10 Best Commercial & Professional 3D Printers In 2023

Last Updated: March 26, 2023
Pat Nathaniel

Are you dreaming of making industrial-quality parts at your SME? Well, stop dreaming and start printing!

Commercial 3D printers let even a tiny garage operation make parts NASA would send to space. A professional 3D printer is a business partner you can’t afford to not have.

But we also know that with an SME budget, you can’t afford to pick the wrong 3D printer, either. You have to choose the right machine for the right application to avoid wasting its potential. But how do you do that?

Read on and meet the best commercial 3D printers in 2022.

Formlabs Form 3+

Build volume: 145 x 145 x 170 mm

Raise3D Pro2 Plus

Build volume: 305 × 305 × 605 mm

Fusion3 EDGE

Build volume: 355 × 355 × 368 mm

Table of Contents

Best Commercial 3D Printers At A Glance
Industrial Quality at Small Business Budgets
Conclusion

Best Commercial 3D Printers At A Glance

1. Formlabs Form 3+ (Best Value)
2. Raise3D Pro2 Plus (Best Choice)
3. Fusion3 EDGE (Premium Choice)
4. Ultimaker S5 (Best for Beginners)
5. Prusa i3 MK3S+ (Best for High-Quality Prints)
6. Dremel DigiLab 3D45-EDU (Best for School Use)
7. Zortrax M300 Dual (Best for Detailed Prints)
8. BCN3D Epsilon W50 (Best for Beginners)
9. MakerBot Method X (Best for Easy to Print)
10. Delta WASP 2040 Industrial X (Best for Fast Print)

1. Formlabs Form 3+ (Best Value)

3D Printer Type: LFS | Materials: Resins | Build Volume: 145 x 145 x 170 mm

Ask any commercial SLA 3D printer user, and they’ll tell you Formlabs Form 3+ is the industry workhorse. That reputation is well deserved.

Form 3+ offers excellent print quality at a fantastic value.

With a layer resolution of only 25 microns, Form 3+ can accurately reproduce even the tiniest details. The advanced monitoring sensors ensure steady part quality.

On top of that, Formlabs has designed the printer to be highly automated. Just set it and forget it — your parts will come out great.

You can also print pretty much whatever you want. Form 3+ supports Formlabs’ extensive material range. It can produce anything from mechanical parts to accurate dental appliances and castable wax models for jewelry.

The printer doesn’t support third-party resins, though, so you’re locked to Formlab’s pricey options. The print chamber is also quite small and the speed (although better than its previous iterations) isn’t the fastest.

But at a price below $4,000, we’ll forgive all that. Formlabs Form 3+ simply provides great versatility and value.

Pros

Cons

2. Raise3D Pro2 Plus (Best Choice)

3D Printer Type: FDM | Materials: PLA, ABS, HIPS, PC (Polycarbonate), TPU, Nylon, TPE, PETG, Metal Infused PLA, Woodfilled PLA & Carbon Fiber Reinforced Materials | Build Volume: 305 × 305 × 605 mm

Freddy Mercury probably would’ve liked Raise3D Pro2 Plus. If you want it all and you want it now, this is your machine.

This award winner simply does everything you could need.

As a particular highlight, the dual extruder of the Pro2 Plus can print with two materials at once. You can mix any two options from its staggering material range into one part in the machine’s well-sized build chamber. This is one printer that really makes you create any part you want.

And you have a lot of options. With a maximum extruder temperature of 300°C (572°F), Pro2 Plus works with anything from basic ABS to advanced carbon fiber-reinforced nylons and more.

Oh, and that print quality. This is one of the most accurate FDM printers we’ve seen.

Pro2 Plus isn’t the most beginner-friendly 3D printer since it doesn’t have automatic bed leveling. But if you know what you’re doing, Raise3D Pro2 Plus is one of the best 3D printers money can buy.

Pros

Cons

3. Fusion3 EDGE (Premium Choice)

3D Printer Type: FFF | Materials: PLA, ABS, ASA, Reinforced Materials including Carbon Fiber, Kevlar, and Fiberglass, Flexible, Nylons, PET/PETG & Polycarbonate | Build Volume: 355 × 355 × 368 mm

Fusion3 EDGE is true to its name — this is a cutting-edge 3D printer in many ways. It just launched in early 2022, but it’s already established itself as a great premium printer option.

As a unique quirk, EDGE uses an inexpensive surgical steel print tube instead of the usual screw-in nozzle. Just because it’s inexpensive doesn’t mean this part isn’t premium, though.

