Best 3D Printers for 2024: The Only Guide You Need

Written by Mario De Lio

Last Updated

15 min read
Prusa i3 MK3S+ on a table with spools of filament and IPA

We’ve tested hundreds of the most popular 3D printers. We rank every printer based on print quality, ease of use, customer support, filament compatibility, and value for money.

Our goal is to provide a clear roadmap to help you navigate the diverse landscape of 3D printers. You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get excellent print quality.

You won’t go wrong choosing any of the printers on this list. In my personal experience, the Bambu Lab P1S is the best for its ease of use, outstanding print quality, extensive community, incredible support, consistency, and reliability.

Best 3D Printers of 2023

Best Overall
★★★★★ 4.2 / 5

Bambu Lab P1P

Build Volume: 256 × 256 × 256 mm³

Print Speed: 500 mm/s

Max Hot End: 300℃

Max Bed: 100℃

Nozzle: 0.4 mm Stainless Steel

Extruder Type: All-metal direct drive

Compatible Materials: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET (PA, PC, ABS, and ASA with upgraded enclosure)

The Bambu Lab P1P is a standout in the 3D printing arena, offering impressive speed and quality at a more accessible price point. Building on the foundation of its predecessor, the X1 Carbon, the P1P retains the high-speed CoreXY architecture that enables swift and precise printing. This printer is designed for those who want efficiency without sacrificing print quality, making it a compelling choice for both hobbyists and professionals.

One of the P1P’s notable strengths is its user-friendly setup. With minimal assembly required, you can get it up and running quickly, even if you’re new to 3D printing. The printer supports a wide array of materials—including PLA, PETG, and ABS—adding versatility to your projects. Additionally, the Bambu Studio software provides an intuitive interface for slicing models and controlling the printer, enhancing the overall user experience.

While the P1P does forego some of the advanced features found in the X1 Carbon, such as LiDAR-assisted bed leveling and an enclosed build chamber, it still delivers exceptional performance for its price range. The open-frame design may require a more controlled environment when printing with temperature-sensitive materials, but for many users, this is a reasonable trade-off for the cost savings and high-speed capabilities.

Learn more: Read our Bambu Lab P1P review.

Who should use it:
If you’re seeking a high-speed, reliable 3D printer that offers excellent print quality without the premium price tag, the Bambu Lab P1P is an ideal choice. It’s perfect for enthusiasts and professionals who value efficiency and ease of use.

CoreXY architecture for fast and precise printing.

500 mm/s print speed.

Minimal assembly required for quick start-up.

Bambu Studio offers easy model slicing and printer control.

The open frame design isn’t suitable for ABS and other temperature-sensitive materials.

Open design is louder.

You can’t use cardboard spools with the AMS unit

Tested by 3D Print Mentor Logo
★★★★★ 4.2 / 5

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4.2
Print Quality
4.5
Ease of Use
4.2
Features
4
Community & Support
BUDGET PICK
★★★★★ 3.2 / 5

Ender 3 V3 SE

Build Volume: 220 × 220 × 250 mm³

Print Speed: 250 mm/s

Max Hot End: 260℃

Max Bed: 100℃

Nozzle: 0.4 mm Brass

Extruder Type: Sprite direct drive (not all metal)

Compatible Materials: PLA, PETG, TPU

The Ender 3 V3 SE is a noteworthy advancement in Creality’s esteemed Ender 3 series, merging user-friendly features with enhanced performance, all at an accessible price point. This model impresses with its high-speed printing capabilities, courtesy of an upgraded direct drive extruder and a robust frame that minimizes vibrations. These improvements enable faster print speeds without sacrificing print quality, making it a strong contender for those seeking efficiency and precision.

Ease of use is a hallmark of the Ender 3 V3 SE. The printer arrives partially assembled, significantly reducing setup time and complexity—ideal for beginners eager to dive into 3D printing. Its automatic bed leveling system simplifies one of the more tedious aspects of 3D printing, ensuring consistent first layers and better overall print adhesion. The intuitive touchscreen interface enhances the user experience, providing straightforward navigation through settings and print controls.

