When it comes to large-format 3D printing, the possibilities are vast. Whether you need rapid prototyping or custom manufacturing of end-use parts, large-format printing is revolutionizing industries like aerospace, automotive, construction and more. But with so many printers, materials and technologies to choose from, it can be overwhelming to select the right platform for your business. At EXBuild, we’ve done our research, carefully selecting top-tier technologies that deliver exceptional results for a wide range of applications.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the key factors we considered when choosing our large-format 3D printing platforms. BigRep, Markforged, Photocentric, and Meltio, over other technologies, and how EXBuild can help guide you toward the best solution for your business.

1. Define Your End Goal: What Will You Be Printing?

The first and crucial step in choosing the right platform is defining why you looking  into Large Format printers.  Are you looking to reduce the time lost splitting large parts to fit your current printing needs? Maybe you are trying to get more parts produced utilizing todays printers reliable no-stop printing functionality? Will these parts need to pass functional testing? How important are the parts ascetics? What materials do we want to print with? Having these decided first will help narrow down your options.

• Time lost splitting and gluing
• Quality lost from splitting and gluing
• Better printer utilization / low quantity production needs
• Form Fit of final designs
• Beautiful looking parts
• Desired print materials
• Do they need to withstand extreme conditions, high temperatures or stress?
• Are the parts functional prototypes?

For example, if you're working in construction and need large, durable parts like formwork or molds, you'll want a platform capable of producing high-strength components. If you're in the automotive sector and require fine details for prototype parts, you'll need a different solution.

At EXBuild, we’ve selected a range of technologies—each chosen specifically for its strengths in addressing these different needs.

2. Why We Choose BigRep for Large-Scale Printing

When it comes to printing big—whether it’s architectural models, large industrial components, or even full-sized furniture—BigRep is our go-to solution.

Why BigRep?

• Unmatched Build Volume: BigRep offers some of the largest build volumes on the market, making it ideal for projects where size matters. With a build volume of up to 1 cubic meter, it excels in producing large objects without the need for assembly.
• Material Versatility: BigRep printers support a wide range of thermoplastic materials, from PLA to high-performance engineering-grade materials. This allows flexibility for different industries, from architecture to automotive.
• Reliability: With robust German engineering, BigRep printers deliver consistent, high-quality results even for extended print jobs that require precision over large areas.
• Material Print Profiles: As advancements and upgrades are made, machine and material technology profiles are updated to keep you printing competitively. 

Expert Tip:

"For businesses needing to create large, durable parts, BigRep's massive build volume and reliable output are unmatched. It eliminates the need to break projects into smaller parts, saving time and reducing potential assembly issues." – (Kevin Bork, EXBuild Sr. Manufacturing Application Specialist)

3. Why Photocentric is Our Resin Printing Solution

For high-detail parts and mold like finishes, Photocentric is our preferred choice. This platform excels in industries like jewelry, consumer products, off road machinery and dental applications, where precision is key.

Why Photocentric?

• Exceptional Detail: Photocentric's resin printing technology offers unparalleled accuracy, making it ideal for applications that require fine details and intricate geometries.
• Scalable Production: Photocentric’s technology is highly scalable, enabling production of both small and large prototypes, high volume batch production and low quantity parts that would be normally thermoformed or molded.
• Cost-Effective: Compared to other resin-based systems, Photocentric print volume offers a lower cost-per-part, making it an attractive option for businesses looking to scale up their production without sacrificing quality.

Expert Tip:

"Photocentric allows us to produce parts with exceptional surface quality and precision, making it a great choice for businesses in industries where aesthetics and fine detailing are critical." – (Andrew Montez, EXBuild Design/Print Specialist)

4. Why Meltio is Our Choice for Metal Printing

For businesses that need the strength, durability and performance of metal, Meltio offers a game-changing solution. Its ability to print with metals like stainless steel, titanium and Inconel opens up new possibilities in industries such as aerospace, automotive, defense and medical.

Why Meltio?

