Best 3D Printer Companies in 2025

3D printing has moved from small hobby projects to a global industry that touches education, medicine, aerospace, automotive, and everyday product design. Behind this growth are the companies that design and manufacture 3D printers. Some of them are decades old, while others are fresh startups that gained success very quickly.

Let's find out the leading 3D printer companies, what they are known for, and why they matter, so that you can understand the differences and make informed decisions.

The Growth of 3D Printer Companies

A few years ago, 3D printing was something only found in big labs and research centers. The machines were very costly, hard to use, and the materials were limited. Only experts could work with them.

Today, things are very different. 3D printers have become cheaper, easier to use, and available in many sizes. Because of this, hundreds of companies now make 3D printers for different kinds of users.

We can divide these companies into three main groups:

1. Consumer Brands: These are companies that make low-cost printers for homes, schools, and hobby users. Their machines are simple, easy to set up, and good for small projects like toys, models, or classroom learning.

2. Professional Desktop Brands: These companies make printers for people who need more accuracy and better results. Designers, engineers, and small businesses use them to make product samples or detailed models. They cost more than home printers but are still much cheaper than large industrial ones.

3. Industrial Companies: These are the biggest companies in 3D printing. They make large, advanced machines that can build strong and safe parts. Industries like aerospace, car making, and healthcare use them to create airplane pieces, car parts, or even medical implants.

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Leading Consumer 3D Printer Companies

These companies are popular among hobbyists, schools, and small makers. They focus on affordability, ease of use, and active communities.

• Creality: Creality is one of the most recognized consumer 3D printer brands. Its Ender series offers affordable FDM printers that are easy to modify and upgrade. Creality has built a global following through open communities, tutorials, and a wide range of machine options.

• Elegoo: Elegoo is best known for resin printers at very low prices. The Mars and Saturn series are popular for miniatures, models, and detailed designs. Elegoo has expanded into FDM printers but remains strongest in resin.

• Anycubic: Anycubic produces both filament and resin printers. The company’s Photon resin line competes directly with Elegoo, while its Vyper and Kobra FDM printers serve hobbyists who want reliable machines without heavy modifications.

• Prusa Research: Prusa Research is based in the Czech Republic. Its i3 MK series is known for excellent reliability, strong customer support, and open-source development. While more expensive than Creality or Elegoo, Prusa printers are widely trusted in the maker community.

• Bambu Lab: Bambu Lab entered the market with high-speed FDM printers that quickly became popular. The company focuses on automation, ease of use, and modern software. Bambu printers are appealing to both hobbyists and small businesses that want fast, accurate results.

Professional Desktop 3D Printer Companies

These companies build machines for businesses, designers, and labs that require precision and consistent quality. They cost more than hobby printers but are easier to maintain and support.

• Formlabs: Formlabs specializes in resin printers and selective laser sintering (SLS) systems. Its machines are widely used in the dental, medical, and jewelry industries. Formlabs stands out for its large materials library, well-designed post-processing solutions, and simple software.

• Ultimaker: Ultimaker, now combined with MakerBot, produces professional FDM printers. Known for reliability, clean design, and strong Cura software, Ultimaker machines are common in education, product design, and engineering offices.

• Raise3D: Raise3D makes professional-grade FDM printers with larger build volumes. Their machines are often used for prototyping and small-batch production. They support a wide range of materials and offer good service packages for businesses.

• Markforged: Markforged combines strong hardware with cloud-based software. Its printers can use continuous fiber reinforcement for composite parts, and it also sells accessible metal printers. Markforged systems are designed for functional, industrial-strength parts.

Industrial 3D Printer Companies

Industrial companies create large, precise machines that can produce end-use parts. They serve aerospace, defense, medical, and automotive markets.

• Stratasys: Stratasys is one of the oldest and most important 3D printing companies. It focuses on polymer technologies such as FDM and PolyJet. Stratasys machines are widely used in factories, labs, and service bureaus. The company is known for certified materials and reliable industrial workflows.

• 3D Systems: 3D Systems pioneered stereolithography and remains a key industrial player. It offers polymer and metal printers for healthcare, aerospace, and production environments. The company also provides full-service solutions, including software and materials.

• EOS: EOS is a leader in metal and polymer additive manufacturing. Its machines are used inthe aerospace and medical industries for certified parts. EOS specializes in powder bed fusion technology, both for metals and high-performance plastics.

