Need for Speed: Uncovering the Fastest 3D Printer
3D printing is a fascinating technology. It’s taken the world by storm and is rapidly evolving. Among the many features to consider when choosing a 3D printer, speed is a critical factor that often gets overlooked. But how important is speed in the realm of 3D printing, and which printers offer the best combination of speed, quality, and affordability? Let’s dive into the world of 3D printing and seek out the fastest 3D printer available.
Introduction to 3D Printing Speed
The speed of a 3D printer refers to how fast it can move the print head to deposit material. But it’s not just about the physical movement; the fastest 3D printer will also excel at extrusion speed – the rate at which the printer can force out the printing material – also contributes to the overall printing speed.
Factors Affecting 3D Printing Speed
Several factors can affect the printing speed, including the printer’s design, the type of material used, the complexity of the design, and the print quality desired. For instance, printers that use resin-based technologies can typically print faster than those using filament-based ones.
Why Speed Matters in 3D Printing
Speed in 3D printing is not just about getting a print done quickly. It can also affect the final quality of the print. In other words, the fastest 3D printer isn’t necessarily better! Faster printing speeds can lead to lower resolution prints, while slower speeds can result in higher quality, more detailed prints. However, with advancements in technology, there are now printers that can print both fast and maintain a high level of detail.
Let’s take a look at some of the fastest 3D printers in the market today.
Nexa3D XiP *
The Nexa3D XiP is a professional-grade SLA 3D printer that boasts exceptional speed, thanks to its use of Lubricant Sublayer Photo-curing (LSPc) technology. LSPc technology, combined with a 4K Ultra HD projector, allows for an impressively high level of detail in prints. In addition, the XiP has a large print volume of 276 x 155 x 400 mm, making it suitable for a variety of industrial applications. The printer’s software is designed for simplicity and ease of use, and it supports a variety of resins to suit different printing needs. However, such capabilities come at a cost, with the Nexa3D XiP retailing at around $20,000.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High printing speed due to advanced stereolithography.
- The flexible resin vat helps maintain print quality even at high speeds.
- Suitable for professional and industrial use.
Cons
- Higher price point than some competitors.
- Requires specialized resin.
FLSun QQ-S
The FLSun QQ-S is a delta-style 3D printer, known for its remarkable speed and accuracy. This printer boasts an impressive printing speed of up to 300 mm/s, making it one of the fastest FDM printers in its price range. It comes with a decent build volume of 255 x 360 mm, and its all-metal structure ensures stability and durability. Its touch screen interface and auto-leveling feature enhance user experience, especially for beginners. It supports various filaments such as PLA, ABS, and PETG. Despite its high-speed capabilities, the FLSun QQ-S is quite affordable, with a retail price around $300.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High speed due to delta-style design.
- Affordable price point.
- Easy assembly and user-friendly interface.
Cons
- Might need calibration more often than other printers.
- Build volume is smaller compared to some other models.
QIDI Tech X-Pro 3D Printer
The QIDI Tech X-Pro 3D Printer is a dual extruder printer that offers versatility, high performance, and user-friendly operation. Its dual extruder setup allows it to print with two different types of filaments simultaneously, which is perfect for multi-color or multi-material projects. The printer has a moderate build volume of 230 x 150 x 150 mm and supports a range of filaments including PLA, ABS, and TPU. It also features a 4.3-inch touch screen and quiet operation. The QIDI Tech X-Pro 3D Printer is priced at approximately $400.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Dual extruders can print two materials at once, increasing speed.
- Enclosed design helps maintain consistent print conditions.
- Excellent customer support.
Cons
- Limited build volume.
- The learning curve for beginners due to dual-extruder setup.
Original Prusa i3 MK3S+
The Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ is a reliable, open-source FDM 3D printer that is highly regarded in the 3D printing community. This printer provides a great balance between speed, print quality, and affordability. It comes with an impressive build volume of 250 x 210 x 210 mm and supports a wide range of filaments. Its features include silent steppers, filament sensor, auto bed leveling, power loss recovery, and more. Its strong community support ensures continuous upgrades and troubleshooting help. The Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ retails for around $750 for the kit or $999 for the fully assembled version.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Good balance of speed and print quality.
- Excellent community support.
- Highly reliable and versatile.
Cons
- Assembly can be time-consuming.
- Might not be as fast as some specialized high-speed printers.
Flsun Super Racer
The Flsun Super Racer is a delta-style 3D printer that stands out for its high speed and large build volume. It can reach printing speeds of up to 200 mm/s while maintaining impressive precision. Its large build volume of 260 x 330 mm allows for the creation of larger models. The Super Racer features an auto-leveling system, a Titan extruder that can handle a variety of filaments, and a touchscreen interface for easier operation. Its open-source nature allows for a great deal of customization and upgrades. The Flsun Super Racer retails for around $400.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-speed printing due to delta-style design.
- Large build volume.
- Auto-leveling feature saves time on setup.
Cons
- The assembly process can be complex for beginners.
- Noise level is higher compared to some other models.
