A resin 3D printer makes highly reliable prints through the use of SLA, LCD, or DLP technology. It solidifies UV resin and transforms the liquid into high-quality 3D models at a greater rate.
To dig in further, Stereolithography (SLA) is the earliest form of resin 3D printing and operates by adding a substrate of photosensitive liquid resin towards a UV-laser beam. The resin is then hardened in the desired model and the product is layer after layer formed until completed.
On the other hand, when we speak about Digital Light Processing (DLP), we're referring to the process of projecting a single image within each layer using a digital projector by releasing UV lights. And with the emergence of LCD technology today, resin 3D printing with an LCD screen becomes prevalent in the 3D printing industry. Since the LCD screen acts as a mask over a UV light source, it's sometimes called MSLA (Masked Stereolithography).
That being said, getting the right resin 3D printer has never been easier, since there are so many brands and models available on the market. So, to assist you in your purchasing journey, we've provided five of the best resin 3D printers, along with pieces of advice from our tech experts and 3D printer enthusiasts to give you the most critical insight before purchasing one.
Just click the buttons below that we prepared for you to view their best offers on Amazon. That being said, we hope you’ll find the best resin 3D printer that will satisfy your next printing project in the future!
Best Resin 3D Printers Comparison & Rating
Resin 3D Printers | Features |
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1. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X 3D Resin Printer
Build Volume | 192 mm x 120 mm x 245 mm |
Printing Technology | LCD-based SLA |
Printing Speed | 60 mm per hour |
Slicer Software | ANYCUBIC Photon workshop |
This ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X 3D Resin Printer revolutionizes 3D resin printing. It impressed us during the process of testing as it consistently produced prints in its 192 x 120 x 245 mm build volume. It has a monochrome LCD at its center, as well as a 4K resolution panel with a pixel size (XY) of 50 microns. We printed at.05 mm and were blown away by the print quality, which does an excellent job of highlighting essential and fine details. The slicer program is simple but accurate. Thus far, the auto support feature has been reliable because we had no missed and failed prints due to inadequate support. The Z-axis is indeed an acme threaded rod, while the resin vat is made of anodized aluminum so we have never encountered any Z-axis wobble up to this writing. It also has a sanded aluminum platform that improves the adhesion between the platform and prints along with its design and durability. Ultimately, this ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X 3D Resin Printer is an excellent entry-level UV resin printer with exceptional print efficiency. We've been astounded by its printing capabilities, and we can't say much about its print quality!
2. ELEGOO Mars 2 Mono MSLA 3D Printer
Build Volume | 129 mm x 80 mm x 150 mm |
Printing Technology | MSLA (UV Photocuring) |
Printing Speed | 30-50 mm per hour |
Slicer Software | ChiTuBox |
The ELEGOO Mars 2 Mono MSLA 3D Printer is among the most affordable 3D printers we've seen so far. It has a monochrome LCD and a COB UV light source and boasts a 6.08-inch LCD with 2K HD resolution. We printed everything from industrial parts including board game minis with its 129 mm x 80 mm x 150 mm build volume. In comparison to RGB LCD 3D printers, it has a four-fold longer shelf life and a two-fold faster printing speed, making it one of the most powerful, reliable, and low-maintenance resin 3D printers. We set at least 8 seconds per layer at a height of 0.05 mm during our testing process for transparent resin and it showcased outstanding consistency. Also, at 11-12 seconds for opaque resins per layer at 0.05 mm, the prints of this 3D printer are indeed fine and perfect. We've had a great time with this ELEGOO Mars 2 Mono MSLA 3D Printer since it is incredibly easy to manage while using, and comes with amazing support. Additionally, it produces amazing objects with amazing detail and resolution.
3. Longer Orange 10 Resin SLA 3D Printer
Build Volume | 98 x 55 x 140 mm |
Printing Technology | SLA/LCD resin |
Printing Speed | 30 mm/hour |
Slicer Software | Longer self-developed slicing software. Also supported by ChiTuBox4 |
This Longer Orange 10 Resin SLA 3D Printer is among the most iconic SLA 3D printers available and is an excellent entry-level LCD light-curing device. It takes minimal time of assembly since we were able to begin printing minutes after unboxing, and the entire process took only 15 minutes. Its self-developed slicing program is incredibly simple to use and extremely fast. We produced 28 mm tall model prints that took approximately 3 hours to complete. One thing worth noting with resin printing is that the print process is proportional to the model's height, which means that printing six models requires the very same length of time as printing with one model alone. It produces high-precision prints and can print intricate models such as miniatures including accessories. Ultimately, there's nothing to doubt about its efficiency because it produces high-quality products with an exceptionally high level! This Longer Orange 10 Resin SLA 3D Printer is an excellent buy when it comes to 3D printing.