It allows materials to flow through effortlessly, giving EDGE a very fast printing speed. And even though it can’t match Raise3D Pro2 Plus, EDGE’s detail accuracy is still great.

The steel tube heats up to 320°C and can withstand abrasive reinforced filaments, like carbon fiber-filled nylon. Add to that support for third-party filaments and you have a lot of materials to choose from.

That all sounds great. So, what’s the catch?

Price, mostly. As a premium 3D printer, EDGE does have a high price tag. But with Fusion3 EDGE, you get what you pay for.

Pros

Cons

4. Ultimaker S5 (Easy to Use)

3D Printer Type: FDM | Materials: Tough PLA, TPU 95A, ABS, Nylon, TPU | Build Volume: 330 x 240 x 300 mm

Time is money, and time wasted on tweaking finicky printers is money lost. Ultimaker S5’s simple usability saves you both time and money.

The S5 integrates seamlessly with Ultimaker’s own Cura software. Together with the clear touchscreen, the printer’s advanced automated features are straightforward to operate. Just a few clicks and the S5 starts printing.

The easy usability translates directly to high productivity. It’s no wonder Volkswagen, Siemens, and others like this printer.

The S5 also offers good printing quality. It has dual extruders for multi-material printing and a heated print bed for reliable part quality.

Another nice feature is the S5’s modularity. It has swappable print cores that enable you to print with more than 200 materials — and even metal filaments.

The simple performance comes at a high price, though. The S5 is also quite slow, compared to the previously featured printers, and its heated print bed is notorious for cracking.

But if you’re looking for a printer that keeps going with little intervention, Ultimaker S5 is your choice.

Pros

Cons

5. Prusa i3 MK3S+ (Best for High-Quality Prints)

3D Printer Type: FDM | Materials: PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, PC, HIPS, Flex, Nylon, Carbon filled & Woodfill | Build Volume: 250 x 210 x 210 mm

Don’t judge a book by its cover or a 3D printer by its price. At only $1,000, Prusa i3 MK3S+ punches way above its weight. It produces high-quality prints you wouldn’t expect from such an affordable machine.

Sure, the minimum layer thickness isn’t as impressive as with Raise3D Pro2 Plus or Fusion3 EDGE. But layer resolution isn’t the end-all-be-all of part quality.

The i3 MK3S+ features predefined printing profiles for Prusa filaments. Just pick the right profile — you’ll get reliably successful prints with almost zero effort. You can quickly alter the default profiles to match third-party filaments as well.

And you can print with almost any filament you want.

The i3 MK3S+ has a high-quality extruder that can reach 300°C. Carbon fiber, nylon or other engineering filaments are within your reach. And they print as effortlessly as anything.

You’ll want to get an enclosure to prevent warping with advanced filaments, though. The Prusa also can’t make huge parts, but what it does make is of consistently high quality.

Pros

Cons

6. Dremel DigiLab 3D45-EDU (Best for School Use)

3D Printer Type: FDM | Materials: PLA, ECO ABS, PETG & Nylon | Build Volume: 254 x 152 x 170 mm

To get good at something, you should start young. Dremel DigiLab 3D45-EDU is a perfect 3D printer for teaching future additive manufacturing experts. Just look at the awards it’s received.

But what makes it so great for schools?

DigiLab 3D45 has a perfect balance of affordability, performance, and ease of use. You can set up and calibrate the printer in 15 minutes. Then you’re ready to start showing students how 3D printing works.

While the Dremel isn’t the most accurate machine, it’s still a professional 3D printer. It produces detailed prints of good quality.

As the students learn, the 3D45 lets them adjust the settings more accurately. The 3D45-EDU package even comes with 30 lesson plans from the 3rd to 12th grades.

The build chamber isn’t huge, but it’s more than enough for school use. Also, Dremel claims 3D45 can handle nylon, but the 280°C extruder temperature seems a bit low for that.

Nonetheless, Dremel DigiLab 3D45-EDU is a great package for getting students excited about 3D printing.

Learn more in our guide of the best 3D printers for schools.

(NOTE: Dremel no longer manufactures 3D printers and has licensed its brand to 3PI. The machines are the same, but it’s good to know who to talk to if you need technical support.)

Pros

Cons

7. Zortrax M300 Dual (Best for Detailed Prints)

3D Printer Type: LPD Plus | Materials: Most Z-Materials, PLA, Tough PLA, ABS, ASA, PETG, CPE, Nylon, TPU, TPE & PVA | Build Volume: 265 x 265 x 300 mm

Zortrax M300 Dual will surprise you. It creates highly detailed prints — despite the on-paper rough and inaccurate 150-micron layer height.

