3D printing high resolution

What Does Resolution Mean in 3D Printing?

Looking for a high resolution 3D printer? “Resolution” is an often discussed but seldom understood value in the world of 3D printing and additive manufacturing. How does XY and Z resolution influence on the quality of your 3D prints? What's minimum feature size and what layer thickness should you choose?

In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn how 3D printer resolution affects your 3D prints and how it differs between SLA, FDM, and DLP 3D printers.

Technology has been in a resolution war for decades. Televisions recently quadrupled pixel counts from HD to 4K and are poised to do it again soon to 8K. Cell phones, tablets, and anything with a screen will have its resolution as the lead on the spec sheet, provided that it’s something to boast about. But this is nothing new. Resolution wars have been waged since digital technology became popular, and the printing industry was one of the first battlegrounds.

If you were around in the 80’s and 90’s, you remember Canon, Brother, HP, Epson, and Lexmark (among others) battling it out for print speed and resolution. What started at 100x100 dots per inch (DPI) quickly escalated to 300x300, then 600x600, and finally the current industry standard of 1200x1200 DPI. Back then, the meaning of these values was clearly understandable; even the units made perfect sense. Unfortunately, things get more complicated when you add another dimension to printing.

A print’s level of detail is impacted by the 3D printer's resolution in all three dimensions.

In 3D printing and additive manufacturing, there are three dimensions to consider: the two planar 2D dimensions (X and Y) and the Z dimension that makes it 3D printing. Since the planar and Z dimensions are generally controlled via very different mechanisms, their resolutions are going to be different and need to be treated separately. As a result, there is a lot of confusion about what the term “3D printing resolution” means and what level of print quality to expect.

Sample part

See and feel Formlabs quality firsthand. We’ll ship a free sample part to your office.

Request a Free Sample Part

Formlabs' high resolution SLA 3D printers have high Z-axis resolution and a low minimum feature size on the XY plane, allowing them to produce fine details

What makes a 3D printer high resolution? There’s not a one-number answer. Since 3D printers produce parts in 3 dimensions, you will have to consider at least two numbers: the minimum feature size of the XY plane and the Z-axis resolution (layer thickness or layer height). The Z-axis resolution is easily determined and therefore widely reported even though it is less related to print quality and surface finish. The more important XY resolution (minimum feature size) is measured via microscopic imaging and is therefore not always found in spec sheets.

Practically, it means that you should pick a 3D printer that performs well in both categories (in all 3 dimensions).

White Paper

Looking for a 3D printer to realize your 3D models in high resolution? Download our white paper to learn how SLA printing works and why it's the most popular 3D printing process for creating models with increadible details.

Download the White Paper

White Paper

Download this report for an internal test that Formlabs created to determine the dimensional accuracy of the Form 3 and Form 3B.

Download the White Paper

A lot has changed since the first desktop 3D printers became available to the public. Now stereolithography (SLA) 3D printers, like the Form 3+, are competing for the same desktop spots as fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D printers. One of the main advantages that resin-based SLA 3D printers hold over their plastic-melting cousins is print quality: SLA 3D printers produce significantly smoother and more detailed prints. While SLA printers can usually also achieve significantly smaller layer thicknesses, the reason for the improved print quality lies in their much higher XY-resolution.

SLA 3D printers (right) offer higher resolution and can produce significantly smoother and more detailed prints than FDM 3D printer (left).

Unlike on FDM 3D printers, minimum feature size in the XY plane on SLA 3D printers is not limited by molten plastic flow dynamics but rather optics and radical polymerization kinetics. While the math is complicated (and outside the scope of this post), it shakes out to this: features on SLA prints can be approximately as small as the diameter of their laser spots. And laser spots can be really small, especially compared to the nozzle size of FDM printers' extruders.

Read our in-depth guide about FDM vs. SLA 3D printers to learn how they compare in terms of print quality, materials, applications, workflow, speed, costs, and more.

Resin 3D printers like SLA, LFS and DLP technologies offer the highest resolutions of all 3D printing processes available on the desktop. The basic units of the these processes are different shapes, making it difficult to compare the different machines by numerical specifications alone.

DLP 3D printers have a fixed matrix of pixels relative to the build area, while laser-based SLA and LFS 3D printers can focus the laser beam on any XY coordinate. This means that laser-based machines, given high-quality optics, can more accurately reproduce the surface of a part even if the laser spot size is larger than the DLP pixel size.

Whichever resin 3D printing process you choose, however, professional resin 3D printers should be able to capture the finest details of your creations, from photorealistic models to intricate jewelry.

In SLA and LFS 3D printing (left), layer lines are close to invisible. As a result, surface roughness is reduced, which ultimately leads to smooth surfaces, and for clear materials, more translucent parts. DLP 3D printers render images using rectangular voxels, which causes an effect of vertical voxel lines (right).

Learn more about the differences between SLA and DLP 3D printers and see how they compare in terms of resolution, accuracy, precision, build volume, surface finish, speed, and workflow.

In the world of 3D printing, no factor influences print quality more than XY resolution. Often discussed but seldom understood, the definition of XY resolution (also called horizontal resolution) varies by 3D printing technology:

SLA and LFS 3D printers: a combination of the laser’s spot size and the increments by which the laser beam can be controlled
DLP 3D printers: the pixel size, the smallest feature the projector can reproduce within a single layer
FDM 3D printers: the smallest movement the extruder can make within a single layer

As a rule of thumb, the lower the number, the better the details. Yet this number is not always included in spec sheets, and when it is, the published value is not always accurate. To truly know a printer’s XY resolution, it’s important to understand the science behind the number.

Practically, how does XY resolution affect your 3D prints? In order to find out, we decided to test the Form 2 SLA 3D printer. The Form 2 has a laser spot size of 140 microns (FWHM), which should allow it to print fine details on the XY plane. We put it to the test to see if this ideal resolution holds true.

To test the Form 2’s minimum feature size on the XY plane, we designed a model (left) with lines ranging from 10 to 200 microns and printed it in Clear Resin (right).

