In the ever-evolving world of 3D printing, resin-based printers have emerged as pioneers in delivering intricate, high-resolution models. The Masked Stereolithography (MSLA) technology empowers these machines to craft detailed designs with an impressive resolution. As these printers harness UV light to cure liquid resin, they unlock the potential for intricate creations that were once difficult with traditional filament-fed printers. However, this precision comes with a post-processing requirement and a need for cautious resin handling, making them ideal for enthusiasts seeking detailed outputs. In this guide, we navigate through a curated selection of top-tier desktop resin 3D printers, catering to varying sizes and budgets, from compact yet capable models to larger formats for extensive creations. This blog aims to assist in finding the perfect resin printer so that you can make an informed decision!
What will you see here?
ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M5
The Anycubic Photon Mono M5s stands out as an impressive resin printer, setting a new benchmark with its 12K resolution and astounding 19-micron X accuracy. This tech marvel ensures meticulous detailing, capable of rendering precision similar to a single hair strand.
What truly elevates its appeal is its seamless operation. Embracing innovation, it ditches manual calibration in favor of automatic leveling via mechanical sensors, which are rarely seen in resin printers. This not only cuts setup time but also guarantees a hassle-free start—just pour resin and dive into printing.
What about its Speed? The M5s stand as a champion! It defies norms by boasting an impressive 105mm/hour with high-speed resin and an average speed of 70 mm/hour for standard materials, so that, you don't have to wait forever to make your unique 3D Model.
Anycubic doesn't stop there, its intelligent features like Auto Device Check, Resin Detection Mode, and Print Status Detection actively prevent failures and minimize resin and time wastage, making it a smart investment.
Additionally, the M5's compatibility with Wi-Fi and the Anycubic App empowers users to monitor and control the printing remotely, making sure that the entire process is effortlessly manageable. In conclusion, the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s redefines excellence in resin printing.
ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 2
Here's another compact powerhouse from the ANYCUBIC, Photon Mono 2, a standout in resin 3D printing, boasts an impressive 6.6-inch monochrome LCD screen, delivering stunningly intricate details with its 4096*2560 resolution. This upgrade translates into exceptional print quality, ideal for miniatures and small models. Despite its compactness and lightweight design, it surprises with a substantial build area of 165x143x89mm, a boon for those seeking to create larger models without compromising space.
What sets this printer apart is its larger print volume, offering a 20% increase over its predecessor. This expansion allows for accommodating multiple pre-supported miniatures on its build plate simultaneously, enhancing efficiency and output. Moreover, the innovative LighTurbo Matrix guarantees uniform parallel lighting, which results in sharper model details and a flawlessly smooth surface. Crafted for ease, the Mono 2 arrives mostly assembled, simplifying the setup process for beginners.
Its custom slicer, the Photon Workshop V3, elevates the user experience with its intuitive features for slicing, support, and model arrangement and enhances usability for seamless operation. If you're tight on budget and seeking a compact resin printer that doesn't compromise on performance, then Photon Mono 2 is the one!
Creality Halot One Plus
Exploring the realm of 3D printing, the Creality Halot One Plus emerges as a compelling option that strikes a balance between efficiency and quality. Resin 3D printing, renowned for its ability to yield prints with unparalleled precision and a polished finish, is mastered by the Halot One Plus. Boasting a 7.9-inch monochrome LCD screen with an impressive 4K resolution of 4320x2560, this printer ensures meticulous detailing, making it particularly appealing to those who prioritize precision in their prints.
While resin printing does come with inherent challenges, such as extended curing times per layer and a relatively higher resin cost compared to filaments, the Halot One Plus addresses these concerns adeptly. With features like an expanded build volume measuring 172x102x160mm, it accommodates the creation of multiple 3D models simultaneously, enhancing its overall practicality.
Furthermore, the Halot One Plus incorporates cutting-edge technology, including an integral light source of high precision and a Z-axis featuring dual linear rails. These technological advancements contribute to the printer's stability, minimizing wobbling and ensuring accuracy, even when dealing with larger and weightier prints.
Moreover, cloud integration further modernizes the Halot One Plus, making it accessible and user-friendly, particularly appealing to Kids. However, a word of caution is necessary, especially when handling resin, as it requires a certain level of expertise. It is advisable to supervise young users during their initial experiences with resin printing. In the realm of resin 3D printers, the Creality Halot One Plus stands out as a notable choice, combining advanced features with reliable performance for users of all expertise levels.
Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K
The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K is a standout in the resin printers domain due to its remarkable resolution of 22 µm and 1152 ppi, setting it apart from other devices in its league. Featuring a 7.1" LCD screen and an 18 cm Z-axis, this printer excels in crafting intricate, detailed objects like tabletop miniatures with exceptional precision.
What makes it truly shine are its dependable components that ensure swift printing, uniform light exposure, and consistent, high-quality outputs. The printer's build volume of 165 x 72 x 180 mm is ample for crafting medium-sized models or single sizable pieces, catering well to diverse printing needs.
Despite its affordability, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K doesn't compromise on performance, making it an ideal choice for both novice makers and small businesses delving into 3D printing. Its user-friendly interface further enhances its appeal, offering an easy entry point into the world of 3D printing without breaking the bank.
This printer's solid foundation, cost-effectiveness, and seamless functionality make it a top contender in the realm of resin printers. Its ability to balance quality output with an accessible price point makes it an excellent option for those venturing into the world of 3D printing or seeking a reliable tool for small-scale production.
