No longer a technology of the future, 3D printers have established themselves as an accessible tool for hobbyists, educational institutions and businesses. However, prices vary dramatically - from under £2,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars. In this guide, we dive into what you can expect to get for your money across different price ranges and what factors influence the price of a 3D printer.
What determines the price of a 3D printer?
Before we explore the different price ranges, it's important to understand what factors drive the price of a 3D printer:
1. Print technology
Different print technologies come with different price tags:
- FDM/FFF (Fused Deposition Modeling/Fused Filament Fabrication) printers are generally the most affordable
- Resin printers (SLA/DLP/LCD) typically start slightly higher in price
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) printers and Metal printers are at the high end of the price spectrum
2. Building volume
The larger the print area, the higher the price. High build volume printers require more robust mechanical components and more powerful electronics.
3. precision and resolution
Higher precision and resolution cost more. Industrial printers with microscopic precision come at a significantly higher price than hobbyist models.
4. Closed vs. open frame
Closed chamber printers are typically more expensive but offer better temperature control and security features.
5. Connectivity options
WiFi, touchscreen, CCTV and other smart features add to the price.
6. Material compatibility
Printers that can handle a wide range of materials typically have higher prices.
Price ranges for 3D printers
Budget 3D printers (1,500-3,500 kr.)
In this category you will find FDM printers aimed primarily at beginners and hobbyists:
What you get:
- Build volume typically around 15x15x15 cm
- Basic functionality without many extras
- Manual bed-leveling in many cases
- Typical open frame design
- Limited to basic filaments like PLA and ABS
Benefits:
- Low initial investment
- Great way to learn the basics of 3D printing
- Large online communities for support
- Often open-source with many upgrade options available
Limitations:
- More manual work required for consistent results
- Lower print speed and quality
- Limited reliability on long prints
- Higher risk of print failure
Popular models:
- Creality Ender 3 (and variants)
- Artillery Genius
- Kingroon KP3
This price category is ideal for beginners who want to explore 3D printing without a large initial investment.
Mid-range 3D printers ($3,500-10,000)
This category includes both advanced FDM printers and entry-level resin printers:
What you get:
- Larger build volume (up to 30x30x40 cm for FDM)
- Auto bed-leveling on many models
- Better print accuracy and speed
- Ability to print with multiple materials (PETG, TPU, etc.)
- High detail resin printers (LCD/MSLA technology)
Benefits:
- Good balance between price and performance
- More reliable results with fewer misprints
- Ease of use with automated features
- Greater material flexibility
Limitations:
- Still not on par with professional systems
- May require regular maintenance
- Resin printers typically have smaller build volumes
Popular models:
- Prusa i3 MK4
- Elegoo Mars 3 Pro (resin)
- Creality CR-10 Smart Pro
- Anycubic Cobra 2 Max
This price category is ideal for serious hobbyists, small businesses and educational institutions looking for quality printing at a reasonable price.
Semi-professional 3D printers (10,000-40,000 kr.)
In this category you will find high-quality FDM printers, advanced resin printers, and entry-level multi-material systems:
What you get:
- Closed chamber with temperature control
- High-speed printing while maintaining quality
- Dual extrusion or multi-material capability
- Industrial reliability and repeatability
- Network integration and remote control
- Advanced security features
Benefits:
- Consistent, high-quality results
- Ability to print with technical materials (nylon, PC, composites)
- Longer lifespan with industrial-grade components
- Professional support from the manufacturer
Limitations:
- Significant investment
- May require dedicated space
- Often proprietary materials or systems
Popular models:
- Ultimaker S3
- Formlabs Form 3+ (resin)
- Bambu Lab X1 Carbon
- Prusa XL (multi-material)
This price category is ideal for professional creatives, engineering firms, and companies that regularly use 3D printing for product development.
Professional and industrial 3D printers ($40,000 and up)
The top price range includes industrial FDM systems, high-end resin printers, SLS printers and metal printers:
What you get:
- Extreme precision and reliability
- Large construction volumes
- Advanced material options (including industrial thermoplastics and metals)
- Comprehensive software ecosystems
- Fully automated processes
- Certified materials for specific industries
Benefits:
- Production quality and consistency
- Possibility of functional end-user parts
- Comprehensive manufacturer support and service
- Integration with industrial workflows
Limitations:
- Requires significant investment, both in hardware and infrastructure
- Special training is often required
- High operating costs
Examples:
- Stratasys F370 (FDM)
- EOS Formiga P110 (SLS)
- Markforged Metal X (metal)
- 3D Systems Project (multi-jet)
This price category targets manufacturing companies, large R&D departments, and specialized service agencies.
Hidden costs of 3D printers
When considering your investment in a 3D printer, it's important to think beyond the initial purchase price:
1. Consumables
- Filament (200-600 kr./kg)
- Resin (400-1,200 kr./liter)
- Building boards and special surfaces
2. Maintenance
- Spare parts (nozzles, extruders, drive belts)
- Cleaning agents
- Tools for maintenance
3. Upgrades
- Better cooling fans
- Direct extrude
- Improved hotends
4. Power consumption
Industrial printers can have significant power consumption that should be factored into the running costs.
Get the most for your money
Here are some tips to get the best 3D printer for your price:
- Define your needs: Consider what materials you want to print with, what precision you need, and how much build volume you actually need.
- Research community support: Printers with active user groups provide access to free support, tips and upgrade options.
- Consider open-source vs. proprietary systems: Open-source printers offer greater freedom for modifications, while proprietary systems often offer better user experience and support.
- Look beyond the specifications: read user reviews and see examples of actual prints from different printers in your price range.
- Consider TCO (Total Cost of Ownership): A more expensive printer with a lower failure rate and less material consumption can actually be cheaper in the long run.
Conclusion
3D printer prices range from budget-friendly models to high-end industrial systems. Your choice should be based on your specific needs, skill level and budget. For beginners, a low or mid-range printer is typically sufficient to get you started and familiarize you with the technology.
For professionals and businesses, the investment in a more expensive model can be justified by increased reliability, better support and higher quality output. Remember to factor the ongoing costs of materials and maintenance into your overall budget.
At Lab3D, we offer advice on choosing the right 3D printer for your needs. Contact us for a no-obligation chat about which price range and model makes the most sense for you or your business.
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