The fastest 3D printers shorten your 3D printing times and help you get your models quicker. Not every 3D printer is a fast 3D printer, however. Most machines don’t let you print above 100 mm/s without sacrificing quality.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the best fast 3D printers that offer print speeds of 150 mm/s or more. The overall winner is the Voron 2.4, which is a CoreXY machine that is more than capable of achieving speeds of up to 250 mm/s.
We also cover plenty of other machines and look at the advantages and disadvantages of fast 3D printing, so let’s strap in and get started!
Fast 3D Printer | Max Speed | Build Vol | Tech | Price (~) | Best Offer |
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Voron 2.4 | 350 x 350 x 350 mm | 250 mm/s | CoreXY, FDM | $855 | |
WASP 2040 PRO | Ø 200 x 400 mm | 500 mm/s | Delta, FDM | $4750 | |
Anycubic Kobra | 220 x 220 x 260 mm | 180 mm/s | Cartesian, FDM | $299 | |
FLSUN SR Super Racer | Ø 260 x 330 mm | 200 mm/s | Delta, FDM | $499 | |
Voron 0.1 | 120 x 120 x 120 mm | 250 mm/s | CoreXY, FDM | $403 | |
Uniz Slash Plus | 192 x 120 x 200 mm | 200 mm/hr | LCD | $1999 | |
Original Prusa XL | 360 x 360 x 360 mm | N/A | CoreXY, FDM | $1999 | |
Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K | 134 x 75 x 130 mm | 80 mm/hr | MSLA | $299 |
What Constitutes a Fast 3D Printer?
There’s no absolute definition for what constitutes a fast 3D printer. For our purposes, we’ll use 150 mm/s (for an FDM machine) as the baseline.
Average 3D printers print at approximately 50-80 mm/s speeds. While you can print at higher rates, print quality often degrades too far for the prints to be appealing and dimensionally accurate.
You’ll find that most of the fastest 3D printers are CoreXY or Delta 3D printers. Standard open-frame 3D printers can’t reliably achieve high speeds because of the flexibility of their frame. Component quality and design are factors as well.
Why Buy a Fast 3D Printer?
The most significant advantage of using a fast 3D printer is the time savings you can achieve. This time saving may not be apparent in small 3D prints, but when you’re 3D printing massive models on large 3D printers or using them for mass production, a speed difference of even 30-40 mm/s can reduce your printing times by hours.
Fast 3D printers especially benefit you if you’re trying to make money with a 3D printer. If you’re operating a 3D printing business or a printing firm, you can maximize your profits by printing models in a shorter time. A faster 3D printing speed also helps you reduce your electricity and labor costs.
The Fastest 3D Printers in 2023
Voron 3D printers are an excellent example of open-source, high-end 3D printers that are well-built and equipped with quality components—provided you source your kit from a reputable seller. The Voron 2.4 is the current flagship 3D printer by Voron design, built for serious 3D printer users and hobbyists alike.
You can choose to print the plastic parts for the Voron, or you can choose a pre-made kit. Regardless, you can print at speeds of up to 250 mm/s, with optimal results in the 100-150 mm/s range.
The Voron’s CoreXY motion system enables the printer to have fewer moving parts. In combination with its linear rail motion system, sturdy metal frame, and quality design, you can print faster while maintaining quality.
The Voron 2.4 kit is enclosed on all four sides and comes with an adjustable PEI-coated print bed and a Titanium alloy all-metal 3D printer hot end. These features expand Voron’s material compatibility, letting you print with higher-temperature materials.
Overall, the Voron 2.4 is one of the fastest 3D printers for under $1000 that delivers a consistent, high-speed performance. It provides excellent value to 3D printing businesses and farms that require fast speeds and minimal turnaround times.
Standout Features
- Open-source design
- Scalable print volume
- Premium quality components
Technical Details |
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Build volume | 350 x 350 x 350 mm |
Max. nozzle temperature | 300 °C |
Max bed temperature | 110 °C |
Max print speed | 250 mm/s |
Filament compatibility | PLA, ABS, PVA, HIPS, PETG, TPU, Nylon, PC, Carbon Fiber |
Connectivity | SD card, USB |
What We Like
- Excellent features for its price
- Fully enclosed design
- Wide community support
- You can customize parts as per your needs
Could Be Better
- Limited kit availability
- DIY build, not for beginners
Delta 3D printers have a stationary print bed, and their unique design enables you to achieve fast printing speeds. The WASP 2040 Pro is a premium delta 3D printer from WASP, with a claimed print speed of about 500 mm/s. The maximum travel speed can go up to 800 mm/s, making it the fastest 3D printer on the list.
