Feb 10, 2016 | By Kira

We know that bigger doesn’t always mean better, but when it comes to 3D printing, the ever-growing list of absolutely massive, large size 3D printing ventures is hard to ignore. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 20 biggest 3D printers right now, and the various large-format 3D printing projects they are capable of.

Though you’d need a pretty powerful microscope to see the tiniest color picture ever 3D printed (small enough to fit inside a human hair), there’s no way you could miss the giant 3D printed airplane parts, 3D printed furniture, 3D printed cars and yes, even 3D printed buildings coming out of these colossal 3D printers.

Our list of the top 20 biggest 3D printers covers everything from industrial metal 3D printers, to record-breaking construction 3D printers, to low-cost 3D printers you could potentially keep at home. Read on to get all the details:

 

1. Cincinnati Incorporated’s BAAM: 3D printing an entire car

The Big Area Additive Manufacturing (BAAM) machine is an industrial size 3D printer designed for the purpose of 3D printing cars—namely, Local Motors’ 3D printed Strati, a full-scale 3D printed Shelby Cobra, and ORNL’s 3D printed utility vehicle that can produce and share clean energy with a 3D printed house.

With a build volume of 6 x 2.3 x 1.9 meters, Cincinnati Incorporated’s BAAM 3D printer comes with a host of exceptional qualities: its extruder and feeding system, as well as its size and speed allow for large parts to be made quickly, and its ability to work with thermoplastic materials, as well as its open architecture for material vendors keeps costs low.

BAAM’s predecessor is already in the works, and promises to be bigger, better and even cheaper than the original. Though not for sale, the BAAM 3D printer is currently available for service.

Updates (Feb 15, 2016): According to Matt Garbarino of CINCINNATI, although the BAAM is a prototype it is available for sale to companies who want to be leaders in the technology. It is available in BAAM Size 1 with a build volume of 140"x65"x34" and a BAAM Size 2 with a build volume of 240"x90"x72".

 

2. KamerMaker 3D Printer: 3D printing a house in Amsterdam

The KamerMaker, by Dutch DUS architects and Fiction Factory, is a super scaled-up FFF 3D printer currently being used to 3D print a canal house in Amsterdam (Kamer Maker in Dutch literally translates to ‘Room Maker.’)

The upcoming KamerMaker 2.0 is already being built on-site, and will feature 200% of the original print volume, since the control room at the top has been eliminated. Instead, it has been designed with an automated material input system and website-based remote control, ensuring that it is 3D printing 24/7.  Furthermore, the KamerMaker 2.0 is expected to double the 3D printing speeds of its predecessor (which was able to reach 240mm/s) while consuming even less energy. Good news, since the 3D Print Canal House project has already been in the works since 2013.

 

3. D-Shape: 3D printing houses on the moon

Rather than PLA or other thermoplastics, the D-Shape 3D printer works with natural or artificial sand, which is deposited layer by layer, and then fused together with a binder. This has allowed creator Enrico Dini to manufacture everything from large 3D printed coral reefs to, potentially, regolith-based, 3D printed houses on the moon (at least, the European Space Agency seems think so.)

The D-Shape 3D printer consists of a rigid 4×4 meter frame, a large flat bed and a custom print head holding up to 300 nozzles.

 

4. WASP BigDelta: A 12m tall 3D printer for eco-friendly housing

WASP is one of those companies that just won’t stop innovating 3D printing technology, from unique DLP solutions to novel material extruders. However, what has gained this Italian powerhouse the most attention is their large-format 3D printers, created specifically with the goal of 3D printing entire “0 km houses” that are sustainable, environmentally compatible and accessible to everyone.

The WASP BigDelta is the largest of these. Standing at a massive 12 meters tall, it is the world’s largest delta 3D printer, capable of 3D printing cylindrical structures up to 10 meters tall on-site out of completely eco-friendly materials such as clay. Though still in development, the WASP BigDelta will eventually be available on the commercial market. The company is also working to find innovative solutions for the global housing crisis, including 3D printed insect-repelling houses.

 

5. BetAbram: 3D printing concrete houses on-demand

You can huff and puff, but you won’t blow a BetAbram 3D printed house down. That’s because the Slovenian company’s large-format construction 3D printers use a concrete material to build up 3D printed houses.

One of the first companies to actually offer 3D house printers for sale, BetAbram currently offers three construction 3D printer models: The P3 (2 x 3 x 4 m), the P2 (2 x 6 x 12 m) and finally the P1, which offers an impressive build volume of 2 x 9 x 6 m! Prices start at €12,000 for the basic model, and additional information can be requested directly from the manufacturers.

