Looking for the best resin 3D printer for all budgets. Here is our selection of the best printers (LCD, DLP & SLA 3D printers) that we’ve tested. See the performance, quality of print, and features of the printers below.
Resin 3D printers produce prints with an incredibly high level of detail. These units can also print different materials reasonably fast.
Today, resin 3D printers are getting faster and cheaper, just like their FDM counterparts. If you are interested in resin 3D printing, there is no better time to jump in than now.
Read on for an overview of the best resin 3D printers available on the market.
From the resin 3D printers we’ve tested in our lab, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K deserves our praise for being a resin 3D printer that uses LCD technology. The technology enables the unit to print incredibly quickly without compromising on quality. The printer is also affordable (check current price).
Best Resin 3D Printers
There are many cheap resin 3D printers that are suitable for makers on smalls budget. Below are the printers that we think are the most interesting for beginners.
These machines, which offer a lot of performance for little money, are classified according to price and not according to our preference.
1. Anycubic Photon Zero
PRICE ON ANYCUBIC
Specifications
General Specifications
| Technology | LCD |
| Type | Resin |
| Year | 2020 |
| Assembly | Fully assembled |
| Manufacturer | Anycubic |
| Country | China |
3D Printing Specifications
| Build Volume | 97 x 54 x 150 mm (3.81 x 2.12 x 5.9 in) |
| Layer Height | 10+ microns |
| XY Resolution | 0.115 mm (480 x 854 pixels) |
| Z-axis positioning accuracy | 0.01 mm |
| Printing Speed | 30 mm/h |
| Bed-Leveling | n/a |
| Display | Touchscreen |
| Third-Party Materials | Yes |
| Materials | 405 nm UV resin |
Software Requirements
| Recommended Slicer | Photon Workshop (2.1.20) |
| Operating system | Windows / Mac OSX |
| File types | STL |
| Connectivity | USB |
Dimensions & Weight
| Frame dimensions | 180 x 195 x 367 mm (7.08 x 7.76 x 14.44 in) |
| Weight | ~4.7 kg (10.36 lbs) |
| Boxed size | n/a |
| Weight (packed) | n/a |
With the Photon, Anycubic has positioned itself on the market for budget resin 3D printers. The Photon Zero is based on what made the Photon so popular; low price. Thanks to a smaller installation space and a lower print resolution, the Zero costs less than $250.
The Photon Zero is designed for the small budget maker. However, the printing experience isn’t compromised. The simple setup process and the reliable print results give this unit an edge over its competitors. However, the print quality is not all that good.
Read the full Anycubic Photon Zero review.
2. Anycubic Photon
The Anycubic Photon has been consistently rated as one of the best resin 3D printers under $500. The 3D printer has 2K resolution and comes pre-assembled in the package.
The Anycubic Photon series serves as a template that other 3D printer manufacturers imitated and improved upon. The main difference with the newer competitors is that the Photon series lacks powerful LEDs and ChiTuBox firmware and software. Instead of ChiTuBox, the Photon uses an Anycubic variant that uses a proprietary file extension.
That said, the Photon is still one of the best resin 3D printers for beginners. Moreover, its’ cheap and there is a huge community of users online that use it. Therefore, you won’t be alone when it comes to troubleshooting, tips, tricks and improvement ideas.
3. Phrozen Sonic Mini
Our current favorite, the Phrozen Sonic Mini, is a fast, little printer that is cheap but doesn’t compromise on performance and print quality.
By using a monochrome LCD screen for the bezel, the Sonic Mini can achieve film cure times of two seconds. With a little experimentation, this can be reduced to under two seconds.
Overall, this it’s a neat package that adds some speed to the highly detailed world of MSLA printing.
Read our full Phrozen Sonic Mini review.
4. Elegoo Mars
BUY AT AMAZON
Great print quality, easy to use as well as a solid workflow for print preparation make the Elegoo Mars Pro a sensational inexpensive resin 3D printer.
Printing with LCD resin printers is relatively easy. However, the partially self-leveling pressure plate (the ball joint is tightened manually), the ChiTuBox print preparation software and the generally excellent printing performance make it child’s play with Elegoo Mars Pro.
This resin 3D printer doesn’t look like much. However, at the price, it offers everything a maker heart desires: without frustration and fiddling.
Read the full Elegoo Mars Pro 3D printer review.
5. Creality LD-002R
PRICE ON AMAZON
The LD-002R isn’t Creality’s first resin 3D printer. However, it is the first Creality resin 3D printer that grabbed and held our attention.
Crammed into an elegant, stamped metal body that sits slightly better than the Elegoo Mars, the Creality machine achieves layer curing times of around 6 seconds. The printer uses the latest ChiTuBox firmware (i.e. super-fast .ctb file compatibility) and has a neatly made resin tub Metal with level indicator.
While this is not the most original printer on this list, it is nice looking. In terms of performance, you can’t tell any difference between this printer and its closest competitor, the Elegoo Mars Pro.
Read the full Creality LD-002R review.
