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Comment by dammitcoetzee | Hacker News Reader

Of course they are. It's been lies and flim flam for a while. Worst printers on the market, just look at the reviews. They had US manufacturing going for them, but I guess even that much of their previous reputation, honor, and pride was too much to hold on to.

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So what would you say is the best 3D printer on the market right now?

Really depends on your requirements and price.

I'd recommend Lulzbot and Ultimaker.

I'm looking too and based on reviews I read, I'd agree with LastZactionHero.

We have three MakerBots at my company and at least the two Replicator 2X have been fraught with problems. Service from MakerBot was terrible so in the end we had to repair it ourselves as best we could. Based just on that experience, I'd recommend against them.

We've had good luck with the products out of formlabs (the print quality is awesome), although dealing with their resin is a royal PITA.

I've heard that the resin cartridges that Formlabs 2 uses are much easier to deal with.

I can't comment on "the best" but I know enough that a printer can be had for roughly half the price of a makerbot that will achieve better results. The "fifth generation" makerbot doesn't have a heated bed, can't print ABS...

Printrbot is probably the best of the low-budget options.

I've been researching that for a couple of weeks, trying to find the right (pre-assembled) printer. Frankly, there's not a ton of difference in specs.

I wound up having to make my decision on 1) price, 2) what I felt I could look at for a while, considering the cost, and 3) whether or not it seemed like a company that would survive a while.

Prices for the same level of capability between brands vary wildly - there are printers out there that perform on paper just as well as a Makerbot and cost easily half as much. It's almost like they just tote up the cost of mfg and then make up a number to add to it.

Wound up buying a Cel-Robox for $1200 ($1600 after supplies and tax, etc.). We'll see how this turns out.

I might be swimming in filament for a while.

I'd say take a look at Re:3D's products.

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