Ten Best Chinese 3D Printers
Today the market offers a wide range of 3D printers. American and European manufacturers are believed to supply the most reliable and high-quality 3D printing machines. However, not everyone can afford them due to their price. Chinese printers are a good alternative to expensive devices. They are functional but not expensive. Let us review the ten best 3D printers from Chinese manufacturers.
Choosing a 3D printer: selection criteria
When you choose a 3D printer, pay attention to the following parameters and characteristics:
- application area. Today Chinese companies produce construction and industrial printers, equipment for commercial and domestic use. Before you make a purchase, decide which purposes you pursue;
- printing technology. There are three most widespread 3D printing technologies: SLA, FDM, and SLS. Stereolithography (SLA) is used to build fine items (jewelry, detailed objects, etc.). Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is realized through the layer-by-layer deposition of fused material. The method is used to produce prototypes and fully functional goods;
- print materials. The most popular 3D printing consumables are ABS, PLA, PET, PETT, PVA, HIPS. Besides, some more specific materials are used to 3D print objects, for example, metal, carbon fiber, concrete, etc.;
- printer mechanics. All moving and static elements of the machine: case, guide ways, bearings, and many other things. Their quality influences the durability of the machine, operation speed, and ease of movement;
- print speed. This parameter depends on the quality of mechanics and case. If the case is made of a strong material such as metal, its moving elements move faster;
- print bed. The bigger the print bed, the larger objects you can print.
You should take into account that many Chinese 3D printers are sold non-assembled. Besides, some machines require additional modernization. Only people with sufficient technical knowledge are recommended to buy them.
Top 10 Chinese 3D printers
Below you will find the review of the best 3D printers from Chinese manufacturers. The list includes budget machines intended for domestic use and more expensive models that can be used for commercial purposes.
Anet A8
Minimal price: $110.
The case is made of acryl and the print bed of aluminum. The maximum print size is 220х220х240 mm, and the print speed is 10-120 mm/s. The machine allows users to produce goods from different materials. To achieve the best results, experts recommend using PLA and ABS plastics.
The printer has the following disadvantage: the main elements are made of low-quality materials. As a result, elements are sometimes damaged during transportation to the buyer.
Peculiarities: The 3D printer requires extra upgrades. To make it function seamlessly, you need to install additional component parts and calibrate it correctly. Thanks to such modernization, you will get a machine that does not succumb to expensive models in terms of characteristics.
Anycubic 3D Printer
Minimal price: $151.
The 3D printer comes non-assembled. If you opt to buy such a machine, you will have to assemble and adjust it on your own.
The print speed is 20-60 mm/s. However, the machine prints good quality objects. The positioning accuracy along all axes is 0.01 mm, and the nozzle diameter is 0.4 mm. The model works with such plastics as PLA, ABS, Wood, HIPS.
Peculiarities: compact size and low weight of just around 7 kilograms. It makes the printer convenient to use and transport.
Flsun 3D
Minimal price: $160.
The printer is easy to assemble and quick to adjust, making it a suitable product for newbies in the world of additive technologies.
The machine is equipped with aluminum stands, and moving elements are made of stainless steel. The device uses a sensor display, which provides comfortable management.
The print bed is 260х260х350 mm big. It supports the following materials: PLA, ABS, Flexible PLA, HIPS, and PVA. The minimal thickness of a layer is 0.05 mm.
Peculiarities: double extruder. It allows users to print with differently colored plastics simultaneously and set up smelting rate of a certain material via the software.
Geeetech A10
Minimal price: $186.
The print bed is 220х220х260 mm big. The extruder can heat up to 250 degrees Celsius, and the print bed up to100 degrees Celsius. The maximum print speed is 180 mm/s. The printer allows making items from such plastics as ABS, PLA, PVA, and HIP. The machine offers the remote print feature.
Peculiarities: the machine is based on the open source GT2560 platform. As a result, you can write a program for the printer on your own and adjust it in accordance with your needs.
Anet A3S
Minimal price: $194.
The 3D printer is good for home use. It allows making prototypes of component parts and different household items.
The budget machine uses an open case, liquid-crystal display, and one extruder. Print speed is 40-120 mm/s. The nozzle can heat up to 260 degrees Celsius. Supported materials are PLA, ABS. You can print directly from the computer or SD card.
Peculiarities: comes assembled and equipped with a strong case. As a result, the printer is more stable, works well, and has a long lifetime.
Flying bear P905X
Minimal price: $285.
P905X printer has an open case and an aluminum frame. The print bed is 280х340х360 mm big. The maximum print speed is 150 mm/s. To obtain products of higher quality, experts recommend using the machine at lower speeds.
Types of supported materials: ABS, PLA, PVA, PETG, and flexible filaments. Layer thickness is adjustable and starts from 0.05 mm.
The 3D printer requires making an upgrade. If you use two extruders, you will have to install a bigger cooler.
Peculiarities: equipped with quality and noiseless ventilation system.
TEVO Tornado
Minimal price: $288.
Tornado is good for printing items of big sizes. However, you should take into account that it can take up to several days to print them.
The 3D printer produces items at the speed of up to 150 mm/s. It works with PLA, ABS, PETG, Wood, and PVA. The extruder heats up to 260 degrees Celsius but the manufacturer recommends printing at 210 degrees Celsius.
The disadvantage is the impossibility to install the second extruder and the lack of automatic calibration.
Peculiarities: a large print bed of 300х300х400 mm and ease of installment. The machine comes assembled with the preset and calibrated system. Besides, the printer uses the extruder that allows printing items of high quality at average speeds.
FlyingBear Ghost
Minimal price: $318.
A convenient and robust 3D printer that allows printing items at high temperatures. The print bed is 230х230х210 mm big. The machine works with the following filaments: PLA, ABS, Wood, and HIPS. Print speed is up to 150 mm/s.
Peculiarities: case closed on three sides. If you want, you can install a glass panel in the front. Another advantage of the device is the high accuracy of extruder positioning and support of the Wi-Fi connection.
Creality 3D CR-10
Minimal price: $345.
This model will suit users that want to print big items. Its print bed is 300х300х400 mm big. Thanks to high print speed (up to 200 mm/s), items are printed in the shortest time.
The frame is made of aluminum. Specialists recommend installing a closed case if you plan to produce items of ABS plastics or PETG filaments on the print bed heated up to 95 degrees Celsius.
Peculiarities: high print accuracy. The absolute error is just 1 mm.
Flying Bear Tornado 2
Minimal price: $592.
Tornado 2 by Flying Bear is one of the highest quality 3D printers produced in China.
The case, extruder, guide ways, and other component parts are made of aluminum. The print bed heats to 120 degrees Celsius and the extruder to 240 degrees Celsius. The maximum print speed is 150 mm/s.
The printer is available in the basic configuration and with two extruders or colored sensor display. Assembling and further modernization require knowledge in electrical technology and engineering.
Peculiarities: the 3D printer stands out for big sizes and allows building items up to 360х360х360 mm big. The minimal layer thickness is 0.03 mm. With such characteristics, the machine prints quality items that do not require extra follow-up.