Best commercial 3D Printer for small batch runs?

Hi All,

I am new to this world so need a bit of advice. I am involved in conventional printing but want to expand in to other areas.

Looking to purchase a 3D Printer next year for my small business based in the US. Probably FDM that produces PLA parts (possibly other).

My criteria (quite broad):-
1. Good speed to be cost-effective. I want to produce small batch runs of simple plastic parts but don't want to wait all day. Important.
2. Straightforward to use. Which CAD is best user-friendly?
3. Reliability, Repeatability and decent quality.
4. Budget $10-15,000 maybe more so Professional Machine or Entry Commercial.
5. Maybe 12 Inch Bed square +. Doesn't have to be big.

Better new or better value second hand?
What machine is seen as the benchmark in this category?

It looks as if there are amazingly knowledgeable people on here so any thoughts and experience with your own machines would be really appreciated.


Thanks in advance!

go have a look at hyrel and message davo
http://www.hyrel3d.com/
You can add extra extruders that let you print several items at once.
Plus should you want to print things in different materials, they are probably the most versatile machines on the planet.

One head option is a 40w co2 laser. All other machine son the market that claim a laser head are from 500mw-2000mw. 40000mw is serious usage :-)
The beauty of the hyrel system is you buy what you need now and then just add extra heads when you want them.
https://3dprintboard.com/forumdispla...-Printer-Forum

couple of other machines to look at: minifactory ultra. Idex extruders (independant dual extruders) and a temperature range that Is the industry leader. This thing will print even the most demanding of hi-temperature modern filaments.
https://minifactory.fi/3d-printer/

the leapfrog Bolt Pro, fabulous machine, again with two independant extruders and hi temp extruder option.
https://www.lpfrg.com/en/bolt-pro-3d-printer/
If I ever buy a lottery ticket and win - The bolt pro is on my list :-)

CAD wise - plenty of options, I use openscad: http://www.openscad.org/
It just works the same way my brain does.
But things like tinkercad and fusion 360 are popular (tell them you are a student and it's free :-) )
https://www.autodesk.co.uk/products/...hers-educators
https://www.tinkercad.com/

If you like a steep learning curve, have a look at blender: https://www.blender.org/

Thanks Aardvark that's all really useful!