• HP: HP focuses on Multi Jet Fusion (MJF), a fast polymer 3D printing technology designed for production. HP printers are used by companies that need to produce strong plastic parts in batches.

• Nikon SLM Solutions: Nikon SLM Solutions develops selective laser melting (SLM) machines for metal printing. Their systems target the aerospace and automotive industries that require high-quality, lightweight metal parts.

• Desktop Metal (now part of Nano Dimension): Desktop Metal made metal printing more accessible to businesses of different sizes. In 2025, it was acquired by Nano Dimension, creating a larger portfolio of additive manufacturing technologies. This shows how fast the industry changes and consolidates.

Specialized and Emerging Companies

Along with the big global brands, there are also smaller companies that focus on special markets. They may not be as large as Stratasys or Formlabs, but they bring new ideas and keep the industry moving forward.

1. Anycubic Photon: Known for low-cost resin printers. Great for beginners who want to print small, detailed models.

2. Snapmaker: Makes 3-in-1 machines that can do more than just 3D print. They also handle laser engraving and CNC carving, making them useful for creative projects.

3. COBOD: Works in construction printing. Their machines use concrete to build large structures like walls and houses.

4. XYZprinting: Focuses on schools and home users. They make safe, easy-to-use printers designed for learning and simple projects.

5. Pollen AM: Creates printers that let users work with many different materials, giving more freedom for flexible applications.

What Makes 3D Printer Companies Different

When comparing 3D printer companies, several factors stand out:

1. Technology: FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, and metal processes are all different. Companies specialize in one or two methods.

2. Target market: Some companies focus on hobbyists, others on professional designers, and others on full industrial production.

3. Material options: Certain companies lock users into proprietary materials, while others allow open choices.

4. Price range: Hobby printers can cost under $300, professional desktops between $1,000 and $15,000, while industrial machines cost far more.

5. Support and software: Industrial and professional brands offer training, software integration, and strong technical support.

How to Choose the Right 3D Printer Company

When Picking a 3D Printer Brand, Consider the Following Steps

• Define the purpose: Is it for learning, prototyping, production, or certified end-use parts?

• Set a budget: Include costs for materials, upgrades, and maintenance.

• Check community and support: A strong user base or official service is critical for long-term use.

• Look at material needs: Pick a brand that offers the materials you need or allows flexibility.

• Think about scaling: If you plan to expand later, choose a company that offers larger machines or farm management solutions.

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Leading 3D Printer Companies in 2025

Industry Trends to Watch

The 3D printing industry is growing quickly. Some important trends include:

• Faster desktop printers: Brands like Bambu Lab are setting new standards for speed and automation.

• Ecosystem building: Companies such as Formlabs provide complete solutions, including printers, materials, and post-processing tools.

• Metal printing expansion: More companies are moving into metal 3D printing, and recent acquisitions show that the industry is consolidating.

• Print farms: Software that connects many printers is becoming more popular, especially in schools and businesses.

Conclusion

The world of 3D printer companies is very diverse. Some focus on hobby users with low-cost printers, while others serve professionals or big industries with advanced systems. The right choice depends on what you need, how much you want to spend, and your plans.

Hobby users can begin with affordable FDM or resin printers. Small businesses often choose professional models for better quality and reliability. Big industries usually depend on trusted brands like Stratasys, EOS, and HP for certified production.

Choosing the right 3D printer company makes it easier to get the results you want and avoid wasting money.

FAQs

Q1: Can 3D printers work with multiple materials in one print?
Ans: Yes, some advanced 3D printers, especially professional and industrial models, can print using multiple materials at once. This allows combining flexible and rigid parts or different colors in a single object.

Q2: How long does a 3D printer usually last?
Ans: The lifespan of a 3D printer depends on its quality, usage, and maintenance. Hobbyist printers can last 3–5 years, while professional and industrial machines often last 10 years or more with proper care.

Q3: Are 3D printers safe for home use?
Ans: Most modern desktop FDM and resin printers are safe for home use if you follow safety guidelines, such as proper ventilation and using protective gloves when handling resin.

Q4: Can I upgrade or modify a 3D printer after buying it?
Ans: Many printers, especially open-source models like Prusa, allow upgrades or modifications. You can add better nozzles, larger build plates, or improved firmware for better performance.

Q5: Do 3D printer companies offer warranties or support?
Ans: Yes, most reputable 3D printer companies provide warranties, technical support, and user manuals. Professional and industrial brands usually offer extended service contracts for long-term reliability