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

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BCN3D Sigma
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
Published: April 8, 2016 -- 09:10 GMT (02:10 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
PowerSpec 3D Pro
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
Published: April 8, 2016 -- 09:10 GMT (02:10 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
MakerBot Replicator Mini
This is an easy-to-use, durable 3D printer that's ideal for the home or classroom. There's even a fast and easy one-touch printing features.
Tech specs
- Technology: FDM
- Build volume: 100 x 100 x 125 mm
- Materials: PLA
- Resolution: 200 microns
- Price: $1,375
- More information
Published: April 8, 2016 -- 09:10 GMT (02:10 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
Printrbot Simple
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
Published: April 8, 2016 -- 09:10 GMT (02:10 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
M3D Micro
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
Published: April 8, 2016 -- 09:10 GMT (02:10 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
Type A Machines Series 1
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
Published: April 8, 2016 -- 09:10 GMT (02:10 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
Fabrikator Mini 3D Printer
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
Published: April 8, 2016 -- 09:10 GMT (02:10 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
Lulzbot Mini
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
Published: April 8, 2016 -- 09:10 GMT (02:10 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
Printrbot Plus
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
Published: April 8, 2016 -- 09:10 GMT (02:10 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
CEL Robox
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
Published: April 8, 2016 -- 09:10 GMT (02:10 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes
You've got your 3D printer, what next?
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.
What are you waiting for?
Published: April 8, 2016 -- 09:10 GMT (02:10 PDT)
Caption by: Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

Interested in getting into 3D printing? Here's how to do it without breaking the bank!

M3D Micro

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