The best 3D printer for small businesses isn’t the same standard one that you see floating around the internet and stores. In fact, you must ensure that it’s specifically tailored to your small business’s needs and requirements.
For starters, it must be cost-effective and capable of quickly producing a high volume of detailed 3D prints for you to efficiently keep up with the demands.
However, finding the right 3D printer for your business can be easier said than done. We understand this, and that’s why we’ve come up with this blog specifically for small business owners like you, who are looking for the perfect fit 3D printer for their brand.
Through this blog, we’ll provide you with a detailed buying guide so that you know exactly what to look for when you’re researching the right 3D printer for your business.
After that, we’ll walk you through the features and functionality of the Sonic Mega 8K S and the Sonic Mega 8K V2, which are the best products in the industry, specifically manufactured to meet the unique demands of small business owners.
So, keep on reading.
Why Do I Need a 3D Pinter for Small Business?
Some 3D printers offers businesses with better solutions and flexibility.
Before we proceed, you must understand exactly why you need a 3D printer specifically designed for your small business. Firstly, if you own a small brand, you’ll most likely be dealing with minimal resources.
In fact, a report by Forbes shows that 38% of businesses in the US fail due to exhausting their cash reserves, and as such, you should be strategic with your capital.
Choosing the right 3D printer for small businesses can help reduce production costs. Additionally, you can minimize material waste, power consumption, and the need for additional equipment.
Another advantage of owning a 3D printer for a small business is customization and versatility. There are various kinds of 3D printers manufactured for specific purposes, such as producing prototypes, customized parts, or small-batch manufacturing—you must choose one that specializes in your niche, whether it’s printing highly detailed parts or using particular materials.
Another important factor for a small business like yours is that you’ll need to quickly adapt to market demands. This is why you must choose the right small business 3D printer that meets your production speed or can handle scalable small-batch production—this will allow faster production iteration and help get your products to the market quicker. Standard 3D printers might not fit this specific criterion.
Moreover, you can’t compromise on the quality and precision of your products. A small mistake can be costly, especially for a startup or small business. And, you wouldn’t want to waste your limited resources on correcting the mistake.
For illustration, let’s say you get a huge order from a prominent client, and you do everything correctly and get the order delivered on time. However, the products aren’t as highly detailed as your client envisioned.
In this scenario, you’ll end up with a dissatisfied client who will most likely turn to another service provider. And, if you decide to replace all your 3D printers, it can prove to be a costly affair.
Especially if you’re in the dental or jewelry business, you’ll need a 3D printer capable of manufacturing intricately designed prototypes.
Other than securing the best small business 3D printer, there are other ways for you to improve your 3D print quality. With that said, we highly recommend you check our in-depth blog on improving 3D print quality—in this blog, we have compiled all the proven techniques that we have learned through our years in the industry to help you get the most out of your resin 3D prints.
Moreover, we have another insightful resource on 3D printing faster to help speed up the printing process. You’ll find this blog especially useful if you’re a small business dealing with high production demands.
Lastly, as your small business grows, so will your production needs. That’s why you can’t work with standard 3D printers, but you must conduct thorough research and pick the best 3D printer for small businesses that are designed with scalability in mind so that you can successfully transition from small-scale production to higher demands.
This means investing in a printer that can handle increased workloads, more complex prints, or even expand into new materials without significant reinvestment. Having a scalable printer ensures that your business can evolve without being held back by limited technology.
This blog will help you find the right 3D printer for your small business's 3D printing needs.
However, if you’re thinking of starting your own business but haven't actually begun, you can check out our helpful blogs on how to make money 3D printing and 3D print farms to instill some inspiration in you.
From generating passive income to full-scale operations, these resources are a must-read if you’re serious about stepping into the 3D printing business.
Now, in the next section, let’s explore what features you need to focus on to find the best small business 3D printer.
Finding the Best 3D Printer for Small Business: Buying Guide
Understanding the value of a 3D printer is only the first step. Now, it’s time to find the right one for your business needs. With so many options on the market, here’s what to consider when choosing the best 3D printer for a small business:
Type of 3D Printer
Different 3D printers excel at different purposes. (Image source: Jakub Żerdzicki)
Firstly, narrow down your business goals and needs—this is crucial for finding the best small business 3D printer. Two main types of 3D printers dominate the industry: FDM and resin 3D printers and both excel in different areas.
If you need to quickly mass-produce consumer goods, FDM devices will be a better choice due to their speed and ease of use. On the other hand, if details and precision are top priorities for you, resin 3D printers are unmatched. To have a thorough understanding of the differences between the two, read our blog on resin vs. filament 3D printing.