While the printer excels in many areas, it does have some limitations. The open-frame design may not be optimal for printing with materials that require stable temperatures, such as ABS, without additional enclosures or modifications. Additionally, the absence of features like Wi-Fi connectivity and a filament run-out sensor means users miss out on some modern conveniences. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Ender 3 V3 SE offers exceptional value, balancing performance and user-friendliness that caters to both newcomers and seasoned hobbyists.

Learn more: Read our Ender 3 V3 SE review.

Who should use it:
If you’re new to 3D printing or an enthusiast seeking a cost-effective printer that doesn’t skimp on quality and ease of use, the Ender 3 V3 SE is an excellent choice for reliable and speedy printing.

Good quality at an affordable price

CRTouch auto bed leveling

Automatic Z offset calibration

Direct drive extruder

Full sized SD card

PC build plate is too sticky

No WiFi capabilities

The hotend isn’t all metal

No touchscreen

Tested by 3D Print Mentor Logo
★★★★★ 3.2 / 5

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3
Print Quality
4
Ease of Use
3
Features
2.5
Community & Support
UPGRADE PICK
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5

Bambu Lab X1C

Build Volume: 256 × 256 × 256 mm³

Print Speed: 500 mm/s

Max Hot End: 300℃

Max Bed: 100℃

Nozzle: 0.4 mm hardened steel

Extruder Type: All-metal, direct drive

Compatible Materials: PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PVA, PET, PA, PC, Carbon/ Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer

The Bambu Lab X1 Carbon (X1C) is a cutting-edge 3D printer that raises the bar for speed, precision, and innovation in the consumer market. Featuring a high-speed CoreXY architecture and advanced technologies like LiDAR-assisted bed leveling, the X1C delivers exceptional print quality at remarkable speeds. Its enclosed build chamber allows for stable temperature control, enabling successful printing with a wide range of materials, including PLA, PETG, ABS, Nylon, and even carbon fiber-reinforced filaments.

One of the standout features of the X1C is its Automatic Material System (AMS), which facilitates seamless multi-material and multi-color printing. This, coupled with the printer’s ability to auto-load and unload filaments, significantly enhances user convenience and broadens creative possibilities. The integrated HEPA filtration system ensures a safer printing environment by filtering out harmful particles and fumes, especially when working with high-temperature materials.

While the Bambu Lab X1C comes with a premium price tag, it justifies the investment through its advanced capabilities, robust build quality, and user-friendly software. The Bambu Studio software offers an intuitive interface with advanced slicing options, making it suitable for both professionals and serious enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance from their 3D printer.

Learn more: Read our Bambu Lab P1P and X1 Carbon Comparison.

Who should use it:
If you’re a professional or an experienced hobbyist seeking a high-performance 3D printer with advanced features, rapid printing speeds, and the versatility to handle complex projects, the Bambu Lab X1C is an excellent choice.

Ultra-high speed printing thanks to the Core XY architecture

Lidar assisted auto bed leveling

AMS enables automatic multi-material and multi-color prints.

Eclosure provides stable temperatures for advanced materials.

HEPA filtration

Produces consistently high-quality prints

Expensive

Replacement parts may need to be sourced directly from the manufacturer.

Tested by 3D Print Mentor Logo
★★★★★ 4.4 / 5

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4.5
Print Quality
4.5
Ease of Use
4.5
Features
4
Community & Support
PROFESSIONAL PICK
★★★★★ 4.2 / 5

Original Prusa XL

Build Volume: 360 × 360 × 360 mm³

Print Speed: 200 mm/s

Max Hot End: 290℃

Max Bed: 120℃

Nozzle: 0.4 mm brass nozzle

Extruder Type: All-metal, Nextruder planetary gear direct drive extruder

Compatible Materials: PLA, PETG, Flex, PVA, PC, PP, CPE, PVB, (ASA, HIPS, PA compatible with the Original Prusa Enclosure and filtration add-on)

The Original Prusa XL is a game-changer in the 3D printing industry, offering a substantial leap in build volume and advanced features compared to its predecessors. With a generous build area, the XL allows users to print large-scale models without compromising on quality. Its transition to a CoreXY architecture marks a significant enhancement, providing faster and more precise movements, which is especially beneficial for detailed and complex prints.