 

6. WinSun’s 3D printed buildings: The largest 3D printer ever

Obviously, 3D printed houses are a big trend among big 3D printers. But the biggest of them all comes from Chinese company WinSun, which has built the world’s first 3D printed villa, and the tallest 3D printed residential house ever, coming in at five stories high. WinSun was also behind a covert scheme that saw 10 concrete 3D printed houses ‘magically’ appear in Shanghai in just one day.

WinSun’s 3D printer, touted as the single largest 3D printer ever, is reportedly around 6 meters tall, 10 meters wide, and 40 meters long, and uses construction waste as its building material.

Though WinSun has kept the technical details of its 3D printer under wraps, WinSun’s building-producing 3D printer is undeniably huge, and could not be overlooked for this list.


So far, our list of the biggest 3D printers today has included some truly massive, monster-sized machines, most of which were designed for highly specialized and/or conceptual purposes. The next category of large-format 3D printers includes those currently being used across real-world manufacturing industries:

 

7. Largest metal 3D printer: Sciaky’s EBAM 300

According to the company’s website, Sciaky’s Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) is a one-of-a-kind 3D printing technology that delivers large-scale, high-value metal 3D printed parts with less material waste, reduced machining time, and shorter time-to-market. Providing the fastest and most scalable deposition process in the metal 3D printing market, Sciaky’s clients include the U.S. Air Force, Lockheed Martin, DARPA and Boeing.

If that wasn’t impressive enough, take note that Sciaky’s EBAM 300 Series offers the largest build platform of any metal 3D printer on the commercial market, with a maximum work envelop of 5.7 x 1.2 x 1.2 x 2.4 m (or round parts up to 0.5 m in diameter). Capable of 3D printing aerospace or other parts from high-value metals such as titanium, tantalum, Inconel and other alloys, the EBAM 300 also has a deposition rate ranging from 7 to 20 lbs per hour, meaning it was capable of 3D printing a 10-foot-long (3 meter) titanium aircraft structure in just 48 hours.

 

8. Largest SLA 3D printer: Materialise Mammoth

When it comes to stereolithography 3D printing, it doesn’t get any bigger than the range of aptly named Materialise Mammoth machines. Designed to create large prototypes for car manufacturers that require no gluing or assembly, the largest Mammoth 3D printer has a build volume of 21 x 7 x 8 m. It also prints extremely fast, thanks to a “patented curtain recoating technology” that minimizes the dead time between layers.

In addition to creating prototypes for car manufacturers, Materialise Mammoth 3D printers have been used in specialized 3D printed fashion projects, including an Iris van Herpen dress. Though not commercially available, Materialise offers its Mammoth 3D printing services with a standard lead time of 4-8 working days.

 

9. Largest industrial 3D printer: Voxeljet’s VX4000

Marketed straightforwardly as the World’s Biggest Industrial 3D Printer, the German-developed Voxlejet VX4000 boasts a build space of 4 x 2 x 1 m. Using sand as the particulate material, it is ideal for the economical production of very large individual sand molds, many small-series components, or a combination of the two. It is currently available for sale via Voxlejet’s website.

 

10. For supersized, superfast 3D printed displays: MASSIVit’s GPD 3D printer

This 3D printing startup designed its large-format, high-speed MASSIVIT 1800 3D printer specifically for the visual communication and ‘themed environment’ markets, noting that its speed, cost effectiveness and large size are ideal creating short-run 3D prints of objects for marketing and branding, as well as movie props or event decorations.

The MASSIVit 1800 3D printer, already available for sale, boasts a build size of 1.5 x 1.2 x 1.8 m, and thanks to its proprietary 3D printing technique, known as Gel Dispensing Printing (GDP), it can print up to 35 cm per hour (meaning a human-size sculpture could be completed within just five hours). The GPD 3D printing process deposits Dimengel, a non-flammable, proprietary material, which hardens when exposed to UV light. The instant solidification allows for high-speed 3D printing and eliminates the need for support structures.

To show off its statement making power, the MASSIVit was used to 3D print a Strati car, as well as a life-size shark for a global anti-hunting campaign.

 

11. Ultrasonic 3D printed metal: Fabrisonic’s SonicLayer

Fabrisonic’s unorthodox yet highly effective UAM (Ultrasound Additive Manufacturing) method for 3D printing metal relies not on lasers or electron beams, but on sound waves to merge layers of metal foil into 3D printed objects.

