Best 3D Printers for a Printing Farm

3D printing has become a great tool in different fields, as it allows users to reduce costs and speed up production processes.

This article will look at different technologies, such as traditional printers (FDM) and resin printers. Furthermore, it will consider all the necessary features so that both kinds of technologies can be used on a farm.

FDM Printers	Printing Volumen	Wireless Connection	Auto Leveling	Filament end sensor	Power outage recovery	Price
Prusa I3 MK3S+	9.84×8.26×8.26 in	No. Additional for $100	Yes	Yes	Yes	Kit: $800. Semi-assembled: $1,100
Prusa Mini+	7.08×7.08×7.08 in	Yes (Ethernet)	Yes	No. Additional for $20	No, it is updated via software	Kit: $430. Semi-assembled: $460
Ender 3 S1 & S1 Pro	8.66×8.66×10.62 in	No. Additional for $60 (It includes a camera)	Yes	Yes	Yes	S1: $400 S1 Pro: $480
Ultimaker S5	12.99×9.44×11.81 in	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	$6,950
Creality CR-10 Max	17.71×17.71×18.50 in	No. Additional for $60 (It includes a camera)	Yes	Yes	Yes	$1,000
Creality CR-30	7.87×6.69x∞ in	No	No	Yes	No	$1,050

How to choose a 3D printer for a farm

To build a 3D printing farm it is important to consider the following factors, among others: What is the goal? What product or service will be offered and to whom? Does the market demand it? How much money will be invested? Is the space needed for a farm available?

When the goal is clear, then users can choose materials and the type of technology needed. It is always suitable to begin a printing farm with a few printers to analyze if the product or service is accepted within the market and, if necessary, to make a large investment and expand said farm.

In order to choose the right printer, it is important to consider its reliability, durability and quality. Furthermore, it must meet certain features that make it easier to use and include within a printing farm. Each of these aspects will be described next.

Reliability

One of the most important aspects when choosing a 3D printer for a printing farm is reliability. During manufacturing, time is money, so users cannot afford a printer that fails regularly or requires maintenance service very often.

Wasting time on failed printing jobs or repairing printers delays mass production. Not only does it imply wasting supplies, but it also implies a problem for users. Although all printers must go through a maintenance service to work properly (Said service extends their working life as well), some printers require such service more often than others. On every farm, printers run non-stop 24/7, so it is important that they be stable.

Durability

Regarding durability, it is important to consider the construction quality of printers. Within the market, there is a wide variety of designs and qualities; the materials and designs of some printers are excellent, but they are usually expensive.

There also are other printers whose materials are medium to low quality, and their design is usually a copy of other models already on the market. Therefore, they are cheaper. The higher the quality of materials and design, the longer the working life of printers (As long as necessary maintenance services are carried out). When it comes to low-quality printers, users usually experience flaws; in order to solve them, some elements must usually be replaced.

Printing quality

When building a printing farm, users will undoubtedly seek to offer excellent quality pieces. Before choosing a printer, it is suitable to consider what will be manufactured, the type of material used, and the kind of technology employed. For instance, when it comes to jewelry pieces are usually small and highly detailed. That is why resin printers are common. Users must also take into account the size of what they will manufacture since the printing volume of printers will depend on said size.

Additional features

Farm printers have some features that make them easier to use and control from a distance. For each printer, the following characteristics will be analyzed:

• Wireless connection: Whether through Ethernet or Wi-fi, users can connect all printers to the same network and control them remotely. Thus, they save time since they are not in the same place as printers. They will also be told when printing is complete.
• Bed auto-leveling: It will provide users with a good printing base. It is important that the first layer does not present any flaws; otherwise the rest of the piece will too. Most printers with auto-leveling carry out a calibration before printing.
• Filament end sensor: If the printer runs out of material when printing, it will stop and wait for a new filament nozzle to resume the printing job. Therefore, users do not waste material and time. When running a printing farm, it is important to consider the size of the filament nozzle that is used. There are companies that offer larger nozzles than the normal 2.20 lbs presentations. Thus, users avoid changing the material very often.
• Power outage recovery: Most printers now have power outage recovery. In the case of voltage drop or power cut, printers will provide users with the option to continue printing when power is restored since their memories save their position if power is cut. Therefore, users can save their printing jobs and avoid losing material, time, and money as well.
• Camera: Some printers include or can be added a camera pointing to the printing platform, so users can see the printing progress in real time. Thus, users make sure that pieces are manufactured properly. In case of flaws, they can pause printing.