According to WASP, the suspended Bowden extruder on the 2040 Pro aids with its fast print speeds and quality. Its Spitfire Extruder system provides broad material compatibility with an interchangeable cartridge system. You can use a low-temperature cartridge for primary filaments and a high-temperature cartridge for ABS, ASA, PP, PC, and PA.
Other key features include a print recovery system, self-calibration for print bed auto-leveling, and a filament sensor. Moreover, the 2040 Pro is compatible with WASPs LDM clay extruder, which you can use to print with clay, porcelain, and ceramic materials.
One of its significant downsides is it still uses an 8-bit, 12864 LCD panel as its display. You also do not get any Wi-Fi or network connectivity and are limited to 3D printing with an SD card.
Aside from this, the printer is built like a rock and delivers an ultra-fast printing speed without compromising print quality. The WASP 2040 Pro is an excellent choice for professionals who can benefit from its fast print speed, generous build volume, and ability to print with both plastic and clay materials.
Standout Features
- Industrial build quality
- Modular extruder arrangement
- Clay, porcelain, and zirconia 3D printing capabilities
Technical Details |
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Build volume | Ø 200 x 400 mm |
Max. nozzle temperature | 250 °C |
Max bed temperature | 110 °C |
Max print speed | 500 mm/s |
Filament compatibility | PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, clay |
Connectivity | SD card |
What We Like
- Extremely fast print speeds
- Excellent stability even at high speeds
- Self-calibration system guarantees precision
Could Be Better
- Uses outdated LCD screen
- No connectivity except SD card
- Limited aftermarket parts availability
Anycubic’s Kobra series is a budget 3D printer range with various advanced features. The Anycubic Kobra is the most basic 3D printer in the lineup and is a feature-packed machine at a low cost.
Anycubic claims their Kobra 3D printer is almost 167% faster than other similar 3D printers, with a recommended printing speed of 80 mm/s and maximum speed settings of 180 mm/s. While this does not make it the fastest 3D printer out there, it is an excellent high-speed printer on a budget.
The PEI print bed you receive with the Kobra results in excellent adhesion and facilitates easy print removal. Anycubic has also included an inductive probe in its LeviQ system to automate the bed leveling process.
Yet, as the Kobra uses a PTFE-lined hot end, you’re limited to 3D printing with PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. A second Z-axis lead screw would also have been helpful for increased stability at high speeds.
These were just some of the minor drawbacks that we could find in the Anycubic Kobra. Overall, the Anycubic Kobra is amongst the fastest 3D printers on a budget and is a great choice for beginners, first-time users, and hobbyists looking for an affordable fast 3D printer.
Standout Features
- Automatic bed leveling
- Direct drive extruder
- PEI spring steel bed
- Sensorless homing
Technical Details |
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Build volume | 220 x 220 x 250 mm |
Max. nozzle temperature | 260 °C |
Max bed temperature | 110 °C |
Max print speed | 180 mm/s |
Filament compatibility | PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU |
Connectivity | microSD, USB |
What We Like
- Affordable price
- Easy to assemble and operate
- Big touchscreen
- 32-bit controller
Could Be Better
- No enclosure
- Single Z-axis arrangement reduces stability
- Lacks all-metal hot end
With speed being its primary selling point, the FLSUN SR Super Racer is known as one of the fastest 3D printers in the delta 3D printers category. It has a generous build volume of Ø 260 x 330 mm and a rated top speed of 200 mm/s. Realistically though, to print objects of high quality, speed settings of 100-150 mm/s will yield the best results.
To achieve such high-print speeds, the printer includes a 32-bit 3D printer controller. The faster processor delivers a high computing speed, which leads to precise printer movement even at high rates. And to avoid unwanted vibrations of stepper motors at such speeds, FLSUN has included Trinamic’s TMC 2209 silent stepper drivers.
The linear rails on all three axes deliver a smooth motion and give rigidity to the printer’s frame while printing at high speeds. This helps to minimize vibrations and reduce ghosting and ringing artifacts in your prints.
