www.3ders.org

Dec 12, 2014

Global market for 3D printing is expanding and new companies and printer models are emerging daily. Which 3D printer should I buy? With so many options to choose from, it is difficult for consumers to decide what printer is right for them.

3D Hubs, the Netherlands-based resource center for 3D printer owners and users, has released today The 2015 3D Printer Guide, based on the reviews of 2,279 verified 3D Printer owners from around the world.

"A thorough and reliable 3D Printing Guide written by actual 3D Printer owners was a missing resource for would be owners. We're making this relevant information freely accessible to everyone who is considering to buy a 3D printer," explains CEO and cofounder, Bram de Zwart.

With access to over 9,000 printers in over 160 countries, 3D Hubs is well positioned within the industry to provide comprehensive data and thought-provoking insights. The guide is based on 2,279 3D printer owners' 3D Printing experience, coupled with 317,000 prints completed on 235 different 3D Printer models.

"Did we run test prints? Sure we did, together with our community about 317,000 of them." says cofounder and Head of Product, Brian Garret.

The 2015 3D Printer Guide investigates the following key elements: print quality, ease-of-use, build quality, reliability, failure rate, customer service, community, running expenses, openness, software and value. The printers are arranged in five different categories: Enthusiast 3D Printers, Plug-n-Play 3D Printers, Kit/DIY 3D Printers, Budget 3D Printers and 3D Resin Printers.

Significant time and resources have gone into collecting invaluable 3D Printing data and analyzing it. "The Guide is our opportunity to give this collective knowledge back to the community in an accessible and relevant way to enable buyers to make educated and informed purchase." says Garret.

In total 18 models made it to the top of the user communities' list. And only printers with more than 10 reviews are included in the buyers' guide. Their secondary 'Printer Index' includes all 67 3D Printers that didn't make it to the top of their categories. Only Printers with more than 5 reviews are displayed in the Index.

Here are 3D printers included in the 2015 3D Printer Guide and their scores in each category:

Enthusiast 3D Printers

Makergear M2 (9.0), FlashForge Creator Pro (8.7), Ultimaker 2 (8.6), Witbox (8.6), Lulzbot Taz 4 (8.5)

Plug-n-Play 3D Printers

Zortrax M200 (8.9), BEETHEFIRST (8.9), UP Plus 2 (8.8)

Kit/DIY 3D Printers

Rostock MAX (9.0), Mendel90 (8.9), Kossel (8.8), Ultimaker Original+ (8.8)

Budget 3D Printers

Printrbot Simple Metal (8.6), Sharebot KIWI (8.6), FlashForge Creator (8.4), UP! mini (8.3)

3D Resin Printers

Form 1+ (8.4), B9Creator (8.1)

You can access The 2015 3D Printer Guide here.

Posted in 3D Printers

 

Maybe you also like:

• Weld3D working on development of low cost 3D metal printing
• HP wants to rewrite the rules of 3D printing with new 'Multi Jet Fusion' tech
• XYZprinting ships all-in-one XYZ Da Vinci 1.0 AiO 3D printer/scanner
• Coming soon to Kickstarter: FLUX, the all-in-one Delta 3D printer, scanner & laser engraver
• UK company Fripp Designs unveils Picsima silicone 3D printer
• The smallest, battery powered 3D resin printer launches on Kickstarter, $189 for early birds
• Polyes Q1 3D printing pen uses light to harden ink, Kickstarter launch coming soon
• Dutch company By Flow working on a truly portable 3D printer that can print in plastic, ceramic & food
• Peachy Printer released its latest 3D prints, now available for pre-order

   

Leave a comment:

Your Name: