The world of 3D printing is rapidly evolving, and one of the most exciting advancements is the increasing speed of FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers. No longer are users confined to lengthy print times; what once took hours can now be achieved in mere minutes. This leap in speed is not exclusive to high-end, expensive machines. Even entry-level 3D printers are now equipped with features like speedy Klipper firmware, Volcano nozzles, and high-flow PLA filaments right out of the box. These advancements democratize rapid prototyping and faster creation for all users, from hobbyists to professionals.
To identify the truly Fastest 3d Printer that doesn’t compromise on print quality, we conducted rigorous timed print tests. We pushed over a dozen leading models from top manufacturers like Creality, Bambu Lab, and Prusa to their limits. Our methodology focused on real-world performance using standard settings, maximum acceleration, and unrestricted filament flow, all while utilizing the printers’ stock nozzles without any hardware modifications.
The results were eye-opening. While all printers tested are considered among the best for speed and user-friendliness – and even some of the best budget 3D printers made surprisingly strong showings – performance varied significantly. Print times ranged dramatically from a blistering 13 minutes to a more protracted 41 minutes. Crucially, the quality of the printed test model also differed wildly, highlighting that raw speed isn’t everything.
The table below provides a detailed summary of our findings, showcasing the print time, cooling performance, ringing artifacts, layer quality, default print speed, maximum speed, and maximum acceleration for each printer. For context, we’ve included the Sovol SV06, a representative of older, unaccelerated 3D printer technology, to illustrate just how far speed advancements have come.
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| Printer | Time to Print (minutes) | Cooling | Ringing | Layers | Default Print Speed | Max Speed | Max Acceleration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Creality K1C | 13:39 | fair | no | little rough | 300 | 600 | 20000 |
| Creality K1 Max | 13:50 | fair | no | rough near overhangs | 300 | 600 | 20000 |
| Creality K1 | 13:54 | fair | no | rough near overhangs | 300 | 600 | 20000 |
| Bambu Lab X1-Carbon | 15:29 | good | trace | litte rough | 250 | 500 | 20000 |
| Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus | 16:25 | fair | trace | litte rough | 250 | 500 | 12000 |
| Two Trees SK1 | 17:13 | very good | none | rough | 250 | 700 | 2000 |
| Bambu Lab P1P | 17:44 | fair | no | good | 270 | 500 | 20000 |
| Bambu Lab P1S | 18:00 | fair | no | little rough | 270 | 500 | 20000 |
| Bambu Lab A1 Mini | 19:17 | good | none | excellent | 270 | 500 | 10000 |
| Sovol SV07 | 19:24 | good | none | fair | 250 | 500 | 8000 |
| Creality Ender 3 V3 KE | 19:48 | good | none | fair | 300 | 500 | 8000 |
| Elegoo Neptune 4 | 20:00 | good | none | acceptable | 250 | 500 | 5000 |
| AnkerMake M5c | 20:04 | good | none | good | 270 | 500 | 5000 |
| Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro | 20:06 | good | trace | acceptable | 250 | 500 | 5000 |
| AnkerMake M5 | 23:00 | fair | trace | ok | 250 | 500 | 5000 |
| Biqu Hurakan | 24:31 | good | slight | rough | 60 | 150 | 3000 |
| Prusa XL | 25:14 | rough | none | lumpy | 170 | 200 | 4000 |
| Prusa MK4 | 27:06 | good | none | good | 170 | 300 | 4000 |
| Prusa Mini + | 28:47 | rough | none | decent | 140 | 200 | 4000 |
| Anycubic Kobra 2 | 32:00 | excellent | slight | good | 150 | 300 | 3000 |
| Creality Ender 3 V3 SE | 41:00 | good | none | good | 180 | 250 | 2500 |
| Sovol SV06 | 59:00 | excellent | none | perfect | 60 | 200 | 1000 |
According to our tests, the Creality K1C emerged as the fastest 3D printer in our lineup, completing the Speed Benchy benchmark in a mere 13 minutes and 39 seconds. Closely following were the Creality K1 Max and Creality K1, demonstrating Creality’s strong presence in the high-speed 3D printing arena. The K1 Max boasts impressive specifications, including a top speed of 600 mm/s and a maximum acceleration of 20000 mm/s, highlighting the technical capabilities driving these rapid print times.
All speed tests were conducted using the same standard filament, Inland’s gray PLA. We selected this filament for its widespread availability, affordability, and its tendency to clearly reveal layer lines and imperfections in photographs, providing a brutally honest visual representation of print quality.
