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The one thing 3D printing has accomplished is democratize the manufacturing process so even the smallest business or individual can start making things. Whether it is making a part for a device or designing and making an entire product, a 3D printer makes it possible.

However, finding the right printer can be a task in itself because the market is full of 3D printers. By first identifying your industry, materials, size, and production capacity, you can start choosing the right printer.

This list has the best 3D printer for your business across the very same criteria mentioned above.

Best 3D Printer for Your Business

MakerGear M2

Top Pick: With a large build volume MakerGear is made from CNC-machined precision hardware on a rigid fabricated steel frame. It has the capability to print items from ABS, PLA, PET, flexible and other filaments through an SD card reader and USB port. And it also comes with open-source electronics and firmware. It has an 80 – 200 mm/sec printing speed with 450 mm/sec max and 50 microns to 0.25mm with a 0.35mm nozzle.

MakerGear M2 Desktop 3D Printer

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Ultimaker 2+ 3D Printer

Runner Up: This printer has much newer versions so take that into consideration if you buy this brand. The print quality on this printer is high with print nozzles at 0.25, 0.4, 0.6, and 0.8 mm. It supports PLA, ABS, and CPE filament with travel speeds of 30 mm/s – 300 mm/s. The type of file types it supports are STL, OBJ, DAE.

Ultimaker 2+ 3D Printer

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FlashForge 3D Printer

Best Value: The price of this 3D printer is lower, but it still delivers great value. First, the company offers a full manufactures warranty, which is not always the case. A metal frame and platform ensure steady printing with PLA, ABS, PLA Color Change, Pearl, ABS Pro, Elastic, PVA, HIPS, as well as wood and other filaments.

FlashForge 3D Printer Creator Pro, Metal Frame Structure, Acrylic Covers, Optimized Build Platform

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MakerBot Replicator + 3D Printer

MakerBot is an innovator in the industry. This particular printer works with PLA as well as other materials such as bronze-fill, copper-fill, and wood- fill. The software side provides from WIFI connectivity to an onboard streaming camera, smart sensors in the extruder, and an automated Z-homing build plate with cloud-enabled management. The MakerBot extruder is tested for 16,000 cumulative hours.

MakerBot Replicator + 3D Printer, with swappable Smart Extruder+,

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Dremel DigiLab 3D45

This Dremel printer is internally tested by Bosch for 800+ hours for safety and performance and 3rd party tested by UL. You can use PLA, PETG, ECO-ABS and Nylon filaments on an automated 9-point leveling system. A built-in HD camera lets you or your customers see the process and the cloud-based software supports multiple platforms. The connectivity includes Wi-Fi, Ethernet.

Dremel DigiLab 3D45 Award Winning 3D Printer w/Filament

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QIDI TECH

The full metal support this printer provides ensures a steady surface with a double Z-axis to print PLA, ABS, TPU, along with Nylon, Carbon fiber, PC and other materials. A 5” touch screen allows you to carry out precision printing with two sets of the Qidi Tech third-generation extruder assembly.

QIDI TECH Large Size Intelligent Industrial Grade 3D Printer

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BIBO 3D Printer

The BIBO printer is known for its ease of use by beginners and its reliability. This unit comes with a touch screen to control the functions and dual extruders to print two projects at the same time along with two-color printing. The filaments it supports include ABS, PLA, Dissolvable filament (HIPS), Flexible filament (TPU), PETG, Nylon, PC, Carbon fiber, and more. And the connectivity includes SD card, USB drive, USB, WiFi.

BIBO 3D Printer Dual Extruder Sturdy Frame WiFi Touch Screen Cut Printing

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Features to Consider When Buying a 3D Printer

• Print Quality: The quality of the output from your printer will determine what you can print. This is especially the case for detailed and custom parts.
• Speed: The speed of printers varies greatly. And if time is of the essence, find out how long it takes to fully print products of different sizes and intricacies. Try to find printers with a speed of 50mm/sec.
• Size: The size of the printer is going to dictate how big the output will be. Consider the specs in its entirety to see the limitations.
• Materials: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) and Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) are the go-to filaments. However, now you can get everything from food to metals.
• Reliability: 3D printers work many hours, so reliability is absolutely essential. Find out the type of warranty the company provides along with return policies.
• Software: A 3D printer requires software, this includes third-party applications to design, share and even print. Find out the kind of updates the company provides.

