3D printing can be complicated at the best of times, but the best auto leveling 3D printers seek to un-complicate it. By automatically adjusting the print bed, your designs are more accurate and require less supervision. For both new entrants and veterans looking for the best 3D printers, this is a major benefit, but it can be hard to know what model is right for you.
That’s where we come in: we’ve broken down the best automatic-leveling 3D printers on the market today, so that you don’t have to! With small-space and small-budget options to choose from, we’re sure to find the best auto leveling 3D printer for you!
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Best Auto-Leveling 3D PrinterPrusa i3 MK3S+
- Build Volume: 250mm x 210mm x 210 mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
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Best Budget Auto-Leveling 3D PrinterELEGOO Neptune 3 Pro
- Build Volume: 225mm x 225mm x 280mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
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Best Enclosed Auto-Leveling 3D PrinterCreality K1 Max
- Build Volume: 300mm x 300mm x 300mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, PET, TPU, Nylon
- Connectivity Technology : USB, Ethernet, WiFi
- Filetype: STL, OBJ, AMF
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Best Multipurpose Auto-Leveling 3D PrinterSnapmaker A350T
- Build Volume: 320mm x 330mm x 350mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: WiFi
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
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Best Compact Auto-Leveling 3D PrinterEntina Tina 2 Mini
- Build Volume: 100mm x 120mm x 100mm
- Filament: PLA, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
How We Picked the Best Auto-Leveling 3D Printer
Since most beginners and journeymen who look for 3D printers with automatic leveling beds are seeking convenience, we shortlisted 3D printers with the best ease-of-use. We considered how difficult the printer is to assemble and how easy removing products is, along with how easy it is to clean or maintain. Of course, above all else, we assessed the reliability of the auto leveling function.
We settled on five products, across a range of price points and specializations – so that no matter your budget, you can print in comfort with one of our top 3D printer choices.
What is an Auto-Leveling 3D Printer?
3D printers that come with auto-leveling functionality carefully ensure that the print bed – the area on which the 3D model is printed – is kept consistently level. This is done via an intuitive system that measures the distance between two points, and adjusts the print bed before the rendering process starts. This ensures that the nozzle and the print bed are always level relative to one another during the print process.
3D printers with manual leveling are far from bad options, but they contain a manual element that many beginners can do without. Regardless of your model, you should check your print bed’s level before every 3D print, to ensure a previous print hasn’t changed things too much
- Build Volume: 250mm x 210mm x 210 mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
This 3D printer for small business is a top choice for a stalwart auto-leveling system, thanks to its intelligent design.
- High print resolution – designs built by the MK3S+ are detailed and accurate, with little-to-no warping or ridging.
- Intuitive auto-leveling – using a unique probe design, this 3D printer keeps prints level throughout the process, with great print bed adhesion.
- Long assembly process– not for the faint-of-heart, the MK3S+ takes some time to set up and get running.
The Prusa i3 MK3S+ is a top-grade 3D printer that will take your 3D printing to the next (automatic) level. With phenomenal auto leveling capabilities and a great all-round printing functionality, we’re big fans of this 3D printer!
The MK3S+ features the innovative SuperPINDA probe that ensures excellent first-layer evenness and keeps it up all throughout the printing process. Measuring 250 x 210 x 210 mm, the MK3S+’s build volume is big enough to accommodate all of your 3D printing needs. What’s more, it has the always-helpful resume printing functionality that lets you continue printing from where you left off in case of a filament shortage or power outage.
That said, the MK3S+ is only a great auto leveling 3D printer once it’s set up. Even journeyman printers may struggle to assemble this model, but this is very much a short-term issue. And although it errs on the expensive side, we think the i3 is worth the effort, and are happy to crown it the best auto leveling 3D printer!
- Build Volume: 225mm x 225mm x 280mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
This entry-level 3D printer is a tremendous option for those with a budget under $300 that still want automated leveling.
