Best Direct Drive Extruder 3D Printers You Can Get (2022)

Whether you are a professional or a beginner, a 3D printer helps to make imagination and 2D picture files into life.

With the rise in popularity of these printers and the growing number of manufacturers that make them, it can get quite difficult to choose that special one. So with this article, I’m going to try make your decision that little bit easier.

The focus of this article will be detailing some of the best Direct Drive Extruder 3D Printers that you can purchase right now.

The extruder is a very important part of your 3D printer, because it is the pushing force behind the printing process altogether.

It has a real contribution to the precision, accuracy and quality of the final 3D printed model, so a good extruder is essential if you want to move up in quality.

A direct drive 3D printer extruder is a very popular and common type of extruder. It is an ideal type of extruder that many people wish for after using a Bowden extruder for so long.

One of the key benefits of using printers with Direct Drive Extruders us that it has precise control of retraction. This helps to minimize the distance of the filament to the hotbed, allowing you to get an intricate, smooth, and reliable output.

So skipping to the more entertaining and informative part, let’s actually get into the list of the best Direct Drive Extruder 3D printers you can purchase.

Prusa i3 MK3S

 “10/10 would be recommended if someone asked about what printer to get”

Czech-based Prusa Research enjoys a very stable position in the market and makes very competitive printers at a very reasonable price.

Their Prusa i3 MK3S is a new and improved version of their popular printers with a redesigned extruder system providing the user the intricacy and detailing they dream of.

The following are the attributes that make it stand out.

Silent and Faster Printing

This new Prusa printer uses the latest “Trinamic2130 driver” along with “Noctua fan” to ensure quicker operations while drastically reducing 99% noise not only in the stealth mode but in normal mode too.

Frame Stability

It’s quite vital to have a sturdy frame as it makes the whole operating run smoothly. And keeping that in mind, this printer has a strong built to ensure safety and efficiency while providing a sleek design. The frame is a piece of evidence within itself, that Pursa has done no compromise with this printer.

Removable Heatbed

This unique feature is really useful particularly for those who work with multiple materials. The removable heatbead has an interchangeable alloy sheet which gives you the freedom to experiment and variate.

Features

• Removable heatbed
• Filament sensor
• Great frame stability
• Recover shifted layers
• Bondtech extruder
• P.I.N.D.A. 2 Probe
• E3D V6 nozzle
• Power outage resume capability
• The fully constrained filament path

Specification

• 1.75 mm in Diameter
• 50 Microns layer thickness
• Open Chamber
• Feeder system: Direct
• Single Extruder
• Fully automatic Bed leveling
• LCD Display
• SD, USB cable connectivity

Pros

• Premium print quality
• Strong, durable build
• Auto-calibration
• Crash detection
• Print pause and restart with ease

Cons

• Long-distance doesn’t print as reliably
• Slightly expensive
• No touchscreen
• No Wi-Fi

2. Qidi Tech X-Pro

 “Easy to use printer with 5-star hardware”

The Qidi Tech X-Pro is definitely a profesionally printer. It gives the user an experience like no other with its durable heated aluminum plate, a great resolution in microns and dual extrusion ensures that you can really expand your printing capabilities.

It not only allows usage of multi-colored filaments simultaneously but its slicing software makes it an ideal printer for beginners and educators. The following are the attributes that make it stand out:

Dual Extruder

This is self-explanatory, as they more the merrier, it is true for this printer. The dual extruder along with four side air blow turbo-fan provides premium quality models and the best part it allows two-color printing with PLA, ABS, TPU, and PETG.

Slicing Software

The printer comes with its own Print slicing software, a unique auto-cutting program allowing the user to decide their own preference. Easy to use software that is compatible with other devices as well.

Removable Plate

Removable plates are very useful as they minimize the danger of damaging the model.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V82t1hVUFSo

Features

• Built-in Slicer
• Heating bed with 6mm aviation-grade aluminum build platform
• Enclosed Printer Chamber
• Power Breaking Point-Function
• 4.3 Inch Touch Screen
• Filament Sensor

Specification

• Layer Resolution: 0.1-0.4 mm
• Positioning Accuracy: (X/Y/Z) 0.01/0.01/<0.001 mm
• Dual extruder
• 0.4 mm Nozzle Diameter
• 250°C maximum extruder temperature
• 120°C maximum Print Bed Temperature
• Fully enclosed chamber

Pros

• Easy and quick to use
• Feature-rich 3D printer
• Latest dual extruder technology
• Strong Built
• Increased precision
• More intuitive touch screen display
• Safe design – enclosed design for printing ABS
• Great customer service with QIDI

Cons

• Unassembled
• Quality control has seen some issues, but seems to be improving

3. Flashforge Creator Pro

 “Best 3D printer I’ve had so far, awesome for its value”

The FlashforgeCreator Pro is one of the most affordable, brilliant, and loved dual extrusion 3D printers in the market as of now.

Many of the current customers rave about its user-friendly interface, super performance, and its high-quality structure, which is embedded in a wide range of features.

