What is the best large format 3D printer in 2022?
A 5,000lb printer developed by the University of Maine can print entire boats, making it the largest 3D printer ever made!
Anyhow, maybe you’re trying to create that Master Chief replica helmet, or the big bad for your D&D campaign, but you simply can’t afford a 3D printer that can do the job.
However, for projects that won’t fit in the average 3D printer, a slightly larger build volume can definitely be helpful.
There are some excellent 3D printers on the market, mostly thanks to their very large build volume.
How This List Works
Having thoroughly researched the large format printer industry, I have found a number of the best models available.
A machine with a large build volume is considered large format for the purposes of this list.
There is only a marginal difference in build volume between these 3D printers, which I am considering when deciding which 3D printer is the best large format 3D printer.
I always list the advantages and disadvantages of 3D printers when researching and testing them, identifying which features and capabilities I liked as well as pointing out any problems, defects, design oversights, etc., that lessen the printer’s capabilities.
When it comes to buying a large objects 3D printer, any one of these factors could potentially influence your choice.
My final step will be to weigh all the pros and cons as well as the specifications of large format 3D printers. I will then choose my favorite 3D printer.
That’s what I’ve got for you.
What are you waiting for?
1. Creality CR-10S Pro V2 – Best For Beginners
The brand Creality is known for by both experienced creators and 3D printer beginners alike as one of the larger names in the industry.
Their largest volume-wise 3D printer is the CR-10S Pro V2. As you can see, its initial physical dimensions aren’t that big – just 300 x 300 x 400mm.
You may be able to understand the difference in build volume a little more clearly compared to a desktop 3D printer, such as the Prusa Original. As the Prusa features a modest 250 x 210 x 210mm build volume, the CR-10 has a build volume that is 30% larger.
A wide range of Creality 3D printers can produce the same results: the Creality CR, for example, can max out at 200mm/s, which is quite good for a large 3D printer.
An excellent set of high-quality-of-life features are built into this 3D printer – such as an auto-leveling print bed and a material shortage sensor.
Although it has a few drawbacks, this is a reliable workhorse machine.
Pros
- Fast print speeds on average and at maximum
- With automatic levelling
- Assembling and configuring the device is fairly intuitive
Cons
- Stickers for bed frames aren’t very good
- A print resolution not as high as the original
2. FLSUN QQ-S – Fastest Large Format 3D Printer
In my ” Best Under 500 review ,” I also reviewed this large format printer, and I’m glad to find out that the press is recognizing this fantastic 3D printer.
It might come as a surprise…
A good printer at an affordable price, the FLSUN offers exceptional performance.
In comparison to the standard cartesian printer, the FLSUN QQ-S Pro has a unique hourglass shape thanks to its delta style (which is pretty popular in eastern markets).
Delta printers have a significantly higher vertical build volume as a result of their elevated height. Additionally, the printing speed of this 3D printer is incredible – it can print at speeds of up to 300mm/s, making it an unlikely candidate for the fastest printer in the world.
There’s some noise coming from the printer, but considering how fast it is, that’s understandable.
Considering how affordable the FLSUN is, you wouldn’t expect this machine to have many extra features. One of the downsides is the lack of quality-of-life features, including automatic bed leveling.
It’s a fantastic deal, though, since you’ll get a great printer and a big screen.
Pros
- Maximum speed at breakneck speed
- Height is excellent
- Exceptional value
Cons
- A little noisy
- The inclusion of quality-of-life elements is limited
3. Fusion3 F410 – Best High-End
Next, we have the Fusion3 F410, which is a step up in price.
My knowledge of this 3D printer company and their products was zero prior to writing this article.
However, having studied this printer, I think it’s one of the top large format 3D printers to be included in this list.
I had initially said…
There is a larger price tag for this 3D printer.
However, its excellent print volume and overall performance make it well worth the price increase. A large printer like this is unaffordable for most people.
The F410 simulates the real world behind a glass box, so you can see how your creations come to life.
As a consequence, machines that use enclosed environments tend to be more expensive, as they offer greater internal environmental control and less temperature-related problems over time.
Regarding the volume of printed matter…
There is no enclosed machine that can compete with the specs of this large format 3D printer unless it is a work horse.
The overall volume of this 3D printer is 356 x 356 x 316mm, which is well above average for this list, but still less than that of a traditional desktop 3D printer, particularly an enclosed one.
In addition, the software offers:
- This machine has one of the fastest print speeds in the industry (250mm/s: one of the fastest on the list)
- You can print from your phone via ethernet (just use your phone and an ethernet cable).
- Additionally, the print bed can be automatically leveled and filaments detected.
All of those will be monitored by you.
Unlike other machines on this list, this is an expensive machine.
Nevertheless, you’ll receive high-quality 3D printers for the price you pay.
Pros
- High print speeds, both typically and maximally
- With auto-leveling
- Assembling and configuring the device is fairly intuitive
Cons
- Costly
- Periodically, plate glass enclosures need to be replaced
4. Raise3D Pro 2 Plus – Best Large Format Dual Extruder
Along with the F410, the Raise3D Pro 2 Plus is also an expensive and fully enclosed 3D printer.
As with the F410, I wasn’t aware of the F412’s capabilities when I began my research. I was also hesitant to include two such expensive machines on the list.
In any case, …
I decided to test this 3D printer out for myself due to its large build volume and positive customer reviews.
My initial impression of the Pro 2 Plus was positive.
This machine has the largest build volume of any machine on this list – making it the most important factor for this list. A 3-foot-long, 305-mm-wide, 604.52-mm-tall printer, it can create some incredibly tall things, something that’s uncommon for a desktop 3D printer.
How much more will this increased price tag cost?
