Best 3d printer fan

Since the surface of the model is perfectly smooth, SLA has become used in the jewelry and dental industries.

Pros:

Cons:

DLP technology appeared later than SLA, but it is very similar to it. The main difference is that the light source is not a focused beam, but a projector. This made it possible to illuminate the entire layer at once, which significantly accelerated the production of models. The quality of the surface was slightly inferior to SLA, but modern DLP printers, in terms of the quality of models, are almost as good as SLA technology.

How DLP works

Pros:

• Faster production of models due to the illumination of the entire layer

• Consumables are slightly cheaper than SLA

• High surface quality (although may be inferior to SLA)

Cons:

LCD technology is the youngest of all. The DLP principle is taken as a basis, but an LCD display is used as a matrix or illumination pattern. LEDs are used as a source of UV light in LCD technology. Thanks to inexpensive components, we managed to get a simple, but high-quality and affordable photopolymer printer.

How the LCD printer works

Pros:

• small cost

• Cheap parts

Cons:

• Low accuracy compared to SLA and DLP (for jewelers and dentists, the quality of LSD prints may not be enough, although more and more accurate models appear with the development of technology)

• Possible stray light

• The quality of models may decrease at the edges of the printable area (this can be corrected programmatically)

Resins that are used as a consumable for photopolymer printing can smell strongly and unpleasantly during operation. Try to use the printer in a well-ventilated area, or choose a printer with a sealed cabinet and filter.

When choosing an LCD printer, pay special attention to the rigidity and positioning accuracy of the platform along the Z axis. If there are poor quality guides along the Z axis or even a slight play, then the surface quality of the finished model may turn out to be sloppy or the model will turn out to be unevenly striped.

Rating of the best LCD 3D printers for home

Anycubic Photon Mono

This is an LCD printer with a matrix that allows you to increase the speed and accuracy of printing. Anycubic Photon Mono will be a good helper for hobbyists and modellers.

Anycubic Photon Mono SE

Anycubic Photon Mono SE has an unusual parallel light source. This minimizes distortion at the edges of the printable area. You can effectively use the entire working area of ​​the machine and produce many small models at a time.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K

Model with high resolution LCD display and large print area. The monochrome display transmits UV rays better and allows you to print much faster than similar devices with a conventional display. The manufacturer claims a screen life of more than 2000 hours. Phrozen Sonic mini 4k is suitable for almost any task.

Wanhao GR1

Wanhao GR1 has high precision and large print area (140x78x200mm). The manufacturer tried to reduce distortion at the edges of the display, this allows you to make the most of the entire work area. High precision and large print area make Wanhao GR1 not only for hobby use, but also for production.

Anycubic Photon Zero

Small and very budgetary LCD device. Its resolution and small working area (total 97x54x150 mm) is enough for printing small miniatures, figurines or small engineering models. Anycubic Photon Zero is a good choice for beginners who want to get into photopolymer printing without spending a lot of money.

Choosing an FDM printer

If you plan to produce large and diverse functional models or experiment, a 3D printer that prints using FDM technology is an excellent choice.

First, decide on the size of the printable area and the properties that the finished model should have. After all, some materials require a closed chamber or good airflow to work.

Some printer models can be “upgraded” in the future. For example, if necessary, purchase spare parts for a closed case, put a nozzle of a different diameter, or change the thermal barrier to an all-metal one. But not all manufacturers provide for the possibility of such upgrades.

Printer design

Despite the same principle of operation, there are several different mechanics, which have their pros and cons.

Kinematics “Prusa” (Prusa)

Perhaps the most popular kinematics among home FDM devices. Mainly due to its simplicity and low cost. The main feature is the table that moves along the Y axis, while the extruder moves along the rest of the axes. Because of this, such kinematics was nicknamed “dragstol”.

Prusa kinematics

Pros:

Cons:

• Slow print speeds. A massive table with a model is forced to constantly move along the Y axis, because of this, print quality will be worse at high speeds.

• Some models have design flaws (for example, insufficient frame rigidity), they can be fixed, but for this you have to be a little inventor. Or find a ready-made solution on the Internet.

