Best Resin 3D Printers Buying Guide 2024 Price From $200 to $1200

The resin 3D printer(MSLA printer) has become increasingly popular. Compared with FDM 3D printers, resin 3D printers offer users a high-resolution details printing experience. If you like printing models with rich details and high-quality surfaces, such as miniatures, figures, or prototypes, the resin 3D printer is the best choice.

Based on your budget, I picked up a list of the best resin 3D printers for your reference. My reasons for choosing the best resin 3d printer will be considered in several dimensions. For example, the resin 3d printer’s simplicity of use, LCD screen resolution, detail reproduction ability, and print speed are all necessary considerations for a good resin 3d printer.

You can find your right resin 3d printer by making a quick comparison in the table below.

Best resin 3D printers buying guide

1. HeyGears Reflex RS: Best Easy-to-use resin 3D printer

The HeyGear Reflex RS is HeyGears’ second consumer desktop resin 3D printer. The HeyGears Reflex RS has been a game-changer since its launch. Compared to the first generation of the Reflex, the Reflex RS has been made even easier to use, iterated on print motion algorithms, and is way ahead of the market.

The easy-to-use of the HeyGears Reflex RS is because of their closed system, which includes pre-processing software BluePrint Studio, self-developed resins, and washing and post-curing devices. As a result, HeyGears offers users a one-stop printing process experience. Users can simply print on their pre-processing software, BulePrint Studio, without having to select process parameters for different resins. Because HeyGears provides process parameters for each official resin, users can simply select the corresponding resin in BluePrint Studio and print with a click.

Back to the HeyGears Reflex RS. One of my most pleasant surprises was its new market-leading Dynamic Motion Algorithm 3.0. This algorithm allows the Reflex RS resin 3D printer to print up to 33%- 50% faster. The algorithm divides the printing process of a single layer into 7 stages of motion and provides force feedback at a rate of 80 times per second to determine if the speed of motion is changing. This Dynamic Motion Algorithm 3.0 directly turns the Reflex RS into a game-changer.

Of course, in terms of ease of use on the device side, the Reflex RS has a floating screen mechanism to achieve auto-level before printing. On top of that, the automatic resin filling, residue detection, automatic heating, and one-click slicing and printing on Blueprint Studio make the HeyGears Reflex RS the best easy-to-use resin 3d printer.

Read more: HeyGears Reflex RS Turbo Review.

Specifications

2. Uniformation GK3 Ultra 16K: Best large-size resin 3D printer

The Uniformation GK3 Ultra is the best large-size resin 3D printer. To achieve a large print volume of 300mm*160mm*300 mm, the Uniformation GK3 Ultra is equipped with a 13.5-inch 16K LCD screen. However, the 16K resolution of the LCD screen makes the Uniformation GK3 Ultra even more accurate! The smallest pixel size of the LCD screen is 20 x 26 μm. So the Uniformation GK3 Ultra resin 3d printer is perfect for those who want to print large areas with intricate details. The GK3 ultra currently supports 30μm or 50μm thickness per layer printing and can print at a maximum speed of 2-3 seconds per layer (50μm per layer).

In terms of user-friendliness, the Uniformation GK3 Ultra features an auto resin feeding system which makes handling resin as easy as possible. Also, the smart auto-detected heating system keeps the proper temperature for large-size stable printing.

In addition to being perfectly compatible with their official resins, the GK3 Ultra can also be printed with other brands of resins as it does not utilize a closed system, which gives it more flexibility than the HeyGears Reflex RS.

Specifications

3. Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro: Best under $500 resin 3D printer

If you’re looking for a resin 3D printer for around $500, the Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro is probably the best option out there. It is the best resin 3D printer on the market today that can print above 0.1mm thickness per layer. This means that the Anycubic Photon Momo M7 Pro can achieve even faster print speeds. According to official test data, when using their standard resin to print at 0.1mm/layer, the speed can reach 130mm/h. However, when using their high-speed resin to print at 0.1mm/layer, the speed can reach 170mm/h. That’s not all, when using the high-speed resin to print at 0.2mm/laser, the speed can reach 220mm/h! I think Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro is the pioneer of resin 3D printer high-speed printing.

In order to maintain the fine details of the prints, Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro upgraded the LCD screen to 14K resolution, resulting in an XY resolution of 16.7*24.6 μm, which allows it to produce prints with a higher degree of detail reproduction!

