3D Printers: From $179 to $4,000, the price is right to buy one now (gallery)

A professional FDM printer with dual extruders, large 21 x 29.7 x 21 cm build volume and 50-micron maximum resolution. Its main differentiator is the Independent Dual Extruder system, which allows users to print without geometric limitations using dissolvable support materials (PVA, HIPS) and to combine various materials for multimaterial and multicolor printing.

Tech specs

• Technology: FDM
• Build volume: 210 x 297 x 210 mm
• Materials: ABS, PLA, PVA, HIPS
• Resolution: 50 microns
• Extruder head: 2
• Price: Approximately $2,550
• More information

The PowerSpec 3D Pro printer features an LCD screen and a new acrylic door and hood to keep the temperature in the build chamber even more stable. LED strip lighting enables you to see your item as it renders using high print resolution. The chassis is pre-assembled for convenience. Its power supply automatically supports 110-240 VAC input.

Tech specs

• Technology: FDM
• Build volume: 226 x 144 x 149 mm
• Materials: ABS, PLA, PVA
• Resolution: 100 microns
• Extruder head: 2
• Price: $999
• More information

Printrbot's first all-metal 3D Printer. The metal construction combined with a GT2 belt pulley system produces a 3D print that rivals those of other manufacturers which cost thousands more.

Tech specs

• Technology: FDM
• Build volume: 150 x 150 x 150 mm
• Materials: PLA
• Resolution: 50 microns
• Price: $599
• More information

The Micro is the world's first truly consumer 3D printer and is powered by "Micro Motion Technology," a series of next generation innovations, creating precision at a fraction of the cost of other 3D printers. Designed from the ground up to be consumer friendly.

Tech specs

• Technology: FDM
• Build volume: 109 x 113 x 116 mm (print area above 74mm is 91mm x 84mm)
• Materials: ABS, PLA, HIPS, nylon
• Resolution: 50 microns
• Price: $500
• More information

A cubic foot build volume, uncompromised quality, and the broadest materials support.

Tech specs

• Technology: FDM
• Build volume: 305 x 305 x 305 mm
• Materials: Wide support for materials, including ABS, PLA, HIPS, nylon
• Resolution: 50 microns
• Price: $3,595
• More information

The Mini Fabrikator V1.5 includes moulded rod holders for greater rigidity, moulded side panel fixing blocks to make it quicker and easier to remove panels to access the internals for maintenance and the stepper drivers now have heatsinks to minimise the chances of them overheating during long builds.

Tech specs

• Technology: FDM
• Build volume: 80 x 80 x 80 mm
• Materials: PLA
• Price: $179
• More information

The LulzBot Mini is a high-performance desktop 3D printer that's perfect for home users, makers, designers, engineers, architects, and anyone looking for an easy-to-use desktop 3D printer.

Tech specs

• Technology: FDM
• Build volume: 152 x 152 x 158 mm
• Materials: Wide support for materials, including ABS, PLA, HIPS, PVA
• Resolution: 50 microns
• Price: $1,250
• More information

The Printrbot Plus features a large print volume, auto-leveling, heated bed, and allows for the optional upgrade for dual extrusion.

Tech specs

• Technology: FDM
• Build volume: 250 x 250 x 265 mm
• Materials: ABS, PLA
• Resolution: 50 microns
• Price: $1,199
• More information

Robox was recently recommended by 100 percent of users surveyed in the 3D Hubs global survey of users 2015. The British-made printer features a 2-year warranty and a tool-less head changing system.

Tech specs

• Technology: FDM
• Build volume: 150 x 210 x 100 mm
• Materials: ABS, PLA, HIPS, PETG, CO-PET, and nylon
• Resolution: 20 microns
• Extruder head: 2
• Price: $1,299
• More information

Start printing!

My ZDNet colleague David Gewirtz has created an excellent set of 3D printer resources, ranging from advice on getting started, looking at printing a NASA wrench, to printing off Star Wars goodies.

• 3D printing will be huge, in the most boring and fascinating ways imaginable
• 3D printing hands on: Getting started with my desktop MakerBot
• 3D printing hands on: Downloading and printing physical objects from the Internet
• 3D printing hands on: Lessons learned from my first big project
• 3D printing hands on: How to easily customize objects to the exact size you need
• 3D printing hands on: How to design your first 3D project without tears
• 3D printing hands on: Attempting to print a NASA wrench
• 20 Star Wars goodies you can download and 3D print now
• First look: MakerBot introduces Smart Extruder+ (and it's pretty nice)
• Building a 3D milling robot with LEGO (Oh, so cool video)

What are you waiting for?