There are software designed to control many printers. Some are paid, such as 3DPrinterOS, or free, such as OctoPrint.

Important: Keep the Ecosystem Healthy

When many printers run at the same time, it is important to make such a process easier in order to avoid complications. This is why it is suitable that all printers be the same or that most of them be when setting up a printing farm.

Printers will work similarly and even share the same printing profiles. Thus, users will not make mistakes when creating printing files if they have different printers with different profiles (From personal experience, it is very easy to get confused when distracted).

Furthermore, maintenance service will be the same for all printers. Therefore, flaws can be detected more easily. Printers can also share the same spare parts, which allows users to reduce costs and simplify such maintenance service.

Another suggestion is to always use the same filament brand for the type of material printed. In general, when changing brands it is necessary to carry out a slight calibration in printing profiles (Shrinkage, temperature, speeds, etc). It is not suitable to use different brands for the same material as it would create different printing profiles.

It is important to consider that when different kinds of materials are used, there will be different printing profiles even with the same printers because each material has its own printing conditions. It is suitable to group printers according to the type of material used to prevent possible flaws when printing.

Best 3D printers for a printing farm

The most popular printers use FDM technology, by which thermoplastic material melts down and settles layer after layer to form printed pieces. The market offers a great variety of printers – within a wide price range – with different technologies, qualities, accessories, etc. There is also a wide variety of materials and colors with different mechanical and thermal properties.

Regarding FDM 3D printing farms, there is the famous and successful Prusa company with at least 600 printers designed to manufacture pieces for its own printer brand. Said company has also developed its own auto-farm system called Prusa Pro AFS, by which pieces are automatically gathered once printing is complete by means of a robotic platform. There is thus no need for a person to pick up printed pieces and clean the bed, which makes production more efficient.

Markforged also focuses on 3D printing services at an industrial level. Large companies such as Toyota, Siemens, Roll Royce, and Nasa rely on their printers.

Prusa I3 MK3S+

Best 3D FDM printer regarding quality/price ratio!

It is one of the best rated printers within the market due to the excellent quality, design, and after-sale service provided by the company. The Prusa I3 MK3S+ is reliable and provides users with a good printing quality.

It does not have a wireless connection, but Ethernet or Wi-fi can be added by means of a Raspberry Pi (Use OctoPrint to control it). It is suitable to add the Raspberry Pi Zero W, which costs $100.

On the official Prusa website, there are simple steps to connect the printer and set up OctoPrint.

Its printing area size is good, handles a wide range of materials, and its printing speed is fast. It also stands out for being quiet which, depending on where the printing farm is settled, will be an important feature when choosing printers. It is stable and can be used without rest.

Its after-sale service is without a doubt the best, since it helps you 24/7 in seven languages. Everything is perfectly documented; the website and the blog provide users with guides and help manuals. There is also a large user community willing to help and share their ideas.

Why is it good for a 3D printing Farm? The Prusa I3 MK3S+ is a reliable, stable and long-lasting printer due to its excellent build quality, good printing quality, speed, and quietness. Furthermore, the company offers great support that will help users solve any inconvenience. Though it does not have a wireless connection, it can be easily added.

Specifications

• Type of printer: Cartesian.
• Type of extruder: Direct – Simple extruder.
• Printing volume: 9.84×8.26×8.26 in.
• Materials: PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, PC (Polycarbonate), CPE, PVA/BVOH, PVB, HIPS, PP (Polypropylene), Flex, nGen, Nylon, Carbon filled, Woodfill.
• Max travel speed: 7.87+ in/s.
• Max nozzle temperature: 300°C (572°F).
• Max bed temperature: 120°C (248°F).
• Auto-leveling: Yes.
• Filament end sensor: Yes.
• Wireless connection: No. Ethernet or Wi-Fi can be added.
• Power outage recovery: Yes.
• Camera: No.
• Price: $800 (Kit)/$1100 (Semi-assembled).