Anycubic Photon M3 Plus
The Anycubic Photon M3 Plus is a resin-based 3D printer known for its speed and high-resolution prints. This printer uses MSLA technology, allowing it to quickly cure an entire layer of resin at once. With a build volume of 130 x 80 x 165 mm, it’s perfect for small, highly detailed models. It also features an easy-to-use touchscreen and WiFi connectivity for remote printing. The Anycubic Photon M3 Plus has an approximate retail price of $300.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fast printing speed due to MSLA technology.
- High resolution and detail.
- User-friendly interface and design.
Cons
- Smaller build volume than filament-based printers.
- Resin printing can be messy and requires proper ventilation.
Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K
The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K is a top-tier resin 3D printer known for its fast printing speed and high resolution. It uses a 4K monochrome LCD to quickly expose each layer, resulting in print speeds as fast as 1 layer in 2 seconds. Its large build volume of 192 x 120 x 200 mm sets it apart from other resin printers. The Sonic Mega 8K supports a variety of resins, making it versatile for various applications. This printer retails at around $1,100.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-speed printing due to 4K monochrome LCD.
- High-resolution prints.
- Large build volume for a resin printer.
Con
- Higher price point than some other models.
- Resin printing requires extra precautions for safety and cleanup.
Anycubic Photon M3 Max
The Anycubic Photon M3 Max is an upgraded version of the M3 Plus. It offers a larger build volume of 192 x 120 x 250 mm and faster printing speed, thanks to its monochrome LCD screen. Its enhanced UV cooling system ensures stable performance during long prints. The M3 Max also features a dual-rail Z-axis design for improved stability and precision. It retails for approximately $500.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Fast printing due to MSLA technology.
- Large build volume for a resin printer.
- Improved user interface.
Cons
- Higher price point than M3 Plus.
- Resin printing can be messy and requires proper ventilation.
Uniz Slash UDP
The Uniz Slash UDP is a resin 3D printer that stands out for its ultra-fast printing speed. It uses a unique Uni-Directional Peeling technology which significantly reduces the peel time, allowing it to print up to 1,200 mm/hr. This printer also has an impressive XY resolution of 75 μm and a build volume of 192 x 120 x 200 mm, suitable for high-detail models. It has an in-built ethernet connection and supports offline printing as well. The Uniz Slash UDP retails for approximately $1,999.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Ultra-fast printing due to Uni-Directional Peeling technology.
- High resolution and detail.
- Reliable performance.
Cons
- Higher price point.Requires Uniz resins for best results.
WASP 2040 Pro Turbo
The WASP 2040 Pro Turbo is a large-format FDM 3D printer designed for speed and versatility. It uses a unique extrusion system that allows it to print quickly without sacrificing print quality. With a massive build volume of 400 x 400 x 700 mm, this printer is ideal for large-scale projects. It also features an auto-calibration system, filament runout sensor, and power loss recovery. The WASP 2040 Pro Turbo has a hefty price tag of around $6,000 due to its size and capabilities.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-speed printing due to unique extrusion system.
- Large build volume.
- Durable and reliable.
Cons
- High price point.
- Requires a large space due to its size.
HP Jet Fusion 5200
The HP Jet Fusion 5200 is an industrial-grade 3D printer that’s highly praised for its speed and versatility. It uses Multi Jet Fusion technology, which allows it to print highly detailed parts quickly, making it suitable for professional applications. It offers a build volume of 380 x 284 x 380 mm and prints with an impressive speed of 5058 cm³/hr. It’s designed for use with HP’s specialized materials, providing strong, detailed, and functional parts. Due to its industrial capabilities, the HP Jet Fusion 5200 has a high retail price of approximately $250,000.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- High-speed printing due to Multi Jet Fusion technology.
- High resolution and detail.
- Suitable for a wide range of professional applications.
Cons
- High price point.
- Requires specialized materials and maintenance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the fastest 3D printer depends on your specific needs and budget. If speed is your primary concern, printers like the Nexa3D XiP and Uniz Slash UDP offer exceptional speed. However, if you’re looking for a balance between speed, quality, and price, printers like the Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ and FLSun QQ-S might be more suitable. Remember, speed isn’t everything in 3D printing; the quality, reliability, and the ability to meet your specific needs are just as important.
FAQs
1. What is the fastest type of 3D printer?
A resin-based printer will typically be the fastest 3D printer type, particularly those using LCD or DLP technology, are typically faster than filament-based printers because they can cure an entire layer of resin at once.
2. Does faster printing speed mean lower print quality?
Not necessarily. While it’s true that printing too fast can lead to lower quality prints, many high-end printers have technologies that allow them to print quickly without sacrificing quality.
3. Can I make my 3D printer print faster?
Yes, you can often increase the print speed through the printer’s settings, but this might affect the print quality. It’s important to find a balance that works for your specific needs.
4. What factors affect the speed of a 3D printer?
The print speed can be affected by various factors including the printer’s design, the type of printing technology used, the material used, and the complexity of the design being printed.
5. Is it worth investing in the fastest 3D printer?
If you’re running a 3D printing business or need to produce prints in high volumes, investing in a faster printer could save you time and money. However, if you’re a hobbyist or just starting out, a more affordable and slower printer might be more suitable.
