27 3D Printer Manufacturers in 2022
This section provides overview, applications, and principles of 3d printers. Also, please take a look at the list of 27 3d printer manufacturers and their company rankings.
Table of Contents
What Is a 3D Printer?
A 3D printer is a device that generates three-dimensional objects by layering printed cross sections based on 3D data.
3D printers can be broadly classified into five types: powder sintering laminate modeling method (SLS), optical modeling method (SLA), inkjet method, inkjet powder lamination method, and thermal melting lamination method (FDM).
For home use, two types of 3D printers are often used: the thermal melting and laminating method and the optical method.
Applications, Principles, and Merits of Each Type of 3D Printer
1. Thermal Fusion Lamination Method (FDM: Fused Deposition Modeling)
Uses
Production of figures, models, etc.
Principle
The thermoplastic resin is ejected from a nozzle as thin as 0.5mm to print.
Advantages
- Inexpensive main unit
- Printing is possible at low cost due to inexpensive materials
- Mainstream as a 3D printer for general use
Disadvantages
- Requires support materials
- Poor appearance of the modeled object due to stacking marks generated during printing
Printable Resins
PLA resin, ABS resin, etc.
2. Stereolithography (SLA)
Uses
Creation of mock-ups, stage props, etc.
Principle
It serves its printing purpose when a light-curing liquid resin is hardened by exposing it to light.
Advantages
It's easy to process after modeling, transparent printed materials can be created.
3. Powder Sintering Laminate Molding Method (SLS: Selective Laser Sintering)
Applications
It servers its part for industrial equipment and medical implants.
Principle
Printing is done by repeating selective heating and sintering of powdered materials one layer at a time.
Advantages
Large, strong structures can be printed without the need for support materials.
4. Inkjet Method
Uses
Medical parts, small lot product manufacturing
Principle
Printing is performed by placing UV-curable materials on a two-dimensional surface as if printing with an ordinary printer, and then exposing them to UV light to cure them.
Advantages
Easy installation and high-resolution printing
5. Inkjet Powder Lamination Method
Uses
Medical parts, small lot product manufacturing
Principle
Printing is performed by placing adhesive material on lime and curing. Color structures can be created by using colorants.
Advantages
It has easy installation and high-resolution printing
How to Use a 3D Printer
3D printers can layer designed structures by dissolving resin. Here is an explanation of what you need to prepare and the actual procedure.
What You Need to Prepare
- Personal Computer
- 3D Printer
- 3D CAD Software
- Slicing software: Slicing software has the ability to convert 3D data into tool path data.
- Filament: The filament is a material to be laminated. Its type varies depending on the lamination method of the 3D printer, but beginning users most commonly use PLA resin and ABS resin.
Steps to Laminate a Structure with a 3D Printer
- To laminate a structure, 3D data is created by using 3D CAD software.
- It converts the 3D data to STL format so that the 3D printer can read it.
- It then converts STL data to tool path data.
- Activate the 3D printer
- Remove secondary materials that are welded to the structure as support materials
- Lastly, it smooth finishes by surface treatment of burrs, etc.
Filament Materials That Can Be Handled
3D printers are limited in the materials they can handle depending on the type of equipment and the melting method of the material. For example, a 3D printer that can handle resins can handle both general soft and hard resins. Some types of 3D printers can handle a wide range of materials.
The handleable resin and metal materials are as follows:
Resin Filament
The most commonly used resin filaments for both beginners and advanced users are PLA and ABS resins. Other resin materials include nylon, plaster, rubber, and epoxy-based materials.
PLA Resin
PLA resins are synthesized from recycled materials, such as polylactic acid (PLA), which is mainly made from corn.
ABS Resin
ABS resins are synthetic resin composed of acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene.
Metal Filament
Types of metal filaments include stainless steel, brass, titanium, platinum, silver, and gold. Other special materials include filaments containing bronze as a powder.
List of 27 3D Printer Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
Sort by Features
- Default
- Company Size: largest first
- Year Founded: oldest first
- Year Founded: earliest first
Sort by Area
- China
- Germany
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Poland
- Taiwan
- United States of America
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EnvisionTEC
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GE Gas Power
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3D Printer Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Ranking as of January 2023 in United States
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP 3D | 100% |
Ranking as of January 2023 Globally
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP 3D | 100% |
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the 3d printer page as of January 2023. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
- XYZprinting: 70,000
- HP: 51,000
- Shibaura Machine: 3,049
Newly Established Company
- INTAMSYS: 2016 (7 years ago)
- Raise 3D Technologies: 2014 (9 years ago)
- BigRep: 2014 (9 years ago)
Company with a History
- HP: 1939 (84 years ago)
- Shibaura Machine: 1949 (74 years ago)
- MicroJet Technology: 1996 (27 years ago)
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