Professional

Professional 3d printers have been designed for industrial and business use. They differ from everyday consumer models in that they feature improved durability, precision and advanced material compatibility. Used in aerospace, healthcare and automotive industries, commercial 3D printers offer high-quality, reliable printing for functional parts, prototypes and more.
 

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Professional 3D Printers

Key Features to Consider

Print Volume and Speed

Print volume is crucial in a professional context as it determines maximum print size. With industrial 3D printing, the speed of the machine has a significant impact on output time and is a key indicator of how efficient production will be.

Print Resolution

Those wishing to produce prints with smoother surfaces and finer details should look for a higher resolution. This is measured in mm for a filament printer and microns for resin. High levels of accuracy are essential for precision printing with medical, prototyping and engineering applications.

Materials

Printers for industrial use typically support a more comprehensive range of filament. These include PLA, ABS and PETG, as well as more specialised materials such as nylon and PEEK. Advanced printers can handle high-temperature materials and composites. This enables those in medical, aerospace and automotive sectors to produce industrial-grade, strong and heat-resistant prints.

Software/Connectivity

If you’re 3D printing in a professional setting, you should also think about CAD and slicing software compatibility (like Ocra slicer or Fusion 360). This allows you to enjoy a seamless workflow, from the initial design process, right through to the finished print. Wi-Fi, USB and cloud connectivity, as well as automation help to streamline the process.

Maintenance

Reliability is even more important in a professional environment, as a robust build ensures consistent performance and longevity.

Best Professional 3D Printers

The 3D printers below are recommended for professional use and are ideal for many applications including production, prototyping and high-detail manufacturing. These printers excel in terms of print quality, reliability and material compatibility.

Raise3D Pro3

Best For: High-precision engineering, prototyping and multi-material printing.
Price Range: Mid-high range professional 3D printer
Build Volume: 300 x 300 x 300mm (11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches)
Material Compatibility:

The dual extrusion system used within the Pro3 enables soluble support and multi-material printing.

• Standard: PLA, PETG, ABS
• Engineering-Grade: Flexible TPU, Nylon, ASA, PC
• High-Performance: Metal-Filled, Carbon-Fibre Reinforced, Glass-Fibre-Reinforced
• Support Materials: BVOH (Water-Soluble), PVA

Key Features:

• High-resolution printing
• Dual extrusion system
• Flexible material compatibility
• Large build volume
• Auto bed levelling
• Smart features – remote monitoring, built-in camera, HEPA air filter

Pros:

• Versatile compatibility with materials including engineering-grade and composite.
• Auto bed levelling and dual extrusion for enhanced precision and soluble support/multi-material printing.

Cons:

• Suitable for larger budgets than entry-level 3D professional printers.
• Dual extrusion and highly-detailed prints can lead to slower print speeds.

Prusa XL

Best For: Larger build volume, multi-material printing with minimal to no waste.
Price Range: Mid-high range professional
Build Volume: 360 x 360 x 360mm (14.17 x 14.17 x14.17in)
Material Compatibility: CPE, Flex, PC, PETG, PLA, PP, PVA, PVB. Also ABS, ASA, PA and HIPS (if utilising the Original Prusa Enclosure and filtration add-on).

Key Features:

• Large build volume
• CoreXY architecture
• Optional multi-tool head system (up to 5)
• Modular, segmented heatbed
• Nextruder System

Pros:

• Large build volume
• Multi-tool head

Cons:

• Price increases based on the number of toolheads selected
• Larger size not ideal for smaller workspaces

UniFormation GK3 Ultra

Best For: Larger prints and batch printing
Price Range: Mid-range
Build Volume: 300 x 160 x 300mm
Material Compatibility: Resin
Key Features:

• 16K screen
• Holds 1,000g resin in the vat, 1,300g in the top-up bottle
• Active carbon filter
• Brush sealed cover

Pros:

• Very quiet
• Brush sealed cover provides a tight seal, preventing fumes from leaking

Cons:

• Requires room above the lid when it’s open (cover is removable, however)
• Heavy

Creality K2 Plus Combo

Best For: Multi-colour printing, small batch production and engineering prototyping.
Price Range: Mid-high range
Build Volume: 350 x 350 x 350mm
Material Compatibility: PLA, PETG, PET-CF, PA-CF, ABS
Key Features:

• Fully enclosed 3D printer
• 4.3in colour touchscreen
• Flexible build plate
• Direct drive extruder
• AI camera

Pros:

• Large print volume
• Fully enclosed

Cons:

• Bulky size
• Filament waste with colour changes

The different models listed here cater to specific needs, whether it’s multi-colour printing, small batch-production or prototyping.