Small businesses now have more opportunities than ever to prototype and create new products or improve on an old design in their office because of 3D printing. The price, quality and technology of these devices run the gamut, so take your time and choose carefully.

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Images: Amazon.com

As businesses deal with the struggles brought on by the pandemic, they need to build new business relationships, exchange ideas, shop from new vendors and learn from leading industry experts.

The LinkUpConferenceShow, which will be held on December 8, 2020, online, will bring experts from financial technology and telecommunications. And the audience is going to be made up of presidents/founders, C-Level Executives, vice presidents/EVPs/SVPs, directors/managers, partners, and influencers.

The event is going to provide curated networking opportunities with six hours of engagement with 100-plus contacts in a single day. And all this going to take place with unconventional performances with compelling and informative discussions.

Click on the red button and register now.

Register Now

Featured Events, Contests and Awards

Domain and Web Hosting Webinar
October 27, 2020, Online

Learn the basics of choosing and registering a domain name. We’ll also go over web hosting options so you can decide what’s best for your business.

Small Business Expo 2020 – PHILADELPHIA
October 28, 2020, Philadelphia, PA

Small Business Expo is a FREE one-day event to attend for small businesses to network, attend great business-growth workshops, build new business relationships, exchange ideas, shop from new vendors and learn from leading industry experts. If you are serious about starting or growing your business, Small Business Expo is a “must-attend” event. Small Business Expo is the #1 Business to Business Networking Event for business owners, entrepreneurs, start-ups, decision-makers or anyone who works for a small business or is interested in starting a Small Business.

Tech Table Talks: Panel Discussion for Business Professionals
October 28, 2020, Online

Legacy modernization is high on the demand list of decision-makers who want to expedite the ability of their businesses to meet the changing demands of their customers. Tune in to this online discussion with IDC on how low-code platforms can provide the much-needed leverage in getting this done effectively.

Small Business Big Wins: Share Your Story for a Chance to Win $50,000
October 31, 2020, Online

Barclays US Consumer Bank is asking small business owners to share how the events of 2020 have affected their business. Tell us your story for a chance to win $50,000 and other cash prizes!

Establishing Your Brand Story and Voice Webinar
November 03, 2020, Online

Learn how to find, incorporate, and use your brand’s voice throughout your website to increase website traffic, improve customer engagement, and drive brand loyalty. See how to write an awesome About Us page and use keywords for SEO.

Webinar: Elements of Design and How to Talk with a Designer
November 10, 2020, Online

Join to gain a basic understanding of visual hierarchy, how to use a grid, and how to effectively communicate with a designer. This webinar is a great resource whether you’re making your own website, hiring a web designer, or using a drag-and-drop website builder.

LinkUpConferenceShow
November 12, 2020, Online

LinkUpConferenceShow (LUCS) is a digital networking conference that merges the incredibly dynamic worlds of tech and comedy to provide informative and personalized networking opportunities designed to help executives, entrepreneurs, business leaders and tech professionals grow and scale their businesses. LUCS is the tech conference that combines Silicon Valley insights with New York’s nonstop energy to bring the technology community a totally new virtual experience designed to inspire, engage and entertain.

Zoho Webinar: Converting Visitors to Leads
November 17, 2020, Online

Want to learn how to turn website visitors into leads? Then look no further! We’ll go over CTAs, web forms, and Zoho PageSense so you can see how to optimize your website through iterative testing.

Getting Started with Zoho One
November 24, 2020, Online

A walk through overview of Zoho One using real case studies from Zoho customers to demonstrate different ways Zoho One can support your business. Join us!

