Top 3 Workhorse 3D Printers

There seems to be hundreds of 3D Printers available to pick from. Cheap chinese kits and exceptionally expensive industrial systems. But what are the machines that simply work. Good quality machines that might not be the cheapest but are tools that you can rely on to make a good quality part ever time. Here are some good quality workhorse 3D Printers.

Taz 6 - $2,950

The Taz 6 is an open source 3D printer created by Aleph Objects. It is constructed of a powdercoated aluminum and steel frame and 3D printed parts. The Taz 6 is built in the US and is recognized as good reliable industrial desktop 3D printer. The one disadvantage of the Taz 6 is that it utilizes a moving print bed which effectively waves your parts through the air so that warping can be an issue.

Taz 6 Key Specs

• Print Volume Dimensions 280 mm x 280 mm x 285 mm (11.02" x 11.02" x 11.22")
• Tool Head: HE Tool Head | Hardened Steel | 0.5 mm
• Layer Resolution: 0.05 mm - 0.4 mm (0.002 in - 0.02 in)
• Max Hot End Temperature: 290°C
• Print Surface: Modular Borosilicate Glass/PEI
• Max Print Surface Temperature: 120°C
• Materials: Most Open Source Materials including Flexibles (2.85 diameter)

Mason V1 - $1,995

The Mason V1 is a 3D Printer specifically designed to run for years with just normal maintenance. Born from printers designed for high volume 3D printing in a factory the Mason is made from a tough aluminum extrusion frame and 3D Printed parts created by the Mason itself. One truly unique advantage of the Mason is that any part made on it can immediately be produced by the thousands by the Slant 3D printing factories without samples are setup fees making it ideal for prototype to production design and planning. Through the Mason does have a slightly smaller print volume than other machines on this list.

Mason Key Specs

• Print Volume Dimensions 220 mm x 220 mm x 235 mm (8.66" x 8.66" x 9.25")
• Tool Head: Mason Toolhead E3D Extruder with Brass Nozzle
• Layer Resolution: 0.04 mm - 0.3 mm (0.0015 in - 0.02 in)
• Max Hot End Temperature: 290°C
• Print Surface: Modular Borosilicate Glass or Metal
• Max Print Surface Temperature: 110°C
• Materials: Most Open Source Materials including Flexibles and Carbon Fiber (1.75mm diameter)

Ultimaker 3 - $3495

The smallest machine in this lineup. The Ultimaker 3 is a proven machine that has been around for awhile. With a completely integrated software, material, and machine setup Ultimaker makes it easy to get start printing quickly. Though maintenance can be difficult given the closed off nature of the machine and components.

It does boast dual extrusion which allows it to print parts with multiple materials.

Ultimaker 3 Key Specs

• Print Volume Dimensions 197 mm x 215 mm x 200 mm (7.8" x 8.5" x 7.9")
• Tool Head: Dual Extrusion High Temp Toolhead
• Layer Resolution: 0.02 mm - 0.3 mm (0.002 in - 0.02 in)
• Max Hot End Temperature: 280°C
• Print Surface: Modular Borosilicate Glass/PEI
• Max Print Surface Temperature: 120°C
• Materials: Some Open Source Materials or Ultimaker Specific Materials (PLA to Nylon, 1.75mm diameter)