1 Topic by Active Andy

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Topic: Best Pro or Entry level Commercial 3d printer for small batch runs?

Hi All,

I am new to this world so need a bit of advice. I am involved in conventional printing but want to expand in to other areas.

Looking to purchase a 3D Printer next year for my small business based in the US. Probably FDM that produces PLA parts (possibly other). 

My criteria (quite broad):-
1. Good speed to be cost-effective. I want to produce small batch runs of simple plastic parts but don't want to wait all day. Important.
2. Straightforward to use. Which CAD is best user-friendly?
3. Reliability, Repeatability and decent quality.
4. Budget $10-15,000 maybe more so Professional Machine or Entry Commercial.
5. Maybe 12 Inch Bed square +. Doesn't have to be big.

Better new or better value second hand? 
What machine is seen as the benchmark in this category?
I have had suggestions elsewhere of Leapfrog, Hyrel 3D and Minifactory Ultra?

It looks as if there are amazingly knowledgeable people on here so any thoughts and experience with your own machines would be really appreciated. 


Thanks in advance!

2 Reply by heartless

  • heartless
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Re: Best Pro or Entry level Commercial 3d printer for small batch runs?

you have already made this post - and it has replies.. why are you posting it again??

SD4 #1 & #2 - Lawsy carriages, E3D v6, Rumba controller board, mirror bed plate, X motor fan, upgraded PSU & Mica bed heater
SD4 #3 - in the works ~ Folgertech FT-5, rev 1
Printit Industries Beta Tester - Horizon H1

3 Reply by carl_m1968

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Re: Best Pro or Entry level Commercial 3d printer for small batch runs?

heartless wrote:

you have already made this post - and it has replies.. why are you posting it again??

I think it's a bot.

Printing since 2009 and still love it!
Anycubic 4MAX best $225 ever invested.
Voxelabs Proxima SLA. 6 inch 2k Mono LCD.
Anycubic Predator, massive Delta machine. 450 x 370 print envelope.

4 Reply by Active Andy

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Re: Best Pro or Entry level Commercial 3d printer for small batch runs?

Sorry not a Bot! Just a mistake.