In terms of ease of use, it has an automatic leveling function, resin level detection to remind the user to refill the resin, one-key to recycling resin, resin residue detection, release film lifespan detection, print failure detection, and so on. These features ensure that the user is not disturbed during the printing process and increase the success rate of each 3D print.

Specifications

4. ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra: Best under $400 resin 3D printer

The ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra is the best resin 3D printer under $400 out there. It has a 10-inch 12K LCD screen and an XY resolution(minimum pixel size) of 19*24μm, so its theoretical printing accuracy isn’t much worse than the high-budget resin 3D printers above! The ELEGOO Staturn 4 Ultra has tilt release technology, which enables the model to be peeled off from the release film quickly by tilting the resin tank, achieving a fast printing speed of up to 150mm/h.

As for the user-friendly features, the Saturn 4 Ultra provides a seamless printing experience with its intelligent self-check and automatic leveling features, which offer users effortless printing. It also equips AI Camera for intelligent monitoring, which lets users stay informed about the progress of their prints and capture captivating time-lapse videos.

However, although ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra is an affordable resin 3D printer, it is still designed with a mechanical sensor that actively monitors for resin residue, ensuring the LCD screen remains protected from potential damage during the printing process.

Specifications

5. Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra: the best small-sized printing resin 3D printer

The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is very similar to the ELEGOO Staturn 4 Ultra in terms of features, but the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra only has a smaller build volume of 153.36 x 77.76 x 165 mm as well as a more compact product size. As a result, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is much cheaper and you can get it for less than 300 USD.

What may surprise you is that it features a 9K (8520×4320) LCD screen with a minimum pixel size of 18*18μm, which is the highest precision of any of these resin 3D printers above. So Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra can theoretically print more detailed models than other resin 3D printers. So if you just want to print some small-size miniature models and you are looking for a cost-effective resin 3D printer, the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is perfect for you.

Specifications

Know for resin 3D printers

Resin 3D printers are a type of additive manufacturing technology that uses liquid photosensitive resin to create three-dimensional objects. Unlike FDM( Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers that melt and extrude plastic filament, resin printers typically use a photopolymerization process, where UV light cures liquid resin layer by layer to build up a solid object.

How resin 3D printing works

1. 3D model file preparation: Before resin 3D printing, you need to prepare a 3D model file, which is created by some 3D modeling software. The most common format for 3D model files for resin 3D printers is the .stl format. Once the 3D model file is available, it is necessary to import the 3D model file into a slicing software and slice the 3D model into a number of layers at a set layer height (e.g., 50 μm layer height). Common slicing software are Chitubox, Cura, Lychee, etc. But some good resin 3d printer companies will have their own slicer software so that it can be perfectly compatible with their own resin 3d printers.

2. Printing Process: The printer has a resin tank filled with liquid resin. The build platform lowers into the resin tank, and a UV light source solidifies the resin layer by layer according to the sliced model.

3. Post-Processing: Once printing is complete, the printed model needs to be washed to remove any uncured resin and require additional UV curing to fully harden it.

Types of resin 3D printers:

1. LCD (Liquid Crystal Display): The most common consumer resin 3d printer, currently. It uses an LCD screen to mask the UV light, allowing light to cure specific areas of resin at once. LCD resin printers tend to be less expensive compared to SLA and DLP printers and also can achieve fast printing, and high resolution, and produce detailed prints with smooth finishes. However, LCD screens have a limited life and need to be replaced frequently, especially with heavy usage.  Also, LCD printers may not be compatible with every type of resin.

2. SLA (Stereolithography): Uses a laser to cure resins point-by-point to achieve superb detail and surface finish. Besides, SLA 3D printers can work with various specialized resins, including rigid, flexible, and clear options. However, SLA resin printers have higher costs, lower printing speeds, and more complex setup and maintenance.

3. DLP (Digital Light Processing): Uses a digital light projector to cure entire layers at once. DLP resin printers can also achieve fast printing speeds, excellent resolution, and detail printing. However, DLP resin printers usually have higher costs that can be comparable in price to SLA and have limited build volume compared with LCD and SLA.

Comparison summary

Applications of resin 3D printing

• Prototyping: Ideal for creating detailed prototypes in industries like automotive, aerospace, and consumer products.
• Jewelry Making: Allows for the printing of intricate designs for molds or final products.
• Dental and Medical Applications: Used to create dental models, surgical guides, and even prosthetics or implants.
• Miniatures and Models: Popular among hobbyists for creating detailed miniatures for tabletop games and models.