- Affordable – the Neptune 3 Pro comes in at a low price point, making it an easy investment.
- Smart technology – alongside automated leveling, dual-gear extruder technology make this 3D printer an accessible and intuitive print solution.
- Noisy – the Neptune 3 Pro’s motor runs constantly, even when not in use.
The Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro is an affordable auto leveling 3D printer with a large build volume and quiet operation. What we love about this printer as opposed to our top pick is that it comes almost fully assembled: all major parts will be delivered to you as one piece, along with a quick installation kit for a few smaller parts.
Once that’s done, you’ll have plenty of printing options on your hands: the Neptune 3 Pro features a 225mm x 225mm x 280mm work area, which lets you get creative with little restriction. There’s also a strain-gauge-based bed probe that keeps your model’s first layers precise and even. Thanks to the dual-gear extruder, the printer’s filament feeding is seamless and stable, resulting in accurate prints that don’t require any smoothing.
There are some downsides, however. Whilst the Neptune 3 Pro comes with USB and Micro-SD slots, there is no wireless printing functionality. It’s an annoyance more than an issue, but means that you have to manually transfer your designs to be printed. You’ll also want to keep this 3D printer in its own room, as the power supply motor is constantly running. This is an issue, as it is not only noisy but can affect the device’s lifespan. Still, for a hassle-free budget 3D printer with automatic leveling, it’s hard to beat the Neptune 3 Pro – if you can stand the noise!
- Build Volume: 300mm x 300mm x 300mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, PET, TPU, Nylon
- Connectivity Technology : USB, Ethernet, WiFi
- Filetype: STL, OBJ, AMF
This top 3D printer option from Creality allows for the easy printing without the risk of toxic fumes.
- Closed-frame design – the enclosed 3D printer means that noise and fumes are minimized.
- Large build volume – the 300mm x 300mm x 300mm build volume makes for plenty of room to print.
- More involved auto-leveling – the overall automation of the print bed leveling is a little more manual than many would like.
A comfortable middle-ground option for auto leveling 3D printers is the Creality K1 Max. As an enclosed 3D printer, this unit is a tremendous median 3D printer with a price under $1000.
Featuring print speeds of up to 600mm/s, the K1 Max is a productivity powerhouse. The work area measures 300mm x 300mm x 300mm, which is enough for small-to-medium-sized printing jobs. Additionally, the printer incorporates rapid cooling with fan-equipped nozzles and an auxiliary fan in the cavity, ensuring final prints with little to no imperfections. Along with Assisted Bed Leveling, the K1 Max also comes with a self-test and accurate Z-axis positioning tester, ensuring the most accurate print possible with little alteration.
Similar to other models, however, there is a manual element to the initial setup. The K1 Max requires you to initially align the bed before you print, which can be especially frustrating for beginners as the instructions aren’t entirely intuitive in how this is done. Other than that, the K1 Max is a highly-capable 3D printer with automated leveling that’s a great entry point into a whole new dimension of printing!
- Build Volume: 320mm x 330mm x 350mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: WiFi
- Filetype: STL, OBJ
Boasting laser engraving and CNC carving as well as 3D printing, the A350T is a highly versatile auto-leveling 3D printer.
- 3-in-1 device – for the ultimate multipurpose 3D print solution, the A350T is perfect.
- Smart features – near every element of printing is automated thanks to the A350T’s intelligent, user-friendly design.
- Heavy and costly – effectively paying the price of three devices, not everyone will be able to afford the quality the A350T provides.
The Snapmaker A350T meets all your design needs – and we do mean all of them. Combining the functions of laser engraving, cutting, CNC carving, and 3D printing into one machine; this model is a godsend of a print solution for designers or sculptors anywhere!