Additionally, you get automatic bed leveling and a giant touchscreen with an easy-to-use UI. The printer has almost no drawbacks, and the Super Racer offers excellent value for your money.
The printer comes almost 90% pre-assembled, and you can start printing on it within just a few minutes.
Standout Features
- Automatic bed leveling
- High-quality linear rails
- 30 mins easy assembly
Technical Details |
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Build volume | Ø 260 x 330 mm |
Max. nozzle temperature | 260 °C |
Max bed temperature | 100 °C |
Max print speed | 200 mm/s |
Filament compatibility | PLA, ABS, PETG |
Connectivity | SD card, USB |
What We Like
- Generous print volume
- Fast and silent 3D printing
- Easy to position touchscreen
- Bondtech style dual drive extruder
Could Be Better
- Limited material compatibility
- Sub-par print quality right out of the box
The Voron 0.1 3D printer is what you’d get if you shrunk down the Voron 2.4 to its smallest size and retained all of its features. The Voron 0.1 has a modest build volume of about 120 x 120 x 120 mm, but can still print at speeds of up to 250 mm/s. It can be considered the most compact fast 3D printer available at the moment.
It includes a high-quality magnetic flexible PEI sheet that gives excellent print adhesion. To support fast printing speed, the kit comes with MGN linear rails and genuine Gates belts for X and Y axes. The small pancake stepper motors from Moons’ are reliable and accurate, even at high speeds.
The Voron 0.1 features a small heated print bed and an all-metal hot end reaching up to 300 °C. Additionally, the wires are pre-crimped for easy assembly. You also get enclosing panels for all four sides to contain 3D printer fumes and reduce the warping of high-temperature materials.
Its small print volume might not be ideal for many applications. But, considering its premium build quality and high-end parts, you can use the Voron 0.1 to prototype small models or produce end-use components using advanced filaments. It makes a superb 3D printer for hobbyists and print farms that don’t need a large build plate.
Standout Features
- Compact and portable build
- Open-source design
- Fully enclosed print area
Technical Details |
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Build volume | 120 x 120 x 120 mm |
Max. nozzle temperature | 300 °C |
Max bed temperature | 110 °C |
Max print speed | 250 mm/s |
Filament compatibility | PLA, ABS, PVA, HIPS, PETG, TPU, Nylon, PC, Carbon Fiber |
Connectivity | SD card, USB |
What We Like
- Uses high-end components
- Neat and clean wiring
- Doesn't rattle at fast print speeds
Could Be Better
- High cost for its build area
- No wireless functionality
Even though the Uniz Slash Plus is over three years old now, it is still the fastest 3D printer in hobbyist level resin printers. With print speeds of up to 200 mm/hr, Uniz claims the Slash Plus can devour 1 liter of liquid resin in a single hour.
It has a modest build volume of 192 x 120 x 200 mm and uses a 2K IPS LCD panel to cure the liquid resin material. The faster print speeds can be attributed to a patented liquid cooling system, which cools the LCD panel and UV light to sustain high-speed printing for long durations.
As the printer comes with a resin cartridge system, you needn’t worry about filling up the vat level during the print. This system comes in handy for large 3D prints and automates an aspect of resin printing.
However, the 0.075 mm print resolution lags behind many resin 3D printers, especially the latest 4k+ 3D printers. The lack of a touchscreen display for visual communication also makes it difficult to use. The printer’s not compatible with 3rd party resin, and you can solely use UNIZs resin for your prints.
That being said, UNIZ Slash Plus’s speed is unmatched, making better sense in professional applications. It’s best suited for dentistry, jewelry design, and industrial prototyping to fully utilize the printer’s high quality and high speed.
Standout Features
- Patented liquid cooling technology
- Resin cartridge system
Technical Details |
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Build volume | 192 x 120 x 200mm |
XY resolution | 75 µm (0.075 mm) |
Layer Thickness | 0.01 - 0.30 mm |
Max print speed | 200 mm/hr |
Material | Uniz resins |
Connectivity | USB, Wifi, Ethernet |
What We Like
- High-quality fast 3D prints
- Easy to refill resin system
- Solid build quality
- Automatic resin level control
Could Be Better
- Lacks air filter
- Low XY resolution
Prusa3D finally entered the CoreXY 3D printer category with its latest Prusa XL printer. They first showcased the printer at the Formnext event in November 2021. The machine caused a buzz owing to its revolutionary new design and several advanced features that are firsts in the consumer 3D printer category.