It is most definitely an ideal printer for many hobbyists, consumers, and small scale companies looking for a 3D printer to help them in creating and prototyping. The following are the attributes that make it stand out:

Dual Extruder

Up until now, you might be familiar with the benefits of dual extruders. They provide users with the freedom to bring their imagination into life by incorporating different materials in their models.

ABS, PLA, Flex, T-glass, Copper-Fill, Brass-Fill, are some materials that this printer is compatible with.

Advance Mechanical Structure

The Creator Pro’s new structure provides more stable and sturdy operation. Their new mechanical structure is so advanced that it not only provides a 60% increase in speed, but has high print quality whether it may be a minimal model or highly intricate model.

Enclosed Printing Chamber

ABS is not an easy material to work with, in fact, many materials that are compatible with this printer are hazardous in their ways so having an enclosed printer not only prevents toxic fumes to be inhaled but prevents dust particles latching to the model when in progress.

The chamber also has a top removable lid allowing ventilation, if needed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWxiCSA9ZEc

Features

• Faster speed
• Dual extruder
• Sturdy metal frame
• Aviation level bedding
• Heat-resistant metal platform
• Heated print bed
• Fully functional LCD screen
• Compatible with a wide range of filaments

Specification

• Build Volume: 227 x 148 x 150 mm
• Layer Height: 100 microns
• Dual Extruder
• Nozzle Size: 0.4 mm
• Max. Extruder Temperature: 260°C
• Max. Heated Bed Temperature: 120°C
• Printing Speed: 100 mm/s
• Connectivity: SD card, USB

Pros

• Easy and quick to use
• Affordable price
• Runs quietly
• Durable metal frame
• Endless creation options
• The enclosed chamber protects the prints and user
• Warping prevention

Cons

• Not an easy setup process

4. Creality CR-10 V3

 “Works great!”

The CR-10 V3 is an ideal printer for anyone, especially newcomers with standard features, good performance, and a user-friendly interface. It may not be advanced like its competitors but the price is the best one on the market.

Sometims simple is better.

The following are the attributes that make it stand out:

Titan Direct Drive

Having the new Direct Titan Drive in a printer is an ideal catch for a beginner as it allows easier operations especially interchanging and inserting filaments and preventing the filaments threads from stringing and bleeding onto one another.

Dual Cooling Fan

Having two cooling fans ensure that the work area gets cool fast and getting ready for a new project. It is also great for safety reasons.

Auto-Leveling BL-Touch System

This feature is exclusive to this printer only, the benefit of it is that the user can level the bed according to their need with ease and accuracy.

Features

• Resume print function
• Filament run-out sensor
• Tempered glass plate
• Strong Built
• Silent Drivers
• High Power
• New Marlin Firmware

 Specification

• Max. hot end temperature: 260°C
• Max. heated bed temperature: 100°C
• Carborundum glass platform
• Automatic and manual bed leveling
• Connectivity: SD card

Pros

• Easy assembly
• User-friendly interface and effective design
• Easy to troubleshoot
• Detailed printing
• Removable glass print bed
• Go faster stripes
• Intuitive control box

 Cons

• Not an ideal extruder placement
• Chances of filament tangling

5. Sovol SV01

 “ What the Ender 3 Pro Should have been, but wasn’t. Great build quality and excellent quality prints.. Almost perfect…”

Sovol took the market with a storm with its budget-friendly 3D printers.

Their first contribution was far from expectation; the Sovol SV01 printer is jam-packed with features and allows smooth operation and efficient workflow irrespective of the experience one possesses.

The following are the attributes that make it stand out even more.

Filament End Detector

No one likes when in the middle of work the material runs out, to avoid this hindrance, SV01 as an efficient interactive filament detector, which informs the user beforehand about the running out of the filament.

Sturdy Dual Z-Axis Design

With two Z-axis stepper motor drivers, this FDM printer solves the issue with wonky surfaces most of the FDM printers have. This addition helps to reduce vibrations resulting in smooth finished prints.

Meanwell Power Supply

Equipped with a Mean Well 24V power supply, this printer is capable of getting the bedhead heat up quickly and maintain the temperature. This not only helps with efficient operations but saves materials from being wasted.

Features

• Resume Printing
• Thermal Runaway Protection
• Display Screen with Portable Knob
• Sturdy Aluminum Frame
• Silent Drivers

Specification

• Build volume: 280 x 240 x 300 mm
• Max. extruder temperature: 250 °C
• Max. heated bed temperature: 110 °C
• Connectivity: SD card

Pros

• Large build volume
• Quick and consistent heating
• Wide range of features
• Tethered or untethered connectivity
• Reduce vibrations
• High compatibility of materials.

 Cons

• Manual leveling reduces the accuracy with print
• Loosely preassembled parts

6. Artillery Sidewinder X1 V4

 “Amazing value proposition for such a large printing envelope, it is notably promising and show AMAZING potential”.