One of the standout features of the Prusa XL is its modular tool-changing system. This innovative design supports up to five independent tool heads, enabling multi-material and multi-color printing with remarkable ease. The printer also boasts a full-surface bed leveling sensor, ensuring perfect first layers across the entire build plate—a critical factor when working with large prints. Prusa’s commitment to quality and user experience shines through with high-quality components, robust construction, and seamless integration with PrusaSlicer software.

While the XL brings impressive capabilities to the table, it’s important to consider its premium price point and larger physical footprint. The advanced features and size may introduce a steeper learning curve for those new to 3D printing. However, for professionals and serious enthusiasts, the Original Prusa XL offers unparalleled versatility and performance that justify the investment.

Who should use it:
If you’re a professional or an experienced hobbyist looking for a reliable large-format 3D printer with advanced multi-material capabilities and precise performance, the Original Prusa XL is an exceptional choice.

Large build volume

Lidar assisted auto bed leveling

Accommodates up to five tool heads for multi-material or multi-color printing.

CoreXY architecture provides faster and more accurate printing movements.

Works seamlessly with PrusaSlicer and user-friendly firmware.

Produces consistently high-quality prints

Higher cost may not fit all budgets.

The large footprint requires ample space for setup and operation.

Some users report issues with toolhead changes.

Tested by 3D Print Mentor Logo
★★★★★ 4.2 / 5

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4.2
Print Quality
4
Ease of Use
4.2
Features
4
Community & Support
MINI PICK
★★★★★ 4.1 / 5

Original Prusa XL

Build Volume: 180 × 180 × 180 mm³

Print Speed: 500 mm/s

Max Hot End: 300℃

Max Bed: 80℃

Nozzle: 0.4 mm stainless steel nozzle (also includes 0.2 mm, 0.6 mm, and 0.8 mm nozzles)

Extruder Type: All-metal hotend

Compatible Materials: PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA

The Bambu Lab A1 Mini is a remarkable entry-level 3D printer that brings high-speed and multi-color printing capabilities to a budget-friendly price point. Starting at $249 for the base model and $399 with the AMS Lite add-on, it stands out as the most affordable four-color FDM printer available today. Its nearly fully assembled design and intuitive touchscreen interface make it exceptionally easy for beginners to set up and start printing right out of the box.

One of the A1 Mini’s standout features is its AMS Lite system, which allows for seamless multi-color printing with up to four different filaments. This opens up creative possibilities usually reserved for more expensive printers. Despite its compact build volume of 180 x 180 x 180 mm, the printer doesn’t compromise on quality or speed, delivering impressive print results at rates comparable to higher-end models. The direct-drive extruder and automatic bed leveling enhance its reliability and ease of use, handling various materials like PLA, PETG, and TPU with ease.

However, the printer isn’t without its limitations. The smaller build volume may not suit those looking to print larger models, and multi-color printing can generate considerable filament waste due to the purging process between color changes. Additionally, while the AMS Lite module expands functionality, it does require additional counter space, which might be a consideration for users with limited workspace.

Who should use it:
This printer is best for beginners or budget-conscious makers seeking a fast, user-friendly 3D printer with multi-color capabilities and don’t mind the small build volume.

Competitive price point for both the base model and AMS Lite combo.

Supports up to eight different filaments for versatile, multi-color projects.

Delivers fast print speeds comparable to more expensive models.

Arrives almost fully assembled with an intuitive touchscreen interface.

Simplifies calibration and ensures consistent print quality.

Small and space-efficient design suitable for limited workspaces.

Smaller print area (180 x 180 x 180 mm) is restrictive.

Multi-color printing can result in significant filament waste during color changes.

The AMS lite add-on module requires extra counter space.