Most 3D printers are suitable for multiple applications. However, you still need to make sure that your 3D printer meets your exact requirements in terms of controls, safety, outer dimensions, etc. The best 3D printer for small businesses must be easy to use and not complicated or discouraging.
Resolution
The lower the layer height, the better the details. (Image source: Jakub Żerdzicki)
If your business relies on detailed models, such as product prototyping and jewelry, resolution should be one of the top considerations. A 3D printer's resolution, also called layer height, is expressed in microns (mm)—this measurement directly impacts the level of detail and surface texture in the final product.
The smaller the layer height, the finer and more detailed the print will be, resulting in smoother surfaces. Therefore, when you’re looking for a small business 3D printer, look out for one with a lower layer height, which generally signifies higher print quality and precision.
In most cases, 3D printers for small businesses possessing a layer height of 20 to 100 microns will be sufficient. Also, keep in mind that resin 3D printers offer higher resolution compared to FDM 3D printers.
Material Compatibility
Some 3D printers only work with a limited range of materials, which can restrict your business’s versatility. You must ensure that your 3D printer is compatible with the required consumables. This is especially important if you’re going to be working across various applications.
Professional 3D printers often support a wider range of materials compared to hobbyist-grade models, including standard plastics and resins, as well as more specialized materials like powders, metals, clay, and ceramics. Specialized machines are designed to deliver superior results, so it's important to choose wisely based on your specific needs.
Size and Build Volume
You must also consider the build area when you’re looking for the best 3D printer for a small business. Generally, 3D printers for businesses possess larger print areas to effectively meet the demands of small-scale production.
Large 3D printers can print huge 3D models or batches of small models in a single print. This feature is particularly important if your business needs to print huge 3D models or mass-produce batches of models.
You can also choose to print several parts of the 3D model separately. However, this will lengthen the 3D printing process and can also impact the final product’s quality as well. For this reason, we strictly recommend you invest in a small business 3D printer with the right build size for your production needs.
Software
Your 3D printer's software and user interface will heavily influence the workflow of your device. You need to ensure that the software suite works smoothly with your device, is efficient and simple to use, and features a range of options to boost productivity. This is where 3D printers for businesses differ from standard devices.
3D printers for business come with an extensive range of functionalities, such as intuitive UI, Wi-Fi connectivity, automated slicing procedures, and many more. These features are specifically designed to amp up productivity.
When looking for the best 3D printer for small businesses, research, and, if possible, test out the software in person to ensure that it has the features you need and is easy to use for you and your team.
Customer Support
If you’re a small business dealing with 3D printers, you’ll encounter problems once in a while. Moreover, unlike normal users, you won’t be dealing with one or two 3D printers. In most cases, you’ll have at least a few 3D printers powering up your business.
In light of this, it’s a must that your small business 3D printer is backed by robust customer support, accessible resources, and a strong community to troubleshoot and resolve problems as soon as possible so that your business can operate without a hitch.
Bearing this in mind, we have thorough write-ups on 3D printing mistakes to avoid for beginners, resin print failures, and a complete guide on resin 3D printing troubleshooting. Make sure that you give these resources a read so that you can prevent or fix most 3D printing problems.
In the next section, we’ll introduce the Sonic Mega 8K S and the Sonic Mega 8K V2 and explain why they are the best 3D printers for small businesses.
Sonic Mega 8K S and Mega 8K V2: Tailored for Small Businesses
In the previous section, we discussed why you need a 3D printer specifically designed for business over standard models. As a small business owner, you need a 3D printer that’s efficient, reliable, and high-quality to scale production, meet customer demands, and reduce overhead costs.
In this section, we’ll dive deep into the Sonic Mega 8K S and the Mega 8K V2 from Phrozen and explore why they are the best 3D printers for small business owners.
Our Sonic Mega 8K S was hailed as one of the best 3D printers for small business, with top3dshop.com naming it as one of their top picks.
Building on this success, we continued to innovate, and the Mega 8K S and Mega 8K V2 are the results of years of research and development.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
Impeccable 8K Print Quality
Impeccable details captured by the Sonic Mega 8K S.
Both the Sonic Mega 8K S and Mega 8K V2 feature exceptional 8K resolution, boasting an impressive 43µm XY resolution, one of the finest in the industry. This allows them to produce highly detailed models of various sizes. Whether your business focuses on prototypes, miniatures, or custom designs, these printers deliver the detail and precision required to impress your clients.
With the increasing popularity of the 3D printing business, competition is fierce. The ability to consistently produce high-quality, detailed models sets your business apart from competitors, ensuring that you can offer customers unmatched quality at every turn.
Massive Build Volume to Scale Up Your Production
Huge model with impeccable details printed with the Sonic Mega 8K V2.
Another key feature that makes the Sonic Mega 8K S and Mega 8K V2 two of the best 3D printers for small businesses is their massive build volume. As a small business owner, you often face the challenge of balancing production speed and quality.
