Large format 3D printers for professionals
What is the best large format 3D printer for professionals?
When searching for a large format 3D printer, you can find anything from large desktop 3D printers to huge industrial AM systems.
In this guide, we’ll be focusing on big 3D printers that sit right in between those two categories. They offer much bigger volumes than desktop printers, but they won’t take up a whole office or room like XXL-sized additive manufacturing systems.
The XL 3D printers we’ve selected for this guide all use FDM/FFF technology with build volumes of over 200L. They’re designed with professionals in mind and their prices range from $3,700 to $70K and above for some.
Large format 3D printers (XL): 2023 selection
| Brand | Product | Build size | Country | Price
Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …).
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modix
This manufacturer is a Verified partner from our network.
| BIG-60 V4 | 600 × 600 × 660 mm | Israel | $ 4,900 | Quote |
| Modix
This manufacturer is a Verified partner from our network.
| BIG-120X V4 | 1200 × 600 × 640 mm | Israel | $ 7,500 | Quote |
| CreatBot | D600 Pro | 600 × 600 × 600 mm | China | $ 9,999 | Quote |
| WASP | DeltaWASP 60 100 | ⌀ 600 x 1000 mm | – | $ 15,400 | Quote |
| Builder | Extreme 2000 PRO | 700 × 700 × 1700 mm | – | $ 28,000 | Quote |
| Filament Innovations
This manufacturer is a Verified partner from our network.
| ICARUS | 460 × 380 × 950 mm | United States | $ 31,000 | Quote |
| WASP | DeltaWASP 3MT HDP | ⌀ 1000 x 1000 mm | Italy | $ 53,000 | Quote |
| Filament Innovations
This manufacturer is a Verified partner from our network.
| ARES | 850 × 450 × 925 mm | United States | $ 79,000 | Quote |
The products in the table are ranked by price (low to high).
| Brand | Product | Build size | Build volume | Country | Price
Approximate starting prices based on supplier-provided information and public data. Prices may vary by region, over time and do not include additional products or services (taxes, shipping, accessories, training, installation, …).
| |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Modix
This manufacturer is a Verified partner from our network.
| BIG-60 V4 | 600 × 600 × 660 mm | 237.6 L | Israel | $ 4,900 | Get a quote |
| Modix
This manufacturer is a Verified partner from our network.
| BIG-120X V4 | 1200 × 600 × 640 mm | 460.8 L | Israel | $ 7,500 | Get a quote |
| CreatBot | D600 Pro | 600 × 600 × 600 mm | 216 L | China | $ 9,999 | Get a quote |
| WASP | DeltaWASP 60 100 | ⌀ 600 x 1000 mm | 282.74 L | – | $ 15,400 | Get a quote |
| Builder | Extreme 2000 PRO | 700 × 700 × 1700 mm | 833 L | – | $ 28,000 | Get a quote |
| Filament Innovations
This manufacturer is a Verified partner from our network.
| ICARUS | 460 × 380 × 950 mm | 166.06 L | United States | $ 31,000 | Get a quote |
| WASP | DeltaWASP 3MT HDP | ⌀ 1000 x 1000 mm | 785.4 L | Italy | $ 53,000 | Get a quote |
| Filament Innovations
This manufacturer is a Verified partner from our network.
| ARES | 850 × 450 × 925 mm | 353.81 L | United States | $ 79,000 | Get a quote |
Overview of the best large format 3D printers
The Big-60 is a flagship Modix 3D printer that is in its third generation. Its 120°C print bed features dual zone heating, which means that users can choose to heat only part of the print bed to save energy, if the parts to print are smaller.
This big 3D printer also features automatic bed leveling, a closed frame, and a filament detector. Additionally, it comes with various nozzles ranging from 0.15 mm to 1.2 mm in diameter.
The fact that the Big-60 V3 comes as a kit to be assembled contributes to keeping its price affordable for small businesses.
Modix produces XL-sized 3D printer kits with high-quality components such as E3D Volcano hotends and Titan Aero extruders. The Big-120X V3’s auto-calibration function probes the print bed’s level at 150 different points for optimal leveling.
This 3D printer is customizable: it can boast single or dual extrusion, and can come with or without an enclosure. The Big-120Z version, which offers the same build volume but vertically (600 x 600 x 1200 mm), will soon be available as well.