First, we designed and printed a model to test the minimum feature size on the XY plane. The model is a rectangular block with lines of varying widths in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions to avoid directional bias. The line widths range from 10 to 200 microns in 10 micron steps and are 200 microns tall, which equates to two layers when printed at 100-micron Z resolution. The model was printed in Clear Resin, washed twice in an IPA bath, and post-cured for 30 minutes.

The model was photographed and tinted green to improve visibility. On the right side of the window, the vertical yellow line with black points measures the width of a photographed line.

After post-curing, we put the model under a microscope and took high-resolution photos for analysis. Using ImageJ, the NIH’s free image analysis software, we first scaled the pixels of the images and then measured the actual widths of the lines printed. We collected over 50 data points per line width to eliminate measuring errors and variability. In total, we printed and analyzed three models on two different printers.

The results indicate that the Form 2 has the same ideal and actual XY resolution for features that are 150 microns and larger.

As the print’s line width decreases from 200 to 150 microns, the ideal values are within the 95% confidence interval of the measured value. As the intended line widths get smaller than 150 microns, the measured interval starts to deviate significantly from the ideal. This means that the printer can reliably produce XY features as small as 150 microns, about the size of a human hair.

The Form 2’s minimum feature size on the XY plane is about 150 microns—only 10 microns larger than its 140-micron laser. The minimum feature size can never be smaller than the laser spot size, and there are many factors that affect this value: laser refraction, microscopic contaminants, resin chemistry, and much more. Considering the printer’s entire ecosystem, a 10-micron difference is nominal. Not every 3D printer’s published resolution holds true, so it’s a good idea to do plenty of research before choosing the one that's right for your project.

If your work calls for prints with intricate details, look for a printer with an XY resolution that’s backed by measurable data, not just a number.

When you read 3D printer spec sheets, you’ll see one value show up more than any else: Z resolution. Also known as layer thickness or layer height, the vertical resolution was the first major numerical differentiation between early 3D printers. Early machines struggled to break the 1 mm barrier, but now layer thicknesses on FDM 3D printers can be sub-0.1 mm thin, while LFS and SLA 3D printers are even more precise.

Formlabs 3D printers support layer thicknesses between 25 to 300 microns, depending on the material. This selection of layer heights gives you the ideal balance of speed and resolution. The main question is: what is the best layer thickness for your print?

High resolution 3D printing comes with a tradeoff. Thinner layers mean more repetitions, which in turn means longer times: printing at 25 microns vs. 100 usually increases the print time four-fold. More repetitions also mean more opportunities for something to go wrong. For example, even at a 99.99% success rate per layer, quadrupling the resolution lowers the chance of print success from 90% to 67% if one assumes that a failed layer causes total print failure.

Lower layer thickness equals more time, artifacts, and errors.

Does higher resolution (thinner layers) result in better prints? Not always—it depends on the model to be printed and the 3D printer’s XY resolution. In general, thinner layers equals more time, artifacts, and errors. In some cases, printing models at lower resolutions (i.e. thicker layers) can actually result in higher-quality prints.

Thinner layers are typically associated with smoother transitions on diagonals, which leads many users to generalize and push Z resolution to the limits. But what if the model consists mostly of vertical and horizontal edges, with 90-degree angles and few diagonals? In those cases, additional layers don’t improve the quality of the model.

The issue is compounded if the XY resolution of the printer in question is not perfect and “colors outside the lines” when drawing the outside edges. More layers means more mismatched ridges on the surface. While the Z resolution is higher, the model will look like it is significantly lower quality in this case.

That being said, there are times when you want higher resolution. Given a printer with good XY resolution and a model with intricate features and many diagonal edges, dialing down the thickness of the layers will yield a much better model. In addition, if that model is short (200 or fewer layers) upping the Z-axis resolution can really improve the quality.

Certain designs benefit from a higher Z resolution: organic forms, rounded arches, small embossings, and intricate engravings.

Intricate models with elaborate details call for a higher Z resolution. SLA 3D printed parts have sharp edges, sleek surfaces, and minimal visible layer lines. This example part was printed on the Formlabs Form 3 desktop SLA 3D printer.

As a general guideline, err on the side of thicker layers and only bump up the Z resolution when completely necessary. With the right printer and a certain type of model, higher Z resolution will capture the intricate details of your design.

Draft Resin, the fastest 3D printing resin available for a Formlabs SLA printers, prints at 200 microns and 100 microns, while retaining the a smooth surface finish.

In PreForm, Formlabs provides users with the choice of different layer thicknesses. Depending on the material and the requirements of the application, parts can be printed in the following layer heights: 200, 160, 100, 50, and 25 microns.

The desktop Form 3+ and the large format Form 3L SLA printers are ideal for high resolution 3D printing.

After learning about 3D printing resolution and sorting out the differences in technology and outcomes, we hope it’s much easier to select 3D printer that best matches your workflow and output needs.

To explore the next generation of SLA 3D printing, learn more about the Form 3 and Form 3L LFS 3D printers.

Curious to see the what high resolution 3D printing looks like firsthand? Order a sample part shipped to your office.

Request a Free Sample Part

Best High Resolution 3D Printers 2022: Complete Buyer's Guide

Resolution is a much-misunderstood aspect of accurate 3D printing, and there are many important factors that affect print quality beyond just layer height. This article recommends the best high-resolution 3D printers, explains the factors making up a high-resolution 3D printer, and the benefits and drawbacks.

Typically within 3D printing resolutions, the Z-axis resolution, or Z-resolution, is most discussed. This is the vertical resolution and means the minimum layer height or thickness possible for a 3D printer.

Small layers mean better resolution, and better surface quality parts with smoother surfaces and crisper edges.

Therefore, having a high-quality 3D printer that can print with small layer heights can be a great advantage. However, this is not the only factor that affects print quality, with a host of others affecting whether a high-resolution 3D printer actually prints accurate, smooth parts.