4. Creality LD002R Resin 3D Printer
Build Volume | 119 mm x 65 mm x 160 mm |
Printing Technology | LCD Display Photocuring |
Printing Speed | 4s per layer (50 – 70 mm per hour) |
Slicer Software | ChiTu DLP Slicer |
Creality 3D printers are gaining in popularity, and this Creality LD002R Resin 3D Printer is another great resin 3D printer in the industry. It is economical yet effective since its powerful UV lights ensure 4 seconds per layer with exceptional precision and resolution. In the duration of the testing procedure, the initial calibration and setup are extremely simple, and our first prints were pretty great. After several weeks of continuous testing and usage, we can claim with confidence that this 3D printer is a fantastic piece to start towards resin 3D printing. The resolution is indeed very fine, and the printed parts' surface finish is impressive. For two months now, we operated the printer and it didn't disappoint us ever since we used it. Also, this 3D printer's output is amazing for the value. Without a doubt, this Creality LD002R Resin 3D Printer is a fantastic way to start with a 3D printing journey.
5. PHROZEN Sonic Mini Resin 3D Printer
Build Volume | 132.08 mm x 73.66 x 129.54 mm |
Printing Technology | LCD-based Masked Stereolithography (MSLA) |
Printing Speed | 80 mm per hour |
Slicer Software | ChiTuBox V1.6.5 |
This PHROZEN Sonic Mini Resin 3D Printer is a spectacular low-cost resin 3D printer with high-speed printing, high precision, and allows for easy usability. It has a much-advanced manufacturing and processing method that cures resin in a fraction of a second. Likewise, it utilizes thermally stable mono-LCD, which is better for about 2000 hours long so we don't have to worry about maintenance and upkeep servicing. During the process of our testing, we tried this 3D printer on accessories at 0.03 mm resolution along with the aqua-green resin. The standard resin profile allowed just a 2-second duration, yet we accurately tried it at 1.35 seconds to achieve more precise measurements and fewer filled-up loops. Furthermore, this resin 3D printer is so easy to operate that we can begin printing in 5 minutes with just 3 clicks. We liked how the touch screen seems responsive, and the user interface looks appealing together with the light body it has.
Best Resin 3D Printers - Buyer's Guide
Like any other 3D printer, the capacity of the resin 3D printer is determined by the build volume. Keep in mind that for a beginner, a small printer build volume would suffice however, when establishing a manufacturing business, a resin 3D printer with a greater build volume is required.
We can print a large number of items in a short amount of time using high-speed printing. To get the best possible output, choose a resin 3D printer that allows for fast printing speeds without losing print quality.
Our resin 3D printing experience can be affected by the consistency of the GUI or the Graphic User Interface. Bear in mind that a better and consistent user interface saves a lot of time while allowing us to easily navigate through the settings.
We can build a model with fine details and patterns using a high-resolution resin 3D printer. Keep in mind that we'll be needing a high-resolution printer if we want accurate designs, realistic models as well as complex patterns.
Some resin 3D printers, like every other 3D printer, have extra features. Some of the more popular features of resin 3D printers include a dual-effect cooling system, CNC machined aluminum body, and a replaceable resin tank. Any resin 3D printer should have an air filtering system and a temperature warning system, but you can still get some with Wi-Fi or even a color touch screen.
Best Resin 3D Printers - FAQs
Once the resin gets too hot, it emits strong, foul-smelling fumes that can cause discomfort. As a result, resin 3D printing requires a well-ventilated environment.
On smaller build volumes, resin printing provides greater accuracy, smoother surface areas, and fuller details. On the other hand, the FDM lacks the necessary smoothness and precision. Take extra note that resin printing, on the other hand, can be tough and risky, whereas FDM is pretty easy to use.
Galvanometers are two motors used in SLA 3D printing. These X and Y axis motors operate with each other to swiftly align a set of mirrors, aiming a laser beam through the print area and solidifying resin into some kind of 3D image. DLP technology, from the other end, employs a digital projector screen to simultaneously beam a digital image of each substrate throughout the entire platform.
Moreover, LCD 3D printing works similarly to DLP 3D printing that employs projected light to solidify resin layer after layer before a 3D design is formed. The big distinction is that LCD 3D printers project light utilizing a mask of the substrate on an LCD panel using a bank of UV LEDs.
This depends significantly on the brand and model of the resin 3D printer. The price of a low-cost resin 3D printer ranges from $200 to $1000. Professional and commercial resin 3D printers can be as costly as $250,000. Nevertheless, several high-quality resin 3D printers are available for under $1000 intended for everyday home users.
