3D Printing is changing the manufacturing market as we know it. Whether you’re just a curious tech entrepreneur or a serious buyer, this article will give you some good pointers on the best 3D printing technologies in 2018.

The 10 Best 3D Printers of 2018

Product development in the printing landscape has been metamorphosising swiftly with more efficient, streamlined products being made available at a rapid rate. There are so many beneficial innovations with 3d printing, including the ability to get acrylic cut to size which would be helpful for sustainability with plastics. The manufacturing industry has been evolving at much the same pace, with 3D Printing being dubbed as the silent revolutionary. Recent reports have alluded to extraordinary developments in this niche across several verticals namely medicine, aviation, prototypes and proof of concept models to mention a few. What’s more it’s been reported that scientists are experimenting with printing technologies and living tissue with the hope to one day print functional hearts and livers, a sure sign that 3D technologies are bound to be a game changer.

With the promise that 3D Printing and other emerging technologies holds and the change that it’s creating in even bigger sectors, Aniwaa the emerging tech hardware specialist has created a unique guide to the top 10 3D printers of 2018. Aniwaa’s selection has not been based on their views alone, but they’ve also included the ratings of several other trusted entities namely; Amazon, 3DHubs, Make and Pinshape. Each of the printers mentioned below have received at least one award, they’ve been tested on YouTube at least once and have large communities with active users providing feedback on the product. If you’ve been looking for a new printer with 3D capabilities to recreate your designs with, it’s likely there’s something in this guide for you.

The meta score which has been assigned to each product is an aggregate of the ratings the item received from trusted third parties (Amazon, Make, 3DHubs and Pinshape). Read more about the top 3D printing technologies in 2018 below.

1.Original Prusa i3 MK3

Metascore: 4.7/5

Manufactured by Prusa3D this model is known for its reliability. It was selected as one of the best budget 3D Printers for 2018 and retails at $999.

2. MakerGear M2

Metascore: 4.6/5

This high-quality device, offers a nice blend of features: speed, quality and price, retailing at $999. With rip roaring feedback from its users, it has been praised as one of the best printers on the market and boasts several awards from 3D Hubs.

3. SeeMeCNC Rostock MAX v3

Metascore: 4.6/5

The Rostock SeeMeCNC printer is the newest version of the standard Rostock printer. With several reviews from 3DHubs it has been described as the ideal tool for clean prints. With a retail price of $999, the SeeMeCNC Rostock printer was also shortlisted in 2017 as one of the best budget printers.  

4. Craft Unique CraftBot Plus

Metascore: 4.5/5

The Craft Unique CraftBot is everything that its name alludes to and more. The printer is available in several colours and has multiple functions with its heated bed. Retailing at $1,099; this award-winning model is what you want especially if you need to print with different types of filament i.e. HIPS, ABS along with PLA.

5. Ultimaker 2+

Metascore: 4.4/5

With swappable nozzles, a heated bed and adjustable gear strength, the Ultimaker 2+ was selected as one of the best prosumer 3D printers in 2017. Retailing at $1900, it comes with a lot of versatility and functionality and can print with a wider variety of filament options.

6. Zortrax M200

Metascore: 4.3/5

Featuring a heated print bed and automatic calibration the Zortrax M200 is very similar to the Ultimaker 2+, both winners of the prosumer award. The Zortrax M200 is both easy to use and delivers consistent results. Retailing at $1,990 it’s worth every penny, especially as it’s been dubbed a 3D printing workhorse.

7. LulzBot Mini

Metascore: 4.3/5

Voted one of the best plug-n-play options on the market the LulzBot offers a number of possibilities. As its name indicates i.e. Mini, it provides a small volume build. If you’re an entry-level user, this printer may just be the right fit for you. Retailing at $1,250 it’s suitable for advanced users as well.

8. LulzBot TAZ 6

Metascore: 4.2/5

Another classic in the selection is the LulzBot TAZ 6. Selected 2 years in a row for the Workhorse Award and Outstanding Open Source model by 3D Hubs, the printer has a number of great features. If you need to work with a number of filament materials, look no further. Retailing at $2,500, this automatic bed levelling, self-cleaning printer, consistently delivers accuracy.

9. FlashForge Creator Pro

Metascore: 4.2/5

The FlashForge Creator Pro printer is made to last, if reliability is what you’re after, this sturdy hold metal frame printer is worth a look. Besides being easy to repair and maintain, the Creator Pro also allows for multi-material printing. Retailing at $1,299, it’s been a winner of the 3D Hubs Workhorse Award and the Enthusiast Award.

10. BCN3D Sigma

Metascore: 4/5

The Spanish made Sigma R17 offers a user experience second to none, with its huge touch screen creating fluidity. Retailing at $2,795 the Sigma has the ability to print with a large variety of materials and has earned itself a mention in the 2017 3D Hubs Report, with its achievement of the Workhorse Award.

Even if it seems like a lot, this article was just meant to provide you with some top-level information. If you want a comprehensive in-depth look into the latest in 3D printing technologies, be sure to check out Aniwaa’s guide. They also have a search engine comparison tool, with over 1500 products to compare and review. Whether you fancy making yourself a functional wristwatch for personal use or need a new toy to get your models complete in time, we hope this guide may assist you in finding the technology you need.