The best professional 3D printers for 2022

by All3DP, updated June 16, 2022

Are you running a small business and looking for an affordable, reliable 3D printer? See our guide to the best professional 3D printers under $10 000.

From small manufacturers and product design companies to architects and artists, every small business looking to buy a reliable professional 3D printer has more options today than ever before. There is a wide range of very capable options below $10,000.

As the hobby 3D printer market continues to be flooded with extremely low-cost desktop machines, better 3D printer manufacturers are shifting their focus to offering high-quality, easy-to-use machines with multiple features and better reliability.

Gone are the days when industrial 3D printers filled an entire room. There are now many professional 3D printers that are the size of a desktop computer and are available. These are the machines we focus on in the following list. 

Whether you want a 3D printer for prototyping parts or manufacturing end-use products, knowing what everyone has to offer will help you choose the optimal choice. Let's take a look at the best professional 3D desktop printers on the market, divided into categories and sorted by price.

These FDM printers offer the repeatability you need in a business printer. The filament printers on our list offer you the widest range of work materials and require little or no post-processing. Your parts may be ready to come out of the print bed immediately. The resin printers on our list allow you to quickly create the finely detailed, smooth parts you need. Some 3D printer manufacturers are focusing on the dental products or jewelry , so check out our specialized guides.

THE BEST PROFESSIONAL FDM 3D PRINTERS

Ultimaker S5

• 3D printer Ultimaker S5
• technology FDM
• Construction volume (mm) 330 x 240 x 300
• Minimum layer resolution 20 microns
• MaterialsPLA, ABS, PETG, PVA, HIPS, stainless steel, + third parties
• Market price (approx.) BGN 15,000

What does this 3D printer do? professional? Originally advertised as the pioneers of open source 3D printing, Dutch 3D printer manufacturer Ultimaker now produces the best professional 3D printers.

The company's S5 offers robust 3D double-extrusion printing with a growing library of engineering materials, including the newly announced Metal Expansion Kitthat allows users to effectively switch between plastic and metal printing on a machine.

With cloud-based performance coming from Ultimaker's Cura cutting software and the recently launched Digital Factory fleet management and organization platform, the Ultimaker S5 looks set to become the premier professional 3D printer for designers, engineers and small and medium businesses.

Fully connected to a network and with the proper use of Ultimaker software, we can see how the S5 Pro package fits almost seamlessly into product design and internal production workflows. In our own comprehensive review of the S5, we found that it offers an almost flawless printing experience.

In 2023, however, this machine may no longer be known as the Utlimaker. The company announced its planned merger with another leading manufacturer of 3D printers on our list, MakerBot, in May 2022. The merger of two of the best manufacturers of professional desktop 3D printers can only be a good thing. A new company name is expected by the end of 2022, but don't expect the S5 to disappear. The combined company plans to continue making and improving both Ultimaker and MakerBot machines.

Common applications for this professional 3D printer? Functional prototyping, fixtures, boxes and housings, engineering units, medicine, automotive, space industry, electronics, figurines, etc.

You can buy this amazing printer from us - 3MG Bonev Ltd.

Raise3D Pro3

• 3D printer Raise3D Pro3
• technology FDM
• Construction volume (mm) 300 x 300 x 300 / * 600
• Minimum layer resolution 10 microns
• Materials PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, carbon fiber, TPU / TPE, metal filled, + third parties
• Market price (approx.) BGN 11,258 / * BGN 14,813

What does this one do? 3D printer professional? The new Raise3D dual-extruder FDM 3D printer Pro3 (in two sizes) includes an impressive number of features at the industrial level at a price of only BGN 11,258.

The Pro3, with a volume of 300 x 300 x 300 mm, has a long list of upgrades and enhancements from the company's popular Pro2 printer, including replaceable modular hot ends that can be replaced with a quick-click and lock mechanism. The hot edges can reach 300ºC, so they are compatible with a wide range of engineering materials from nylon to metal threads.

