Are you interested in buying a 3D printer but don’t know how much it will cost you? 3D printing technology has come a long way in recent years, and it’s now possible to buy a 3D printer for a reasonable price. But how much does a 3D printer cost in 2023?

According to our research, hobbyist desktop 3D printers are the most affordable option, ranging from $400 to $1,000. These printers are small, reasonably priced, and are suitable for both beginners and experienced makers. They offer better quality and reliability than entry-level models, with an expected precision of 50-100 microns and a print size of small to medium. However, if you’re looking for a professional-grade 3D printer, you can expect to pay significantly more. Large-format professional FDM printers can start at around $4,000, while professional FDM 3D printers can start at around $2,500.

With the increasing availability of 3D printers, it’s becoming easier for people to create their own custom designs and prototypes. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of a 3D printer is not the only expense. You’ll also need to consider the cost of materials, maintenance, and electricity. In this article, we’ll explore the different factors that contribute to the overall cost of owning a 3D printer and provide you with a better understanding of how much you can expect to spend.

Factors that Affect 3D Printer Cost

When considering purchasing a 3D printer, it’s important to understand the factors that affect the cost. Here are some of the key factors to consider:

Type of 3D Printer

There are several types of 3D printers available, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common types are Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Digital Light Processing (DLP). FDM printers are the most affordable, with prices ranging from $200 to $1,500. SLA and DLP printers are typically more expensive, with prices ranging from $1,000 to $5,000.

Build Volume

The build volume of a 3D printer refers to the maximum size of the object that can be printed. Larger build volumes typically mean higher costs. For example, a 3D printer with a build volume of 6 x 6 x 6 inches may cost around $300, while a printer with a build volume of 12 x 12 x 12 inches may cost around $1,500.

Print Quality

The quality of the prints produced by a 3D printer is another important factor to consider. Higher quality prints typically require higher quality components, which can drive up the cost of the printer. For example, a printer that can produce prints with a resolution of 50 microns may cost around $500, while a printer that can produce prints with a resolution of 10 microns may cost around $2,000.

Features and Accessories

Additional features and accessories can also impact the cost of a 3D printer. For example, a printer with a heated build plate may cost more than one without. Other features to consider include automatic bed leveling, dual extruders, and wireless connectivity. Accessories such as filament spools, replacement parts, and maintenance kits can also add to the overall cost of owning a 3D printer.

In summary, the cost of a 3D printer can vary depending on several factors, including the type of printer, build volume, print quality, and features and accessories. It’s important to carefully consider these factors when choosing a 3D printer that fits your needs and budget.

Budget 3D Printers

If you’re looking for a 3D printer but don’t want to spend a lot of money, there are several budget-friendly options available. In this section, we’ll take a look at three of the best budget 3D printers on the market: the Anycubic Photon Mono, Creality Ender 3, and FlashForge Finder.

Anycubic Photon Mono

The Anycubic Photon Mono is a great budget 3D printer for those who want to print high-quality resin models. It has a build volume of 130 x 78 x 160 mm and a minimum layer height of 10 microns, which means you can create highly detailed models. The printer uses a 2K monochrome LCD screen and has a printing speed of up to 50mm/hour.

Here are some key features of the Anycubic Photon Mono:

• Build volume: 130 x 78 x 160 mm
• Minimum layer height: 10 microns
• Printing speed: up to 50mm/hour
• LCD screen: 2K monochrome

Creality Ender 3

The Creality Ender 3 is a popular budget 3D printer that is great for beginners. It has a build volume of 220 x 220 x 250 mm and a minimum layer height of 100 microns. The printer is easy to assemble and has a printing speed of up to 180mm/hour.

Here are some key features of the Creality Ender 3:

• Build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns
• Printing speed: up to 180mm/hour
• Easy to assemble

FlashForge Finder

The FlashForge Finder is another great budget 3D printer for beginners. It has a build volume of 140 x 140 x 140 mm and a minimum layer height of 100 microns. The printer is easy to use and has a printing speed of up to 150mm/hour. It also has a built-in camera that allows you to monitor your prints remotely.

Here are some key features of the FlashForge Finder:

• Build volume: 140 x 140 x 140 mm
• Minimum layer height: 100 microns
• Printing speed: up to 150mm/hour
• Easy to use
• Built-in camera for remote monitoring

Overall, these three budget 3D printers are great options for those who want to get started with 3D printing without breaking the bank. Each printer has its own strengths and weaknesses, so be sure to choose the one that best fits your needs.