Tested by 3D Print Mentor Logo
★★★★★ 4.1 / 5

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4.2
Print Quality
4
Ease of Use
4.1
Features
4
Community & Support
OUR RESIN PICK
★★★★★ 4.2 / 5

Anycubic Photon Mono M5s

Build Volume: 200 × 218 × 123 mm³

Print Speed: 105 mm/h

Screen: 10.1″ 12K mono LCD

Resin Detection: Yes

The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s is a standout resin 3D printer, especially if you’re looking for precision and speed. It packs a 12K monochrome LCD screen, delivering incredible detail, which makes it ideal for high-resolution models like miniatures. One of its biggest selling points is the auto-leveling feature, which takes away the hassle of manual adjustments—a huge plus for both beginners and experienced users. This feature significantly reduces failed prints, saving both time and resin. If you’re new to 3D printing, this auto-leveling capability is a game-changer, allowing you to get started right away with minimal tweaking.

On the speed front, the M5s performs remarkably well, especially when paired with Anycubic’s High Speed resin. It can print up to three times faster than competitors, which means even larger projects can be completed quickly. While the ultra-fast print times are impressive, some users may notice slightly more visible layer lines with this setup. However, switching to the standard resin settings will still give you the fine details you’d expect from a 12K printer, perfect for when you need precision over speed.

In terms of value, the Photon Mono M5s balances high-end features like intelligent print status detection and slicing with an approachable price point. Whether you’re printing detailed figurines or functional parts, this printer can handle a wide range of tasks, making it versatile for both hobbyists and more advanced users.

Who should use it:
For anyone looking for a resin printer that balances ease of use with pro-level features, the Photon Mono M5s is a solid choice. It’s fast, precise, and ready to handle complex prints without the usual headaches of manual setup.

Exceptional 12K resolution for highly detailed prints.

The automatic self-leveling feature removes a common source of frustration.

High-speed printing, up to three times faster than many competitors.

Supports a range of resin types and print profiles for flexibility.

It is beginner-friendly yet packed with advanced features for experienced users.

You’ll need to tweak settings for optimal results with High-Speed resin.

It has a slightly higher price point compared to entry-level resin printers.

Faster printing can result in more visible layer lines at top speeds.

Tested by 3D Print Mentor Logo
★★★★★ 4.2 / 5

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4.5
Print Quality
4
Ease of Use
4.2
Features
4
Community & Support
PREMIUM RESIN PICK
★★★★★ 4.1 / 5

Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S

Build Volume: 218 × 123 × 516 mm³

Print Speed: 400 layers/hour

Screen: 15 inch 8K Mono LCD Screen

XY Resolution: 43 µm

Layer Thickness: 0.01-0.30 mm

The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S is a powerful large-format resin 3D printer, designed for those who need to print big, highly detailed models. With a massive 15-inch monochrome LCD screen and 43-micron resolution, it’s a beast for users who want precision without compromising on print volume. Whether you’re creating detailed miniatures or large props, the Mega 8K S can handle it all thanks to its spacious build plate and impressive print accuracy.

One of its standout features is the ability to produce larger models or multiple small models in a single print session. The printer can hold up to 80 models on a single build plate, making it a great choice for production environments like print farms or anyone who needs to batch print at a commercial level. The perforated build plate design aids in draining resin, and the robust build ensures consistent results even for complex or tall prints.

However, the Sonic Mega 8K S does come with some trade-offs. The lack of WiFi or internal storage options might be disappointing for those accustomed to more connectivity features, and dealing with large resin volumes requires careful handling and maintenance. It also lacks a heater, which could be useful in colder environments to ensure optimal print conditions.

Who should use it:
Overall, the Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S is an excellent choice for professionals or enthusiasts who prioritize print size and detail. Its large build plate and high resolution make it ideal for users looking to scale up production without sacrificing quality. However, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with the extra maintenance and setup required for larger resin printers.

Massive build volume perfect for large or multiple models.

High 8K resolution ensures excellent detail and accuracy.

Sturdy metal construction designed for durability.

The tilting build plate makes it easy to drain excess resin.

The hinged door makes print removal easier.

No WiFi or internal storage options.

There is no built-in heater, which can impact print quality in cooler environments.

It lacks some features found on newer model resin printers.