While Prusa has not revealed the maximum 3D printing speed, the CoreXY structure, coupled with a Klipper firmware integration, is a good indicator that the XL will probably be one of the fastest 3D printers. Other features such as 360 x 360 x 360 mm large print volume and a redesigned lightweight ‘Nextruder’ are also evident indicators of the XL’s fast printing speeds.
The XL is equipped with a 32-bit motherboard (a first in a Prusa 3D printer) to compute the printer’s movements for high-speed printing. Additionally, the linear rails on all three axes give the printer a rigid frame structure and precise motion.
One of the unique features of the XL is its tool changer system. You can load up to five different materials or tool heads simultaneously, and this feature will let you execute multi-material 3D printing and combine other manufacturing methods such as laser cutting, CNC, and 3D printing.
But, the PrusaXL is still in its pre-order stage and users are yet to receive their first units. Considering its unique offerings and the reputable brand name of Prusa, there’s a lot of excitement for Prusa XL. If you’re a professional, a serious hobbyist, or a Prusa enthusiast, you should keep an eye out for the XL.
Standout Features
- Klipper Firmware
- High-performance "Nextruder"
- Modular print bed
Technical Details |
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Build volume | 360 x 360 x 360 mm |
Max. nozzle temperature | N/A |
Max bed temperature | N/A |
Max print speed | N/A |
Filament compatibility | PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, ASA, etc. |
Connectivity | Ethernet, SD Card |
What We Like
- Massive print volume
- 32-bit electronics with Klipper
- Tool-changing capabilities
- Flexible and modular design
- Uses high-torque cycloidal gear extruder
Could Be Better
- Still in pre-order stage
- No information about quality and user experience
The Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K is a power-packed unit with excellent specifications in a small package. It is one of the highest-resolution resin 3D printers available currently that can print an entire layer in barely two seconds.
Phrozen claims the printer’s top 3D printing speed to be around 80 mm/hr. This speed is possible due to the use of a 4K monochrome display, which can cure print layers up to 4 times faster than a conventional RGB LCD screen. The small print size, coupled with a 4K screen, results in a 0.035 mm XY resolution, giving you the sharpest-looking resin prints.
Its build quality is top-notch, with linear rails on the Z-axis. Phrozen has recently updated the Mini 4K with a T-plate system to enhance the printer’s stability further while printing large models. Additionally, the printer is compatible with the Chitubox and Lychee slicers and is extremely easy to use, thanks to its simple touchscreen UI.
Including a HEPA air filter and some more connectivity options would’ve made the Mini 4K a perfect budget resin 3D printer.
Even so, Phrozen has delivered a superb resin 3D printer that you can use to print high-quality models at faster print speeds. For a budget of $400.00, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K is worth its price. It is ideal for hobbyists that can benefit from the resin printers’ high print quality.
Standout Features
- Monochrome LCD Screen
- 4K resolution
- Excellent build quality
Technical Details |
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Build volume | 134 x 75 x 130 mm |
XY resolution | 35 µm (0.035 mm) |
Layer Thickness | 0.01 - 0.30 mm |
Max print speed | 80 mm/hr |
Material | 405 nm UV resin |
Connectivity | USB |
What We Like
- Sharp details and edge reproduction
- Easy to use
- Compatible with 3rd party resin
- Uses linear rails for smooth motion
Could Be Better
- Small print area
- No air filter
What to Look for in the Fastest 3D Printer
Printing Technology
Cartesian, CoreXY, and Delta 3D printers are the three motion systems used in the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing process. Cartesian 3D printers have one of the most straightforward designs, with a print head that moves in X and Z directions, while the print bed is responsible for the Y-axis movement.
In CoreXY printers, you have a vertically moving print bed with a lightweight extruder setup. The X- and Y-stepper motors are mounted on the frame of the 3D printer itself, reducing moving mass and increasing the 3D printing speed. The boxy frame of a CoreXY printer also increases structural rigidity and makes it easy to enclose the entire print area.
Delta 3D printers have a stationary build plate with a featherweight printhead. These printers use a complex motion system in which three connector arms move in sync with each other to move the print head. Delta 3D printers are some of the fastest 3D printers and reaching speeds of 150 mm/s or higher is not out of the question.