What can an LCD resin printer do for you?

• Custom Fabrication: If you need custom parts, tools, or prototypes, a resin printer can produce high-quality, precise parts tailored to your specifications.
• Creative Projects: For artists and designers, it enables the creation of detailed sculptures or models that can bring your creative vision to life.
• Cost-Effective Prototyping: It can reduce the time and cost associated with traditional prototyping methods, allowing for rapid iteration and testing.
• Unique Products: If you’re in a business that benefits from high-detail products, resin printing can help differentiate your offerings with custom, high-quality designs.
• For Hobby: The resin printer can print very fine details figures, miniatures, and so on.

How to pick up a good LCD resin 3d print for me?

Choosing a good LCD resin 3D printer depends on various factors, including your intended use, budget, desired print quality, and additional features. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you select the right LCD resin 3D printer that meets your needs.

Set your budget

Your budget will directly determine what level of resin 3d printer you can buy. In addition to the price of the machine itself, it is also important to consider the budget for the printing process, such as what type of resin you will need to consume, whether or not you will need to purchase post-processing equipment, and so on. The earlier part of the article has introduced you to a few of the best resin 3D printers for different budgets, so it’s worth checking them out.

Build volume

The build volume of a resin 3D printer can affect your usage or productivity. So make sure you are clear about your purpose of use when buying a resin 3D printer. If you are just a fan of small-size miniature tabletop models, then a relatively small build volume is suitable for you. But if you are involved in printing production models in bulk, then go for a larger build volume if possible. Of course, in general, a larger build volume means a larger printer, so make sure you have enough space in your home for it.

Print quality and detail

Print quality and detail reproduction capabilities are key considerations when buying the best resin 3D printer. First and foremost, choose a resin 3D printer with the highest possible resolution and look for one with a minimum pixel size (XY resolution) of less than 30μm. Second, the permissible print layer thickness is also an important factor, as the smaller the layer thickness, the less visible the layer lines will be in the finished print and, therefore, the smoother the surface will be.

Material compatibility

Ensure that the printer is compatible with a wide range of resins, including specialty resins (e.g., flexible, castable, or durable). Besides, consider the availability and cost of resins, as some printers might require specific proprietary materials.

User experience and features

• Ease of Use: Look for user-friendly interfaces and setup processes. Touchscreen interfaces can simplify navigation.
• Software Compatibility: Ensure compatibility with popular slicing software and whether the printer comes with its own software.
• Leveling and Calibration: Automatic bed leveling or easy calibration features can save time and improve print reliability.

Post-processing

Please do not forget about post-processing. When choosing a resin 3D printer, you need to consider whether post-processing is easier and simpler. The most common ones are clear resin and post-curing equipment. You should make sure that the resin 3D printer has recommended post-processing equipment, such as clear equipment and post-curing equipment. In addition to this, you should also consider how easy it is to clean the resin 3D printer itself. For example, does the molding platform tend to accumulate resin residue? Is the machine body easy to clean and maintain?

Does the higher resolution of the 3D printer’s LCD Screen the better?

Currently, different resin 3D printers use different resolution LCD screens. It may be confusing when you see 6K, 8K, 9K, 12K, 14, and 16K LCD screen resolutions. The following is a comparison of the XY resolution of different LCD screens. It can be seen that as the LCD screen resolution increases, the XY resolution will be smaller, but there is a special case, 9K LCD screen XY resolution is the smallest of all.

Theoretically, the higher the resolution of the LCD screen, the more the smallest pixel (XY resolution) will come out, which means the more detail you can print. However, when detail molding capability is considered, it is not determined by the LCD screen resolution alone. Also, if you print details on LCD screens with different resolutions, you cannot tell which one is better by looking at it with the naked eye. Generally speaking, an XY resolution of less than 50 μm satisfies our visual requirements for detail.

A resin 3D printer that can perfectly reproduce details, in addition to considering the LCD resolution, should also take into account the Z-axis movement error, Z-axis direction overexposure compensation algorithms, the body structure of the impact on the printing error, and the detail molding ability of compatible resins, and other factors to be considered comprehensively.

In addition, the higher the resolution of the LCD screen, the smaller its light transmittance, requiring a higher exposure to UV light energy. Therefore, the lifespan of higher-resolution LCD screens tends to be even shorter.