Other new features that make professional printing seamless include automatic bed leveling and an intelligent assistant called Evewhich helps you find and solve problems with print jobs. Eve also analyzes printer usage and sends reminders for scheduled interventions to ensure you don't forget basic printer support.

The Pro3 Plus (BGN 14,813) has a slightly larger assembly volume (300 x 300 x 605 mm) and has the same improvements as the Pro3.

Common applications of this professional 3D printer?  Functional prototyping, fixtures, boxes and housings, engineering units, medicine, automotive, space industry, electronics, figurines, etc.

You can buy this amazing printer from us - 3MG Bonev Ltd.

BCN3D Epsilon W50

• 3D printer BCN3D Epsilon W50
• technology FDM
• Construction volume (mm) 420 x 300 x 400
• Minimum layer resolution5 0 microns
• MaterialsPLA, hard PLA, BVOH, PET-G, TPU 98A, PVA, ABS, PA, PP
• Market price (approx.) 16 532 lv.

What does this one do? 3D printer professional? The Epsilon W50 from Spanish printer manufacturer BCN3D is designed to supply large-scale parts with industrial-grade materials, thanks to features such as its passively heated chamber and full body.

The Epsilon W50 has an independent dual extruder system (IDEX), which means that you can not only print with separate part material and support material at the same time, but the printheads can print completely different parts at the same time, which essentially doubles your printer capacity.

Fully open source, the company's designs and schemes are freely available online for viewing, improvement and instruction - a desirable feature in the fast-paced world of 3D printer development and one that encourages community feedback for the benefit of all.

Designed with a user-friendly interface, calibration setup and BCN3D Cloud, this is perhaps one of the more user-friendly dual-extrusion 3D printers on the market. Add the optional smart cabinet to keep your materials in optimal condition, and this printing system can fit seamlessly into any manufacturing process.

Common applications for this professional 3D printer?  Functional prototyping, fixtures, boxes and housings, engineering units, medicine, automotive, space industry, electronics, figurines, etc.

Very soon you will be able to buy the BCN3D 3D printers from us - 3MG Bonev Ltd.

MakerBot Method X

• 3D printer MakerBot Method X
• technology FDM
• Construction volume (mm) 190 x 190 x 196
• Minimum layer resolution 20 microns
• Materials PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU / TPE, Nylon carbon fiber, Nylon, Stainless Steel, SR-30, + third countries
• Market price (approx.) $ 4,900

What does this 3D printer do? professional? MakerBot Method X is a professional FDM 3D printer with a double extruder, offering industry standards in desktop format, aiming to provide designers and engineers with high quality prints at an affordable price.

Most manufacturers know MakerBot as a pioneer in desktop 3D printers, but in 2013 the company was bought by industrial 3D printer manufacturer Stratasys. Since then, he has focused his attention from building machines for manufacturers to printers for professionals. And now it will merge with another leading printer manufacturer on our list, Ultimaker. The two companies announced their planned merger in May 2022, and you can expect a new company with a new brand name in early 2023. However, your Method X does not disappear, the company says.

Method X incorporates industrial technology, accumulating an avalanche of features in an affordable machine and closing the gap between industrial and desktop 3D printing. According to the manufacturer, Method X is able to produce parts that meet industrial requirements on an equal footing with injection molding. Printouts of the machine can have dimensional accuracy up to 0.2 mm.

In total, Method X has 21 sensors that should provide the user with a complete overview of the machine's performance on its five-inch color touch screen.

Common applications for this professional 3D printer? Functional prototyping, fixtures, boxes and housings, engineering units, medicine, automotive, space industry, electronics, figurines, etc.

Not available from us - 3MG Bonev Ltd.

Zortrax M300 Dual

• 3D printer Zortrax M300 Dual
• technology FDM
• Construction volume (mm) 265 x 265 x 300
• Minimum layer resolution 150 microns
• Materials Nylon, HIPS, PETG, ESD, PLA Pro, ASA Pro, + third parties
• Market price (approx.) $ 2990

What makes this 3D printer professional? Based in Poland, the 3D printer manufacturer Zortrax has a history of manufacturing FDM machines that are easy to use and come with a complete ecosystem. The Zortrax M300 Dual is the company's largest 3D printer and has a layer resolution of 90 to 290 microns.

