Printer Selection
Find the Right Printer for Your Application
We recommend printers we're confident we can support. Use this guide to understand which technology fits your industry and application, then talk to our team for tailored advice.
By Industry
Printer Selection by Application
Different industries have different requirements. Find your sector below to see our recommendations and key considerations.
Education
K-12, Universities, TAFEs
Safe, reliable printers for curriculum integration and student access.
Common Applications
- STEM/TAS curriculum projects
- Design & Technology coursework
- Prototyping for student competitions
- Visual aids and teaching models
Key Considerations
- Enclosed build chambers for safety
- Low maintenance requirements
- Quiet operation for classrooms
- Network management capabilities
Our Recommendations
All recommendations include AMS where applicable
Manufacturing & Engineering
Product Development, Tooling, Production
High-performance printers for functional prototypes and end-use parts.
Common Applications
- Functional prototyping
- Jigs, fixtures, and tooling
- Low-volume production runs
- Assembly verification models
Key Considerations
- Engineering material compatibility (ABS, Nylon, CF)
- Dimensional accuracy requirements
- Build volume for your parts
- Production throughput needs
Our Recommendations
All recommendations include AMS where applicable
Design & Creative
Architecture, Product Design, Art
Versatile printers for concept models and presentation pieces.
Common Applications
- Architectural scale models
- Product design iterations
- Art installations and sculptures
- Prop and costume fabrication
Key Considerations
- Surface finish quality
- Multi-colour capabilities
- Large build volume options
- Material variety for different finishes
Our Recommendations
All recommendations include AMS where applicable
Healthcare & Medical
Hospitals, Clinics, Research
Precision printers for anatomical models and medical devices.
Common Applications
- Surgical planning models
- Patient-specific guides
- Prosthetics and orthotics
- Training and education models
Key Considerations
- Material certifications
- Sterilization compatibility
- Dimensional accuracy
- Regulatory compliance
Our Recommendations
All recommendations include AMS where applicable
Government & Defence
Agencies, Contractors, R&D
Secure, reliable systems for mission-critical applications.
Common Applications
- Rapid prototyping
- Field-deployable parts
- Training aids and mockups
- R&D and innovation programs
Key Considerations
- Security and data handling
- Serviceability and parts availability
- Training and support SLAs
- Procurement compliance
Our Recommendations
All recommendations include AMS where applicable
Maintenance & Repair
Workshops, Fleet Operators, Facilities
On-demand replacement parts and custom tooling.
Common Applications
- Replacement parts for legacy equipment
- Custom tools and fixtures
- Enclosures and brackets
- Signage and labels
Key Considerations
- Material durability (PETG, ABS, Nylon)
- Ease of use for non-specialists
- Reliability over complexity
- Local support availability
Our Recommendations
All recommendations include AMS where applicable
Small Business & Makers
Startups, Studios, Home Offices
Accessible printers for entrepreneurs and creative professionals.
Common Applications
- Product prototyping
- Custom merchandise
- Client presentation models
- Personal projects
Key Considerations
- Budget and ROI
- Space constraints
- Learning curve
- Future scalability
Our Recommendations
All recommendations include AMS where applicable
Research & Innovation
Labs, Universities, R&D Centres
Advanced systems for cutting-edge research applications.
Common Applications
- Novel material testing
- Custom experimental setups
- Publication-quality samples
- Student and researcher access
Key Considerations
- Material research capabilities
- Open vs closed ecosystems
- Data and process control
- Multi-user management
Our Recommendations
All recommendations include AMS where applicable
Need Help Choosing?
Four questions gets you a machine. If you already print and want to know what to fix first, run Upgrade Your Setup instead.