More Events

• AI DevWorld 2020
  October 27, 2020, Online
• Responsible Business USA 2020
  October 27, 2020, Online
• World-Famous HR Technology Event, Oct. 2020
  October 27, 2020, Online
• Business Done Right Masterclass (FREE)
  October 27, 2020, Online
• MetLife’s second annual Triangle Tech X Conference
  October 28, 2020, Online
• Salt Lake City’s Largest MBA Event! QS MBA Tour
  October 31, 2020, Austin, TX
• Denver’s Largest MBA Event! QS MBA Tour
  November 02, 2020, Denver, CO
• San Jose’s Largest MBA Event! QS MBA Tour
  November 05, 2020, San Jose, CA
• Oregon and Washington State and Local Tax Update for Real Estate Businesses
  November 05, 2020, Online
• San Diego’s Largest MBA Event! QS MBA Tour
  November 07, 2020, San Diego, CA
• Brewing Good Business in the Face of Global Crisis: A Conversation with Anheuser-Busch CEO Michel Doukeris
  November 10, 2020, Online
• neXco National B2B Virtual Speed Networking
  November 11, 2020, Online
• Reveal Your Inner Awesome
  November 13, 2020, Online
• Diving Deep into Passive Activities and Real Estate Professional Status
  November 19, 2020, Online
• Tech Outlook 2020
  November 20, 2020, Online
• The Investment Summit
  December 03, 2020, Online
• Social Media Strategies Summit for Small Businesses – Virtual Conference
  December 08, 2020, Online
• DataScience Contest
  January 01, 2021, Online
• Rail Cybersecurity Summit USA
  February 09, 2021, Online
• 5th Advancing Project Controls Summit 2021
  February 22, 2021, Online

More Contests

This weekly listing of small business events, contests and awards is provided as a community service by Small Business Trends.

You can see a full list of events, contest and award listings or post your own events by visiting the Small Business Events Calendar.

Image: linkupconferenceshow.com

Doesn’t it, therefore, make sense to try and mimic the workings of a timepiece to simplify, automate and integrate the multitude of processes within the business?

“The wheels of the watch are all admirably adjusted to the end for which it was made, the pointing of the hour. All their various motions conspire in the nicest manner to produce this effect. If they were endowed with a desire and intention to produce it, they could not do it better.”

Adam Smith (1723-1790) The Theory of Moral Sentiments

Define Mini-System

Let’s define a mini-system as that referring to any recurring activity or process within a business which has a specific entry and exit point. For instance, a mini-system could refer to:

• How staff answer the telephone
• How employee inductions are managed
• Procedures for grievances and dismissals
• How visitors are treated
• How management accounts are prepared for the weekly management meeting
• How stationery is ordered
• How the petty cash system works
• How information from the production department is received and processed
• Credit control procedures

There are, in fact, hundreds of potential mini-systems within any business. They are yours to seek out and create. They can range from minor detail stuff to heavyweight decision-making processes. Whatever category they fall into, they will have some common traits:

They will…

• have a specific entry and exit point
• achieve something useful
• be a self-contained unit
• link to other mini-systems
• be measurable
• be recurring

We now understand what a mini-system is and how it can help the Intrapreneur in the business. So let’s establish our blueprint for building mini-systems and start the journey to work smarter not harder.

The Work Smarter Not Harder Blueprint

1. Identify a mini-system opportunity. In a small business start-up, you will use your experience to create the first handful of mini-systems proactively. As time moves on, you will also have to be reactive and set up mini-systems in response to a specific need or crisis as it arises.
2. Create the mini-system. One may look quite different from another. As long as they exhibit the common traits mentioned above, you will have an effective mini-system ready to take its place in the business clockwork.
3. Manage the mini-system. In the early days you, the Intrapreneur, may need to manage it yourself but your aim is to put someone else in place, suitably trained, to take responsibility.
4. Manage the people who manage the mini-system. You are now on the road to scalability. You can now repeat steps 1 to 4 without taking your eye off that horizon.

Can you see what’s happening? As the business grows, the Intrapreneur may end up managing the people who manage the people who manage the mini-systems. Like astronauts being catapulted into space looking back on earth, the perspective changes as every mile passes. As our planet gets smaller, other planets come into vision. The view evolves continuously. You can then ensure that you work smarter not harder.

5. Interrogate the people and the mini-systems. Because you have introduced the notion of scalability, you can now step back to get the astronauts’ view of what is going on. The picture is different. Look for continuous improvements.
6. Keep going. Return to step 1 and do it all over again.

Incidentally, have you noticed that this process is our first mini-system itself?

So…

We’ve left a lot of questions unanswered of course. How do we measure and evaluate these mini-systems? How do we introduce each one to the workplace? How do we communicate what is going on so that people feel at ease and empowered? How do we train employees to manage the mini-systems effectively?

And perhaps most importantly of all, how do we link together our mini-systems to create our well-oiled clockwork business administration?

We have, at least, laid the foundations for effective intrapreneurship by introducing scalability and helping to limit growing pains. As an Intrapreneur – the Entrepreneur inside the business – we have started to work smarter not harder.