With double extrusion technology, your part and its water-soluble support structures are built simultaneously. This allows you to print extremely detailed parts and simply unfold the supports.

Zortrax provides customers with more than just a 3D printer, it tries to cover every aspect of the process, from software to materials. This complete ecosystem is useful for small businesses or those starting to work with technology, as it removes speculation from the supply of materials and synchronization software.

The Zortrax M300 Dual is also compatible with third-party materials, making this professional 3D printer a more open system. Its sensor system monitors the 3D printing process from start to finish, with almost no supervision.

Common applications for this professional 3D printer? Functional prototyping, fixtures, boxes and housings, engineering units, medicine, automotive, space industry, electronics, figurines, etc.

Not available from us - 3MG Bonev Ltd.

Delta WASP 2040 Industrial X

• 3D printer Delta WASP 2040 Industrial X
• technology FDM (delta)
• Construction volume (mm) 400 x 200 x 200
• Minimum layer resolution 50 microns
• Materials PLA, ABS, PETG, PC + ABS, ASA, PVA, HIPS, Nylon carbon fiber, PMMA, TPU
• Market price (approx.) $ 4,700

What makes this 3D printer professional? The Italian manufacturer WASP specializes in the production of delta-style 3D printers, which usually provide better print speeds (300 mm / s) and build size than the more commonly used Cartesian machines. Based on one of its most popular models, WASP created the professional Delta WASP 2040 Industrial X.

2040 Industrial X is made of metal with strong steel core belts and features heat and acoustic insulation. The double extruder for single and multi-material printing can be replaced with a special extruder for printing flexible materials up to 50A.

The printer has an intuitive interface and is connected to a Wifi network, so you can control your printer from a smartphone, tablet or computer. In addition, there is now a press surveillance camera inside, even from a distance.

Common applications for this professional 3D printer? Functional prototyping, fixtures, boxes and housings, engineering units, medicine, automotive, space industry, electronics, figurines, etc.

Not available from us - 3MG Bonev Ltd.

Markforged Onyx One

• 3D printer Markforged Onyx One
• technology FDM
• Construction volume (mm) 320 x 132 x 154
• Minimum layer resolution 100 microns
• Materials carbon fiber-filled nylon

What makes this 3D printer professional? The next generation Onyx One has all the advantages of the original plus even better reliability, according to US-based Markforged.

The printer prints with only one material called Onyx, which is nylon filled with carbon fiber. This may sound limiting, but this super strong material can be all you need for your strong production tools, fixtures and even metal spare parts.

Launched in 2016, the Onyx One is the only Markforged printer that is still below $10,000 and the company's focus is clearly shifting to their more industrial machines. However, Onyx is designed to be scalable and integrate with the company's other printers, making it an easy entry point for manufacturers to build a test case for 3D printing and then quickly increase the number.

Common applications for this professional 3D printer? Functional prototyping, fixtures, boxes and housings, engineering units, automotive, electronics, etc.

You can buy this amazing printer from us - 3MG Bonev Ltd.

THE BEST PROFESSIONAL 3D RESIN PRINTERS

Formlabs Form 3+

• 3D printer Formlabs Form 3+
• technology SLA
• Construction volume (mm) 145 x 145 x 185
• Minimum layer resolution 25 microns
• Materials general purpose resin, hard resin, flexible resin, dental resins, special resins, engineering resins, wax
• Market price (approx.) 8 295лв.

What makes this 3D printer professional? Considered by many to be the champion of desktop SLA 3D printing, Formlabs is positioned as one of the most popular professional 3D printers on the market. The resin-based process allows for higher resolution and more accurate FDM prints, offering a layer thickness between 25 and 100 microns. In January 2022, Formlabs reengineered Form 3+ to print with 40% faster than before.