Why the Speed Benchy is the Ideal Benchmark for Fast 3D Printers
Why use a Speed Benchy?
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Achieving fast 3D printing is a complex interplay of factors beyond just acceleration and flow rates. Filament type, slicer software choices, model size and complexity, and the overall tuning of your 3D printer all contribute to the final print speed. Finding a single test model that would function flawlessly across every slicer and printer proved challenging. Ultimately, we opted for the universally recognized and reliable 3D Benchy as our benchmark.
The 3D Benchy is specifically designed to evaluate and fine-tune the quality settings of 3D printers across all price points, including even the Best Budget 3D Printers. Its design incorporates challenging overhangs, precise curves, and efficient material usage. The “Speed Benchy” variation maintains consistent quality settings across tests, ensuring a level playing field for all printers.
While every printer on our list is capable of producing a beautiful Benchy with standard settings and a print time around 45 minutes, our focus was on pushing these machines to their limits. Despite some printers advertising top speeds of 500mm/s, achieving a successful Benchy at those extreme settings proved unattainable across the board. Yes, we put them to the test, pushing the boundaries of what’s currently possible in consumer fast 3D printing.
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
A 500mm/s Speed Beachy from the Bambu Lab P1P. (Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Testing Parameters for the Speed Benchy Benchmark
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| Nozzle | .4mm |
|---|---|
| Layer Height | .25mm |
| Line Width | .5mm |
| Walls | 2 |
| Top/Bottom Layers | 3 |
| Infill | 10% Grid |
| Material Temp | 230 C |
| Build Plate Temp | 60 C |
| Infill Speed | 300mm/s |
| Outer Wall Speed | 200mm/s |
| Inner Wall Speed | 300mm/s |
| Top/Bottom Speed | 150mm/s |
| Travel Speed | 500mm/s |
| Initial Layer Speed | 60mm/s |
| Combing | Not in Skin |
| Cooling | 100% |
| Minimum Layer Time | 0 |
| Build Play Adhesion | Skirt, 1 line |
| Max Volumetric Speed | 50 |
| Slow printing for better layer cooling | OFF |
As anticipated, none of the printers produced a flawless Benchy at their maximum advertised speeds. However, the accompanying photos for each printer reveal just how close each model came to achieving perfection under extreme speed conditions, allowing for a visual comparison of their performance.
Creality K1C: The New Champion of Speed
Creality K1C
Creality K1C
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | XY, Klipper |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 20000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 600 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Unicorn (28 mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 13 minutes 39 seconds |
The Creality K1C decisively outperformed the competition, shaving nearly 5 minutes off the print times of other brands and even beating the K1 Max by 11 seconds. While the resulting Speed Benchy exhibited minor stringing and a slightly rough hull line, its performance was exceptionally impressive for a speed-focused print. Notably, the K1C showed no signs of ringing artifacts, and the smokestack and overhangs were remarkably well-defined, further solidifying its position as a top contender for the fastest 3D printer.
Creality K1 Max: Still a Top-Tier Fast Printer
Creality K1 Max
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | XY, Klipper |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 20000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 600 mm/s |
| Nozzle | K1 (21 mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 13 minutes 50 seconds |
Our previous speed champion, the Creality K1 Max, remains a formidable contender in the fast 3D printer category. It outperformed many other brands by nearly 5 minutes, producing a Speed Benchy in just 13 minutes and 50 seconds. The print exhibited slight stringing and roughness on the lower layers, but remained structurally sound for a speed-optimized print. While some edges appeared slightly rounded due to input shaping, ringing was absent, and the smokestack and overhangs maintained good definition.
Creality K1: Speedy Performance in a Compact Package
Creality K1
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | XY, Klipper |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 20000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 600 mm/s |
| Nozzle | K1 (21 mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 13 minutes 50 seconds |
The Creality K1, only 4 seconds slower than its larger sibling, the K1 Max, delivers impressive speed in a smaller footprint. Despite being marginally slower, the K1 produced a well-defined Benchy for speed boat standards, exhibiting only minor stringing and roughness on the lower layers. Similar to the K1 Max, the K1, utilizing the same slicer and firmware, showed some edge rounding due to input shaping. Overall, the K1 stands out as an excellent fast 3D printer for rapid prototyping and quick turnaround projects.
Bambu Lab X1-Carbon: Speed with Refinement
Bambu Lab X1-Carbon
Bambu Lab X1-Carbon
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Core XY, Klipper |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 20,000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Bambu (10.6 mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 15 minutes, 29 seconds |
Among the Bambu Lab printers tested, the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon emerged as the fastest 3D printer, completing the Speed Benchy in 15 minutes and 29 seconds – just 2 minutes and 10 seconds behind the overall champion. The X1-Carbon distinguished itself with a remarkably clean print, showing only a subtle hint of underextrusion in the layers. This highlights the X1-Carbon’s ability to balance high speed with impressive print quality.
