Resin 3D printers work with great accuracy to provide high-quality prints with intricate detailing. As a technology that is widely used for creating 3D plastic models, the market for resin 3D printers is expanding daily.
With a great variety in the types of resins that can be used, the printing possibilities and outputs are endless, an exciting way of bringing an idea to life in the form of a 3D model. We have browsed the market, selecting our top picks of the best resin 3D printers, accounting for quality, accuracy, and affordability.
If you are in a hurry and don’t have the time to continue reading, we have selected our top pick for you below.
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Best Resin 3D Printers - Comparison Table
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Best Resin 3D Printers - Reviews
For our top pick, we have selected the Anycubic Photon UV LCD 3D printer. This resin printer creates 3D prints with incredible resolution, each part made with excellent accuracy and detail when compared to the output of an FDM printer.
With a colorful touchscreen, this photon system is equipped with an array of new functions, giving you an immersive user experience. You can also preview the models before they begin printing and keep up with the printing status too.
The 3 step leveling system takes the hassle out of complicated leveling. Simply lower the platform down to the screen and you will feel the resistance when paper is pulled in between. Then you just need to tighten one screw into place and you are ready to begin printing.
Courtesy of the 2K LCD screen, the printing details can be viewed in incredibly close detail and there are only four settings that require adjusting before use.
Impressively, you can make multiple models on the same build plate at one time without adding to the total build time. Creating six miniatures at once takes approximately 2-3 hours, the same amount of time as it takes to print one large miniature.
Compatible with the latest version of self developed fast slicer software which is easy to use, you are provided with the very best user experience. This printer uses 405nm photosensitive UV Resin.
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Next, we have the ELEGOO Mars UV Photocuring LCD 3D printer. This is a great industrial printer that incorporates a user-friendly system.
The ELEGOO Mars is equipped with the latest version of CHITUBOX Software, providing an extraordinary user experience and taking only one minute to slice a 30Mb file, a process that would typically take around 10 minutes using open source software.
Regular use of your printer is of course going to consume more resin, however, thanks to the CHITUBOX software, you don’t have to worry about any waste. Before slicing you can hollow out your model which is going to save lots of resin being used in the photocuring process.
Using this printer you have access to excellent standards of printing, the inclusion of 40W UV lights and ELEGOO resin gives you high-quality printing results.
Courtesy of the latest CHITUBOX system and the 3.5" touchscreen you can experience the best of online printing, and this also makes it easier for offline printing too.
ELEGOO Mars has a 2560 x1440 2K HD masking LCD which provides accurate printing using the X and Y-axis resolution. This printer uses ELEGOO photopolymer resin.
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Our next choice is the EPAX X1 LCD 3D printer. With a robust metal build, this 3D printer features a large 3.5 inch color touchscreen providing an immersive printing experience during each stage of the printing process.
The 2K LCD masking screen creates prints with very fine and intricate detailing. The 50 LED lights allow for easy light distribution along with fast printing with an exposure time of only 6 to 7 seconds using the eSun resins.
The improved Z axis made with a double steel rod and reinforced carriage with steel creates a smoother printing experience. Thanks to 40W High Energy 50 LED light source you can print using special resins as the improved non FEP film has much less force.
You have access to a smoother printing experience with the opportunity to create projects with improved print quality. Impressively, this printer is supported by a range of resins including 405nm wavelength printing resins.
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The QIDI tech shadow resin 3D printer incorporates a comprehensive, industrially manufactured design. Using the highest stable structure in the form of a unique dual rail and fixed slider, the QIDI Tech is equipped with 4 optical axis structures. The stronger stretching forces create more precise prints thanks to enhanced stability during the printing process.
This printer is equipped with special high-strength tempered glass which is also integrated into the 2k LCD screen. As the release film is smoother and much more durable, the model is easier to release once it is completed with a reduced likeliness of any damage occurring.
The Shadow 5.5S achieves fast curing through the matrix ultraviolet light source and high quality 2K LCD screen. With an improvement in print accuracy, the final results are ultimately going to be of excellent quality.
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The upgraded LONGER Orange resin 3D printer is our next choice for you. As a high precision printer, the LONGER features a 2k LCD screen with a resolution of 2560x1440, allowing for a larger printing build volume.
