When looking to purchase a 3D printer capable of large print volumes, there are several key factors to consider. Large format 3D printers allow you to create objects bigger than desktop 3D printers, which typically max out at around 8 to 12 inches cubed. With a large format printer, you can print items over 24 inches tall.
Build Volume
The most obvious factor is the actual build volume - the larger the build envelope, the bigger items you can print. Look for a printer that can accommodate the size of objects you want to create. For truly large prints, look for a printer with at least a 12 inch cubed build area, and ideally larger than 24 inches cubed. Popular large format printers like the Creality CR-30 and Anycubic Chiron offer build areas over 25 inches cubed.
Print Material
The majority of large format FDM printers use the same filaments as standard desktop models, typically ABS and PLA plastics. High quality filament is important for improved layer adhesion and reduced risk of cracking or warping on bigger prints. Some large format printers also support more advanced materials like nylon, carbon fiber reinforced filaments, and flexible TPU. Consider what materials you need.
Nozzle Size
To reduce large print times, many big volume 3D printers come equipped with a 0.8 or 1.0mm nozzle diameter for faster extrusion of filament. Some also allow you to swap nozzles to achieve different balances of speed and resolution. Generally a 1mm nozzle paired with 0.3mm layer heights or lower provides a good quality to print speed ratio.
Heated Bed
A heated print bed is highly recommended for adequate bed adhesion when printing large surface area models that warp more easily as they cool. Borosilicate glass, PEI sheets and BuildTak style surfaces further improve first layer adhesion and allow parts to be removed once cooled. An enclosed chamber also helps maintain an even print area temperature.
Frame and Components
The frame and motion components must be sufficiently robust to move and precisely position heavier print heads and beds during large format prints. Look for steel or aluminum framing and brackets, along with high torque motors and precision machined lead screws and drive gears in the X, Y and Z axes. These deliver the stiffness and accuracy needed to create quality results.
Speed and Throughput
Print speed can't be too fast on oversized prints or quality issues like layer shifting, blobs or stringing typically result. Expect print speeds more in line with standard desktop printers - around 40-80mm/s for quality results. For faster throughput on big jobs, consider a printer with auto print restart after filament changes or power loss, multiple tool heads or a camera based print monitoring system.
Software
Many printers include slicing software optimized for that particular model. Even open source slicers like Cura and Slic3r have settings tuned for popular large format machines. Thicker layers, more gradual slope overhangs and higher infill percentages help reduce drooping and let you scale up models originally designed for smaller build platforms.
Some top large format 3D printers to consider:
Creality CR-30
• Build volume: 300 x 300 x 400mm
• 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 nozzle diameters
• Direct drive for flexible filaments
• Fully enclosed
• $799 starting price
Anycubic Chiron
• Build volume: 420 x 420 x 430 mm
• Tilted touch screen interface
• Volcano hotend 0.4 nozzle
• $749 starting price
Creality CR-10 S5
• Build volume: 500 x 500 x 500mm
• Bondtech BMG Extruder
• E3D V6 Hotend 0.4 nozzle
• $799 starting price
Qidi X-Max
• Build volume: 524 x 314 x 549 mm
• Interchangeable nozzle sizes
• Fully metal construction
• $1,799 starting price
Artillery Sidewinder X2
• Build volume: 400 x 400 x 450 mm
• All metal direct drive extruder
• 64 bit mainboard with TMC2208 drivers
• $679 starting price
If looking to fabricate truly giant scale prints beyond 2 feet cubed, industrial grade printers from Stratasys and 3D Systems are required. At over $100k however, these are only realistic for advanced prototyping shops rather than hobbyists and tinkerers.
For most makers looking to expand their print capabilities, one of the quality large format machines listed above should more than meet their needs at reasonable price points under $2,000. With heated beds, all metal construction and options for multiple nozzle types, they can tackle prints up to three feet tall or wide.
Carefully measure out the volume of objects you need to fabricate, understand the properties of print materials needed for those applications, then match the build volume, speeds and technical capabilities of your short listed printers to your budget. This helps ensure you choose the right large format 3D printer for your specific needs and workload requirements.
With such capable and increasingly affordable machines now available to prosumers and businesses, large scale 3D printing opens up amazing potential for architects, designers, artists and engineers to bring their creations to life in three dimensional, physical forms.
Xi'an Guosheng Laser Technology Co., Ltd. is a high-tech enterprise specializing in R&D, manufacturing and sales of automatic laser cladding machine, high-speed laser cladding machine, laser quenching machine, laser welding machine and laser 3D printing equipment. Our products are cost-effective and sold domestically and abroad. If you're interested in our products, please contact us at bob@gshenglaser.com.