3D printers have been in the industrial space for more than 30 years and the technology is constantly evolving. These workhorses can print super fine details (the thickness of a human hair) for medical and veterinary models; lightweight and flexible products like midsoles of shoes for the footwear industry; strong and sturdy endparts for the aerospace and automotive industries; cool 3D cartoon and 3D character models like Bugs Bunny and SheRa; architectural and industrial models for businesses and 3D art for the creative industry. This list is just the tip of the iceberg. The possibilities of what 3D printing can do are endless.

Not all 3D printers are the same, however. There are several different 3D printing technologies available and each one uses different materials.

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers use nylon and wax-like filament
• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) printers use polymer powder (nylon-based material)
• Color Jet Printing (CJP) printers use gypsum powder
• Stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP) printers use resin (liquid polymer)
• Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) printers use metal powder

WhiteClouds does not sell 3D printers, but we've pulled the basic details from the three largest players in the industrial 3D printer space to help you choose the best technology for your needs. These 3D printers are capable of building everything from intricate pieces of jewelry to jet engine parts; from hearing aids to eyewear; high-quality end-parts to clear dental aligners. Whether you're looking for DMLS, SLS, SLA, MultiJet, PolyJet or FDM printers, it's all here.

EOS

EOS has been producing high-quality 3D industrial printers for 30 years. This Munich-based manufacturer has locations in many countries including the U. S. EOS’ printers use DMLS, SLS and Stereolithography technology to produce high-quality end-parts, jewelry and watches.

FORMIGA P 110 Velocis

Print Size:
200 x 250 x 330 mm
7.9 x 9.8 x 13 in
Technology: SLS

EOS P 396

Print Size:
340 x 340 x 600 mm
13.4 x 13.4 x 23.6 in
Technology: SLS

EOS P 500

Print Size:
500 x 330 x 400 mm
9.7 x 13 x 15.7 in
Technology: SLS

EOS P 770

Print Size:
700 x 380 x 580 mm
27.6 x 15 x 22.9 in
Technology: SLS

EOS P 800

Print Size:
700 x 380 x 560 mm
27.6 x 15 x 22.05 in
Technology: SLS

EOS P 810

Print Size:
700 x 380 x 380 mm
27.6 x 15 x 15 in
Technology: SLS

EOS M 100

Print Size:
100 x 95 mm
3.9 x 3.7 in
Technology: DMLS

EOS M 290

Print Size:
250 x 250 x 325 mm
9.85 x 9.85 x 12.8 in
Technology: DMLS

EOS M 300-4

Print Size:
300 x 300 x 400 mm
11.8 x 11.8 x 15.8 in
Technology: DMLS

EOS M 400

Print Size:
400 x 400 x 400 mm
15.8 x 15.8 x 15.8 in
Technology: DMLS

EOS M 400

Print Size:
400 x 400 x 400 mm
15.8 x 15.8 x 15.8 in
Technology: DMLS

PRECIOUS M 080

Print Size:
80 x 95 mm
3.1 X 3.7 in
Technology: DMLS

Stratasys

Stratasys has been a leader in 3D printers technology for over 30 years. They make a variety of high-quality 3D printers that use FDM, PolyJet and Stereolithography technologies. The company, founded by Scott and Lisa Crump, merged with Objet in 2012.

