When you buy a 3D printer for your facility or business, you’re investing in a great tool for producing products, marketing materials, and more. Choosing the right model can be a challenge, especially if you’re brand new to 3D printing and all that it can do for you. Before you take the plunge and purchase a Creatbot F430 3D printer or similar machine, consider the key features to look for in an industrial 3D printer. Consider these factors when purchasing a higher-grade machine intended for large-scale jobs versus a smaller desktop printer intended for an amateur or hobbyist.
Industrial Printers Require Industrial Materials
When most people think of 3D printers, they think of hobbyist printers employing polylactic acid (PLA) filaments and other materials to create basic parts, tools, statuettes, and similar simple jobs. This is perfect for home projects and school-age children, but it’s not strong enough for industrial uses. Industrial 3D printers are called on to produce items using high-performance materials that provide strength, durability, resistance to chemical reactions and elevated temperatures, and more. Such materials include polyetherimide (PEI), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), PEKK, PA-CF and PA-GF, and others.
Speed
Continuing to review key features to look for in an industrial 3D printer, don’t neglect the importance of finding a printer that can turn out jobs rapidly and efficiently. Industrial printers don’t have the luxury of time that hobbyist ones do. Industrial 3D printers can produce their projects in minutes versus hours. If you intend to produce in great quantities, evaluate the speed of each printer you review. Look at printers offering dual extruders if you not only want to print faster but also plan to use two or more filaments in a project. Your print time will be cut in half or more!
Look for a Large Heated Chamber
More than likely, you’ll need to produce larger or greater quantities of projects at one time. A large chamber permits larger prints or multiple prints at one time. A heated chamber also permits you to print with more high-performance materials at greater temperatures. Some materials, like ABS, create much weaker prints when produced in non-heated chambers. And printers with heated chambers also allow you to control the heat levels according to the jobs.
Active Support
A 3D printer is not a simple acquisition, and some can range in price from thousands to tens of thousands of dollars. After you purchase it, you should expect support from the seller or supplier in case you need future service, parts, or repairs. At 3D Printer Depot, we have a dedicated support team staffed by certified and trained technicians, should you ever need help with your device.