Click here to purchase the Prusa i3 MK3S+: Official Prusa Website.

Prusa Mini+

Small, but reliable. Good printing quality!

The Prusa Mini+ has a smaller printing surface (Approximately 70% of the Prusa I3 MK3S+ surface). However, the Prusa Mini+ turns out to have half the printing volume as compared to that of the Prusa I3 MK3S+. Its price is also about half that of the Prusa I3 MK3S+.

When it comes to said printer, it is important to consider the volume of pieces that need to be manufactured. If pieces fit within the Prusa Mini+ volume, it is an excellent option since for the price of a Prusa I3 MK3S+ users can acquire two Prusa Mini+. Furthermore, the whole printer volume is small and its bed size is well used so it will be easy to gather many Prusa Mini+ together.

It handles a wide range of printing materials. It is fast and quiet and offers great printing quality. It has an Ethernet port, although an ESP Wi-fi module can also be easily added.

It has an auto-leveling with the same Prusa I3 MK3S+ system, but it does not have a filament end sensor or power outage recovery. However, the filament sensor can be added for $20. By means of software updates, power outage recovery can be set up. With said updates, the Prusa Mini+ will meet such recommendations to build a farm.

Why is it good for a 3D printing Farm? The Prusa Mini+ is a reliable, fast, and quiet printer. It offers good printing quality and an excellent after-sale service, although its printing volume is small.

Specifications

• Type of printer: Cartesian.
• Type of extruder: Bowden – Simple extruder.
• Printing volume: 7.08×7.08×7.08 in.
• Materials: PLA, PETG, ASA, ABS, PC (Policarbonato), CPE, PVA/BVOH, PVB, HIPS, PP (Polipropileno), Flex, nGen, Nylon, Carbon filled, Woodfill.
• Max travel speed: 7.87+ in/s.
• Max nozzle temperature: 280°C (536°F).
• Max bed temperature: 100°C (212°F).
• Auto-leveling: Yes.
• Filament end sensor: No.
• Wireless connection: Ethernet/Wi-Fi (Optional).
• Power outage recovery: No.
• Camera: No.
• Price: $430 (Kit)/$460 (Semi-assembled).

Click here to purchase the Prusa Mini+: Prusa Website.

Ender 3 S1 and S1 Pro

Good option at a more affordable price.

After years of improving Ender printers, the Creality company brings out the Ender-3 S1 and its Pro version. Their direct extruders offer a mechanism that improves printing quality. The difference between the original version and the Pro version is the bed and the nozzle working temperatures. The Pro version reaches 300°C (572°F) and allows users to work with a wide range of materials that require high temperatures.

According to users, said printers are reliable and offer a good printing quality for different kinds of materials. They are similar to the Prusa Mini+, although slightly noisy due to their fans.

Such printers do not have a wireless connection, but the company offers a “Smart Kit” to add Wi-Fi through a small external box and a camera. Due to this update, it is possible to control the printers remotely from a computer or through a mobile device. Thus, users also monitor them in real-time by means of the camera. Furthermore, they save histories, videos, and photographs in the cloud. This upgrade kit costs $60 (Creality Smart Kits (WIFIBOX 2.0): WiFi Box & HD Camera Kits).

Between both versions, there is an $80 difference that basically allows users to print on more difficult materials. If pieces do not require much sophisticated materials, it is suitable to acquire the original version of the Ender-3 S1.

The after-sale service is average. It usually takes several days to get a reply, but there is a lot of information and a large user community willing to help.

As an additional feature, the printers are compatible with a laser engraving head that costs $74 (Ender-3 S1/S1 Pro CV-LaserModule 24V 1.6W).

Why is it good for a 3D printing Farm? The Ender-3 S1 turns out to be a reliable printer. Its printing quality allows users to work with different materials. Nevertheless, the after-sale service is slow to answer queries. With an additional kit, it can be connected wirelessly and monitored by means of a camera.