• Laser Metal Deposition Technology: Meltio’s unique laser deposition process allows for both additive manufacturing and repair of metal parts, offering unmatched versatility in metal 3D printing.
• Hybrid Manufacturing: Meltio technology can be integrated into existing CNC machines, enabling hybrid manufacturing that combines the benefits of subtractive and additive processes. This results in better precision and faster production times.
• Cost Efficiency: Meltio’s metal printing technology is more affordable than traditional metal 3D printers, making high-performance metal parts accessible to more businesses without the need for heavy capital investment.

Expert Tip:

"Meltio's hybrid manufacturing capabilities give businesses a faster streamlined metal printing option. No wash stations or sinter ovens needed. When the printing process is finished, they are in an annealed state, ready to be machined. One off casting or an out of stock casting is no longer a big expense in time or money." – (Kevin Bork, EXBuild)

5. Why We Stand by Markforged for High-Strength, Exceptional Finish Composite Parts

If your business requires parts that are lightweight yet extremely strong, Markforged is the go-to platform for printing in high-strength composites like carbon fiber and Kevlar. This is especially valuable for industries like aerospace, automotive and manufacturing, where strength-to-weight ratio is crucial.

Why Markforged?

• Reinforced Composites: Markforged printers utilize continuous fiber reinforcement, allowing for parts that are as strong as metal but significantly lighter. This makes it perfect for functional parts, tooling, jigs and fixtures.
• Software Integration: Markforged’s easy-to-use software makes the process of preparing, managing and tracking 3D printed parts seamless. It integrates with cloud systems, providing real-time monitoring and analytics. Allowing your engineers to print complex parts, repeatedly, with the click of a button. 
• Reliable Strength: Markforged parts can replace metal components in many applications without sacrificing performance, making it a cost-effective and lighter alternative for all industries.

Expert Tip:

"Markforged’s continuous fiber reinforcement allows businesses to produce parts that rival metal in strength, but at a fraction of the weight. Interactive simulations of reinforced parts helps to ensure your first printed parts meet your expectations."– (Kevin Bork, EXBuild)

6. Material Selection: Matching the Right Material with Your Needs

Selecting the right material is essential to ensuring your parts perform as expected. At EXBuild, we offer a wide range of materials to match your specific application:

• Resins: For high-detail, aesthetic parts with a smooth surface finish.
• Composites: Nylon, ABS, PLA,PLX, PA6, PA12, TPU PETG, Onyx, Onyx ESD, Ultem 9085, Vega(PEKK), Continuous Fiber, Reinforcement (CFR) with Carbon Fiber, Kevlar and Fiberglass HSHT for high-strength, lightweight parts.
• Metals: Stainless steel, Tool Steels, Inconel, Titanium and Copper are all possible with all our metal processes. With Meltio most welding wire is capable of being printed depending on the parts functionality.

7. Production Speed and Scalability

If you plan to scale production or need rapid turnaround on parts, print speed and scalability are critical factors. Our selection of BigRep, Photocentric, Meltio and Markforged platforms provides a range of solutions for businesses needing fast, reliable production without sacrificing quality.

Expert Tip:

"When scaling production, it’s important to consider both the printer's build volume and print speed. A platform like BigRep offers the best of both worlds, allowing for rapid production of large parts." – (Brendan Gann, EXBuild VP of Operations)

8. Cost Considerations: Balancing Initial Investment and Long-Term Savings

While the upfront investment in a large-format printer can be significant, the long-term savings can be substantial, especially if your business requires custom parts or rapid prototyping. EXBuild offers a range of solutions, whether you're looking to invest in a printer or leverage our in-house printing services.

Expert Tip:

"Consider the long-term ROI when choosing a platform. Sometimes, outsourcing your printing needs can be more cost-effective than owning a printer, especially if your demand for parts fluctuates." – (Kevin Bork, EXBuild)

Conclusion

Choosing the right large-format 3D printing platform for your business is a critical decision. It involves balancing factors like the type of parts you need, the materials required and the overall cost of producing them. At EXBuild, we’ve handpicked industry-leading technologies—BigRep, Photocentric, Meltio and Markforged—because they provide versatility, reliablity, scalability and performance.

Whether you’re looking to purchase a printer for your own shop or partner with us for large-format 3D printing services, our team of experts is ready to guide you through the process and ensure you get the best solution for your needs.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Contact EXBuild today to discuss your large-format 3D printing requirements!