Last post: Top 10 Tips for choosing a business domain names

Thank you to Eduardo Zamacois y Zabala, for ‘Regreso al convento’, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

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From cars to TVs, Alexa is being integrated into more devices. And this includes standalone smart speakers that are not part of the Echo product line. So we went in search of the best smart speakers with Alexa enabled.

As Alexa becomes part of more ecosystems, it means you will be able to do more than control your smart home/devices. Taking appointments, dictating and reading emails, providing rich voice experiences to your employees and integrating apps are all options.

Whether you are using Alexa for your home or business, the smart speakers on this list will ensure you get the best sound.

Best Smart Speakers with Alexa

Sonos One (Gen 2)

Top Pick: You can connect this speaker to your TV and other devices and listen to sound optimized by software. If you get more than one, you can connect these speakers over WiFi in different rooms and create a home sound system. The Sonos S2 will let you bring voice, streaming and control services together in one place so you can browse your favorite content.

Sonos One (Gen 2) – Voice Controlled Smart Speaker with Amazon Alexa Built-in

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Bose Home Speaker 500

Runner Up: This Bose unit has a noise-rejecting eight-microphone array to easily pick your voice over loud music or across the room. And you can control it with voice, tap the top controls, or the Bose Music app and connectivity includes WiFi and Bluetooth. A color LCD display shows you what is playing, such as song, station, album art and more.

Bose Home Speaker 500 with Alexa voice control built-in

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Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST

Best Value: This speaker is a perennial on top of smart speaker reviews. The dual-band Wi-Fi supports 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4 and 5 GHz) networks, so you are always connected. The speaker delivers 360-degree sound with powerful bass. And if you want to take it outside, the MEGABLAST is IP67 rated, this means you can drop it in up to three feet of water for 30 minutes and will continue to work.

Ultimate Ears MEGABLAST Portable Waterproof Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Speaker with Hands-Free Voice Control

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Marshall Stanmore II

The classic look of this speaker is reminiscent of Marshall amps. And just like the amp, you can use analog controls, but you can also use the app. It is built with advanced components to produce clean sounds which you can connect with Bluetooth or 3.5 mm for an analog listening experience.

Marshall Stanmore II Wireless Wi-Fi Alexa Voice Smart Speaker

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Sonos Beam

If you are looking for a different form factor, the Sonos Beam is a great choice. It is a compact bar with sound tuned by Oscar-winning sound engineers. You can control all of your content on the Sonos S2 app and add more speakers for a surround sound experience.

Sonos Beam – Smart TV Sound Bar with Amazon Alexa Built-in

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NETGEAR Orbi

With audio by Harman/Kardon this small speaker delivers clean sound. The connectivity works with any WiFi router and extends existing WiFi by up to 2,000 square feet. This will ensure your requests to Alexa will be heard and answered.  And the app simplifies your WiFi connectivity and maximizes the performance.

NETGEAR Orbi Voice Smart Speaker & WiFi Mesh Extender with Amazon Alexa Built-in

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B&O PLAY A1

The B&O PLAY A1 is made by one of the premier makers of speakers, Bang & Olufsen. This truly portable speaker gives you 24 hours of battery life along with the B&O sound quality, which includes propriety ambient sound processing. The omnidirectional microphone will pick your voice easily and the aluminum dome is dust and splash resistant.

B&O PLAY A1 Portable Bluetooth Speaker, Natural, One Size

Buy on Amazon

Qualities to Look for in Your Next Smart Speaker with Alexa

• Microphone: A smart speaker has to listen well. Find out how well the device can pick up your voice and carry out your commands. This includes distance as well as the ambient noise in the room.
• Sound quality: The quality of the sound will vary depending on how you connect your speakers. Whether it is WiFi or Bluetooth, find out the kind of sound the speakers produce.
• Connectivity: Look for a speaker with reliable connectivity because it will determine how well you can use it with Alexa.
• Setup and Usability: As third-party speakers, the setup might take a bit longer. Find devices that are easy to set up and use.
• Design: These speakers are going to be out in the open, so look for designs that can easily be part of your overall decoration.

Smart speakers are now part of many homes and offices, thus becoming an essential household appliance. With Alexa built-in, the speaker becomes part of an ecosystem that is growing to include the many tools people use throughout the day. A quality speaker will make your interaction with Alex much easier and the sound that comes out is more enjoyable.

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Images: Amazon.com