Specifications

• Type of printer: Cartesian.
• Type of extruder: Direct – Simple extruder.
• Printing volume: 8.66×8.66×10.62 in.
• Materials: PLA, ABS, Wood, TPU, PETG, PA.
• Max travel speed: 5.90+ in/s.
• Max nozzle temperature: 260°C (500°F)/Pro: 300°C (572°F).
• Max bed temperature: 100°C (212°F)/Pro: 110°C (230°F).
• Auto-leveling: Yes.
• Filament end sensor: Yes.
• Wireless connection: No.
• Power outage recovery: Yes.
• Camera: No.
• Price: $400 (Ender-3 S1)/$480usd (Ender-3 S1 Pro).

Click here to purchase the Ender 3 S1 and S1 Pro: Creality Website, Amazon, Banggood, and 3D Printers Online.

Ultimaker S5

Outstanding industry-aimed printer!

The Ultimaker company is the developer of the free Cura slicing software. Experiences with the Ultimaker S5 are without a doubt exceptional. It is the closest printer to the Plug & Play concept: users connect it and can use it right away without almost carrying out any settings. This printer focuses on large companies and industries: it offers both excellent quality and handling of a wide range of materials, yet at a high cost.

It has a double extruder specially designed to use soluble materials as support. This makes cleaning easier and improves the final finishing touches of pieces. It has an excellent system of interchangeable nozzles that are very easy to place and have special tips for some materials.

Ultimaker makes its own filaments. Its printers use a 0.11 in diameter filament, unlike other printers within the market that use 0.06 in diameter filaments. Nozzles have a chip with the material type information; when users load said nozzles into printers, they can read such information and track usage. Printers can also guide users when setting printing profiles.

As these printers focus on industrial usage, they do not have power outage recovery since this is not a relevant aspect within industrial environments. One feature to improve on these printers is noise level, which turns out to be medium to high. The after-sale service provided by the company is really excellent, and it is expected to be excellent since large companies such as Volkswagen, Heineken, ZEISS and Ford are some of the clients of the company.

In order to make the Ultimaker S5 fully automatic, Ultimaker developed the Ultimaker S5 Pro Bundle. Underneath said printer, there is a large compartment whose six-nozzles capacity keeps the environment humidity under control to preserve the filaments. Once the Ultimaker nozzles, the printer automatically identifies and changes the filament. At the top of the printer, there is an enclosure with a filter for ultrafine particles that are released when printing. Said fully automatic printer has an approximate cost of $10,800.

Why is it good for a 3D printing Farm? The Ultimaker S5 stands out for its reliability, excellent printing quality, good design, technology, and excellent after-sale service. It is a great experience for any company or industry that wants to manufacture prototypes of its products.

Specifications

• Type of printer: Cartesian.
• Type of extruder: Bowden – Double extruder.
• Printing volume: 12.99×9.44×11.81 in.
• Materials: PLA, Tough PLA, ABS, PETG, CPE, ASA, Nylon, TPU, PVA, Polycarbonate, Polypropylene, and more.
• Max travel speed: Unspecified.
• Max nozzle temperature: 280°C (536°F).
• Max bed temperature: 140°C (284°F).
• Auto-leveling: Yes.
• Filament end sensor: Yes.
• Wireless connection: Yes.
• Power outage recovery: No.
• Camera: Yes.
• Price: $6,950.

Click here to purchase the Ultimaker S5: Amazon.

Creality CR-10 Max

High volume but unreliable.

Its printing surface is four times larger than the printing surface of the Ender 3. It is really huge! The Creality CR-10 Max does not have a wireless connection. As with the Ender-3 S1, the “Smart Kit” can be added for $60 and provide users with a Wi-Fi connection and a camera. Unfortunately, its heated bed is not removable and its noise level is medium (Mainly due to its fans).

Printing quality is acceptable. However, users report that printing frequently fails. Therefore, it is not a reliable printer. In general, higher printing volumes compromise printing quality so flaw rates increase.

The CR-10 Max is not a good option if a volumetric printer is required for a 3D printing farm. There are other high-volume printers within the market, but they are usually not well rated by users.