This category also includes 3D printers with console kinematics. The same prusa, only halved. Because of this, the frame is less rigid, but the printer itself is more compact.

Kinematics Ultimaker

The extruder moves along the X-Y axes, and the table only along the Z axis. All motors are trying to be fixed on the body to lighten the weight of the moving mechanisms, thanks to which it is possible to achieve high print quality at high speeds.

Ultimaker kinematic diagram

Pros:

Cons:

H-BOT or Core-XY

These are 2 similar but more complex kinematics - the table moves only along the Z axis, and the extruder along the X-Y. But to move the extruder, 1 or 2 long belts and 2 stepper motors work in concert.

Example Core-XY kinematics

Pros:

• High print quality

• High print speeds without loss of quality.

• Can be easily closed completely

Cons:

MakerBot Kinematics

Similar to Ultimaker kinematics, but one of the motors is located on the Y or X axis carriage.

Pros:

Cons:

Delta

Deltas do not have the usual XYZ axes. There are 3 columns in the deltas, along which the carriages move, and the position of the extruder in space is calculated using a complex formula. The table is usually statically fixed to the body.

Delta printer example

Pros:

Cons:

Nuances of choosing an FDM 3D printer

In addition to kinematics, when choosing a printer, it is important to take into account some design features.

One or two extruders?

Two extruders can be used for dual color printing, but most commonly the second extruder is used for solvent support printing. If you need to print complex parts with internal cavities, then you should choose a dual extruder printer.

Closed or open printer?

Printing of functional models and parts uses plastic, which usually requires a closed chamber. If you plan to print functional prototypes or various models, you should look at printers with a closed chamber.

Bowden or direct?

There are 2 types of material supply to the print head of the printer - bowden and direct.

In a bowden, the feed mechanism motor is located on the printer body. This allows you to reduce the weight of the extruder and print at higher speeds without losing quality. But because of the long tube, printing with very soft plastics can be problematic.

Bowden feed pattern

In direct feeding, the motor and feed mechanism are located on the extruder. This increases the weight of the print head, but allows you to print with any kind of plastics.

Direct feeding scheme

Heated table or not?

The heating of the table improves the adhesion of the first layer of the model. And engineering plastics cannot be printed without a heated table.

Many manufacturers add useful additional features. They do not affect the quality of the print, but save time and nerves. The most useful additional functions are the filament presence sensor and remembering the print location after a power outage.

Filament sensor.

It will automatically pause printing if the plastic runs out. When there is a little plastic left on the spool, this feature will allow you not to stand over the guard printer until the old spool runs out in order to have time to push in a new bar “on the go”.

Power outage protection.

Remembering where to print when the power goes out can save you a lot of nerves when printing large models. You won't have to worry that after a power outage, you will have to run the model again for many hours or cut and reprint a piece of the model. It is especially disappointing to throw away a complex underprinted model with supports due to a one-minute outage.

There are also many extras. features that make using the printer more comfortable. For example, automatic calibration, touch screen, Wi-Fi and others.

Rating of the best FDM 3D printers for home

Anycubic Mega Zero 2.0

Inexpensive model with Pryusha kinematics. Good for getting started with 3D printing without a big investment. Despite the low cost, Anycubic Mega Zero 2.0 has a heated table and a resume function after a power outage. Thanks to direct feed, printing with soft materials should not be difficult.

Creality3D Ender 3 Pro

A very popular device due to its low price. But despite this, the Ender 3 Pro has a heated table and a decent print area. Can be sold assembled or as a DIY kit.

Flash Forge Finder

Small home appliance intended for children or educational institutions. The Finder doesn't have a heated table, but it does have a calibration assistant, a Wi-Fi module, and other extras that make getting to know it a lot easier. All moving and heated elements are hidden as much as possible in the case so that the child cannot get burned.

Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus

Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus was based on Ultimaker kinematics, but instead of bowden feed, they made direct. Because of this, it will not be possible to print super fast, without quality loss, but there will be no problems with printing with soft types of plastics. There are 2 trim levels - with a closed case and without.