6. Longer Orange 30
Specifications
General Specifications
| Technology | MSLA/LCD |
| Year | 2019 |
| Assembly | Fully-assembled |
| Manufacturer | Longer |
Printing Specifications
| Build volume | 120 x 68 x 170 mm |
| Layer thickness | 0.01 – 0.1 mm |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1440 pixels |
| XY-axis resolution | 0.047 mm |
| Z-axis positioning accuracy | 0.01 mm |
| Max printing speed | 30 mm/h |
| Display | 2.8 inch color touchscreen |
| Third-party materials | Yes |
| Materials | 405 nm UV resin |
Software Requirements
| Recommended Slicer | LongerWare, ChiTuBox |
| Operating system | Windows / Mac OSX |
| File types | STL, ZIP, LGS |
| Connectivity | USB |
Dimensions & Weight
| Frame dimensions | 200 x 200 x 390 mm |
| Boxed size | 252 x 252 x 520 mm |
| Weight | 6.7 kg |
| Weight (packed) | 8.4 kg |
With a 2K LCD screen, which is standard on most budget resin printers, and a standard print area of 120 x 68 x 170 mm, the < a href=”https://amzn.to/3O8PPpS”>Longer Orange 30 makes it on our list of the best resin 3D printer. The printer features a temperature warning system that shows the temperature of the printer in real time. The feature is useful, especially if you leave the printer to print unattended for a long time.
In addition, Longer 3D has developed a proprietary slicer with Longerware, which can be used together with the Orange 30 and offers support functions for the 3D printer, such as the automatic detection of free-floating parts and support with networked grids for a high success rate with complex models.
Read the full Longer Orange 30 3D printer review.
7. Elegoo Saturn
AVAILABLE ON AMAZON
Elegoo Saturn Specs
General Specifications
| Technology | MSLA |
| Year | 2020 |
| Assembly | Fully-assembled |
| Manufacturer | Elegoo |
Printing Specifications
| Build volume | 192 x 120 x 200 mm (7.55 x 4.72 x 7.87 in) |
| Layer height | 10 microns |
| Resolution | 3840 x 2400 pixels |
| XY-axis resolution | 0.05 mm |
| Z-axis positioning accuracy | 0.00125 mm |
| Printing speed | 30 mm/h |
| Bed leveling | Semi-automatic |
| Display | 3.5-inch touchscreen |
| Third-party materials | Yes |
| Materials | 405 nm UV resin |
Software Requirements
| Recommended slicer | ChiTuBox |
| Operating system | Windows / Mac OS X |
| File types | STL, SLC, OBJ |
| Connectivity | USB, Ethernet |
Dimensions & Weight
| Frame dimensions | 280 x 240 x 446 mm (11.02 x 9.44 x 17.55 in) |
| Weight | 12.5 kg (27.56 lbs) |
Elegoo’s new midsize and super-fast MSLA printer, the Saturn, is also one of the best resin 3D printers. And why not? Coming at a price lower than $400 and the relatively large installation space (not as large as the Phenom, but still larger than most other inexpensive MSLA printers), this printer offers value for money.
The Saturn has a 4K monochrome LCD, which means that prints can be converted into layers in less than two seconds.
This printer got its current form after a quick beta test phase (the original Saturn was neither equipped with 4K nor with a monochrome LCD). From what we can see, it’s a wish-fulfilling machine in printer form.
Read the full Elegoo Saturn review.
8. Epax X1
PRICE AT TOP3DSHOP
The Epax X1 is also an affordable LCD-based resin printer that you can go for. While slightly expensive than the units on this list (check current price), its features, performance, and quality of print means you will get good value for your money. This robust, all-metal version resin 3D printer with non-FEP foil and a special finish produces smooth prints.
Epax X1 comes calibrated from the factory. Therefore, with just a few adjustments, you can be printing your first models in no time.
9. Original Prusa SL1
AVAILABLE ON PRUSA
The Original Prusa SL1 is one of the more expensive resin 3D printers. However, the quality of prints it produces makes it one of the best resin 3D printers. The unit has a build volume 120 × 68 × 150 mm and its screen resolution is similar to that of the Elegoo Mars and Creality LD-002R.
The Prusa SL1 is shipped already assembled. Therefore, you won’t have to worry about building it yourself. If you are an absolute beginner, we would still recommend this machine. And if you have some experience with resin 3D printing, this unit will be your favorite workhorse.
The SL1 stands out for its user-friendly functions that guarantee success when printing. In typical Prusa fashion, attention was paid to the small details. For example, the printer gives an early warning when a job is likely to run out of resin.
Moreover, the resin container tilts with every shift change, which gently separates the pressure from the container. This may be unnecessary in view of the success of printing on similar non-tilting printer beds.
10. Peopoly Moai 130
PRICE ON MATTERHACKERS
If you need a laser resin 3D printer, this is it! The Peopoly Moai 130 is based on the original Moai. This unit offers the same installation space, precise control of the laser, easy-to-reach electronics and upgraded hardware that improve reliability and usability. There is also an active community that provides help and guides on getting the most out of the 3D printer.