Specifications

• Type of printer: Cartesian.
• Type of extruder: Bowden – Simple extruder.
• Printing volume: 17.71×17.71×18.50 in.
• Materials: PLA, ABS, TPU, Wood, Carbon fiber, copper, among others.
• Max travel speed: 7.87 in/s.
• Max nozzle temperature: 250°C (482°F).
• Max bed temperature: 100°C (212°F).
• Auto-leveling: Yes.
• Filament end sensor: Yes.
• Wireless connection: No.
• Power outage recovery: Yes.
• Camera: No.
• Price: $1,000.

Click here to purchase the Creality CR10: Creality Website, Amazon, and 3D Printers Online.

Creality CR-30

Technology with a lot of future potential.

Said printer is completely different to what users are used to seeing: the heated bed consists of a conveyor belt and its printing angle is 45°. As a result, users are offered an “infinite” printing dimension in order to print very long pieces (Even meters long!). It also provides users with constant manufacturing of serialized pieces without the need for human intervention, as in the following video:

The conveyor belt platform has a heated area near the printing peak that ensures good piece adherence to the platform. The remaining non-heated area allows pieces to cool down. Furthermore, it can be detached once printing is complete.

Due to its 45° peak angle, printing rules change completely and focus on the position of pieces to obtain the best possible quality. Users can manufacture pieces with large bridges without using supports. Unlike other printers, the Creality CR-30 allows users to build piece after piece. Therefore, printing flaws do not interrupt the entire production.

Calibration is somewhat tedious, as there are many manual tightening steps. Because of its technology, said printer requires some learning time. Thus, it is suitable for beginners. The company provides users with a special slicer software based on Cura: it is called Crealitybelt and has its own setting profiles. After a long learning curve, it achieves good printing quality. The CR-30 is a printer with a lot of potential, designed especially for printing farms though this type of technology still needs to evolve.

Why is it good for a 3D printing farm? The CR-30 is a good printer for very long piece manufacturing or non-stop production. Therefore, it is not suitable to own several CR-30 printers but to mix them with the above-mentioned printers since the printing quality depends on the type of pieces manufactured.

Specifications

• Type of printer: Core-XY.
• Type of extruder: Bowden – Simple extruder.
• Printing volume: 7.87×6.69x∞ in.
• Materials: PLA, TPU, PETG.
• Max travel speed: Unspecified.
• Max nozzle temperature: 240°C (464°F).
• Max bed temperature: 100°C (212°F).
• Auto-leveling: No.
• Filament end sensor: Yes.
• Wireless connection: No.
• Power outage recovery: No.
• Camera: No.
• Price: $1,050.

Click here to purchase the Creality CR-30: Creality Website and Amazon.

Best 3D resin printers for a printing farm

Resin Printer	Printing Volume	XY Resolution	Speed	Resin level sensor	Price
Prusa SL1S Speed	5×3.14×5.90 in	49 microns	1.3 – 2.4 s/layer	Yes	$2,000
Anycubic Photon M3 Max	11.81×11.73×6.45 in	46 microns	≤ 2.36 in/hr	Yes, with automatic filling	$1,000
Elegoo Mars 3	3.52×5.64×6.88 in	35 microns	1,5 – 3 s/layer	No	$300

Resin printers are mainly used to manufacture highly-detailed pieces because of their high printing quality, which allows users to obtain very small and highly-accurate pieces. They are used within different areas such as architecture to create mock-ups, jewelry to manufacture prototypes, medicine to create dental molds, among others.

They consist of a tank with liquid resin to which a light source is applied and solidifies said material (This process is carried out in layers to create pieces). Their technology depends on the type of light: there is laser (SLA technology), there are lens-system projectors (DLP technology), or there also are LCD screens (MSLA technology). SLA technology offers higher quality and accuracy, while DLP and MSLA technologies are faster.

Besides traditional resin, there are other types of resin with different properties such as biocompatible resin, flexible resin, castable resin, etc. After printing, pieces need a post-process cleaning and curing (There are specialized printers for these processes within the market).