Accurate 3D printers we recommend

Name	Max build volume (mm)	Min layer height	Price	Where to buy
Ender 3 V2	220 x 220 x 250	0.1 mm	$279	Creality Store here
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro	129 x 80 x 160	0.01 mm	$280	Elegoo here
Anycubic Photon Mono 4K	132 x 80 x 165	0.01 mm	$299	Anycubic Store here
Elegoo Mars 3	143 x 90 x 165	0.01	$349	Elegoo here
Prusa i3 MK3S	250 x 210 x 200	0. 05 mm	$749 / $999	Prusa Store here
Formlabs Form 3	145 x 145 x 185	25 microns	$3,499	Formlabs Form 3
Ultimaker S3	230 x 190 x 200	20 microns	$3,850	Dynamism Store here

Resolution in 3D printing: X, Y and Z resolution

Z-resolution corresponds to the layer height of a printed part. However, the X and Y-planes are also very important in a high resolution 3D printer.

The X and Y axes control the 2D parts of the print: those within each 2D layer. The Z then adds multiple layers, responsible for height – the third dimension. Though they are all axes, the XY and Z axes are controlled by two separate systems, with some FDM printers having far more accurate Z-resolutions than XY.

The X and Y resolutions are the smallest movements the printer’s print head (the projector, extruder or laser, depending on technology) can make within a layer – horizontally.

Different 3D printing technologies are capable of better resolutions than others. For example, SLA 3D printers are more accurate than FDM 3D printers, even though their Z-resolutions can look similar on paper. This is mostly down to the better XY resolutions resin 3D printers can print with, leading to smoother surface areas, with the best resin printers able to print parts with barely noticeable layer lines.

However, other factors can also significantly affect print quality.

Other factors that affect print quality

Nozzle size: smaller nozzles on FDM 3D printer extruders can print more intricate and precise details. Standard nozzles are typically 0.4mm, though you can get far smaller 0.1 or 0.2mm nozzles for small and accurate details. They also work better for printing supports and overhangs.
Stability of frame & vibrations: a sturdy, heavy metal frame that anchors the printer and print bed to the ground is less affected by vibrations and other extraneous factors that can affect print quality.
Material: different materials are more accurate and precise than others, or are easier to print successfully than others.
Technology: for example, SLA printers are more accurate than FDM, and PolyJet offers some of the best precision in 3D printing.
Slicer and printer settings: your 3D slicer settings will make all the difference in print quality, and even the most high resolution 3D printers will print poor quality models if not optimized.

When do high quality 3D printers make the most difference?

If you plan on 3D printing a very basic structure like a cube, whether you use a high quality 3D printer, or use large or small layers, will make no difference. In fact, using small layer heights will just make the exact same print take far longer.

For these very basic models with few intricate parts or details, a standard cheap 3D printer will work almost as well as an industrial, high-resolution 3D printer that costs 20x the price.

However, high-quality precise 3D printers make a significant difference in more complex parts that have diagonal or arched lines or sides, or have embossing and engravings.

Especially in curved or diagonal parts, the lower the layer height and more accurate the printer, the less stepped these features will appear, and the smoother they will look, even up close.Very high-resolution 3D printers such as resin printers are commonly used to 3D print jewelry molds, such as this 3D printed ring. Source: Shapeways.

Moreover, if you are printing a small part, for example 3D printing a miniature or tabletop model, using an accurate printer with very small layer heights can be worth it, as even if it takes several times as long this still won’t take more than an hour.

The best high-resolution 3D printers

Now we have illustrated the components that make up a high-quality 3D printer, here are some recommendations.

High resolution and quality here are relative, meaning that we have chosen those in each price range that excel – a $200 3D printer cannot compete with an industrial 3D printer costing $20,000, but it may be the best in its price range.

3DSourced is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Ender 3 V2 – accurate 3D printer for under $300

Price: $279 – Available on Creality Official Store here / Available on Amazon here
Build volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
Type of 3D printer: FDM 3D printer & DIY 3D printer
Minimum layer height: 0.1mm

The Ender 3 is a low cost, relatively high-quality 3D printer.

Just as the original Ender 3 was starting to get long in the tooth, Creality swooped in with the Ender 3 V2. A well-thought-out printer, the Ender 3 V2 remedies many of the misgivings of its predecessor while still keeping the asking price affordable to even the most budget-restrained makers.

The belt tensioners, 4.2.2 32-bit mainboard, and silent stepper motor drivers do a lot to present what feels like a far more modern printer compared to the Ender 3.

In the context of low-cost high-resolution 3D printer performance, the Ender 3 V2 spec sheet doesn’t exactly wow, with a middling 100-micron layer resolution. But, don’t be fooled; high-resolution printing is defined by more resolution alone.

In action, the Ender 3 V2 assembles with a level of accuracy that feels inordinately good for a low-cost FDM printer. With few visible, warping, or layering issues with an excellent overall quality for larger parts and respectable results for smaller, detailed parts. And, coupled with that is a suitably large build volume – 220 x 220 x 250 mm to be exact – for larger projects and even small-scale batch printing.

For the price, you additionally get to play with a decent range of materials – PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU. The only caveat is you’ll need to stick to more straightforward prints, those relatively free of intricate embossing, minute detail, tight arches, and the like.

In our experience, the Ender 3 V2 shines best when used to create household items such as plant pots or, say, vases, figurines, toys, accessories, and similar items. We’d wager it also packs in enough printing aptitude for a modest business selling non-geometrically complex products.

Be warned; the Ender 3 V2 is very much a hobby kit printer, requiring its fair share of tinkering to perform at its best. Curious beginners up for a challenge and seasoned makers should find this a gratifying part of the printing process, but green newcomers may prefer an option a little lighter on the ‘hands-on’ aspects.

Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

Price: $299 – Available at Elegoo store here / Available on Amazon here
Build volume: 129 x 80 x 160 mm
Type of 3D printer: LCD 3D printer
Z-axis accuracy: 0.00125 mm, XY Resolution: 0.05 mm

The Elegoo Mars and Anycubic Photon range have both revolutionized low-cost, high-resolution 3D printing for hobbyists and businesses worldwide. The Elegoo Mars 2 is capable of such accurate resin models that it is increasingly used for casting 3D printed jewelry molds before having them made into gold or other metal rings, bracelets, and chains.

Read more: our Elegoo Mars 2 Pro review & test prints

As an MSLA printer, the Elegoo Mars prints resin models that outperform its FDM counterparts, with high resolution 3D prints that barely show their layers. The 6-inch 2K LCD screen makes for fast 3D printing, able to cure a layer every 2 seconds.