How on earth does this 3D printer do it?

The M300 Dual’s secret lies in the Layer Plastic Deposition (LDP) technology. It’s essentially Zortrax’s own spin of fused filament fabrication (FFF/FDM). Tailor-made for this system, LDP makes use of M300’s accurate leveling and calibration sensors to deliver very high-quality prints.

Another part of the puzzle is Zortrax’s proprietary filaments. The 3D printer has a complete Zortrax ecosystem, so it knows precisely how to handle the materials to deliver fine details beyond its specs.

The dual extruder also prints with two nozzles, one distributing Zortrax’s water-soluble support material. This is a really handy invention since you can just wash the supports away after printing.

Of course, that means you need to buy Zortrax’s filaments. You can use third-party materials, but you may not get as fine detail.

Zortrax M300 Dual will bring more detail than you’d expect to all small businesses.

Pros

Cons

8. BCN3D Epsilon W50 (Best for Beginners)

3D Printer Type: FFF | Materials: PLA, PVA, PETG, TPU, ABS, PP & PA | Build Volume: 420 x 300 x 400 mm

An entry-level 3D printer often sacrifices production power for simple usability. It’s a good thing, then, that BCN3D Epsilon W50 isn’t an entry-level 3D printer. It’s a professional machine that’s easy enough for beginners to use.

The printer’s quick to set up and calibrate. The most laborious part is print bed calibration — it’s not hard, just time-consuming. Even if it’s your first 3D printer, you’ll get Epsilon W50 ready to go in about 20 minutes.

And it still brings serious power to your workshop.

Epsilon W50 uses an independent dual extruder system. It can print two materials at once, print mirrored component halves, or two identical parts at once. Combined with the big print volume, you’ll enjoy industrial-level productivity.

One thing deterring beginners might be Epsilon W50’s admittedly high price point. But think of this high-end 3D printer like a good pair of boots — it costs more upfront but it will keep printing reliably for years.

In a nutshell, BCN3D Epsilon W50 is a beginner-friendly machine with veteran-level performance.

Pros

Cons

9. MakerBot Method X (Best for Easy to Print)

3D Printer Type: FDM | Materials: PLA, Tough PLA, PETG, PETG-ESD, Nylon, PC-ABS, ABS, ASA & PVA | Build Volume: 190 x 190 x 196 mm

It just keeps going and going and going… And that’s good. MakerBot Method X is the commercial 3D printer you need for effortless, reliable production.

Method X has been designed from the beginning to make printing as easy as possible. It has plenty of features, like thermal regulation and a temperature control filament drawer, that contribute to consistent and predictable part quality.

But MakerBot recently pulled another ace from its sleeve.

The company recently released a new water-dissolvable support material. It rinses pretty cleanly off even under tap water, removing the need for extensive post-processing.

Imagine that — no cutting off supports with FDM.

That said, Method X isn’t a flashy printer. It has a small build chamber and you need to buy separate extruders to make full use of the admittedly wide material range.

But that’s Method X for you. It doesn’t boast, it doesn’t grumble — it just prints.

Pros

Cons

10. Delta WASP 2040 Industrial X (Best for Fast Print)

3D Printer Type: FDM | Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, TPE, Polypropylene, Polycarbonate, PC+ABS, PPS, PMMA, PVA & PA | Build Volume: Ø 200 x h 400 mm

Do you feel the need? The need for speed? Delta WASP 2040 Industrial X is the speed demon you’re looking for.

The WASP achieves lightning-fast printing thanks to three robotic arms that move its extruder around. Automatic calibration makes operating this futuristic solution simple.

But wait, there’s more than speed to the WASP!

Its dual gear filament driver pushes material through at a steady rate, resulting in good detail quality. The accuracy doesn’t beat printers like Raise3D Pro2 Plus, but the speed sure does.

You might expect constant maintenance at these speeds, but don’t worry. Delta’s Hot and Cold system controls the machine’s internal and external temperature. You won’t have to constantly blow money on spare parts.

As a cherry on top of it all, the WASP supports third-party materials. The material range isn’t as extensive as with some other printers, but it should keep you in business for a long time.

That’s a good description for Delta WASP 2040 Industrial X, actually. Printing with it is like watching Usain Bolt run a marathon.