The range of SonicLayer 3D printing machines print from fifteen to thirty cubic inches per hour, allowing for much larger build volumes than traditional SLS or DMLS 3D printers. The SonicLayer 7200, the largest model, can accommodate parts measuring 1.8 x 1.8 x 0.9 meters.

 

12. Large scale powder metal 3D printing: Concept Laser XLine 2000R

Sticking with the theme of large-format metal 3D printers, next up is Concept Laser’s XLine 2000R, “the world’s largest metal melting machine for the toolless manufacture of large functional components and technical prototypes with series-identical (also reactive material properties.” The dual laser system operates with two lasers that each output 1000W, and the build envelope is 800 x 400 x 500 mm.

 

13. Industrial Series Production: ExOne Exerial 3D printer

ExOne’s largest 3D printing system to date, and one of the largest 3D printers in the world, the Exerial allows for the industrial series production of complex sand cores and molds, fused into 3D objects using binder jetting technology. It offers multiple industrial stations and continuous production and processing.

With a build volume of 2200 x 1200 x 700 mm x 2 (2 job boxes) and a printing volume of 130.5 ft3 (3,696L), the ExOne Exerial is one of the biggest 3D printers ever, and its increased output rates can outprint the S-Max (the company’s largest non-serial production machine) by nearly four times. Multiple Exerial 3D printing systems can even be linked together to form a networked assembly system, making it even more ideal for mass production purposes.

 

14. Largest FDM 3D printer: Stratasys Fortus 900mc

Stratasys co-founder Scott Crump invented FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) technology more than 20 years ago, so it is no surprise that the company is behind the “most powerful” industrial FDM 3D printing system on the market. Capable of 3D printing with no less than 12 production-grade thermoplastic options the Stratasys Fortus 900mc can build durable, accurate and repeatable parts, including functional prototypes, end-use production parts, jigs, fixtures and factory tooling. With a build volume of 914 x 610 x 914 mm, the Fortus 900mc can’t claim to be the largest FDM 3D printer (it is actually the ‘smallest’ 3D printer on this list)—but it makes up for that in terms of power, quality, and the range of high-grade materials it uses.

Just a few years ago, the Fortus 900mc was used to 3D print the airframe parts of a UAV (drone) designed by the AMRC and Boeing.

 

15. Giant multi-material 3D printed prototypes: Objet1000 Plus

The second Stratasys 3D printer on this list, the Objet1000 Plus actually boasts an even bigger build volume than the previously mentioned Fortus 900mc: 1000 x 800 x 500 mm. What truly makes the Objet 1000 Plus stand out is its ability to combine up to 14 different material properties into a single, automated print job. Using PolyJet rather than FDM technology, the Objet1000 Plus is ideal for multi-material, large-scale, 3D printed automotive or aerospace prototypes that are “virtually indistinguishable from the final product and require no assembly.”


So, those are the absolute biggest 3D printers being used at some of the highest levels of industry today. However, what we love about 3D printing technology is that it is actually within our reach. Obviously, not everyone can or wants to 3D print an entire house, but on a more practical level, 3D printed furniture, 3D printed car parts or other large-format 3D printed objects make a lot of sense. Here are some of the largest-format low-cost 3D printers that are still within reach for SMES and even individuals:

16. Hans Fouche’s Cheetah 3D printer is big enough to sleep in

The South African-made Cheetah range of FFF 3D printers are some of the largest, and, as the name implies, fastest, large-format 3D printers available on the consumer market. Offering a build volume of 1000 x 1000 x 1000 mm and a flow rate of 500 grams per hour using the standard 3 mm nozzle, the latest Cheetah 3.1 is definitely big enough to sleep in (creator Hans Fouche himself showed this off by installing a hammock in his)—but we’re sure you could put it to much better use by 3D printing a lawnmower, carjack, or other great functional devices.

The Cheetah 3.1 is currently available for purchase for 100,000 South African Rand (roughly US$6,300) + shipping.

 

17. The BigRep ONE V3 can 3D print furniture for your home

The BigRep One 3D printer, now available in its third generation, boasts a build volume of 1m³ (1000 x 1050 x 1000 mm), allowing for prints up to 27 times the size of a large-volume desktop 3D printer at “one sixteenth of the cost of comparable full-scale machines”. That’s more than enough space to 3D print en entire table, which the company did at Euromold 2014. According to the website, the BigRep ONE “opens the gateway to a new dimension in 3D printing and 3D manufacturing” by providing the maker community with access to full-scale 3D printing for a much lower price.”

So just what kind of ‘low price’ are we talking about? Though individual quotes must be requested through BigRep, the V1 sold for $39,000, and the V2 had a suggested retail price of $44,7000.