Additionally, the Mars 2 Pro’s CNC machined aluminum structure improves stability, eliminating outside vibrations that could affect a precise 3D printed model’s detailed features. Moreover, the new and improved build plate is designed for better adhesion and better quality outcomes.

The printer is accessible in 12 languages, so non-English speakers needn’t worry, and if you do have any problems with your Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, the company will replace it with its 1-year warranty. Overall, it’s a great, high-quality 3D printer for cheap and precise resin part production.A dinosaur head we 3D printed when we reviewed the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro.

Anycubic Photon Mono 4K

Price: $299 – Available at Anycubic Official Store here / Available on Amazon here
Build volume: 132 x 80 x 165 mm
Type of 3D printer: LCD 3D printer
Z-axis accuracy: 0. 00125 mm, XY Resolution: 0.035 mm

Yet another iterative upgrade to a respected family of resin printers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K is another impressive option for those high-res 3D printer heads out there. It’s no understatement to count the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K among the top cheap high-resolution 3D printers out there.

Under the hood, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K sports, you guessed it, a 4K LCD panel capable of a pixel resolution of 35 microns, a 15-micron improvement on its predecessor. In layman’s terms, this equates to a smooth finish and fine detail in every print, both immediately apparent to the naked eye.

Imperfections are near indistinguishable, and, dare we say it; the results are as close to perfection as we’ve seen in this price range in the overwhelming majority of prints. The Anycubic Photon Mono 4K also nips through prints with a more-than-respectable sub 2 second layer cure time.

For us, the printer brims with hobby potential. We’d be hard-pressed to pinpoint an application where it doesn’t impress. That said, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K comes into its element with 3D models and similar display items thanks to its propensity for carving out detailed features.

Much like other resin printers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K comes with its fair share of mess and requires strict adherence to a regular cleaning regimen. The absence of a resume function and an occasionally temperamental native slicer feel like unfortunate oversights. But, these are minor gripes for an otherwise excellent low-priced, small form factor resin printer.

Elegoo Mars 3 – Best Cost-Effective Resin Pick

Price: $349 – Available at Elegoo store here / Available on Amazon here
Build volume: 143 x 90 x 165 mm
Type of 3D printer: LCD 3D printer
Z-axis accuracy: 0.00125 mm, XY Resolution: 0.035 mm

The Elegoo Mars is back and arguably better than ever, with a new numeral slapped on for good measure. Fast, beautifully detailed, compact, and cost-effective, the Elegoo Mars 3 also sports the specs we like to see in high-resolution-geared resin printers, namely a 6.6-inch 4K Ultra Monochrome LCD and a razor-thin 35-micron resolution.

Marketing and technical blather aside, Elegoo Mars 3 delivers impressively detailed results with clean edges and on-point accuracy suitable for even the most demanding resin projects. A larger build volume than the Mars 2 Pro, tallying up to 143 x 90 x 165 mm, also lends itself to larger prints while keeping up those minute features and finer details.

We’re particularly impressed with how well the printer fares when tackling figurines, toys, and models, even what we deem large ones for a resin printer. Best of all, the Elegoo Mars 3 sticks to the Mars tradition of no-nonsense printers that perform to the same high standard day-in, day-out. In other words, a workhorse.

Despite some reservations about the flimsy lid and the lack of features like air filtration and Wi-Fi connectivity, we highly recommend the Elegoo Mars 3 for makers, hobbyists, and businesses looking for a cheap high-resolution 3D printer. Note that the Elegoo Mars 3 is tied to the ChiTuBox slicer and won’t work with third-party alternatives.

Prusa i3 MK3S+

Price: $749 kit / $999 assembled – Available on Prusa Store here
Build volume: 250 x 210 x 200 mm
Type of 3D printer: FDM 3D printer & DIY 3D printer
Minimum layer height: 50 microns

Balancing high resolution and workhorse-like reliability, the Prusa i3 MK3S+ is known for being one of the best 3D printers around. Available as a 3D printer kit or pre-assembled for a few hundred dollars extra, this FDM printer can print precise 50-micron layers, and do so time and time again without fail.

For better XY resolutions and part quality, resin printers like the Elegoo Mars are still better, but the Prusa balances still excellent quality, with wider material compatibility – from ABS to PLA to Polycarbonate to Nylon! – and can even be adapted into a color 3D printer that can print 5 colors simultaneously if you purchase the Multi Material Upgrade Kit.

You can purchase the Multi Material Upgrade Kit from Prusa here.

It’s fast, always improving, and balances excellent resolution with dogged grit and reliability.

Formlabs Form 3

Price: $3,499 – Available on Dynamism Store here
Build volume: 145 x 145 x 185 mm
Type of 3D printer: SLA 3D printer
XY Resolution: 25 microns

The leading prosumer resin 3D printing company, Formlabs printers are now used extensively across the jewelry, dental, medical and hearing aid sectors.

Looking at the numbers underpinning the Formlabs Form 3 – chiefly, a 145 x 145 x 185 mm build volume and 25-micron resolution – isn’t exactly a head-turner. However, Formlabs’ innovative LFS tech is the type of innovation we like to see. The real sophistication lies in just how easy the printer is to use. With the Formlabs Form 3, the onus is on the machine to do its thing, no faffing and no babysitting required.

And, the results follow. Equipped with high-quality resin, the Formlabs Form 3 performs exceptionally to yield beautifully finished and detailed prints suitable for commercial ends. Print failures are all but nonexistent; you’d need to physically shake the machine during a print to trigger anything resembling errors.

You do pay a hefty premium for the pleasure of owning a Formlabs Form 3. However, the expense is quickly recouped in time saved alone by the set-a-task-and-forget nature of the printer, something that could conceivably prove invaluable in a fast-paced commercial environment. For small to medium-sized businesses requiring small-batch failsafe precision models along with prototyping, there’s little out there to rival the Formlabs Form 3.

Overall, for precise 3D printing, the Form 3 is one of the highest resolution and quality 3D printers out there.