Pros

Cons

Industrial Quality at Small Business Budgets

*Source: Youtube Marvin Medina (3D Printed Cellphone Case)*

Commercial 3D printers are great equalizers. They’re quickly changing the SME landscape by narrowing the gap between small and large businesses.

The best professional 3D printers make printing plastics easy, fast, and affordable. You can produce components with detail quality comparable to injection molding and strength that can surpass metal.

But not just every 3D printer deserves the title of a “commercial 3D printer.” What is it that makes a 3D printer professional?

What Is a Commercial 3D Printer?

*Source: Youtube Tech HD (3D Printed VW Bus Toy)*

Commercial 3D printers — also called prosumer or professional 3D printers — sit in the space between consumer 3D printers and full-blown industrial 3D printing behemoths.

In general, a commercial 3D printer costs less than $10,000. They have features that only the most advanced hobbyists might need but which are valuable for professional applications.

At the same time, they’re not meant for large-scale mass production like industrial printers. In short, they’re a low-cost method for SMEs to make use of industrial-grade materials.

What to Look for in a Commercial 3D Printer

Are you about to buy the first printer for your business? You might feel a bit lost among all the options for professional 3D printers — and we sympathize.

When browsing through our list of machines, keep an eye on these details to find the right machine for you.

3D Printing Technology

Different types of 3D printers excel at different tasks. If you need strong parts that don’t necessarily look amazing, FDM technology can create components tougher than metal. But if intricate detail is your key to success, SLA resin printers will blow you away with their detail quality.

Printing Performance

Pay attention to the maximum nozzle temperature (with FDM printers) and print speed. The higher the maximum temperature, the more materials you can print with. And, of course, the faster you can print, the higher your productivity.

Material Range

Good professional 3D printers will support a wide variety of materials, from flexible ones to reinforced engineering plastics. But wider material compatibility can add to the price. If you know you only need one or two materials, don’t sink money into a machine that can do it all

Build Volume

Commercial applications often require you to create large prints. Make sure your printer can build big enough parts — otherwise, it’s just a waste of money.

Printer Features

High-end 3D printers often come with advanced features, like a heated print bed and chamber, a built-in camera, and more. These aren’t just expensive toys. You want them to ensure consistently high part quality.

Uses of Commercial 3D Printers

Professional 3D printers are versatile machines that can benefit many different types of SMEs. If you create a product, you can probably reduce costs, shorten lead times, and streamline workflows with a 3D printer. Here are just some of their leading commercial uses.

Part Design & Prototyping

3D printing enables a higher degree of design freedom when compared to traditional manufacturing. Combined with materials that can create true-to-life surface textures and detail, you have a powerful prototyping technology in your hands.

The best professional 3D printers produce accurate prototypes in a matter of hours — featuring shapes that are impossible for conventional production methods. You can save time and money by creating your prototypes in-house.

Small-Scale Manufacturing

Commercial 3D printers support end-use ready materials, such as nylon or PEEK, and produce durable parts with smooth surfaces. You can print ready-to-sell components for cars, drones, or functional tools.

Alternatively, you can print spare parts for machinery you use for different jobs. Save money and keep your machines running, how about that?

Medical Applications

SLA resin printers — like Formlabs Form 3+ we listed — can create accurate medical appliances from durable, biocompatible materials. These printers are quickly becoming standard fixtures in every dentist’s office, for example. Read our review of the best dental 3D printers here.

But even filament printers have their medical uses. They let doctors produce all kinds of useful tools, like hooks, trays, or medical models.

Architecture

Every major building began its life as a blueprint and a model. In the past decade or so, a professional 3D printer has become an architect’s best friend.

Building models by hand can take weeks and cost a fortune. Now, imagine designing a building in 3D modeling software and printing it overnight for a meeting in the morning.

Conclusion

Commercial 3D printers have done to SMEs what industrial printers did to large-scale businesses. They’ve made manufacturing faster, cheaper, and more accessible. A professional 3D printer will be a welcome addition to your business.

If you’re still wondering what the best commercial 3D printers for you are, here are our suggestions:

For the highest detail quality, consider Formlabs Form 3+ or Zortrax M300 Dual.
For durable end-use parts, go for Ultimaker S5 or Makerbot Method X.
Dremel DigiLab 3D45-EDU introduces professional 3D printers to classrooms.
Finally, the one printer to rule them all is Raise3D Pro2 Plus.

Pat Nathaniel

Pat is the editor-in-chief at Printing Atoms. He has a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Florida and wants to spread the word on 3D printing. When he's not writing, he likes to tinker with his Ender 3 Pro, test filament brands, and scuba dive.