Mid-Range 3D Printers

If you’re looking for a 3D printer that offers a balance between price and performance, then a mid-range 3D printer may be the right choice for you. These printers typically offer a good mix of features, print quality, and reliability, without breaking the bank.

Prusa i3 MK3S+

The Prusa i3 MK3S+ is a popular mid-range 3D printer that offers a lot of value for its price. It has a build volume of 250 x 210 x 210 mm, which is large enough for most prints. The printer uses Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology and has a maximum layer resolution of 50 microns.

One of the standout features of the Prusa i3 MK3S+ is its automatic bed leveling system, which ensures that the bed is perfectly level before each print. This helps to reduce print failures and improve print quality. The printer also has a filament runout sensor, which alerts you when the filament is running low.

Ultimaker 2+

The Ultimaker 2+ is another popular mid-range 3D printer that offers excellent print quality and reliability. It has a build volume of 223 x 223 x 205 mm and uses FDM technology. The printer has a maximum layer resolution of 20 microns, which is very impressive.

One of the standout features of the Ultimaker 2+ is its swappable nozzle system, which allows you to easily switch between different nozzle sizes. This gives you more flexibility when it comes to print speed and print quality. The printer also has an active leveling system, which ensures that the bed is perfectly level before each print.

LulzBot Mini 2

The LulzBot Mini 2 is a compact and reliable mid-range 3D printer that is perfect for beginners. It has a build volume of 160 x 160 x 180 mm and uses FDM technology. The printer has a maximum layer resolution of 50 microns.

One of the standout features of the LulzBot Mini 2 is its self-leveling bed, which ensures that the bed is perfectly level before each print. This helps to reduce print failures and improve print quality. The printer also has an open filament system, which allows you to use any type of filament that you want.

In terms of price, the Prusa i3 MK3S+ is the most expensive of the three, while the LulzBot Mini 2 is the cheapest. However, all three printers offer excellent value for their price and are well worth considering if you’re looking for a mid-range 3D printer.

High-End 3D Printers

When it comes to high-end 3D printers, you can expect to pay a premium price for top-of-the-line features and advanced capabilities. These printers are typically used by professionals, such as engineers, architects, and designers, who require exceptional accuracy and precision in their 3D prints.

Formlabs Form 3

The Formlabs Form 3 is a popular choice among professionals due to its advanced features and high-quality prints. With a build volume of 14.5 x 14.5 x 18.5 cm, this printer is capable of producing detailed and accurate prints with a layer resolution of 25 microns. It uses a laser-based system for printing, which allows for greater accuracy and precision.

One of the standout features of the Form 3 is its automatic resin dispensing system, which ensures that the printer is always ready to print. It also has a touchscreen interface that makes it easy to control and monitor the printing process. However, all these features come at a price, with the Form 3 starting at around $3,500.

MakerBot Replicator+

The MakerBot Replicator+ is another high-end 3D printer that is popular among professionals. With a build volume of 29.5 x 19.5 x 16.5 cm, it is capable of producing large and complex prints with a layer resolution of 100 microns. It uses a fused deposition modeling (FDM) system for printing, which is a popular choice among professionals due to its reliability and ease of use.

One of the standout features of the Replicator+ is its Smart Extruder+, which automatically detects when the printer is running low on filament and pauses the print to allow for easy filament replacement. It also has a camera that allows you to monitor the printing process remotely. The Replicator+ starts at around $2,500.

BCN3D Sigma R19

The BCN3D Sigma R19 is a high-end 3D printer that is known for its dual extrusion system, which allows for the printing of two different materials or colors at the same time. With a build volume of 21 x 29.7 x 21 cm, it is capable of producing large and complex prints with a layer resolution of 50 microns. It uses an FDM system for printing, which is a popular choice among professionals due to its reliability and ease of use.

One of the standout features of the Sigma R19 is its IDEX (Independent Dual Extruder) system, which allows for greater flexibility and precision in printing. It also has a touchscreen interface that makes it easy to control and monitor the printing process. The Sigma R19 starts at around $3,000.

In conclusion, high-end 3D printers offer advanced features and capabilities that are typically used by professionals in various industries. While they come at a premium price, they offer exceptional accuracy and precision in 3D printing.