This large scale 3D printer, unlike the F410, has dual extruders, so you have all the options you’d expect, rather than having to choose from just one filament type or color.
Though this 3D printer only prints at a speed of 30-150mm/s, that’s still quite decent for a 3D printer.
Fortunately, the Pro 2 Plus compensates for this with excellent layer resolution (0.01mm) and an expansive filament library that accepts all kinds of filament.
Almost any material can be printed on.
In the end…
You shouldn’t be disappointed with this 3D printer given its price range.
Apart from its contained printing capabilities and a live camera, the Pro 2 Plus offers pre-calibrated leveling, WiFi, and pre-calibrated leveling.
Pros
- Exceptional resolution for layers
- Wi-Fi connectivity and live video
- Volume of construction is large
Cons
- A very (very) high price
- Printers at a similar price point aren’t as fast
5. Peopoly Phenom – Best Large Format Resin 3D Printer
We should also include resin printers here as an alternative to solid filaments, which still dominate the market.
As far as I am concerned…
As resin has shown itself to be a totally viable alternative to other desktop 3D printers, I was curious to see if it would stand up to larger build volumes.
What did you think?
I was struck by the substantial construction of the Phenom.
Phenom is completely enclosed and square, like the last two printers. Unlike the F410, the Phenom is built almost entirely from metal instead of (relatively) fragile glass.
Sadly, the front glass plate has a lifespan of 400 hours on the Peopoly website, meaning it is a consumable.
It could be costly to have to have resin 3D printers on a regular basis, considering resin 3D printers tend to take longer than solid filament 3D printers.
However, there is more…
In terms of build volume, it has a respectable capacity at 276 x 155 x 400mm, though that’s nothing revolutionary, notably on this list.
I liked the incredibly responsive user interface of this 3D printer.
The touch screen is what most printers use to accomplish this.
There is no repeated issue or frustration with it like many printers.
In addition, it displays other important information and warnings, such as the estimated print time (and does so fairly accurately).
Also simple was leveling the bed.
Lastly…
Its excellent print quality and resolution was what caught my attention. It’s worth mentioning that some printers on this list achieve a better resolution (the F410 and the Pro 2 Plus), but this is still among the best you can get at this price point.
Pros
- Ease of use for bed leveling
- Feedback and controls for touchscreens are excellent
- Excellent quality of printing
Cons
- Building volume is smaller
- Replace front panels on a regular basis
6. Tronxy X5SA – Most Affordable
The Tronxy X5SA has been added to the list after our extended visit to the land of expensive 3D printers.
Its large build volume is just one of the excellent features of the X5SA.
The build volume of the Creality and this other affordable 3D printer on our list is comparable.
But…
However, the Tronxy is more affordable than the Creality and has an edge over it!
However, this printer lacks the nifty features of older models due to its lower price point.
There are no mobile connections, high-tech filament detectors, or similar perks.
Instead…
With an excellent build space, solid speed, and a few interesting quirks, this 3D printer is a solid, large, high-volume machine.
With regards to building speed…
This 3D printer lags behind the rest (it can print at most 100mm/s). It compensates for this by being able to handle a wide range of filaments (PLA, TPU, ABS, wood, PC, HIPS, wood filament, etc.).
A solid build, reinforced at the key points, means the Tronxy is capable of taking a beating before breaking.
I want to give credit where it’s due, so I want to emphasize it in reviews that focus on large, expensive printers.
At last…
The 3D printer has a few quirks, so it is only fair that I look at them.
The patent slicer software on it is a bit strange.
I found that the printer is not compatible with popular software like Cura or Repetier-Host, although the manufacturer claims this to be true.
Assembling the printer is also quite tedious and not the easiest of tasks. You’ll feel like you’re creating Frankenstein’s monster as you assemble this 3D printer, with Phillips and standard screws, an extra wheel on the guide track, etc.
Pros
- Constructed with durability
- Price is excellent
Cons
- Construction speed is slow
- There are many little quirks
7. Anycubic Chiron – Best Price For Build Volume
Additionally, Anycubic’s Chiron offers a much larger 3D print volume than its other printers, measuring a hefty 400 x 400 x 450mm.
Despite being not the largest of all printers on the list, it is definitely a great printer at this price level.
The other specs of the device…
The Chiron has a relatively average print speed (20-100mm/s), a wide range of print resolution, and an end result between 0.05mm and 0.3mm.
Chiron’s best feature is…
The consistency of its design.
While I was testing this printer, I noticed that I didn’t encounter any persistent issues, and that it can handle a bit of abuse before complaining.
As part of its quality of life enhancements, this 3D printer offers a resume-print feature, some (janky) auto-leveling features, and an alarm for missing filaments.
Pros
- The volume of builds was excellent
- Construction of high quality
- Inclusions that are beneficial to quality of life
Cons
- Speed of printing is slow
- Print resolution is low
What’s My Top Pick?
Voilà, the most comprehensive list of large format 3D printers in the world.
After reading this far, it’s probably obvious that you’d like to know what I thought was the best.
My Pick: FLSUN QQ-S
A printer like this is hard to beat on value, from its incredible build speed, to its great vertical build options, to the care the manufacturers have taken to design it, to its ridiculous price.
Let me start by focusing on the last point: this is by far the cheapest 3D printer on this list.
Also, it’s the fastest 3D printer on this list , and it can create high-quality prints that are super sharp.
As a result…
… it does what you need it to do everywhere.
This 3D printer’s only negative aspects are its rather loud operation – something that has been improved since previous versions, its incompatibility with US outlets, and its lack of quality-of-life features.
I found none of these inconveniences to be significant and none affected my perception of this printer.
That’s it for today!
I appreciate you taking the time to read this. You will have many successful 3D printing experiences, whether you opt for the FLSUN or another product on this list.