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus: Fast and Large Format
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Klipper |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 12000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Elegoo Custom (22.5mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 16 minutes 25 seconds |
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Plus demonstrated impressive speed for a large-volume bed slinger, completing the Speed Benchy test in a blistering 16 minutes and 25 seconds. Despite its larger build volume, the Neptune 4 Plus maintained respectable speed. Its 12000mm/s² acceleration resulted in some minor banding and artifacts related to rapid movements, but the overall detail of the printed model was remarkable considering the sub-17-minute print time. This makes the Neptune 4 Plus a strong contender for users needing both speed and a larger build area.
Two Trees SK1: Voron-Inspired Speedster
Two Trees SK1
Two Trees SK1
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | XY, Kippler |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 20000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 700 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Bambu (10.6 mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 17 minutes 13 seconds |
The Two Trees SK1, inspired by Voron design principles known for speed and performance, achieved a Speed Benchy time of 17 minutes and 13 seconds. While not breaking into the top 5 fastest 3D printers in this test, the SK1 produced a boat with some minor bumps, but showcased a beautifully sharp hull with excellent cooling, no ringing, and well-formed overhangs. Its Voron heritage suggests potential for further speed optimization and tuning.
Bambu Lab P1P: Balanced Speed and Quality
Bambu Lab P1P
Bambu Lab P1P
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | XY, Bambu OS |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 20000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Bambu (10.6 mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 17 minutes 44 seconds |
The Bambu Lab P1P delivered a visually appealing Speed Benchy in 17 minutes and 44 seconds. The print exhibited only minor cooling artifacts on the bow and slight stringing, with a complete absence of ringing. The P1P demonstrates a good balance between speed and print quality, making it a versatile option for users seeking faster print times without significant compromises in detail.
Bambu Lab P1S: Enclosed Speed and Reliability
Bambu Lab P1S
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Bambu OS |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 10000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Bambu (10.6 mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 19 minutes 17 seconds |
The Bambu Lab P1S, the enclosed version of the P1P, completed the Speed Benchy in 18 minutes. While slightly slower than the P1P, the enclosed design offers benefits for printing temperature-sensitive materials and reducing warping. The P1S maintains a similar balance of speed and quality, making it a reliable choice for users who value enclosure benefits alongside faster print capabilities.
Bambu Lab A1 Mini: Fast Bed Slinger with Excellent Quality
Bambu Lab A1 Mini
Bambu Lab A1 Mini
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Bambu OS |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 10000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Bambu (10.6 mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 19 minutes 17 seconds |
The Bambu Lab A1 Mini impressed as the fastest bed slinger in our test, achieving a Speed Benchy time of 19 minutes and 17 seconds. Not only was it fast for a bed slinger, but the A1 Mini also produced a remarkably clean print. It exhibited no ringing, well-defined edges, and very smooth layers, showcasing that even bed slingers are capable of achieving impressive speed and quality.
Sovol SV07: Decent Speed for the Price
Sovol SV07
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Klipper |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 8000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Nozzle | K1 (21mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 19 minutes 24 seconds |
The Sovol SV07 delivered a “very nice – for speed” print in 19 minutes and 24 seconds, with only a few rough spots on the corners. The SV07’s large auxiliary curtain fan effectively cooled overhangs, demonstrating decent performance for its price point. While not among the absolute fastest 3D printers, the SV07 offers a good balance of speed and quality in its class.
Creality Ender 3 V3 KE: Budget Speedster with Open Source Flexibility
Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
Creality Ender 3 V3 KE
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Klipper Inspired |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 8000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Nozzle | K1 (21mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 19 minutes 48 seconds |
The Creality Ender 3 V3 KE stands out as one of our favorite budget speedsters, achieving a Speed Benchy time of 19 minutes and 48 seconds. This printer combines elements of the classic Ender 3 with the faster K1 line, incorporating a high-flow K1 hotend, Klipper firmware, and a budget-friendly Ender 3 frame. Its open-source nature allows for customization and Klipper updates. The Ender 3 V3 KE produced a respectable speed boat with good cooling and no ringing, although the layers were slightly rough, and overhangs were quite good. This makes it an excellent entry point into fast 3D printing on a budget.