This professional 3D printer with a large build size is compatible with a wide range of filaments. This is thanks to its all-metal hotend that can reach up to 420°C and its fully enclosed and heated chamber (70°C). In addition, the printer integrates a filament-drying compartment that heats up to 65°C.
Other features include a dual extruder, a touchscreen, filament detection as well as a BLTouch sensor for automatic bed leveling.
According to CreatBot, the first batch of this 3D printer series has been up and running for five years with over 8,000 hours of 3D printing.
WASP, based in Italy, produces an extensive range of delta-type 3D printers. The DeltaWASP 60100 is one of the largest 3D printers in their catalogue, aside from their construction 3D printers of course.
Its build plate is automatically calibrated and is able to heat up to 120°C. An optional LDM WASP extruder is available in order to print paste-type materials such as clay. In addition, the WASP DeltaWASP 60100’s frame is closed and heated.
The Builder Extreme 2000 PRO is a user-friendly 3D printer with a fully closed frame. It’s possible to adjust lighting and temperatures from the printer’s 7-inch touchscreen. An onboard camera allows you to check in on print progress from a smartphone or computer.
This printer offers dual extrusion and easily swappable nozzles for material versatility. There are two closed filament compartments, filament detection, and the front door locks automatically during 3D printing.
An air filter and BOFA air extractor are available optionally.
The ICARUS is a high-flow FDM 3D Printer that utilizes the Typhoon high-flow filament system from Dyze Design. It is an enclosed 3D Printer that incorporates enclosed ballscrews on the X, Y, and Z axis, plus closed-loop motors on the X and Y axis. By using enclosed ballscrews and closed-loop motors, the ICARUS is a safer and more reliable 3D Printer. The high-output extrusion system allows for nearly 2lbs of filament per hour with a 2.50mm nozzle – making this nozzle size ideal for the prosthetics, signage, and industrial lighting industries. And one of the best parts of the ICARUS? It fits through a standard 36″ wide door!
The DeltaWASP 3MT Industrial 4.0 is a massive 3D printer that is able to 3D print from pellets directly instead of filament. Several different extruders are available for varying print times and quality levels.
It’s equipped with a range of features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, end-of-material sensor, onboard camera for remote monitoring, and more.
The ARES is a pellet based 3D Printer that utilizes the Pulsar pellet system from Dyze Design. It is an enclosed 3D Printer that incorporates enclosed ballscrews on the X, Y, and Z axis, plus closed-loop motors on the X and Y axis. By using enclosed ballscrews and closed-loop motors, the ARES is a safer and more reliable 3D Printer. The high-output extrusion system allows for nearly 3-5lbs of pellets per hour with a 5.0mm nozzle – making this system ideal for the prosthetics, research and development, education, and manufacturing industries. And one of the best parts of the ARES? It fits through a standard 36″ wide door!
Buying guide for professional large format 3D printers
These are some of the things you should take into account when deciding on which 3D printer to buy.
What do you plan on 3D printing?
Having the absolute best large format 3D printer can be reassuring, but you may be overdoing it depending on your printing frequency and the materials you’ll be using.
High-temperature features– like a 450°C nozzle or 200°C print bed– will only truly be useful if you want to print with materials like PEI (ULTEM), PEEK, or PEKK.
Heated build chambers are good to have in any case, even if you’re only printing with PLA. They help reduce warping, a phenomenon that is even more common with large-sized prints. It is recommended to have at least a closed frame.
If you think you will be printing with abrasive materials such as carbon fiber-filled filament, note that you will need a high-quality, all-metal nozzle. This is often the case with professional and industrial 3D printers, but double-check before you place any orders.
Other functionalities
Dual extrusion
A dual extruder can be used to print two materials at a time, including support material.
Onboard camera
With an onboard camera, you can check on your print progress remotely.
Filament detection
This feature has become more or less standard and detects if the spool is finished or not. Often, the printer pauses itself automatically to avoid printing mid-air without material.
Automatic bed leveling
Some printers only need to be calibrated once during installation, but usually, it’s recommended to level your print bed before each print. Automatic bed leveling helps save time and may deliver better results than manual leveling.
Heated filament chamber
Heating the filament before and while it’s being 3D printed allows for better 3D printing quality.
