Best Printer for About $25,000!

[Pixelus]

Hello! I am looking into purchasing a 3D printer. As the title suggests, what is the best printer for about $25,000-$30,000? Any response is appreciated! Thanks!

[MiniMadRyan]

Well that really depends....what are your applications and needs for it?....we have several stratasys machines at work that cost that and more, but in some cases they are no better than a $500 Prusa, so more money doesn't always mean a better machine

[Bobby Lin]

I agree with Ryan, you need to give us more details about what requirements and features you need. That way we can narrow down the options and recommend a set or 3d printers for you. I am also surprised that you are willing to spend that much for a 3d printer not that any of us isn't willing, but usually, we go for cheaper and more affordable but high-quality printers to kickstart our 3d printing venture.

[Pixelus]

It is for a business. I would be looking for one with a decent sized print bed, high quality, and maybe have it be fast if that is possible.

[MiniMadRyan]

Are you using it for engineering purposes? Mechanical design? Or are you looking to use it for modelling, design and higher detailed prints? There are different printers for different applications.

For instance, if you are looking for a machine to print highly detailed smaller models, then you would probably want to look at an SLA or Project style printer. Build volumes on these though tend to not exceed 4" or so. They also have some post processing that is required afterwards, and depending on your companies EH+S standards they may not take kindly to wash stations and ultra-sonic cleaners (as is our case)

Alternatively, if you're looking to print larger items for mechanical purposes, then you could consider anything from a Ultimaker 2 Extended, to a low end Stratasys machine.

If you could give an example of what you want to make with it, then we can tailor a printer to meet that. A resin style printer is great for small, high resolution prints, but not for large items, and the opposite is true for FDM style machines too.

[curious aardvark]

It is for a business. I would be looking for one with a decent sized print bed, high quality, and maybe have it be fast if that is possible.

well given the dearth of detail - you might want to look at a 3dp 100.

metre square print bed, large nozzles for fast prints. dual heads if wanted. Great company with sterling support.
http://3dplatform.com/

Now if you want full colour a4 printbed size and fairly cheap to run - the mcor paper based machine are worth a look.

Or if you ant something that's almost infinitely versatile there's the hyrel system. Prints just about anything that can be extruded and adds new capabilities on a regular basis.
http://3dprintboard.com/forumdisplay...-Printer-Forum

But you will have to give some actual details :-)

what sort of business.
what sort of products
what do you consider fast ?
Max Size of objects you want to print
do you want high resolution and smooth finish - or don't particularly care.

You know actual information :-)

Given the sheer number and type of machines you can buy for that kind of money, we'll need a lot more information to steer you in the right direction.