The Artillery Sidewinder X1 V4 the gem of the 3D printing industry. This 3D printer not only has a silent motherboard but is embedded with

other remarkable features, making it an ideal for any user irrespective of their knowledge.

It is also very handy to use and has new recovery functions preventing the loss of any work in case of any hindrance. For an easy-going carefree printing, this is the safe bet to invest money on.

User Interface

The user-friendly interface is a popular feature of this product, the 3.5-inch color touchscreen, the properly categorized sub-menus, and other easily accessible features make the experience of 3D printing even more enjoyable.

High-Quality Prints

Consistent, vibrant premium quality prints are guaranteed with this printer. From direct driver to its compatibility with various types of filaments makes it a solid choice amongst the users.

The Usability

The Sidewinder X1 V4 is jam-packed with features that are easy to use, only a single touch is required to make it do what you want it to do.

Features

• Titan Extruder (Direct Drive)
• Accurate Fault Detection
• AC Headed Bed
• Dual Z System
• Filament Runout Detection
• Pre-Assembled
• Inductive Endstop
• 92% quieter Operations
• Interactive Touch Screen
• Patented Couplers

Specification

• Printer Dimensions: 780 x 540 x 250mm
• Build Volume: 300 x 300 x 400mm
• Weights: 16.5KG
• Maximum Travel Speed: 250mm/s
• Maximum Print Speed: 150mm/s
• Layer Resolution: 0.1mm
• Aluminum Extrusion
• XYZ Positioning Accuracy: 0.05mm, 0.05mm, 0.1mm
• Power: Max 110V – 240V 600W
• Connectivity: USB Stick, TF Card, USB

Pros

• Pre-assembled and easy to use
• User-friendly Interface
• Interchangeable filaments
• Quick extruder heats up
• Premium quality prints
• Large Capacity
• More quieter

Cons

• Risk of Warping
• Changing filaments in between is challenging

7. Monoprice Maker Select Plus V2

 “Amazing printer for the price, if youre willing to put in an effort, it’s a great tool”

The Monoprice Maker Select Plus V2 3D printer is embedded with exquisite features for smooth sailing for either of the parties. Whether you are an experienced 3D modeler or a beginner, you’ll find this printer just as appealing as expensive industry standard printers.

Having a wide range of features, the following are the attributes that make it stand out the most:

Compatible With Many Materials

Some 3D printers can only print in PLA, that is quite easy to print, But this printer provides the user a wide range of compatibility that can be interchanged in between the operation with ease.

Quick Connectivity

Monoprice helped made things standard and simple but did not compromise on user experience.

With its fairly below the average price point, it provides compatibility with more than 2 ports however is limited but then again the fewer the options the less issue with bugs and troubleshooting.

Large Print Volume and Area

The availability of print area is something most budget 3D printers are unable to provide. But not with this printer, the capacity of printing is relatively high and the work area is large which allows big models to be created.

Features

• Wide range of filament compatibility
• Heated Build Plate
• Scheduling Option
• High Print Quality

Specification

• Printer dimensions: 400 x 410 x 400mm
• Build Volume: 200 x 200 x 180mm
• Max. print speed: 150mm/s
• Max. print temperature: 260 degrees°C
• Layer resolution: 0.1mm
• Print precision: X- & Y-axis 0.012mm, Z-axis 0.004mm
• Connectivity: USB, SD Card
• 3.25″ touchscreen
• Compatible with Cura, Repetier-Host, ReplicatorG, Simplify3D software

Pros

• Semi-assembled for quick assembly
• Sturdy construction
• High compatibility
• Good print quality

Cons

• Challenging manual bed leveling

Buying Guide

3D printers with Direct Driver Extruder are a good starting point for new users especially and a comfortable prime solution for old users. They can be good investments if they serve all your needs.

However, with many Direct Drive 3D printers available in the market, it’s hard to decide which one is best for you.

We have researched many and mentioned 7 best 3D printers with Direct Drivers that stand out the most. Now amongst them which one fits best for you will be easier to decide after reading this guide.

Requirement

If you went through the list you might have seen that there were printers for beginners and professionals.

So what you need to do is ask yourself in which category you fall and especially how much printing you would require, the volume and your level are the initial aspects you should consider.

Safety Features

Many of the mentioned printers have a chamber which is very beneficial to have especially if you’re a beginner. It is also useful because it protects from harmful fumes and doesn’t let dust particles to attach to your work, resulting in an uneven finish.

You want to keep in mind who may be coming around the 3D printer, whether that be younger family members or pets. That gives you more reason to get yourself a 3D printer with an enclosure, which are usually more expensive, but worth the extra safety.

Print Quality

Looking at the resolution of some of the 3D printers, they range from 100 microns down to 50 microns. The lower that number the better, since the 3D printer can print at a lower layer height, capturing those highly detailed parts.

You might only want to print larger objects, so that 100 micron resolution isn’t too much of a bother, but if you want to print detailed miniatures or better quality, I’d go with the 50 micron 3D printer resolution.