Ultimaker S3

Price: $3,850 – Available on Dynamism Store here / Available on Matterhackers here
Build volume: 230 x 190 x 200 mm
Type of 3D printer: FDM 3D printer & dual extruder 3D printer
Minimum layer height: 20 microns

Smaller, but every part as technically brilliant as the S5, the Ultimaker S3 is capable of incredible 20-micron layer heights that are so small you’ll struggle to see them. Though this slows down print time by increasing the number of layers in a part, the resulting model will have unmatched quality compared to almost any other FDM printer.

As well as the fantastic precision, the Ultimaker S3 is also a dual extruder 3D printer, allowing for the production of precise, multi-colored or multi-material 3D prints, and as a result is used heavily in creating architectural building model prototypes before building work begins.

For those interested in architectural model production, view our ranking of the best architecture software.

The printer is easy to use, easy to print with – Ultimaker also own Cura, the most popular 3D slicer – and offers fantastic 20-micron precision with a wide variety of materials compatible, including carbon fiber. Overall, the printer speaks for itself, and proves itself as one of the best high resolution 3D printers in FDM.

Credits: featured image source: flashforge-eu.com.

Advantages of a High Resolution 3D Printer

Better quality: high resolution makes for smoother surface finishes, with great details and aesthetics on parts.
The only way to get fine details: models that have arches and sharp diagonal details can look very jagged in higher layer heights, with low resolution 3D printers unable to adequately print these details.

Disadvantages of an accurate 3D printer

Perfect settings required: increased precision requires perfect calibration, the perfect temperature settings to avoid imperfections in the filament or resin, and the right heated bed temperature and adhesion on the print bed. Any errors here can create imperfections in the print.
Much slower: printing with 25-micron layer heights takes four times as long as 100-micron layer heights, as four 25-micron layers equal the height of one 100-micron layer. For large and complex models, prints can take days.
Higher chance of print failure: the more layers a model has, the more opportunities there are for errors to occur – which could render the part useless.

High-Resolution 3D Printing Technologies

Some 3D printing technologies considered high-resolution include:

FDM – Fused Deposition Modeling

FDM, or Fused Deposition Modeling, is the most popular and common technology used for high-resolution printing. The process involves depositing melted filament in layers on a fixed build platform using a heated extruder to create models. FDM falls on the lower end of the high-res spectrum and is generally favored as a low-cost alternative to more expensive technologies. FDM printers commonly offer resolutions in the 50 to 200 microns range.

Resin (SLA, DLP, LCD)

Photopolymerization, commonly known as resin 3D printing, involves projecting a laser or light source to cure liquid light-sensitive resin into layers. Specific technologies include Stereolithography (SLA), Low Force Stereolithography (LFS), Masked Stereolithography Apparatus (MSLA), and Digital Light Processing (DLP). Resin printers commonly hit layer resolutions as low as 25 to 35 microns.

MJF – Multi Jet Fusion

Multi-Jet Modeling, or Material Jetting, uses inkjet print heads to jet melted materials layer by layer to create a 3D part or model. Expensive and highly accurate, MJF printers are the reserve of large businesses with deep coffers.

PolyJet – Photopolymer Jetting

Printers that employ PolyJet, or Photopolymer Jetting, rely on layers of photo-sensitive liquid photopolymer resin jetted via print heads then cured thanks to a UV light source to create prints. Much like MJF, PolyJet involves considerable expense, although the printers are generally smaller in size.

High-Resolution 3D Printer FAQs

Are High-Resolution 3D Prints Stronger?

No, the opposite. As a general rule, thicker layers (or a lower resolution) generate tougher results. This is because they minimize the number of contact points between layers. Fewer layers interfacing with one another means a lower likelihood of bond strength issues.

But, print strength relies on many factors, including layer adhesion and height, extruder and bed temperature, material quality and type, and the printing technology employed. A definitive answer is more related to the specific printer than the resolution. A capable device, like any of the best high-resolution 3D printers, produces reliable parts at higher resolutions.

What Is High-Resolution 3D Printing?

The answer varies greatly depending on who you ask. For the sake of simplicity, high-resolution 3D printing is best described as the process of printing parts with higher overall quality – whether that be smoothness, finish quality, detail, or model accuracy – than you’ll typically find in the 3D printing space.

What Can You Do With a High-Resolution 3D Printer?

High-resolution 3D printing suits a vast swathe of applications. In the commercial field, companies favor high-resolution printing in areas such as dentistry, jewelry, biomedicine, and all manner of functional prototyping where precision is critical. In the hobby space, makers turn towards high-resolution printing for projects that require fine detail, such as figurines, modeling, and other decorative pieces.

What Effect Does 3D Print Resolution Have on Speed?

Higher resolutions decrease speed.

Print speed relates to how fast a printer deposes each layer. Since high-resolution printing is synonymous with thinner layers, the print speed is generally slower than lower-res printing. High-resolution 3D printing sacrifices print speed in favor of accuracy. Exact timings depend on the desired resolution, the technologies underpinning the printer in use, such as resin or MJF, and the complexity of the model.

We also have an article about how to maximize dimensional accuracy and precision in 3D printing.

Best High-Resolution 3D Printers of 2022: A Complete Buying Guide

Resolution is a little-understood aspect of precision 3D printing, and there are many important factors that affect print quality beyond layer height. This article recommends the best high resolution 3D printers, explains the factors that make up a high resolution 3D printer, and the advantages and disadvantages.

Usually, when choosing a resolution for 3D printing, the Z-axis resolution, or Z-resolution, is the most discussed. This is the vertical resolution, which means the minimum height or layer thickness possible for a 3D printer.

Smaller layers mean better resolution and better surface finish on parts with smoother surfaces and sharper edges.

So having a high quality 3D printer that can print at low layer heights can be a big advantage. However, this is not the only factor that affects print quality, there are many others that affect whether a high resolution 3D printer actually prints accurate and smooth details.

Contents

Resolution in 3D printing: X, Y and Z resolution
Other factors affecting print quality
When do high quality 3D printers matter most?
Best High Resolution 3D Printers
Ender 3 V2 - Precision 3D Printer Under $0
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
Anycubic Photon Mono 4K
Elegoo Mars 3 - Best Inexpensive Resin Choice 9014+ 3903S
Formlabs Form 3
Ultimaker S3
Advantages of a high resolution 3D printer
Disadvantages of a precision 3D printer
High resolution 3D printing technologies
High resolution 3D printer FAQ

Resolution in 3D printing: X, Y and Z resolution

The Z resolution corresponds to the layer height of the printed part. However, the X and Y planes are also very important in a high resolution 3D printer.