 

18. Industrial-quality, low-cost 3D printing with German RepRap X1000

Munich-based German RepRap has released a slew of new industrial 3D printer models in the past few months, including the X400 Pro and the X350 Pro, but most relevant to us is the latest X100 large-format 3D printer.

The X1000 2 offers a build envelope of 1000 x 800 x 600 mm and several safety-conscious features such as a closed build envelope, automatically locking doors, and an integrated automatic two-fold CO2 fire extinguisher as an option.

Price quotes are available from German RepRap or selected retailers.

 

19. Titan Robotics’ ‘bombproof’ Atlas 2.0 3D printer

Titan Robotics’ goal is to build large-format 3D printers that will last a lifetime. The Atlas 2.0 is the Colorado-based company’s largest FDM 3D printer, with a build-space of 915 x 915 x 1220 mm, (making it even bigger than the Fortus 900mc, though its strength is in printing standard FDM-style materials such as ABS, PLA, PETG, Nylon, TPE, etc.)

The ‘bombproof’ aspect of this large-format 3D printer comes from its precision machined steel frame made from quality CNC milled components, and the fact that it’s been tested in everything from “below zero Colorado temperatures to heated enclosures that top out at 85 degrees C.”

The Titan Robotics Atlas 2.0 is available for $24,000, and the company offers unlimited free customer phone service to all buyers.

 

20. Rostock MAX v2: the largest build envelope of any 3D printer under $1000

We couldn’t finish off this list without giving at least one, totally consumer-friendly large-format 3D printer option for the at-home maker’s needs. Recognized for offering the largest build envelope of any 3D printer under $1000, the Rostock MAX v2 delta 3D printer by SeeMeCNC was the obvious choice.

Priced at just $999, the Rostock MAX v2 can 3D print objects up to 280mm in diameter and 375 mm in height (that’s a print volume of over 1300 cubic inches). Obviously it won’t be 3D printing entire pieces of furniture or car parts, but for creative maker projects, such as this 3D printed drill press, or 3D printed shoes, it’s an excellent choice. The Rostock Max’s large print volume and cost savings kit even earned it a spot among the top three 3D printers in Make: Magazine’s 2016 Buyer’s Guide.

 

Bonus: Tractus 3D’s T3500: a customizable, 3.5-meter-tall 3D printer

Dutch 3D printing startup Tractus 3D recently unveiled a massive, 3.5-meter-tall 3D printer that can be customized for various industry-specific needs, from 3D printing fashion mannequins for one of the world’s largest suppliers, to 3D printing PEEK and other high-grade materials for medical and aerospace applications.


The T3500 large-format 3D printer can print objects up to 2 m high and with a diameter of 1 m, and is unique in its size, speed, resolution and accuracy, according to Tractus 3D founder, Daniël van Mourik. Working with a partner in the medical industry, Tractus 3D has been able to modify the standard T3500 model to reach temperatures over 400°C in order to 3D print PEEK, an engineering plastic used in medical implants, electronic gears, and aerospace parts.

Having already been produced and developed for specific customers, the T3500 3D printer will soon be available more widely at the starting price of €25,000 (US$28,000).


There are many, many other large-format consumer desktop 3D printers, but that’s another 3D printer roundup for another day. Let us know what you think of the biggest 3D printers so far in 2016, or if there are any models you think we missed, let us know in the comments, on Facebook, or on Twitter.

 

 

Posted in 3D Printer

 

 

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Angela Vogt wrote at 4/18/2018 9:53:21 AM:

Where does South Africa's (CSIR) Aeroswift currently rank, among the largest and fastest 3D printers?

fritts wrote at 7/13/2016 10:26:56 AM:

Seems like this one should be on the list to "The Box" http://www.blbindustries.se/

Aviv wrote at 4/18/2016 8:51:11 AM:

You missed also Highcon.net that brings the fastest 3d printer in the world

Drawn wrote at 2/20/2016 2:23:17 PM:

And you missed Galatea from french startup Drawn www.drawn.me :-)

wjsteele wrote at 2/12/2016 2:49:17 PM:

You missed the SeeMeCNC PartDaddy printer. Similar to their RostockMAX, it is a large format delta printer, but it is 15 feet high with a 4' diameter build plate!

Shawn Fitzpatrick wrote at 2/10/2016 11:28:49 PM:

Seems you are missing www.Rre3d.org/gigabot

Hans wrote at 2/10/2016 8:21:17 PM:

Thank you..... from no 16... Hans



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