NXE 400Pro vs. Carbon M2 and M3
When it comes to industrial resin 3D printers that produce fast and repeatable results, the NXE 400Pro and M2 / M3 / Max are the two most commonly used printers. Here is a simple comparison between the two systems to help you determine which one is better for your particular application.
Nexa3D® NXE 400Pro
Ideal for production facilities that require highest throughput, largest build area, and an open material platform. Also, ideal for those looking to own and not lease their 3D printing equipment.
Carbon® M2 and M3
The M2 and M3 is the latest version of the Carbon DLP printer. Its build volume and therefore throughput is significantly lower than that of the NXE 400Pro. Available on lease basis only.
Carbon® M3 Max
The M3 Max is the larger version of M3 but still smaller than the build area of the NXE 400Pro. Available on lease-basis only.
Compare Specs
Scroll | Nexa3D | Carbon3D | Carbon3D |
|---|---|---|---|
Technology | LSPc | CLIP | CLIP |
Build Volume | 275 x 155 x 400 mm (17 L) | 189 x 118 x 326 mm (7.2 L) | 307 x 163 x 326 mm (16.3 L) |
Pixel Size | 75 microns | 75 microns | 75 microns |
Min. Layer Height | 50 microns | 50 microns | 50 microns |
Materials | Open with unlimited 3rd party resin options and 13 verified engineering resins* | Closed with 28 resins (14 dental, 14 engineering)† | Closed with 28 resins (14 dental, 14 engineering)† |
Material Vat Life | 1-2 years | 24 hours† | 24 hours† |
Post-Print Material Bake Time | Not required^ | 8-12 hours† | 8-12 hours† |
Preferred Geometries | Latticed or Solid | Latticed | Latticed |
Software | NexaX Pro | Design Engine | Design Engine |
Price | $62,895 | $150,000 (3-year lease only) | $225,000 (3-year lease only) |
*Dental resins are available with the NXD 200Pro model which is specifically engineered for dental labs.
†10 of 14 resins are two part resins that require manual mixing and have limited pot life.
^xPEEK is the unique NXE 400Pro resin that requires a post-print bake of ~3 hours.
Cost Comparison
Carbon M2, M3 and M3 Max are available exclusively on a 3-year lease basis which results in a minimum of $150,000 over that term (or $225,000 for the Max). By comparison, the NXE 400Pro industrial 3D printer is available for one-time purchase at $62,895, making it just 77% less expensive than the smaller M2/M3 and 88% less than the similarly sized (albeit smaller build volume) M3 Max over the life of the hardware.
3D Printing Technologies
Nexa3D LSPc Technology
Lubricant Sublayer Photo-curing utilizes a proprietary membrane that reduces peel forces enabling high-speed 3D printing for parts small and large, solid and latticed. An industrial LED light engine further enables high resolution and high precision 3D printing.
Carbon3D CLIP Technology
CLIP is a form of DLP 3D printing that utilizes on oxygen permeable membrane to create a ‘dead zone’ that prevents resin from attaching to the window. This enables high speed 3D printing but also is mostly limited to latticed parts due to the limits of oxygen permeability. The single projector chip can also cause warping at the edges due to the severe angle.
Materials Overview
NXE Pro Series
The NXE Pro series resins are available in a variety of high detail modeling and high performance engineering materials. They are single part, photopolymers meaning they can sit in the vat for 1-2 years, and upon print completion only require basic washing and curing. The NXE Pro series uses an open material platform.
M2 and M3 Series
The M2 and M3 series resins are available in high detail modeling and high performance engineering materials. They are mostly 2-part photopolymers meaning they will quickly expire once in the vat if unused after 24 hours. In addition to basic washing and curing, the 2-part resins also require an 8-12 hour baking cycle. The M2 and M3 series does not have an open material platform.
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