The X and Y axes control the 2D print details: the ones that are inside each 2D layer. Then the Z-axis adds several layers, representing the height - the third dimension. Although these are all axes, the XY and Z axes are controlled by two different systems, with some FDM printers having a much finer resolution in Z than in XY.

low and high resolution in 3d printing layers

X and Y resolution are the smallest movements of the printer's print head (projector, extruder or laser, depending on the technology) within the layer - horizontally.

Various 3D printing technologies are able to provide better resolution than others. For example, SLA 3D printers are more accurate than FDM 3D printers, although their Z-resolutions may look the same on paper. This is mainly due to the better XY resolution resin 3D printers can print at, resulting in smoother surfaces, and better resin printers are able to print parts with barely visible layer lines.

However, other factors can significantly affect print quality.

Other factors affecting print quality

Nozzle size: Smaller nozzles on FDM 3D printer extruders allow more complex and precise parts to be printed. Standard nozzles are typically 0.4mm, although much smaller 0.1mm or 0.2mm nozzles are available for printing small and precise parts. They are also better suited for printing supports and ledges.
Frame and Vibration Stability: The strong, heavy metal frame that secures the printer and print bed to the ground is less susceptible to vibrations and other external factors that can affect print quality.
Material: different materials are more accurate and precise than others, or are easier to print successfully than others.
Technology: for example, SLA printers are more accurate than FDM and PolyJet offers some of the best accuracy in 3D printing.
Slicer and printer settings: Your 3D slicer settings will be critical to print quality, and even the highest resolution 3D printers will print poor quality models if not optimized.

When do high quality 3D printers matter the most?

If you are planning to 3D print a very simple structure, like a cube, then using a high quality 3D printer, using large or small layers will make no difference. In fact, using low layer heights will cause the exact same print to take much longer.

For these very simple models with few complex parts, a regular cheap 3D printer will work almost as well as a high resolution industrial 3D printer that costs 20 times more.

However, high-quality precision 3D printers greatly improve the quality of more complex parts that have diagonal or arcuate lines or sides, as well as embossing and engraving.

Particularly for curved or diagonal parts, the lower the layer height and the more precise the printer, the less stepped these elements will look and the smoother they will look even up close.

Very high resolution 3D printers such as resin printers are commonly used to 3D print jewelry molds such as this 3D printed ring.

Source: Shapeways.

What's more, if you're printing a small part, such as 3D printing a miniature or desktop model, using an accurate printer with a very low layer height can be worth it, because even if it takes several times longer, it still won't take more than an hour.

Best High Resolution 3D Printers

Now we have illustrated the components that make up a high quality 3D printer, here are some guidelines.

High resolution and quality are relative here, meaning we have chosen printers in each price range that outperform others - a $200 3D printer can't compete with a $20,000 industrial 3D printer, but it can be the best in its class. price range.

Ender 3 V2 - Under $300 Precision 3D Printer

Price: $279
Assembly volume: 220 x 220 x 250 mm
3D printer type: FDM 3D printer and DIY 3D printer
Minimum layer height: 0. 1 mm

The Ender 3 is an inexpensive and relatively high quality 3D printer.

Just as the original Ender 3 began to age, Creality released the Ender 3 V2. A well-designed printer, the Ender 3 V2 eliminates many of the shortcomings of its predecessor while maintaining an affordable price for even the most budget-conscious manufacturers.

Belt tensioners, a 4.2.2 32-bit motherboard, and silent stepper drivers do a lot to present a printer that feels much more modern than the Ender 3. 3 V2 is not amazing: the layer resolution is only 100 microns. But don't be fooled: high resolution printing is only defined by high resolution.

In action, the Ender 3 V2 is built to a level of precision that seems unusually high for an inexpensive FDM printer. With few visible, warping or layering issues, with excellent overall quality for large parts and decent results for small, detailed parts. Added to this is a fairly large build volume - 220 x 220 x 250 mm to be precise - for large projects and even for small-scale printing.

For the price, you also get to work with a decent range of materials - PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU. The only caveat is that you'll have to stick with simpler prints that are relatively free of complex embossing, small details, narrow arches, and the like.

In our experience, the Ender 3 V2 works best when creating household items such as plant pots or, say, vases, figurines, toys, accessories, and the like. We are sure that his printing abilities will be enough for a modest business selling non-geometrically complex products.

Keep in mind that the Ender 3 V2 is largely a hobby printer that needs a fair amount of tweaking to get the best results. Curious beginners and seasoned makers should find this an enjoyable part of the printing process, but "green" beginners may prefer an option with fewer "practical" aspects.

Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

Price: $299
Assembly volume: 129 x 80 x 160 mm
3D printer type: LCD 3D printer
Z-axis accuracy: 0. 00125 mm, XY-axis resolution: 0.05 mm

The Elegoo Mars and Anycubic Photon ranges have revolutionized low-cost, high-resolution 3D printing for hobbyists and businesses around the world. The Elegoo Mars 2 is able to create resin models so accurate that it is increasingly being used to 3D print jewelry molds before they are molded into gold or other metal rings, bracelets and chains.

As an MSLA printer, Elegoo Mars prints resin models that outperform FDM counterparts in high resolution 3D prints with almost no visible layers. The 6-inch 2K LCD screen enables fast 3D printing by allowing a layer to be cured every 2 seconds.

In addition, Mars 2 Pro's CNC-machined aluminum construction improves stability by eliminating external vibrations that can affect 3D print detail. In addition, the new and improved build plate is designed for better adhesion and a higher quality result.

The printer is available in 12 languages, so those who do not speak English need not worry, and if you have any problems with the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, the company will replace it under a 1-year warranty. Overall, this is a great, high quality 3D printer for producing resin parts cheaply and accurately.
3D print of a dinosaur head we made while reviewing the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro.