Stratasys Continuous Build

Print Size:
12 x 12 x 12 cm
4.7 x 4.7 x 4.7 in
Technology: FDM

Stratasys F120

Print Size:
254 x 254 x 254 mm
10 x 10 x 10 in
Technology: FDM

Stratasys F170

Print Size:
254 x 254 x 254 mm
10 x 10 x 10 in
Technology: FDM

Stratasys F270

Print Size:
305 x 254 x 305 mm
12 x 10 x 12 in
Technology: FDM

Stratasys F370

Print Size:
355 x 254 x 355 mm
14 x 10 x 14 in
Technology: FDM

Stratasys F900

Print Size:
914.4 x 609.6 x 914.4 mm
36 x 24 x 36 in
Technology: FDM

Fortus 380 Carbon Fiber Edition

Print Size:
355 x 305 x 305 mm
14 x 12 x 12 in
Technology: FDM

Fortus 380mc

Print Size:
355 x 305 x 305 mm
14 x 12 x 12 in
Technology: FDM

Fortus 450mc

Print Size:
406 x 355 x 406 mm
16 x 14 x 16 in
Technology: FDM

Connex1 Objet260

Print Size:
255 x 252 x 200 mm
10.0 x 9.9 x 7.9 in
Technology: PolyJet

Connex1 Objet500

Print Size:
490 x 390 x 200 mm
19.3 x 15.4 x 7.9 in
Technology: PolyJet

Connex3 Objet260

Print Size:
255 x 252 x 200 mm
10.0 x 9.9 x 7.9 in
Technology: PolyJet

Connex3 Objet350

Print Size:
342 x 342 x 200 mm
13.4 x 13.4 x 7.9 in
Technology: PolyJet

Connex 3 Objet500

Print Size:
490 x 390 x 200 mm
19.3 x 15.4 x 7.9 in
Technology: PolyJet

Stratasys J700 Dental

Print Size:
490 x 390 mm
19.3 x 15.35 in
Technology: PolyJet

Stratasys J720 Dental

Print Size:
490 x 390 x 200 mm
19.3 x 15.35 x 7.9 in
Technology: PolyJet

Stratasys Objet1000 Plus

Print Size:
1000 x 800 x 500 mm
39.3 x 31.4 x 19.6 in
Technology: PolyJet

Objet260 Dental

Print Size:
255 x 252 x 200 mm
10.0 x 9.9 x 7.9 in
Technology: PolyJet

Objet260 Dental Selection

Print Size:
255 x 252 x 200 mm
10.0 x 9.9 x 7.9 in
Technology: PolyJet

Objet500 Dental Selection

Print Size:
490 x 390 x 200 mm
19.3 x 15.4 x 7.9 in
Technology: PolyJet

Objet30 Dental Prime

Print Size:
300 x 200 x 100 mm
11.81 x 7.87 x 3.94 in
Technology: PolyJet

Objet30 OrthoDesk

Print Size:
300 x 200 x 100 mm
11.81 x 7.87 x 3.94 in
Technology: PolyJet

Objet30 Prime

Print Size:
294 x 192 x 148.6 mm
11.57 x 7.55 x 5.85 in
Technology: PolyJet

Objet30 Pro

Print Size:
294 x 192 x 148.6 mm
11.57 x 7.55 x 5.85 in
Technology: PolyJet

Stratasys J735

Print Size:
350 x 350 x 200 mm
13.8 x 13.8 x 7.9 in
Technology: PolyJet

Stratasys J750

Print Size:
490 x 390 x 200 mm
19.3 x 15.35 x 7.9 in
Technology: PolyJet

Stratasys V650Flex

Print Size:
508 x 508 x 584 mm
20 x 20 x 23 in
Technology: PolyJet

3D Systems

3D Systems is an innovative company and has more than 33 years of expertise in the 3D printers industry. 3D Systems was co-founded by Chuck Hull, the inventor of stereolithography and was the first 3D printers company in the world. 3D Systems offer several models for SLS and DMLS, Multijet, Full color and Dental 3D printers.