The Mega 8K S is perfect for your huge ideas.
The Sonic Mega 8K V2 printed a whooping 80 miniatures in 1.5 hours.
The Sonic Mega 8K V2’s 40 cm Z-axis height and the Mega 8K S’s 15-inch build plate allow you to print large models or batch-produce smaller items in a single run. For instance, in testing, the Mega 8K S was able to produce 80 miniatures in just 1.5 hours—a remarkable speed in the industry.
This capability is particularly beneficial for businesses that need to mass-produce prototypes, custom parts, or art pieces in bulk. The ability to meet production demands efficiently ensures that your business runs smoothly and profitably.
Accelerated Production for Tight Deadlines
Time is a critical factor for small businesses, and you’ll occasionally need to handle last-minute orders. That’s why your 3D printer needs to produce high-quality prints quickly.
Both models offer faster printing speeds, averaging 400 layers per hour, allowing you to meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
The Sonic Mega 8K V2 enhances this further with a high-speed system that enables faster print settings when used with the latest firmware, ACF film, and TR300 resin. This speed advantage helps your small business accelerate production cycles, handle urgent orders, and stay ahead in a competitive market.
Automated Resin Management for Reduced Downtime
The exclusive Pump & Fill feature drastically minimizes downtime.
The Sonic Mega 8K V2 comes with an exclusive Pump & Fill automated resin feeder, which automatically refills your resin vat. This prevents print failures due to resin shortages and eliminates the need for manual monitoring.
For small businesses, this feature significantly reduces downtime, ensuring continuous production. You can focus on other important tasks without constantly checking resin levels. Additionally, automated resin feeding helps minimize material waste, saving you money in the long run.
Enhanced Workplace Comfort and Safety
Small business environments can often be limited in space. Moreover, 3D printers can emit unpleasant odors, making the workspace uncomfortable. That’s why air quality and space utilization are critical factors to consider when choosing the best 3D printer for your business.
The Sonic Mega 8K V2 is equipped with two plug-in air purifiers, reducing odors and ensuring a more comfortable workspace without the need for recharging or complicated installations.
The Sonic Mega 8K S's lift-up lid saves resin and prevents mess.
Both models also feature thoughtful space-saving designs, such as the Mega 8K S’s lift-up lid, which helps optimize your working area by preventing clutter and improving accessibility to prints.
These features contribute to a safe and comfortable workplace, allowing you to focus on growing your business in a pleasant environment.
Ease of Use and Minimal Maintenance
Small businesses often operate with limited technical resources, and if you don’t have much technical expertise, you’ll need a 3D printer that’s simple to use and maintain.
Both the Sonic Mega 8K S and V2 are designed with user-friendliness in mind. They feature intuitive touch panels and are compatible with popular slicer software like CHITUBOX.
The Sonic Mega 8K V2 also features a built-in drip hanger to save resin.
They also include helpful features such as the built-in resin drip hanger on the Sonic Mega 8K V2, which safely collects resin and prevents messy workspaces. This makes post-print clean-up easier and more efficient.
Scalability for Future Growth
As your small business grows, your 3D printer needs to scale with you. With the Sonic Mega 8K S and Mega 8K V2, you don’t need to worry about this. Whether you’re expanding your product line or increasing production capacity, these two printers provide the performance necessary to handle more demanding workloads as your business evolves.
Their large build volumes and high resolution allow you to tackle bigger, more complex projects without needing to upgrade your equipment right away. Rest assured, these 3D printers will be valuable tools for your business for years to come.
Customer Service Centered Around You
Most importantly, the Sonic Mega 8K S and Mega 8K V2 are backed by excellent customer service. You can access a variety of help center resources to troubleshoot any issues, and if you can’t find the solution to your problem, you can easily submit a ticket to receive help from our support team.
Whether it’s troubleshooting or replacing parts, our support team is always ready to assist, ensuring that your issues are resolved quickly and efficiently so you can focus on running your business smoothly.
Final Words
The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S and Mega 8K V2 are specifically designed to meet the demands of small businesses. Both models offer a perfect balance of precision, speed, and efficiency.
Their industry-leading 8K resolution, massive build volumes, and user-friendly features allow you to scale production, improve output quality, and streamline operations.
Whether you're batch-producing miniatures, creating intricate prototypes, or printing large-scale models, these printers are tailored to meet the specific needs of small businesses, helping you save time, reduce costs, and elevate your offerings.
If you’re looking for the best 3D printer for small businesses, you won’t find any others like the Sonic Mega 8K S and Sonic Mega 8K V2.
Do you have any queries or feedback? We are always looking forward to hearing from you. Leave us a comment, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