Anycubic Photon Mono 4K

Price: $299
Assembly volume: 132 x 80 x 165 mm
3D printer type: LCD 3D printer
Z-axis accuracy: 0.00125 mm, XY resolution: 0.035 mm

The Anycubic Photon Mono 4K is another iterative upgrade of the venerable family of resin printers, an impressive option for those into high-resolution 3D printers. The Anycubic Photon Mono 4K is without a doubt one of the best cheap high resolution 3D printers out there.

Under the hood of the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K is, you guessed it, a 4K LCD panel capable of delivering 35 micron pixel resolution, 15 microns better than its predecessor. In simple terms, this means a smooth surface and the finest detail in every print, which is immediately visible to the naked eye.

Imperfections are almost indistinguishable and, dare we say, the results are overwhelmingly close to perfection, as we have seen in this price range. Anycubic Photon Mono 4K also penetrates prints with a more than respectable layer cure time of less than 2 seconds.

For us, this printer has great hobby potential. We could hardly find an application where it would not impress. However, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K comes into its own when working with 3D models and the like, thanks to its penchant for carving out detailed details.

Like other resin printers, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K has its fair share of clutter and requires a strict regular cleaning routine. The lack of a resume feature and the sometimes unstable native slicer seem like annoying oversights. But these are minor shortcomings for a great inexpensive small form factor resin printer.

Elegoo Mars 3 - Best inexpensive resin choice

Price: $349 - Available on Amazon here
Assembly volume: 143 x 90 x 165 mm
3D printer type: LCD 3D printer
Z-axis accuracy: 0. 00125 mm, XY-axis resolution: 0.035 mm

The Elegoo Mars is back and perhaps even better than ever, plus a new number. Fast, superbly detailed, compact and economical, the Elegoo Mars 3 also has the features we prefer to see in high-resolution resin printers, namely a 6.6-inch 4K ultra-monochrome LCD display and razor-slim 35-micron resolution.

Marketing and technical chatter aside, the Elegoo Mars 3 delivers impressively detailed results with clean edges and precise precision suitable for even the most demanding resin projects. The larger case volume of 143 x 90 x 165mm compared to the Mars 2 Pro also allows for larger prints while retaining the finest features and fine details.

We're particularly impressed with how well the printer handles figurines, toys and models, even those we think are big for a resin printer. Most importantly, the Elegoo Mars 3 sticks to the Mars tradition of flawless printers that perform at the same high level day in and day out. In other words, it's a workhorse.

Despite some concerns about the flimsy lid and the lack of features such as air filtering and Wi-Fi connectivity, we highly recommend the Elegoo Mars 3 to manufacturers, hobbyists and businesses looking for an affordable high resolution 3D printer. Please note that Elegoo Mars 3 is tied to the ChiTuBox slicer and will not work with third party alternatives.

Prusa i3 MK3S+

Price: $749 set / $999 complete
Assembly volume: 250 x 210 x 200 mm
3D printer type: FDM 3D printer and DIY 3D printer
Minimum layer height: 50 microns

The Prusa i3 MK3S+ combines high resolution with workhorse reliability and is known as one of the best 3D printers in the world. This FDM printer can print accurate 50 micron layers and do it again and again without fail.

For better XY resolution and detail quality, resin printers like Elegoo Mars are better, but Prusa still has great quality, wider material compatibility - from ABS to PLA, polycarbonate to nylon! - and can even be converted into a color 3D printer that can print 5 colors at once if you purchase the Multi Material Upgrade Kit.

It's fast, constantly improving, and combines superior resolution with tenacity and reliability.

Formlabs Form 3

Price: $3,499
Assembly volume: 145 x 145 x 185 mm
3D printer type: SLA 3D printer
XY resolution: 25 microns

Printers from Formlabs, a leading company in consumer 3D resin printing, are currently widely used in the jewelry, dental, medical and hearing aid industries.

If you look at the numbers behind the Formlabs Form 3 - which is, first of all, the build volume of 145 x 145 x 185 mm and a resolution of 25 microns - it does not attract too much attention. However, Formlabs' innovative LFS technology is the type of innovation we love to see. The real sophistication lies in how easy the printer is to use. With Formlabs Form 3, it's all about the machine doing its job, no fiddling or babysitting.

And the results will not keep you waiting. Equipped with high quality resin, the Formlabs Form 3 works exceptionally well, producing gorgeous and detailed prints suitable for commercial purposes. Print failures are virtually non-existent; in order for any errors to occur, it is necessary to physically shake the machine while printing.

For the pleasure of owning a Formlabs Form 3, you pay a lot of money. However, these costs are quickly repaid in time savings due to the printer's set-and-forget nature, which can be invaluable in a rapidly changing business environment. For SMBs that require low-volume, trouble-free, accurate models along with prototyping, there is little that can compete with the Formlabs Form 3.

Overall, for precision 3D printing, the Form 3 is one of the best quality high-resolution 3D printers out there.

Ultimaker S3

Price: $3,850
Assembly volume: 230 x 190 x 200 mm
3D printer type: FDM 3D printer and
Minimum layer height: 20 microns

The Ultimaker S3 is smaller but has the same performance as the S5. It is capable of creating incredible 20 micron layers that are so small they are hard to see. While this slows down print times by increasing the number of layers per part, the resulting model will be of unsurpassed quality compared to almost any other FDM printer.

In addition to being fantastically accurate, the Ultimaker S3 is also a dual-extruder 3D printer that produces accurate, multi-color or multi-material 3D prints and is therefore widely used for prototyping architectural models of buildings prior to construction work.

For those interested in creating architectural models, check out our ranking of the best architectural software.

The printer is easy to use, easy to print with - Ultimaker also owns Cura, the most popular 3D slicer - and delivers fantastic 20 micron precision with a wide range of compatible materials, including carbon fiber. Overall, the printer speaks for itself and proves to be one of the best high resolution 3D printers in FDM.

Benefits of High Resolution 3D Printer

Best Quality: High resolution results in a smoother surface, with excellent detail and detail aesthetics.

The only way to get fine details: models that have arches and sharp diagonal details can look very jagged at high layer heights, and low resolution 3D printers can't adequately print those details.

