3D Hubs, a local 3D printing service, kicks off every month with a new Trend report, offering a comprehensive perspective on the 3D printing industry. The report is based on the data collected from the 3D hubs community, which counts over 13,000 3D printers in 150 countries.
3D Printer Quality Ratings
The Form 1 keeps its 1st position as the highest rated printer for the 3rd consecutive month. Zortrax’s M200 takes the second place, as the highest rated FDM printer on this month’s report. Chinese CTCN3D ranks third. Even though it has a lower price point, this printer fares well against its more expensive competitors (it was ranked second in the previous report). Impressive performance for Lulzbot’s Taz 4, launched early February, its taking the 4th position.
On the industrial side of 3D printing, Stratasys’ Objet Eden 260 ranks first in this category. The two ProJet printers from 3D Systems held onto the second and third position. Now there’s only one way to get to the Top, getting 5 stars print quality and more reviews.
3D Systems has 3 plaster printers in the top 10 this month. These machines use Zcorp technology to create fullNcolor sandstone 3D prints. Objet printers and the Projet 3500 HDMax use proprietary material jetting technologies. This results in highNdetail prints with smooth finishes.
Stratasys industrial FDM printers provide less detail but more rigidity. These machines are great for functional parts and prototypes.
Trending 3D Printers
This section showcases the fastest growing printers on the network. There has been a strong growth in new printers; each one in the Top 10 grew by at least 25% (MoM ). The first three grew by more than 50% (MoM).
Top 3D Printing Cities
New York City takes the first spot and just passed the 200 3D printers mark thanks to its strong Maker community. Los Angeles grew by 15.3% (MoM) and at that pace it’s going to take the 3rd spot from London soon.
Popular Printers By Region
Formlabs Form 1+ is getting traction in North America, taking the fifth spot in this category. Note that this is the first SLA type of printer to appear in this category.
To read the full report and previous ones, you can head over to: 3dhubs.com/trends.