In the Peopoly Moai 130, the tricky bed-leveling of the original has been replaced by a simpler solution. In addition, there is now a metal tub for the resin together with an FEP film as an interface.
The new film has a longer lifespan and increases reliability like the new pressure chamber heater, which heats the resin 3D printer to 35°C in order to offer better print quality.
Finally, the box contains a UV lamp to cure finished prints in a few minutes.
11. Phrozen Shuffle 4K
PRICE AT TOP3DSHOP
The Shuffle 4K is a high-resolution resin 3D printer from the Taiwanese manufacturer Phrozen.
The Shuffle 4K has been upgraded and even trumps its powerful predecessor, the Phrozen Shuffle. The biggest change – as the name suggests – consists of a 5.5-inch screen with a 4K LCD resolution that offers an XY accuracy of up to 31 µm.
With a build space of 120 x 68 x 170mm, it’s (slightly) larger than average. Moreover, a number of features, including an improved ParaLED unit and air filtration, make the printer stand out.
However, using Wi-Fi with the printer is difficult since the unit has a pure touchscreen surface with a keyboard without numbers or special characters. Therefore, it’s impossible to enter password.
While this resin 3D printer produces great quality prints, the user interface could use a little love.
12. Zortrax Inkspire
PRICE AT TOP3DSHOP
The Polish manufacturer, Zortrax, now has a resin 3D printer in its range. We are talking about the Zortrax Inkspire. This resin 3D printer fits in well with the range of professional 3D printers the manufacturer offers.
The Inkspire looks like most LCD-based resin 3D printers. Nevertheless, with its 4-inch touchscreen, it has an elegant user interface, a pixel size of 50 x 50 micrometers and a minimum layer height of 25 micrometers. The unit works at a maximum speed of 36 mm/hour and offers space for models of up to 74 x 132 x 175 mm.
While significantly more expensive than the other printers on this list, there is no doubt that the Inkspire is one of the best resin 3D printers. The unit runs on the Z-Suite software that has improved slicing functions, such as overhardening the interface between part and support for easy removal of the support.
Other features of the software include the option of calling up the print status remotely and managing prints on any number of networked computers.
Peopoly Phenom
PRICE ON MATTERHACKERS
The laser-based SLA technology of the Moai series was not used here. The Phenom uses the “masked” stereolithography (MSLA) process, in which an LCD mask is exposed to a UV LED light source to cure the resin.
In addition, Peopoly has developed a special generator for optimal light distribution and a cooling system to improve the printing results. This also extends the life of the mask for the MSLA process.
The Phenom has a large print volume of 276 x 155 x 400 mm. Therefore, it’s versatile in the things it can print. To help users cope with such a space, Peopoly launched a proprietary Deft resin that enables fast layer cure times and results in strong prints with high impact resistance.
Two variants of the Phenom are also available, i.e., the Phenom L and the Phenom Noir. These units are bigger and much faster that the original Phenom.
Read the full Peopoly Phenom 3D printer review.
Differences Between SLA, DLP and LCD Printers
Although the technologies are similar in many ways, there are small but subtle differences between SLA, DLP and LCD.
In SLA technology, two motors, the so-called galvanometers, are used. These motors are mounted on the X and Y axes, and work together and align mirrors. In turn, the mirrors center a laser beam on the print bed. The liquid resin solidifies where the laser beam hits. The individual layers of the model could be represented in an image of points and lines that the galvanometer uses to align the laser beam.
DLP technology relies on a digital screen on which the image of the entire layer is projected layer by layer. Each of these layers is represented in square pixels (voxels).
As for LCD printing, the process is very similar to DLP technology. The main difference is that LCD printers use an LCD screen to project the image onto the printing surface, while DLP printers use many tiny mirrors to do this.
Some companies are now trying to rename LCD-based resin printing. A good example Prusa, who chose the term MSLA (M for mask) for their new SL1.
Conclusion
Best Resin 3D Printer
In our opinion, the Phrozen Shuffle 4K is the best resin 3D printer. Thanks to a monochrome LCD screen, the Shuffle 4K can achieve layer curing times of two seconds. This unit a fast MSLA powerhouse that beast the competition in terms of price and performance.
Best Large Format Resin 3D Printer
Due to its gigantic installation space and its high level of user-friendliness, we also recommend the Peopoly Phenom without hesitation. In the 276 x 155 x 400 mm installation space, wearable parts of a costume, drone parts and other large objects can easily be printed without having to share the models with modeling software.
Unfortunately, such a large installation space also comes with a large price tag. However, the printer is worth it if you will be doing regular resin 3D printing jobs. Thanks to MSLA technology and a huge print volume, the Peopoly Phenom is a real productivity beast that can process large and detailed prints quickly.
For professionals and companies, check our article Best 3D Printers for Professionals. In it, we cover both FDM and resin 3D printers for advertising and design purposes. And if your budget allows, check out the Formlabs Form 3 . This resin 3D printer really impressed us in our tests. While expensive, you will not be disappointed by its speed, workmanship, and print quality.
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