’t need days off; printing can be continuous

• • because it offers one of the highest print volumes on the market.