3D printing technology has advanced significantly in recent years, and there is now a wide range of 3D printers on the market. For any buyer, 3D printer prices dictate the purchasing decision, and while it is not the only factor to consider, it is unquestionably one of the most impactful factor.
In this article, we will look at the price ranges of 3D printers for the four base technologies, which are FDM, SLA/DLP (Resin), SLS, and Metal 3D printing.
3D Printer Prices for popular AM technologies
FDM 3D Printers
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) is the most widely used 3D printing technology, and it is found in a wide range of low-cost 3D printers. The cost of FDM printers varies greatly depending on their size and capabilities, as well as their brand and model.
FDM printers are available at a variety of price points, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. Some entry-level FDM printers cost as little as $200-$300, while more advanced models with larger build sizes and additional features can cost $3,000 or more.
Examples of Entry-level FDM 3D printer prices (indicative) are as follows:
- Creality Ender 3: Price $199
- Anycubic Kobra Neo: Price $249
Examples of Advanced FDM 3D printer prices (indicative) are as follows:
- BCN3D Sigma D25: Price: $3995
- Ultimaker S5: Price $5995
If you want to buy a 3D printer for even less money, you should wait for big sale days like Black Friday or Christmas Sale offers. These are the best times to purchase a 3D printer.
SLA/DLP (Resin) 3D Printers
Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP) and Masked Stereolithography (MSLA) 3D printing technologies cure layers of resin into a solid object using a laser or UV light via projector. These printers are typically more expensive than DIY or desktop FDM printers. The reason for the high cost is pretty obviously considering the fact that resin printers use costly lasers or powerful UV light and even mirrors to help in the printing process.
The cost of resin printers can range from a few thousand dollars to several tens of thousands of dollars. Prices for entry-level models have recently dropped significantly, and these printers can now be purchased for $300-$500, while more advanced models with larger build sizes and additional features can cost $5,000-$10,000 or more.
Examples of Entry-level SLA/DLP 3D printer prices (indicative) are as follows:
- Phrozen Sonic Mini: Price $239
- Anycubic Photon Mono X2: Price $429
Examples of Advanced SLA/DLP 3D printer prices (indicative) are as follows:
- Formlabs Form 3: Price: $3499
- Nexa3D 400Pro: Price $49,995
SLS 3D Printers
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a 3D printing technology that fuses layers of powdered materials (polymers) into a solid object using a laser. SLS printers are the most expensive type of 3D printer, ranging in price from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The polymer SLS printers are generally less expensive that metal printers (we will see the prices in the next section).
The cost of an SLS printer varies greatly depending on its size and capabilities, as well as its brand and model. Entry-level models may cost $10,000 to $40,000, while more advanced models with larger build sizes and additional features may cost $200,000 to $300,000 or more.
Examples of Entry-level SLS 3D printer prices (indicative) are as follows:
- Sinterit Lisa: Price $12,000
- Formlabs Fuse 1+ 30W: Price $28,000
Examples of Advanced SLS 3D printer prices (indicative) are as follows:
- TPM3D P260: Price: $97,000
- Farsoon 403P: Price $200,000
Metal 3D Printers
Metal 3D printers can print with metal materials such as steel, aluminium, and titanium. There are multiple metal 3D printing technologies and these can be classified as Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), Directed Energy Deposition (DED), Electron Beam Melting (EBM), etc. All the different technologies have their individual advantages and limitations but for simplicity we will be giving you an overall price range for this category.
These printers are more expensive than any other types of 3D printers, with prices ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. The cost of a metal 3D printer varies greatly depending on its size and capabilities, as well as its brand and model. Entry-level models may cost $50,000-$100,000, while more advanced models with larger build sizes and additional features may cost $200,000-$300,000 or more.
Examples of Entry-level Metal 3D printer prices (indicative) are as follows:
- One Click Metal MPrint: Price $55,000
- Xact Metal XM200G: Price $90,000
Examples of Advanced Metal 3D printer prices (indicative) are as follows:
- EOS M 100: Price: $350,000
- Eplus3D EP-M450: Price $750,000
Conclusion
This article will provide you with some popular examples of 3D printer prices for the various 3D printing technologies. This will undoubtedly assist you in narrowing down the type of technology you wish to purchase.
It is important to note, however, that the cost of a 3D printer is not the only factor to consider when making a purchase. Other considerations should include the cost of materials, maintenance, and repair. Before making a purchase, do some research and read reviews to ensure that you are getting a quality product that meets your needs.