ELEGOO Saturn 3
The ELEGOO Saturn 3 emerges as a standout in the realm of resin 3D printers, owing to its innovative technology and remarkable capabilities. Its defining feature is the 10-inch 12K mono LCD screen, boasting an impressive resolution of 11520x5120 and an XY resolution of 19x24 microns. This enables the printer to craft incredibly detailed models while maintaining a commendable printing speed of up to 70mm/h.
With a spacious build volume of 218.88x122.88x250 mm, this printer offers versatility, accommodating both sizable individual models and multiple smaller items in a single batch. To guarantee precision and uniformity in prints, it employs a powerful COB light source and Fresnel collimating lens, achieving over 90% light uniformity and exceptional print accuracy.
To further enhance its efficiency, the printer integrates the Voxeldance Tango software, providing dynamic printing modes for improved performance. Additionally, its user-friendly features include a laser-carved build plate ensuring strong sticking and a USB plug-in air purifier equipped with an activated carbon filter to eliminate resin odors, enhancing the overall experience.
Nevertheless, the ELEGOO Saturn 3 excels as the top choice among resin printers due to its cutting-edge technology. Its combination of high-resolution capabilities, ample build volume, and thoughtful features not only sets it apart but also elevates the printing experience.
ELEGOO Mars 4 Ultra
The ELEGOO Mars 4 Ultra is a leap forward in resin 3D printing technology, boasting remarkable features that redefine precision and speed. At its core lies a 7-inch 9K Mono LCD, a visual powerhouse with an astounding 8520*4320 resolution. This means capturing the minutest details with an incredible 18-micron XY precision, delivering unmatched accuracy and stunningly detailed models.
What sets the Mars 4 Ultra apart is its ability to reach printing speeds of up to 150mm/H, a significant advancement made possible by the innovative ACF release liner film. While this film facilitates faster printing, it's essential to note its impact on surface quality, particularly for intricate prints. For larger shapes, it remains suitable, but for finer details like miniatures, it might compromise surface perfection.
For the users' enhanced experience, the printer's upgraded motherboard offers a more comprehensive UI, empowering users to adjust print exposure settings directly on the device. This, coupled with a stable and precise Z-axis movement, ensures smooth and delicate surfaces on the final prints, eliminating imperfections.
The printer's robust build plate, equipped with a laser-carved surface, enhances adhesion, even for larger models. Moreover, the COB light source and Fresnel collimating lens guarantee consistent curing across the build area, resulting in uniform and flawless finishes.
Additionally, the Mars 4 Ultra embraces connectivity with high-speed Wi-Fi transfer and compatibility with various slicing software, providing versatility in printing approaches. Its robust build, rapid heat dissipation, and efficient resin odor removal further contribute to an improved printing experience.
Are resin printers suitable for beginners?
Resin printers are great for beginners due to their straightforward setup and operation. Unlike some FDM printers, they do not require any assembly and are easier to get started with. Typically, these printers work by using a UV light source through an LCD mask to selectively cure layers of photosensitive resin. This simplicity makes them a solid choice for those new to 3D printing.
What are the advantages of using a resin printer?
Resin printers boast several advantages, making them a preferred choice across industries. Here are the detailed advantages of using a resin printer:
1. Exceptional Detailing: It uses liquid photopolymers to allow intricate geometries, ensuring superior detailing compared to melted plastics.
2. Smooth Finishes: Although layer lines persist, they are minimal and nearly invisible on certain resin colors, resulting in remarkably smooth surfaces.
3. Material Versatility: An expanding market offers various resins covering diverse applications, each formulated with necessary components and additives for specific functionalities.
4. Minimal Surface Damage from Supports: Resin tanks being filled across the perimeter prevent significant surface damage, allowing lightweight overhangs to attach seamlessly during curing.
5. Speed and Cost Efficiency: Resin printing outpaces other prototyping methods in speed, and with modern machines, it achieves remarkable efficiency. This, coupled with lower costs for applications like prototypes and custom dental devices, makes it a cost-effective choice.
6. Waterproof Prints: Photopolymers produce solid, waterproof prints, unlike materials prone to moisture absorption, allowing them to be utilized for water-tight applications.
These benefits position resin printing as a versatile, efficient, and cost-effective method, ideal for various industries, including prototyping, dental applications, and jewelry design.
Can you reuse 3D printer resin?
Yes, you can reuse 3D printer resin to some extent. When working with resin-based 3D printing, there’s often some leftover resin in the tank or on the build platform after a print. This excess resin can be strained through a fine mesh filter to remove any solid particles or cured bits, allowing you to reuse it for future prints. However, it’s essential to keep track of the resin’s condition. The reused resin might deteriorate over time or with repeated use, affecting print quality. So, it’s wise to monitor its density, cleanliness, and properties to ensure good results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, navigating the realm of resin printers can be an intimidating task, but finding the best one boils down to understanding your unique needs and preferences. The diverse market offers a spectrum of options, each with its own set of advantages. From budget-friendly models catering to beginners to high-end machines for seasoned enthusiasts, the choices are vast. Consider factors like print quality, build volume, and user-friendly interfaces. It’s crucial to delve into reviews and user experiences to make an informed decision. Ultimately, the best resin printer for you is the one that aligns seamlessly with your specific requirements, ensuring a smooth and satisfying 3D printing journey!