Flashforge Dreamer

The Dreamer is a closed body dual extruder printer with MakerBot kinematics. Thanks to this, he can cope with printing models of any complexity. Using a second extruder for soluble support, models with complex geometries can be produced. A good choice for engineers and those who like to experiment with different materials.

FlyingBear Ghost 5

Most commonly sold as a kit (assembly kit). Assembly usually does not cause any great difficulties, even for people far from electronics or mechanics. Flying Bear is equipped with a filament sensor, a function to resume printing after a power outage and Wi-Fi connectivity.

The Flying Bear makes a great first printer for the novice user who is ready to build their own printer.

Totals

In order for the printer not to become a useless toy, you should clearly understand what it is for.

For a fan of miniatures or detailed figurines, a photopolymer printer is a good choice. A small work area is more than offset by the detail that cannot be obtained using other technologies.

For an engineer or a fan of experiments, an FDM machine with a closed chamber and two extruders is well suited. This will allow you not to limit yourself in the choice of plastics and comfortably experiment with any materials.

For a beginner who has not yet decided whether he needs 3D printing, you can opt for inexpensive machines with slick kinematics. Due to their great popularity, you can find a lot of upgrades and reviews on them. In the future, it will be possible to modify the printer for specific tasks or change it to a more suitable model.

For a child, safety is paramount. As the first children's printer, models without a heated bed are suitable, in which the main emphasis is on printing with safe PLA plastic. Or models in which all moving and heating mechanisms are hidden in the case.

A 3D printer is a handy tool, and whether it brings joy or frustration depends on the user.

Top 10 Resin 3D Printers of 2022 (each price range)

Resin 3D printers use SLA, DLP, or LCD technology to cure liquid resin, producing crisp, high-resolution prints at high speed. You'd be surprised how many industries use these machines, from jewelry to dentistry.

That's why we've ranked the best resin printers in every price range, from $150 to $5,000+, so you can find the perfect machine for your hobby projects or business.

Contents

1. Best Cheap Resin 3D Printers (Under a Thousand Dollars)
2. Anycubic Photon Mono - Great Cheap Resin 3D Printer
3. ELEGOO Mars Pro / Mars 2 Pro - Best Cheap Resin 3D Printer
9007 Anycubic Photon Photon 4K
4. Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
5. Elegoo Mars 3
6. Elegoo Saturn
7. Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K
8. Anycubic Mono X - great budget photopolymer 3D printer
9. Elegoo Mercury Plus
10. Prusa SL1S Speed ​​
11. Peopoly Phenom mSLA Printer - large photoresin 3D printer with huge build volume
12. Professional photoresin 3D printers (,000+)
13. Formlabs Form 3 - Best Resin 3D Printer
14. Buyer's Guide - What to Consider When Buying a Resin 3D Printer
15. RGB vs. LCD Screens - Differences, Benefits/Cons
16. Post Processing Equipment
17. How Resin 3D Printer?
18. Resin 3D printing technologies
19. SLA
20. DLP
21. MSLA/LCD
22. LFS
23. DLS
24. How much does a resin 3D printer cost?
25. Resin 3D Printer Applications
26. Resin 3D Printing vs. Filament (FDM)
27. Resin 3D Printing vs Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
28. FAQs

dollars)

Anycubic Photon Mono is a great inexpensive photopolymer 3D printer

• Price: $249
• Assembly volume: 120 x 80 x 165 mm
• Screen resolution: 2560 x 1620 pixels
• Screen size: 6″ 2K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 51 microns
• Speed: 50 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Anycubic Washing and Curing Station

The new Anycubic Photon Mono printer adds to Anycubic's reputation as a first-class manufacturer of affordable LCD 3D printers. Where you used to pay thousands for an entry-level SLA printer, now printers like the Mono offer great resolution at lower than ever prices. The Photon Mono is a new upgrade from previous models, including greatly increased resin printing speed and other accuracy improvements.

It is equipped with a high quality 2K LCD screen, which is more than enough for most resin projects. But for higher resolution and better quality for really complex figurines or miniatures, we recommend getting the Anycubic Mono X with its 4K LCD screen, which we'll cover in more detail later in this article.