Elegoo Neptune 4: Solid Speed and Quality
Elegoo Neptune 4
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Klipper |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 5000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Spider (16.8mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 20 minutes 0 seconds |
The Elegoo Neptune 4 delivered a “very good print” in 20 minutes flat. While exhibiting some rough layers and minor gaps in the cabin corners of the Benchy, its performance was remarkably good considering the speed. The Neptune 4 showcases a solid balance of speed and print quality, making it a reliable option for users seeking faster print times without sacrificing too much detail.
AnkerMake M5c: Fast Drafts with Decent Quality
AnkerMake M5c
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Klipper Inspired |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 5000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Anker (17mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 20 minutes 4 seconds |
The AnkerMake M5c completed the Speed Benchy in 20 minutes and 4 seconds. While it struggled slightly with the Benchy’s cabin columns, the print was otherwise remarkably good, with no stringing or ringing around the porthole. The layers on the hull were very smooth. The AnkerMake M5c is suitable for users needing fast 3D printing for drafts and prototypes where extreme detail is not paramount.
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro: Precise Speed and Cooling
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Klipper |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 5000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Elegoo Custom (18mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 20 minutes 6 seconds |
The Elegoo Neptune 4 Pro produced a Benchy with only minor defects in an impressive 20 minutes and 6 seconds. The hull showed some minor banding, but the high-flow part cooling fan effectively prevented curling even at high print speeds. The smokestack was impressively sharp, and the even layers demonstrate the Neptune 4 Pro’s precision even at higher speeds. This printer excels at balancing speed and accuracy.
AnkerMake M5: Speed Boost via Firmware Update
AnkerMake M5
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Klipper Inspired |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 5000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 500 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Anker (17mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 23 minutes 0 seconds |
The AnkerMake M5, originally designed for a maximum speed of 250 mm/s, achieved its faster print times through a firmware update. While its Speed Benchy time of 23 minutes is not the fastest in the group, it’s “good enough for drafts,” suggesting the M5 is suitable for users who need faster prints but may not require top-tier quality for every project.
BIQU Hurakan: Early Klipper Adoption, Now Mid-Pack Speed
BIQU Hurakan
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Klipper |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 3000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 300 mm/s |
| Nozzle | MK8 (13mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 24 minutes 31 seconds |
The BIQU Hurakan holds historical significance as one of the first bed slingers to come pre-installed with Klipper firmware. However, its Speed Benchy time of 24 minutes and 31 seconds places it in the mid-range of our test group. Limited cooling seems to be a factor holding back its speed potential, but on the positive side, the Hurakan exhibited no ringing artifacts.
Prusa XL: Precision Over Pure Speed
Prusa XL
Original Prusa XL
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Core XY, Klipper Inspired |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 5000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 400 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Prusa Nozzle (21mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 25 minutes 14 seconds |
Prusa printers are renowned for precision and reliability, and the Prusa XL reflects this philosophy. Josef Prusa himself emphasizes precision over sheer speed, which is evident in the Prusa XL’s performance. While twice as fast as the older Prusa MK3S, its Speed Benchy time of 25 minutes and 14 seconds is considerably slower than Bambu Lab machines. Its lower acceleration capabilities resulted in a print with soft lines, poor cooling on the bow, and a gap in the lower third where filament flow struggled to keep up. The Prusa XL prioritizes print quality and multi-material capabilities over being the fastest 3D printer.
Prusa MK4: Speed Boost with Input Shaping Firmware
Prusa MK4
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Klipper |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 4000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 300 mm/s |
| Nozzle | V6 (12.5mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 27 minutes 6 seconds |
The Prusa MK4 received a significant speed upgrade through new firmware incorporating input shaping. This update allowed the MK4 to achieve a Speed Benchy time of 27 minutes and 6 seconds, effectively cutting its print time in half. The resulting print exhibited nice, neat walls, good overhangs, and no ringing, demonstrating the power of input shaping firmware to enhance the speed capabilities of even established printer models.
Prusa Mini+ (with Alpha Input Shaping Update): Breathing New Life into a Classic
Prusa Mini+ (with Alpha Input Shaping Update)
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Klipper Inspired |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 4000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 200 mm/s |
| Nozzle | V6 (12.5mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 28 minutes 47 seconds |
The Prusa Mini+, a long-time favorite compact 3D printer, is also benefiting from input shaping technology. An alpha version of the input shaping update is available for adventurous users, and it yielded a Speed Benchy time of 28 minutes and 47 seconds. While the results are still somewhat preliminary, with messy corners on the test print, the input shaping update demonstrably revitalizes the Prusa Mini+, adding a new dimension of speed to this popular model.