These printers require some safety measures such as using gloves, glasses, and masks. Under no circumstances should resin be handled without gloves, as it irritates the skin. It is suitable that printers be within a well-ventilated area or within a room with good air extraction, since when running they release contaminants that can harm users’ health. Most printers have now activated carbon filters, but this does not mean that they absorb 100% of the waste. Furthermore, liquid resin should not be discarded through the pipes since it is highly toxic and damages the environment.

Unlike FDM printers, resin printers do not take longer to manufacture many pieces at the same time. For the same design, they will take the same time to manufacture a single piece than to manufacture – for instance – ten of these simultaneously. Because of its technology, printing speed will no longer depend on the X and Y axes but rather on the Z axis and on the layer height.

Prusa SL1S SPEED (Resin)

Fastest resin printer within the market!

Source
(https://cdn.prusa3d.com/content/images/product/default/229.jpg)

The Prusa SL1S Speed is the fastest resin printer within the market, as it is three times faster than the previous version. It has an automatic platform leveling and a sensor that measures the resin level. Said printer pauses printing jobs in case of running out of resin or tells users if they exceed max resin amount.

According to users, sometimes such printer points out that the resin level within the tank exceeds the max resin amount allowed when in fact said level is less than 100%. The sensor can be disabled from the screen so that it does not cause any inconveniences.

Its activated carbon filter absorbs odors and contaminants during printing. It can be controlled through the web by means of an interface provided by the company, as well as software and printing profiles for different kinds of resins.

Because of its firm structure and good design, users achieve highly-detailed quality. However, said printer is aimed at industrial usage due to its high price.

As an additional feature, Prusa developed a machine called CW1S for the post-processing of pieces: it carries out their washing, drying, and curing. It also allows users to preheat resin before printing. It costs $750, although it can be purchased together with the Prusa SL1S Speed for a total price of $2600. This machine can be used regardless of the printer type.

Specifications

• Type of technology: MSLA with 5.96” Monochrome LCD.
• XY Resolution: 49 microns (2560x1620px).
• Printing Volume: 5×3.14×5.90 in.
• Min layer height: 0.0003 in.
• Speed: 1.3 – 2.4 s/layer.
• Auto leveling: Yes.
• Resin level sensor: Yes.
• Wireless connection: Wi-Fi and LAN.
• Price: $2,000.

Click here to purchase the Prusa SL1S Speed: Prusa Website.

Anycubic Photon M3 Max (Resin)

High printing volume at an affordable price.

Because of its high printing volume, the Anycubic Photon M3 Max allows users to manufacture large pieces and provides them with excellent detail quality. It has an auto resin filling system and a level sensor within the tank. To be filled automatically, a resin bottle is placed behind the printer together with a pump and a hose that reaches the tank.

When printing, the level sensor will take measurements every 5 minutes and power the pump if material is required. This prevents users from running out of material during printing as well as reducing the contact with the resin.

Said printer does not include air purifying filters. However, they can be purchased for $23.

The platform calibration must be carried out manually without great difficulties. Unlike previous versions, this Anycubic model does not have a wireless connection.

Such printer is an excellent and affordable option that offers users great printing quality, sharp details, and interesting printing volume.

Like Prusa, the company also developed a machine in charge of washing and curing pieces. It is the Wash & Cure Machine, which can be found on the company’s official website for $150. There is also a larger capacity version for $250.

Specifications

• Type of technology: MSLA with 13.6” Monochrome LCD.
• XY Resolution: 46 microns/2560x1620px(7K).
• Printing Volume: 11.81×11.73×6.45 in.
• Min layer height: 0.0003 in.
• Speed: ≤ 2.36 in/hr.
• Auto leveling: No.
• Resin level sensor: Yes, with automatic filling.
• Wireless connection: No.
• Price: $1,000.

Click here to purchase the Anycubic Photon M3 Max: Amazon and Anycubic Website.

Elegoo Mars 3 Ultra 4K

Affordable printer that provides users with good results!

Because of its high pixel resolution, the Elegoo Mars 3 achieves high quality when it comes to small details. Its printing volume is similar to that of the Prusa SL1S, but it is much cheaper. Said printer does not have a resin level sensor and a wireless connection. It also lacks auto-leveling, although it can be easily calibrated manually. Air purifying filters are not included either; nevertheless, they can be added for $35 as in the case of the Anycubic Photon M3 Max (ELEGOO Mini Air Purifier for LCD,DLP,MSLA Resin 3D Printer).