Other enhancements that contribute to faster Form 3+ printing are a feature called Adaptive Layer Thickness, which analyzes part geometry and assigns layer heights throughout the cut pattern, as well as upgrading its hardware for tighter alignment. between the light processing module (LPU) and the construction platform.

Despite the small 145 x 145 x 185 mm, Formlabs Form 3+ remains a stellar option for both professionals and manufacturers.

Armed with an advanced peeling mechanism, heated tank, touch screen, wireless controls and automated resin system, Form 3 is truly on the edge of the SLA printer market. The Massachusetts-based manufacturer also develops specialty resins that target specific industries, helping consumers and small businesses find the ideal environment for prototyping and end-use manufacturing. Form 3 will give your business industrial print quality at a relatively low cost.

Common applications for this professional 3D printer? Dentistry, figurines, jewelry, development of experimental products, engineering assemblies, etc.

You can buy this amazing printer from us - 3MG Bonev Ltd.

Phenom XXL from Peopoly

• 3D printer Phenom XXL from Peopoly
• technology MSLA
• Construction volume (mm) 527 × 296 × 550
• Minimum layer resolution 137 microns
• Materials white resin, gray resin, transparent resin
• Market price (approx.) $ 7,500

What makes this 3D printer professional? The impressively large assembly volume of the Peopoly Phenom XXL makes it an extremely flexible machine. The company says its customers in the medical, automotive and entertainment industries wanted to print larger parts at once, but the sacrifice was a bit of a fine detail. However, the Phenom XXL can achieve an impressive XY axis resolution of 137 microns.

Phenom is ideal not only for large products, but, of course, for many products. Dozens of items can be printed at once. In addition, the printer's masked stereolithography (MLSA) is fast.

As with previous Phenom machines, the Phenom XXL will use ChiTu firmware, and the preparation of the model is processed in the ChiTuBox software. In our experience, ChiTuBox is easy to use and relatively capable of desktop printing.

Phenom XXL uses a perforated construction board to allow the initial over-hardened resin layers to expand into the holes, effectively creating attachment points that help secure the seal to the board during operation.

If you are looking for a better resolution instead of size, Peopoly makes another version of Phenom.

Common applications for this professional 3D printer? Product development, prototype engineering units, supports, product prototypes, plates.

Not available from us - 3MG Bonev Ltd.

Phrozen Transform

• 3D printer Phrozen Transform
• technology LCD
• Construction volume (mm) 292 x 165 x 400
• Minimum layer resolution 47 - 76 microns
• Materials Most commercially available resins
• Market price (approx.) $2,549

 What makes this 3D printer professional? Phrozen Transform is one of those printers that spans the consumer and professional market with over $ 2,000, but its features make it affordable.

The base model comes with a 4K, 13.3-inch RGB screen capable of producing prints with a resolution of 76 microns on a print bed measuring 290 x 160 mm. Together with the height of the Z axis of 400 mm, Transform can make some really big prints.

Following its name, users can choose the dual LCD panel add-on with two 5.5-inch LCD displays and an XY resolution of 47 microns. In addition, the manufacturer claims that the printer is equipped with a "Fast LCD Adapter" that allows you to change the panels in just 30 seconds.

After mono screens and fast curing times became the norm, Phrozen introduced additional upgradeable LCD panels. A monochrome version of the 13.9-inch 4K LCD is now available, which speeds up printing from 10 mm / h to 50 mm / h, plus provides a longer start-up life. The Transform can now also be equipped with an 8.9-inch 4K monochrome screen, which, while reducing the print area to 190 x 120 mm, provides a resolution of 50 microns.

While most LCD and DLP 3D printers are limited to a single-size panel, the ability to switch between these configurations makes the Phrozen Transform significantly different from other resin 3D printers we've seen on the budget market.

Common applications for this professional 3D printer? Prototypes of products, hulls and hulls, architectural models.

Not available from us - 3MG Bonev Ltd.