Print Volume
Make sure the printer you choose has a print volume that meets your needs. Regardless of the motion system you choose, you want to make sure the printer can handle the size of the model you are trying to print. Some 3D printers come in various configurations, letting you choose the size of the build area.
For example, the Voron 2.4 kit comes in three different print volumes. You can choose a modest 250 x 250 mm area or a bigger 350 x 350 mm one at an additional cost.
Delta 3D printers, like the WASP 2040 Pro and FLSUN SR Super Racer, are extremely space-efficient and offer a large printing height while occupying minimum floor space.
While you can go with a large resin 3D printer, it is more expensive to buy and run than an FDM 3D printer. It’ll only be worth it if you need the high detail of resin prints or have very large objects to print.
If you want to print generic large models, carry out batch 3D prints, and low layer thickness and better print quality are not your primary concern, then an FDM-based large 3D printer will give you superior value.
Print Speed
The print speed of FDM 3D printers is restricted by their printing technology and design. FDM printers have many moving parts and print layers segment by segment. This leads to increased print times and reduces the overall print speed compared to resin 3D printers.
With MSLA 3D printers and other laser platform technology, there’s almost no moving part except for the build plate. An entire layer of your model can cure in 2-4 seconds if the machine uses a monochrome LCD. This speed is significantly higher than any FDM 3D printer and comes in handy for printing multiple parts at once or large designs that take up the entire build plate.
That said, CoreXY and Delta 3D printers are specifically designed for faster print speeds and provide additional benefits that resin prints don’t have. These printers provide a better balance in price, build volume, and print speeds.
If fast speed is your primary concern, the UNIZ Slash Plus or the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K are the fastest 3D printers on the list. But, if you need an FDM printer that has a decent print speed, costs less, and is easy to operate, the Voron 2.4 and FLSUN SR Super Racer are the fastest 3D printers that also offer great value.
Rigidity
Printing at high speeds rattles a 3D printer’s components and affects the final print quality. These factors make it essential for you to consider the rigidity of your 3D printer. CoreXY and Delta printers have a solid geometry designed to reduce vibrations and offer stability at high print speeds.
When considering rigidity, you should look for a cubical metal frame with linear rails for motion. This combination offers the best stability when you’re printing fast. A cantilevered bed on an FDM printer is a no-go as it will result in wobble during the printing process.
Noise Levels
FDM 3D printers use multiple stepper motors to execute their movements. When you’re printing fast, the stepper motors can make loud and annoying noises, especially if things start to resonate.
You won’t have to face the issue of high noise levels with resin printers. Such printers generally have a single stepper motor and are fully enclosed. There’s not much that can disturb you, aside from the various safety-oriented resin printer accessories that you’ll use.
It’s best to select an FDM 3D printer with silent stepper drivers to avoid issues with excess noise. Stepper drivers such as the TMC 22xx series help to reduce the noise levels to a manageable level that won’t disturb you while you’re printing.
The Voron 3D printers and the FLSUN SR Super Racer use TMC 2209 stepper motor drivers to make your 3D printer quiet. They help to keep the noise level below 50 dB, and the sole noise you can hear is from the 3D printer’s fans and motion bearings.
Enclosure
A 3D printer enclosure helps to isolate a 3D printer from its surroundings and helps contain noise. Additionally, the chamber keeps 3D printer fumes contained and gives you the option to add an air filtration system to filter out these harmful particulates.
Resin 3D printers almost always come with an enclosure, which not only helps reduce noise but prevents UV rays from affecting your eyes. In CoreXY and Delta printers, it is typically easy to install an enclosure as all their elements are confined within the printer’s frame.
Conclusion: Which Fast 3D Printer Should You Get?
Fast 3D printers help you to print your models faster and reiterate your designs in less time. It also reduces the risk of print failures associated with printing for long durations. Moreover, you’ll save high costs with reduced final print times, which is handy if you’re running a professional 3D printing business.
Our top choice for the fastest 3D printer in this list is the Voron 2.4. It offers a great 3D printing speed of up to 250 mm/s, excellent build quality, and top-end features that give you the best for your buck. There’s also a superb Voron community to support you if you run into any issues.
Alternatively, you can go with the FLSUN SR Super Racer which is the fastest 3D printer that offers great print quality on a budget. While the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K is the fastest 3D printer in the resin category with an excellent value proposition.
What’s your highest print speed till now? And on which 3D printer? Let us know in the comments below.