Said printer has many plastic components. Such components reduce its price, but do not significantly impact the printing quality. The Elegoo Mars 3 Ultra 4K includes a one-year free trial of Chitubox Pro software, whose annual subscription costs $170. The original and free version of Chitubox is also available, although users report some slicing flaws when it comes to this version.

The Elegoo Mars 3 is a good option for getting into the world of resin printing because it is easy to use, it provides users with good printing quality, and its price is affordable.

Users can also find this brand’s Elegoo Mercury, a machine for washing and curing parts. It is available in different sizes from $120 to $250.

Specifications

• Type of technology: MSLA with 6.6” Monochrome LCD.
• XY Resolution: 35 microns/4098x2560px (4K).
• Printing Volume: 3.52×5.64×6.88 in.
• Min layer height: 0.0003 in.
• Speed: 1,5 – 3 s/layer.
• Auto leveling: No.
• Resin level sensor: No.
• Wireless connection: No.
• Price: $300.

Click here to purchase the Elegoo Mars 3 Ultra 4K: Elegoo Website and Amazon.

3D printers suitable for a printing farm

Regarding FDM technology printers, the most reliable printers are:

• Prusa I3 MK3S+: Good printing quality, speed, quietness, and after-sale service. Wireless connection can be added in order for users to achieve everything that a printing farm needs.
• Prusa Mini+: Despite its printing volume, it is a great option if the printing farm does not manufacture volumetric pieces. Its printing quality is great, and users can add the filament end sensor so it meets the needs to be employed in printing farms.
• Ender 3 S1 & S1 Pro: Cheap option that offers good printing quality. Users can add the “Smart kit” to connect it wirelessly and observe printing through a camera. For materials that require higher temperatures, there is the S1 Pro version.

Regarding resin printers, all three are good options. Their printing quality is very good; not only can users achieve a high definition, but they can also achieve sharp details on small pieces. There are small differences when it comes to finishing touches because of their XY resolution. However, do not forget that resin printers take the same time to manufacture one single piece as many of these at once. Therefore, resin printing farms are rare since a large production can be achieved with only a few resin printers.

Taking into account their performance, price, and quality, they are recommended in the following order:

• Anycubic Photon M3 Max: Because of its large volume, not only does it allow users to achieve more pieces per printing job but it also allows users to save time and manufacture larger pieces. Its automatic filling system is a great pro when printing, since it reduces the contact with the resin. Its price is reasonable considering its features.
• Elegoo Mars 3: It is a very cheap printer. Its printing size offers users sharp details and interesting quality for pieces. It is ideal for getting into the world of resin manufacturing without a large investment.
• Prusa SL1S Speed: Its price is high. For the same price, users can purchase two Anycubic Photon M3 Max or almost seven Elegoo Mars 3. However, its printing quality is excellent and it stands out mainly for its high manufacturing speed. Structurally speaking, its quality is excellent (As expected for this brand). Great option to focus services on a more industrial level.

Conclusion

When choosing printers for a farm, it is important to be clear about goals, the service or product to be offered and, consequently, the appropriate kind of technology. It is suitable to begin slowly and analyse if the market demands said service or product. Therefore, it is possible to lay a solid base in order to expand the printing farm.

Regarding FDM technology, the Prusa I3 MK3S+ is the best option if the budget is available. It is a great printer that adapts easily to a printing farm, and it is in fact one of the models that the company itself uses for its own printing farm. If the budget is more limited, the Ender S1 is the most suitable printer together with the “Smart Kit”.

Regarding resin printers, although any of the above-mentioned models are good options because of their price/quality/performance ratio, the Anycubic Photon M3 Max is the most suitable printer. Do not forget that for resin printing jobs it is important to wash and cure the pieces. These processes can be carried out at home, although it is suitable to use a machine that can complement said processes safely and effectively. Prusa, Anycubic, and Elegoo offer this technology regardless of the resin printers. What matters is that the capacity of said machine is compatible with the volume of pie

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