Ideal settings required: improved accuracy requires perfect calibration, perfect temperature settings to avoid filament or resin defects, and proper bed temperature and adhesion on the platen. Any errors here may result in defects in the print.

Significantly slower: prints with a 25 micron layer height four times longer than with a 100 micron layer because four 25 micron layers equals one 100 micron layer height. Large and complex models may take several days to print.

Higher chance of print failure: The more layers a model has, the more chances for errors to occur that can render a part useless.

High-Resolution 3D Printing Technologies

High-Resolution 3D Printing Technologies include:

FDM - Fused Deposition Modeling

resolution.

The process involves layering molten filament onto a fixed build platform using a heated extruder to create patterns. FDM is at the lower end of the high resolution spectrum and is commonly used as a low cost alternative to more expensive technologies. FDM printers typically provide resolutions in the 50 to 200 micron range.

Resin (SLA, DLP, LCD)

Photopolymerization, commonly known as resin 3D printing, involves projecting a laser or light source to cure a liquid photosensitive resin into layers. Specific technologies include stereolithography (SLA), low power stereolithography (LFS), masked stereolithography (MSLA), and digital light processing (DLP). Resin printers typically achieve a layer resolution of 25-35 microns.

MJF - multi-jet simulation

Multi-jet modeling, or material inkjet, uses inkjet printheads to layer-by-layer melted materials to create a 3D part or model. Expensive and high-precision MJF printers are a reserve of large companies with a large treasury.

PolyJet - Resin Inkjet

PolyJet, or photopolymer inkjet, printers use layers of photosensitive liquid photopolymer resin to create prints, which is fed through the printheads and cured by exposure to ultraviolet light. Like the MJF, the PolyJet is expensive, although the printers are usually smaller.

High Definition 3D Printer FAQ

Are high definition 3D prints more durable?

No, on the contrary. Generally, thicker layers (or lower resolution) produce harsher results. This is because they minimize the number of contact points between layers. Fewer layers in contact with each other means less chance of bond strength problems.
However, print strength depends on many factors, including adhesion and layer height, extruder and bed temperatures, media quality and type, and the printing technology used. The definitive answer depends more on the specific printer than the resolution. A capable device, such as any of the best high resolution 3D printers, produces reliable parts at higher resolution.

What is high resolution 3D printing?

The answer to this question varies greatly depending on who you ask. To keep things simple, high-resolution 3D printing is best described as the process of printing parts with a higher overall quality—whether it be smoothness, quality of finish, detail, or model fidelity—than is typically found in the realm of 3D printing.

What can be done with a high resolution 3D printer?

High resolution 3D printing suitable for a wide range of applications. In the commercial realm, companies prefer high-resolution printing in areas such as dentistry, jewelry, biomedicine, and all kinds of functional prototyping where accuracy is critical. In the hobby realm, creators are turning to high-resolution printing for projects that require fine detail, such as figurines, modeling, and other decorative items.

How does 3D printing resolution affect speed?

Higher resolution reduces speed.
Print speed refers to how quickly the printer applies each layer. Because high resolution printing is synonymous with thinner layers, print speeds are typically slower than low resolution printing. With high-resolution 3D printing, printing speed is sacrificed in favor of accuracy. The exact time depends on the desired resolution, the technologies behind the printer being used such as resin or MJF, and the complexity of the model.

What is the resolution of a 3D printer? What does it affect. How to setup!.

In many technical descriptions, one can come across such a characteristic of a 3D printer as resolution. This parameter is changeable and therefore it is also important to understand what it is and what values it can take, since this will be reflected in the print results.

An analogy can be made with an ordinary image, that is, a picture. The higher the resolution, the better the picture will be, the higher the detail. However, the size of such an image will be larger. This is natural for any devices (phones, tablets, TV screens, etc. ). It's the same with a 3D printer.

Any 3D model is formed by slicing. This is the process of cutting into separate horizontal layers, from which a physical model is formed.
The 3D printer has two types of resolutions:
• along the X and Y axes;
• Z-axis.

The first will be the resolution in the 3D plane, and the second will be the height of the layer.

In the specifications of a 3D printer, the maximum resolution is the minimum layer height value. The lower the layer height, the better the detail will be. At the same time, the number of layers will also increase, which will affect the printing time - it will increase.

For comparison, we can take FDM, SLA printers. Printing technologies are different, as are the specifications. For an FDM printer, the minimum layer height is 0.05mm. An indicator less does not make sense, since these devices are not suitable for printing highly detailed products, as well as small models. And a smaller value of resolution along the Z axis will not affect the print quality. In SLA 3D printers, the layer thickness can be 0.005mm. Therefore, such devices are used to print small parts, such as jewelry, dental products.

A legitimate question arises: “Is high resolution always required?” If you set the layer thickness to the minimum value, then the print time will always increase. For example, if you print a product not at 100 microns, but at 25 microns of layer height, then the printing time will increase by 4 times, that is, in direct proportion.

If your model is a flat wall at a right angle, the resolution increase will not affect the quality. At least substantially accurate. In the event that your 3D printer is not well calibrated, then the layers may shift relative to each other. And it turns out that the more layers there are, the greater the displacement and, accordingly, the irregularities. And as a result, at high resolution, you can get a detail of worse quality.

If you need to print miniature products with complex elements: engravings, roundness, arches, a large number of complex shapes, then high resolution will be a must, because otherwise no elements will be clearly printed, and they may simply be invisible.

Z-axis resolution will be limited by the design of the printer. For FDM devices, this will be the nozzle diameter. It is impossible to set the layer thickness greater than the nozzle diameter, since this would be impossible from a physical point of view. For SLA printers, it is also impossible to supply more than 100 microns, since the layer must be well cured by the laser. The higher the layer height, the longer it will take to illuminate the laser. In addition, due to the high layer thickness, various defects and artifacts can occur, that is, the quality of the product will suffer greatly.

The X and Y resolution will depend on the design of the printer. When viewed from the point of view of prints, then this indicator will affect the last layers of the product. For an FDM printer, it will also depend on the nozzle diameter, and the smaller it is, the higher the resolution will be. In this case, the fills will be less noticeable, and the quality of the product will be higher.