Tested by 3D Print Mentor Logo
★★★★★ 4.1 / 5

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4.3
Print Quality
4
Ease of Use
4
Features
4
Community & Support
BUDGET RESIN PICK
★★★★★ 3.8 / 5

Anycubic Photon Mono 2

Build Volume: 165 × 89 × 143 mm³

Print Speed: 50 mm/hour

Screen: 6.6″ 4K mono LCD

The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is a great choice for beginners entering the world of resin 3D printing. It combines affordability with solid 4K print quality, offering a resolution of 34 microns, which produces detailed prints ideal for miniatures and other intricate designs. The build volume is slightly limited at 165mm x 89mm x 143mm, but it’s still sufficient for smaller projects or batch printing miniatures.

This printer shines in its simplicity and ease of use. The setup is straightforward, with features like a laser-etched build plate for better adhesion and a monochrome LCD screen, which cures resin faster and extends the lifespan of the display. While it lacks advanced features like WiFi connectivity or auto-leveling found in higher-end models, it compensates by being very beginner-friendly with a well-designed interface and improved slicing software (Photon Workshop V3)​

However, users should be aware of the lightweight plastic construction, which might feel less robust compared to pricier models. Maintenance and cleaning can also be time-consuming, which is typical for most resin printers. Despite its simplicity, the Photon Mono 2 delivers impressive quality for the price, making it a solid entry-level option​

Who should use it:
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is ideal for beginners or hobbyists looking to get into resin 3D printing without spending much. Its ease of use, affordability, and high-resolution prints make it perfect for those interested in creating detailed miniatures, small models, or personal projects​

Affordable and beginner-friendly.

High 4K resolution for crisp, detailed prints.

Great for small projects or miniatures.

Improved light matrix for smoother layers.

Limited build volume.

Plastic construction is not as durable.

No advanced features like WiFi or auto-leveling.

Tested by 3D Print Mentor Logo
★★★★★ 3.8 / 5

Read more about how we test 3D printers

4.1
Print Quality
3.5
Ease of Use
3.5
Features
4
Community & Support

How to Chose the Best 3D Printer

When selecting our list of the best 3D printers, we rely on our personal experience, expert articles, community feedback, and customer reviews.

Our list is geared toward hobbyist and small business applications. Most of the printers on the list are below $1,000.

Print Quality

Good print quality is a must. But your printer should be able to produce high-quality prints with minimal calibration and maintenance.

The printer should produce prints with layer heights of 0.1mm or less and smooth-looking models with barely visible layer lines. For consistent printing, the best 3D printers should be able to output high-quality prints without needing to calibrate the printer between prints.

Although we recommend regularly calibrating your 3D printer, you should be able to produce a dozen prints without any loss in quality.

Ease of Use

Even a complete beginner should be able to assemble the printer, load the filament, start a print, and remove the object from the print bed. It should be simple to level the bed, and a built-in auto bed leveling system is a bonus.

The software should be intuitive and easy to use. The 3D printer should come preloaded with all the necessary software for printing, and compatibility with Ultimaker’s Cura slicing software is a plus.

Printers should provide easy-to-use tools for calibration and tuning, with advanced features for more experienced makers. The software should be easy enough for a beginner to navigate the interface without any instruction.

Filament vs. Resin Printers

Choosing between filament and resin printers is a personal decision. You should consider the types of objects you will be making and your expectations for printing.

Filament printers are cheaper and come with larger build volumes. FDM printers are easy to use and beginner friendly. You can’t achieve the same level of detail compared to a resin printer, but all the printers on this list produce high-quality prints.

Filament printers are best for printing large objects, beginners, and those on a budget.

Resin printers have unmatched detail and precision. They produce incredibly detailed prints and are easy to set up and use. Resin printers require post-processing to remove excess resin and cure the finished prints. Most resin 3D printers have small build volumes, but you can purchase a printer with a larger build volume at a high cost.

Resin printers are best for printing smaller, complex objects. The post-processing requires additional work and safety precautions which may not be suitable for beginners.

Build Volume

Before purchasing a 3D printer, you must understand the size of the models you’ll be printing. 3D printers come in a range of build volumes, and it’s essential to buy a printer with a big enough build size for your needs.