With the A350T, the automatically leveling bed is barely a footnote of all the innovative design decisions in this model. With the 3D printing module attached, you can use PLA filament to create precise 3D modules in the vast 320 x 350 x 330mm build area. There’s a filament runout sensor that notifies you when you run out of filament, ensuring that you always get a finished print, and the A350T’s advanced algorithm coordinates the action of the linear modules with the 3D printing module’s extruder, for computer-accurate printing. The interface of this machine is one of the most advanced we’ve ever seen. Using the large 5” touchscreen display, you can process multiple objects at the same time and create customized profiles. It also supports power loss recovery, ensuring that you can resume printing in case of a power issue.
There are two main tradeoffs with this premium 3D printer: the first is the size, and the second is the price. Bulky, heavy, and expensive, this may not be the best auto leveling 3D printer for everyone. But for a premium 3D print solution that packs a bundle of features into the build, the A350T is the very best on the market!
- Build Volume: 100mm x 120mm x 100mm
- Filament: PLA, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
Want an auto-leveling 3D printer but don’t have the space? Consider our final pick, the Tina 2 Mini, which surpasses even our expectations.
- Compact form factor – this small 3D printer is ideal for those working in limited spaces.
- Intelligent auto-leveling – even in such a small build volume, the Tina 2 Mini has an impressive auto-leveling system.
- Limited by form factor – the overall value of this 3D printer is somewhat limited by the size of it.
On the far end of the spectrum, for an ultra-compact auto leveling printer, the Tina 2 Mini from Entina is a dark-horse candidate. Weighing a little under seven pounds and with an intelligent leveling system, this 3D printer is an interesting and affordable choice for those who need the space.
With dual Z-axis rails, the Tina 2 Mini always ensures that your model is level. The build volume measures 100mm x 120mm x 100mm, which is fine for small prints, miniatures, and kids’ toys. The magnetic build plate is easily removed, enabling you to detach your models without damaging them. It comes fully assembled and calibrated right out of the box, so there are no bolts or complex tools to mess around with.
We don’t have any major problems with the Tina 2 Mini: it’s a little slow, but that’s to be expected from such a budget model; and it doesn’t have the best build volume, likewise limited by the practicalities of the printer. For an auto leveling 3D printer with a tiny footprint, the Tina 2 Mini lives up to its name.
Features and Considerations
For a pit-stop guide on what to look for in the best auto leveling 3D printers, here are some key topics to consider:
Filament Compabilitiy
There are a wide variety of available filaments for 3D printers, all with unique benefits and drawbacks. If you are looking to print with a certain filament type, such as ABS for its high durability, make sure that your auto leveling 3D printer is capable of using it.
Build Volume
Depending on the available space, your budget, and the type of model you intend to print; choose a 3D printer with the build volume that suits your needs. Compact – and often budget – printers tend to have smaller build volumes that are suitable for models like miniatures, small parts, and kids’ toys. More premium printers can accommodate larger-sized models like machine parts.
Printer Size
Before choosing a 3D printer, you need to consider the available space in your work area. Some 3D printers, especially industrial ones with large build volumes, can be huge, which means that you may not be able to use any of them in your home. If you have limited space for your 3D printer, pick a compact model that can also be easily moved around when needed. On a side note, keep in mind that you need to place your 3D printer in a well-ventilated area for safety and quality purposes.
FAQs
Some manual-leveling 3D printing can be upgraded to include an auto-leveling function with an after-market Auto Bed Leveling (ABL) sensor. However, you need to make sure that the sensor is compatible with your specific 3D printer model.
While manual bed leveling is fine for some experienced users, automatic bed leveling can save you much-needed time and effort. Not to mention, it reduces waste as you’ll be able to realize your prints exactly as you wanted them instead of having to reprint them due to a bed leveling problem.
Verdict
- Build Volume: 250mm x 210mm x 210 mm
- Filament: PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, TPU
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Filetype: STL
For the all-round best auto leveling 3D printer, the i3 MK3S+ from Prusa is our pick! Whilst getting it out of the box can be a struggle, the i3 performs fantastically after that. With a huge array of filament options and superb automatic leveling, you’ll be hard-pressed to find better value-for-money in a 3D printer!