Explore the full range of professional 3D printers we stock.

Professional Printer Buying Guide

Finding the right professional 3D printer depends on your industry’s needs, printing requirements and chosen materials. While some will prioritise fine detail, others will require durability or large-format printing. Industries that may need a 3D printer include:

• Architecture
• Engineering
• Medical
• Production
• Prototyping

Recommendations By Industry

Engineering/Prototyping

Product designers and engineers require models with high accuracy for rapid development. The durability of compatible materials is also critical to ensuring prototypes are successful. Finally, a large build volume facilitates high volume printing. Both SLA and FDM printers would be ideal, for example, for fast mechanical parts prototyping before going into full production.

Healthcare/Dental

For those printing in a healthcare setting, DLP or SLA printers are ideal. This is because users printing custom dental aligners or prosthetic prototypes would need a high resolution (under 50 microns) and biocompatible resin support.

Aerospace/Automotive

If your profession requires lightweight but high-strength end-use parts (for automotive and aircraft components, for example), you should consider buying an SLS or FDM printer. A large-format 3D printer is ideal for producing housings and parts and printing with high-temperature materials such as carbon fibre, PEEK and ULTEM to withstand extreme temperatures.

Architecture

FDM or SLA printers are most appropriate for architectural applications that require complex geometries and fine details. Great for creating scaled models, SLA printers produce ultra-high resolution, intricate prints. FDM printers are suitable for producing scaled concept prototypes.

Manufacturing and Industrial 3D Printing

Manufacturers can use a 3D printer to produce functional prototypes, as well as fixtures and jigs. Both SLS and industrial-grade FDM printers produce strong materials and can print production-ready parts at scale.

How to Choose the Right 3D Printer for Your Business

Consider what industry you’re in as this will determine what type of professional printer is best for you. While industries like manufacturing and aerospace need high-strength materials, healthcare applications require ultra-precise resin printers. You should think about whether or not you need a high production capacity and if ultra-fine printing is necessary. Ensuring your commercial 3D printer integrates seamlessly into your workflow and budget is key to maximising your ROI.

Unsure which 3D printer is suitable for your business? Explore our collection of professional printers or contact our experts for personalised recommendations.

Discover Our Professional 3D Printers
 

FAQ

How can a professional 3D printer improve my business?

Businesses that want a professional printer can benefit from faster prototyping and rapid iterations which reduce development time. A commercial 3D printer can also lower production costs by cutting outsourcing expenses and keeping waste to a minimum. Finally, they also allow you more freedom to customise your products, which enables the personalisation of prints as well as small-batch manufacturing.

What are the main differences between consumer and professional 3D printers?

There are a few differentiators between professional and consumer 3D printers. For example, professional printers offer a higher resolution and tighter tolerances, leading to more detailed prints. They’re also able to work with industrial-grade materials such as nylon, carbon fibre and PEEK. Larger print areas allow you to print bigger parts and carry out batch production. Designed for continuous use, they’re highly durable and therefore reliable. Lastly, they offer advanced slicing, connectivity options and automation, streamlining your workflow.

What are the most durable materials for professional 3D prints?

Nylon 3D printer filament is tough and impact-resistant, while carbon-fibre reinforced filaments are both lightweight and high-strength. If you require heat and chemical resistance, ULTEM and PEEK are great choices. ASA and ABS meanwhile, provide durability in addition to weather-resistance. TPU is also a great option for both flexibility and wear-resistance.

How do I ensure high accuracy and precision when 3D printing?

Follow the below steps to ensure your prints are exact:

• Use fine layer heights of less than 50 microns
• Regularly calibrate the extruder and bed
• Ensure slicer settings are optimised for both the printer and material
• Keep printing environment stable

What are the post-processing steps for professional 3D prints?

This depends on what type of printer you’re using:

FDM:

• Sanding
• Vapour smoothing
• Painting

Resin:

• Washing
• Curing
• Support removal

SLS:

• Media blasting
• Dyeing
• Sealing

Whether you’re looking for a 3D printer for beginners or for use in an educational setting, we’ve got a comprehensive and affordable product range as well as the expertise to support you.
 

Explore our range of professional 3D printers today!