Anycubic Kobra 2: Sturdy Frame for Reliable Speed
Anycubic Kobra 2
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Marlin |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 3000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 300 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Volcano (21mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 32 minutes 0 seconds |
The Anycubic Kobra 2 achieves its speed enhancements through a robust frame and upgraded metal components. While not as fast as Klipper-based printers, its Speed Benchy time of 32 minutes is respectable, and its Marlin firmware allows it to stay within the cooling capabilities of its fan, resulting in well-formed overhangs. The Kobra 2 prioritizes reliable speed and print quality over outright top speed.
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE: Clean Prints, Slower Speed
Creality Ender 3 V3 SE
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
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| Core | Cartesian, Marlin |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | 3000mm/s² |
| Max Print Speed | 300 mm/s |
| Nozzle | Spider (16.8mm) |
| Speed Boat Time | 41 minutes 0 seconds |
The Creality Ender 3 V3 SE claims to be faster than previous Ender models, but its Speed Benchy time of 41 minutes is the slowest in our test. However, the resulting print is notably clean and visually appealing in person. The Ender 3 V3 SE prioritizes print quality and ease of use over being the fastest 3D printer, making it a good option for beginners or users who value print finish over rapid turnaround.
Understanding the Fundamentals of Motion in Fast 3D Printing
The Basics of Motion
3D printers create objects layer by layer, extruding molten plastic from a hot nozzle. Movement in three dimensions is defined by X, Y, and Z coordinates: X and Y for horizontal movements, and Z for vertical. The motion system dictates how the print head moves, and significantly impacts print speed and quality.
There are three primary motion system designs found in fast 3D printers: Cartesian, Core XY, and Delta.
Cartesian: Named after the Cartesian coordinate system, these printers utilize three linear axes (X, Y, Z) to control print head movement. Each axis has its own dedicated motor and operates independently. Cartesian systems can be relatively heavy, especially when the Y-axis moves the build plate. Popularized by Joseph Prusa’s i3 design and its numerous clones (like the MK4 and budget-friendly options like the Neptune 3 Pro), Cartesian printers are widespread due to their simplicity and ease of construction.
CoreXY: This more complex system employs two motor-driven belts working in concert to manage print head movement in both X and Y directions. While more intricate, CoreXY systems are more efficient and lighter than Cartesian, enabling faster and more precise movements. The Bambu Lab P1S exemplifies a CoreXY printer, showcasing the speed and responsiveness of this design.
Delta: Easily recognizable by their tall and slender frames, Delta printers use three arms connected to the print head. These arms work in a coordinated “dance” to position the nozzle across the circular build area. Delta printers are inherently faster due to their lightweight moving parts and stationary build plate, eliminating the inertia of a moving bed or heavy gantry.
Key Factors for Speed: Hotend Flow, Cooling, and Firmware
Hotend Flow
A fundamental requirement for any 3D printer is the ability to melt filament and extrude it through the nozzle. Fast 3D printers must melt significantly more filament per unit of time to maintain consistent extrusion and avoid under-extrusion, which leads to gaps and weak layers.
Achieving higher flow rates necessitates enhancing the melt zone within the hotend. Printers like the Creality K1 utilize longer Volcano-style nozzles to maximize the surface area for melting filament, thereby increasing flow capacity and enabling faster print speeds.
Fastest 3D Printers Benchmarked
(Image credit: Tom’s Hardware)
Cooling
Effective cooling is paramount for fast 3D printing. Each layer of plastic must solidify sufficiently before subsequent layers are deposited. Insufficient cooling leads to sagging overhangs, poor bridging, loss of detail, and weak layer adhesion, all detrimental to print quality.
Cooling is typically achieved through fans directed at the freshly printed layer. Early 3D printers often relied on a single tool head fan. However, the pursuit of faster speeds has driven the adoption of larger, more efficient fans and the addition of auxiliary fans mounted on the sides or back of printers, such as the prominent gantry-mounted fan on the Elegoo Neptune 4, to ensure adequate cooling even at elevated print speeds.
Firmware
Firmware plays a critical role in determining a 3D printer’s speed capabilities. Traditional Marlin firmware has been slower to incorporate advanced speed-enhancing features. This limitation has prompted many manufacturers to embrace Klipper firmware. Klipper utilizes more sophisticated motion algorithms and demands greater processing power to achieve faster print speeds. Before the FLSun V400, implementing Klipper typically required manual installation. Now, many manufacturers are pre-installing Klipper as stock firmware, making advanced motion control more accessible and contributing significantly to the rise of fast 3D printers.
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