The standard sizes for FDM printers have a large enough build volume for most people. Advanced users can split larger parts into several smaller pieces to print on a smaller machine.

In all, the build volume isn’t a significant concern for most people. But you’ll want to pay close attention if you’re looking on the entry-level side. Many entry-level printers sacrifice build volume to keep costs low.

Compatibility With Filament Brands

Some 3D printer manufacturers have built-in systems that require users to purchase filaments directly from the manufacturer.

The proprietary filament is generally more expensive and comes with higher shipping fees and delivery times. If the manufacturer goes out of business, you can say goodbye to your 3D printer, as you won’t be able to use it with 3rd party filament brands.

It’s always a good idea to check that your printer is compatible with several filament brands. The printers on the above list can print with most major filament brands.

Enclosed Printing Chamber

Enclosed printers are a nice-to-have feature. They won’t make or break the printer’s performance, but they help reduce the number of print imperfections.

Enclosures help to keep a consistent temperature which helps reduce warping, bubbling, stringing, and other surface defects.

Some filament types, such as ABS, require an enclosure because it is prone to shrinking.

A built-in enclosure isn’t essential. And if you require one in the future, you can purchase or build a DIY printing enclosure.

Price and Value

It’s not enough for a printer to produce excellent-quality prints. It must be price efficient. In other words, does the performance live up to the cost of the printer? Or did you spend a lot of money for so-so prints?

Several printers produce incredible-quality prints. But at unreasonable price tags, we can’t justify their inclusion in this list.

Why You Should Trust Us

Dario is a mechanical engineer with over a decade of experience working with 3D Print Mentor. Dario strives to provide accurate and actionable education and advice for beginners and advanced makers.

Throughout his 3D printing journey, he has tested several dozen filaments and 29 3D printers. He has a background in designing objects for 3D printing, rapid prototyping, and material testing.

Dario’s current personal printer is the Prusa i3 MK3S+, but his favorite is the Ultimaker S5.


Marc has over a decade of 3D printing experience that began after working with the printer his high school purchased for their maker club.

After building a successful business selling prints online, Marc co-founded 3D Print Mentor to teach and inspire creators. His current printers are the Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ and Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K.

How We Test 3D Printers

When we unbox a new printer, we time how long it takes to get the machine set up and print-ready. We take notes on the installation process, quality of the instruction, software installation, and calibration steps.

Most printers come preloaded with ready-to-print models. The models are carefully calibrated to the printer and should produce a successful print without any changes.

If the print fails, there is a glaring issue with the printer. It could be a mistake in the printer’s assembly or calibration or a hardware or software issue preventing it from printing successfully.

After a successful test print, we print 10 of our own test prints and determine print quality on a scale from 1-5:

  • 5 – Excellent: A smooth-looking print with no obvious imperfections.
  • 4 – Good: Some visible layer lines but no obvious imperfections
  • 3 – Mediocre: The print has visible layer lines and some imperfections but still produces an ok print.
  • 2 – Bad: Obvious layer lines, a non-smooth surface, and print imperfections. The print hasn’t failed, but it’s not acceptable for display or function.
  • 1 – Failure: Failure can be caused by broken filament, spaghetti, the print detaching from the bed, or software or hardware issues.

We choose a generic model with standard PLA settings for the test prints. Aside from bed leveling and manufacturing recommendations, we don’t perform any other manual or slicing calibration.

Advanced users can get excellent print quality from any 3D printer with enough fine-tuning. And although we can improve the print quality by fine-tuning the slicer settings, our tests mimic the print quality that beginners and real-world users should expect.

We generally use the 3DBenchy model from Thingiverse to compare the print quality against previously tested printers.

Before each test print, we check the bed leveling. A quality printer shouldn’t require more than one bed leveling throughout our 10 test prints. We make a note of how many times the bed needs to be re-leveled.

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Written by

Mario is a Mechanical Engineer with experience working at one of the largest industrial printing companies in the country. He previously owned a rapid prototyping company specializing in designing mechanical parts for 3D printing applications.

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