Courtesy of the improved solid linear guide and the slider design, you will experience improved accuracy and stability via the X-axis. With integrated Matrix UV LED arrays, the printing performance is much better and because of the higher intensity, less time is consumed for curing.
With a built in color touchscreen, you can easily navigate your way through the settings while previewing the current status of your print. The durability of this printer is displayed through its robust full metal body design for an improved user experience.
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Finally, we have selected the Creality UV Photocuring LCD 3D printer. Designed with a 30W UV light system, you are provided with a fast printing experience with an exposure time of only 4 seconds per layer of resin.
Exposed resin can emit a slightly strong odor which some may find off putting, however, this needn’t be a concern with this printer as it is equipped with an air filtering system which works to remove this smell from the air, creating a more pleasant environment.
Compatible with the latest version of CHITUBOX software you can slice a 30mb file in as little as one minute.
The anti-aliasing elements work to reduce the appearance of any visible lines often created by the pixels from the UV light source. Although this isn’t always hugely noticeable the process of anti-aliasing creates a smoother result.
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Best Resin 3D Printers - Buyers Guide
3D printing provides a great opportunity to bring your ideas to life, however, the process of selecting one model can often seem overwhelming. We have compiled a buyer’s guide containing all of our top tips for choosing the best resin 3D printer.
What is resin 3D printing?
Resin 3D printing, also known as Stereolithography, refers to a type of technology that is used to create models, prototypes, and patterns, etc. It does this by exposing a layer of resin which is a photosensitive liquid to UV lighting and as a result, the resin becomes hard and solid. These steps are then repeated and the current model layer is lowered slightly for the roller to begin working on the next layer. Specific areas of each layer will then become solid and this will create the final output of your print.
The Types of Resin
Resin typically comes in what is referred to as ‘flavors’ and these are SLA, DLP, and LCD. DLP and LCD share similar print qualities as they build models at a similar speed. SLA resin printers use a single point to finish each layer of printing making it a little slower, whereas DLP and LCD tend to finish parts at a faster rate.
Some resin 3D printers can emit a particularly prominent odor created by the resins once they have been exposed to the air and for some, this can be a little off putting. Opting for a 3D printer with an air filtering system reduces the occurrence of this issue.
You will find that the majority of printers do not come with the resin which requires an additional purchase. It is important to ensure that you select the correct resin for your 3D printer.
Exposure Time
This refers to the length of time that each layer is exposed to the light source during the printing process. You will find that the exposure time differs slightly between the printers although 6 seconds tends to be the most common.
The Touchscreen
This makes a big difference to your user experience. The touchscreen on a printer makes it easier to navigate through all of the settings and also keeps you informed throughout the printing process by displaying the real time print status. You can also make easy manipulations to the model as it goes through the process of printing.
The Software
Software is a huge part of 3D printing making a big impact on your printing experience. Some printers will have their own slicing software whilst others will be supported by software from other brands. The slicing software as it is known converts a 3D digital image into printing instructions that are then digested by your 3D printer. As a result, this is then converted into a 3D printout and you can see your model in reality. Some even allow you to create your own models and prints using the software before transferring these into physical miniature models.
The software ideally should be easy to use as this takes a lot of stress out of the printing process. If you aren’t confident or happy with the software, then it is likely to make the process of 3D printing a little daunting. If your printer is supported by multiple versions of software you may find it beneficial to test different ones to find the best one for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a resin 3D printer faster?
The most common resin printers found on the market use DLP or SLA and the speed of printing depends on which one you opt for. DLP printing tends to be much faster but as a result of the increased speed, it can often compromise quality and precision. On the other hand, SLA is particularly slow, however, the results are often much more precise.
Are resin prints good quality?
As resin 3D printers use lasers they are likely to be of excellent quality as they process intricately detailed designs with great accuracy and precision.
Do resins smell?
Resins are known for emitting natural fumes which can sometimes be a little overwhelming, for this reason, it is recommended that you work in an area that is well ventilated as this will reduce the likeliness of these fumes building and causing irritations. A printer with an air filtering system also works to minimize the presence of these fumes.