DMP Factory 500 Solution

Print Size:
500mm x 500mm x 500mm
19.68 x 19.68 x 19.68 in
Technology: DMLS

DMP Flex 350

Print Size:
275 x 275 x 380 mm
10.82 x 10.82 x 14.96 in
Technology: DMLS

DMP Factory 350

Print Size:
275 x 275 x 380 mm
10.82 x 10.82 x 14.96 in
Technology: DMLS

ProX DMP 300

Print Size:
250 x 250 x 330 mm
9.84 x 9.84 x 12.99 in
Technology: DMLS

ProX DMP 200

Print Size:
250 x 250 x 330 mm
9.84 x 9.84 x 12.99 in
Technology: DMLS

DMP Flex 100

Print Size:
100 x 100 x 80 mm
3.94 x 3.94 x 3.15 in
Technology: DMLS

ProX DMP 200 Dental

Print Size:
140 x 140 x 125 mm
5.51 x 5.51 x 4.92 in
Technology: DMLS

DMP 100 Dental

Print Size:
100 x 100 x 80 mm
3.94 x 3.94 x 3.15 in
Technology: DMLS

Figure 4 Production

Print Size:
124.8 x 70.2 x 346 mm
4.9 x 2.8 x 13.6 in
Technology: SLA

Figure 4 Modular

Print Size:
124.8 x 70.2 x 346 mm
4.9 x 2.8 x 13.6 in
Technology: SLA

Figure 4 Standalone

Print Size:
124.8 x 70.2 x 196 mm
4.9 x 2.8 x 7.7 in
Technology: SLA

FabPro 1000

Print Size:
125 x 70 x 120 mm
4.92 x 2.76 x 4.72 in
Technology: SLA

ProJet MJP 5600

Print Size:
518 x 381 x 300 mm
20.4 x 15 x 11.8 in
Technology: MJP

ProJet MJP 2500/2500 Plus

Print Size:
295 x 211 x 142 mm
11.6 x 8.3 x 5.6 in
Technology: MJP

ProJet MJP 2500 IC

Print Size
294 x 211 x 144 mm
11.6 x 8.3 x 5.6 in
Technology: MJP

ProJet MJP 2500 W

Print Size:
294 x 211 x 144 mm
11.6 x 8.3 x 5.6 in
Technology: MJP

ProJet MJP 3600 Series

Print Size:
298 x 185 x 203 mm
11.75 x 7.3 x 8 in
Technology: MJP

ProX SLS 6100

Print Size:
381 x 330 x 460 mm
15 x 13 x 18 in
Technology: SLS

sPro 60 HD-HS

Print Size:
381 x 330 x 460 mm
15 x 13 x 18 in
Technology: SLS

sPro 140

Print Size:
550 x 550 x 460 mm
22 x 22 x 18 in
Technology: SLS

sPro 230

Print Size:
550 x 550 x 750 mm
22 x 22 x 30 in
Technology: SLS

ProJet 6000 HD

Print Size:
250 x 250 x 250 mm
10 x 10 x 10 in
Technology: SLA

ProJet 7000 HD

Print Size:
380 x 380 x 250 mm
15 x 15 x 10 in
Technology: SLA

ProX 800

Print Size:
650 x 750 x 550 mm
25.6 x 29.5 x 21.65 in
Technology: SLA

ProX 950

Print Size:
1500 x 750 x 550 mm
59 x 30 x 22 in
Technology: SLA

ProJet CJP 260Plus

Print Size:
236 x 185 x 127 mm
9.3 x 7.3 x 5 in
Technology: CJP

ProJet CJP 360

Print Size:
203 x 254 x 203 mm
8 x 10 x 8 in
Technology: CJP

ProJet CJP 460Plus

Print Size
203 x 254 x 203 mm
8 x 10 x 8 in
Technology: CJP

ProJet CJP 660Pro

Print Size:
254 x 381 x 203 mm
10 x 15 x 8 in
Technology: CJP

ProJet CJP 860Pro

Print Size:
508 x 381 x 229 mm
20 x 15 x 9 in
Technology: CJP

Consumer 3D Printers:

There are a variety of 3D printers that have smaller-scale applications for consumers. Fused deposition modeling (FDM), stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS) and digital light processing (DLP) technologies are the most common technologies used. Prices for these 3D printers range from $160 to $3,500.

• Creality CR – FDM
• MakerBot Replicator – FDM
• Ultimaker 3 – FDM
• Formlabs Form 2 – SLA

Which 3D Printer Is Right For You?

Challenges you may want to consider when purchasing a 3D printer:

• Purpose: What are you going to use it for? Rapid prototyping, medical modeling or manufacturing. Based on that question, you’ll have a better idea of the technologies that will 3D print your product or part.
• Technology: Does your part or model require fine detail? The complexity of your product or part will determine which technology you’ll need to make it happen.
• Materials: Do you need strength, durability, flexibility? Metal, filament, plastic and resin are used for different products.
• Budget: How much do you want to spend? 3D printers like the Stratasys line range from $6,000 - $750,000.

Other things to consider when purchasing a 3D printer:

• Specialized equipment you may need to use or set up for production and cleanup processes.
• Learn what skills may be needed to operate and maintain each technology.
• What other supplies, tools and manpower are needed.

Challenges you may want to consider when purchasing a 3D printer:

There are a lot of different software options for 3D printing so it's worth your time to investigate them all to be sure you've got the best one for your manufacturing needs.

Capital expenditures and on-going expenses might include software costs, cost of materials for your chosen technology; purchase of new 3D printers; depreciation (most printers are used for about five years); consumables needed for post processing, packaging and shipping; printing time; electricity usage; repairs and upgrades; manpower needed to complete projects; and cost of failed prints.

Printer maintenance includes having the technicians lined up or employees trained to do this. Be sure to schedule specific uptime and preventive maintenance regularly. Doing so will help you avoid major down time when machines breakdown.

There is always something new on the market so doing thorough research is an important part of the business process. Ask yourself if the machine will grow with your needs.

There are a broad range of technologies to choose from. You'll want to investigate each of them so you choose the right one for your product. They include: FDM, CJP, DMLS, SLS, SLA, CLIP, Jet Fusion, DLP, MJP, and PolyJet printing.

Maintaining material freshness is important in the 3D printing process. Be sure to plan for sufficient inventory needed to get started and to continue manufacturing products. You'll need to have the physical space to store all materials required. There may be reorder challenges so you may want to have multiple sources for purchasing supplies or plenty of materials/consumables in your inventory, so you don't run out during a print job.

Printer Environment is a key component in additive manufacturing. Be sure to have the proper humidity, clean air, venting, temperature, electrical set up for the technology you choose. For example, SLS machines print highly detailed parts and can be very cost effective but because of the fine powder used you’ll have dust everywhere and you’ll need to have a protective breathing mask. It’s best used in an industrial setting because of the volume it’s capable of printing.

Be sure to consider the many post processing finishes that may be needed to complete the products you manufacture. They include UV protection and waterproofing, bead blasting, washing, waxing, melting, cyanoacrylate strengthening, toxic waste, sanding and grinding.

You need to determine whether your going to ship only locally or worldwide as it affects packaging and shipping options available to you. Some shipping boxes need to be custom built so you'll need extra manpower and supplies to accommodate the different sizes of the completed projects.

WhiteClouds has delivered models around the world.