Perhaps the most notable upgrade is speed - up to a maximum of 50mm/h compared to previous levels of around 20mm/h on older Photon models. Anycubic has also upgraded the Z axis for more stable printing and better surface finish with a new dual linear motion system.

Overall, we rate the Anycubic Photon Mono, as well as its competitors in the Sonic Mini and Elegoo Mars lineups, as the best cheap photopolymer 3D printers. But if you have a few hundred dollars to spare and need better resolution, go for the Mono X.
anycubic photon mono is a cheap photopolymer 3d printer.

ELEGOO Mars Pro / Mars 2 Pro - Best Cheap Resin 3D Printer

• Price: $250 / $280 - Available on Amazon here
• Print volume: 129x 80 x 160 mm
• Screen resolution: 2560 x 1620 pixels
• Screen size: 6.08″ 2K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 50 microns
• Speed: 30-50 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Elegoo Mercury Plus/X Wash and Curing Station
The

Elegoo Mars is another cheap resin 3D printer, like the Anycubic Photon, which shocked manufacturers with how good it really is. As LCD 3D printing becomes more affordable, accurate and fast, Elegoo is taking advantage of this advantage to create a low cost resin printer that delivers quality and consistency.

An upgraded version of the Mars Pro printer is more accurate with an updated Z-axis linear guide system that smooths layers and makes each individual layer line less obvious, improving surface quality. There are also a number of safety improvements, such as a silicone seal that prevents resin from leaking on the 3D printer cover.

The printer is equipped with a 2K LCD projector and the minimum layer height is only 0.01mm. Elegoo Mars Pro comes with its own 3D resin slicer called CHITUBOX and has a nice max build volume of 115 x 65 x 150mm. It's also fast enough for a budget photopolymer 3D printer.

Elegoo also sells some of the cheapest resins on the market. You can buy them here.

Anycubic Photon Mono 4K

• Price: $289
• Print volume: 165 x 132 x 80 mm
• Screen resolution: 3840 x 2400
• Screen size: 6.23" 4K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 35 microns
• Speed: 50 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Anycubic Washing and Curing Station

The Anycubic Photon Mono 4K, equipped with a 6.23″ 4K high-resolution monochrome LCD, is an affordable, performance-oriented 3D printer for the discerning but budget-friendly resin maker.

The construction volume of 165 x 132 x 80 mm is small by FDM standards. Although, as befits resin 3D printers, its volume is slightly larger than most, and it certainly makes up for it with exceptional precision and detail thanks to its 35 micron XY resolution.

In testing, Anycubic Photon Mono 4K proved to be ready to work with any highly detailed models and decorative elements, even quite large ones. Articulated parts, board game figures and even articulated miniatures, the Mono 4K does it all.

Cast on a few copies of a small part and the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K is ready, making it equally suitable for small businesses and hobbyists alike. The print speed is up to 50mm/h and the printer easily prints layers in less than 2 seconds.

In terms of usability, we'd like to see desirable features such as resume printing and Wi-Fi connectivity. Anycubic's Photon Workshop slicing software is a functional, if unremarkable, slicer. Luckily, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K's compatibility with third-party software such as Lychee and ChiTuBox means you don't have to be tied to Anycubic's slicing software.

If you're after impressive 4K screen fidelity, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K's delivers hassle-free, high-resolution printing at a great price.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K

• Price: $349 - Available at Phrozen official store here / Available on Amazon here
• Print volume: 134 x 75 x 130 mm
• Screen resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Screen size: 6.1″ 4K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 35 microns
• Speed: 80 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Phrozen Cure and Phrozen Ultra-Sonic Cleaner

At an affordable price, the Phrozen Sonic Mini features a powerful 4K 6.1-inch LCD screen that delivers 35µm quality and two-second layering speed.

This is a powerful, inexpensive photoresin 3D printer with everything you need to print, and while if you need more print you can go for the Sonic Mighty 4K (more on that later!), if size isn't a big deal, the Sonic Mini 4K is more than fit.

Phrozen claims the Sonic Mini 4K is ideal for resin mold printers, as well as miniature and desktop model printing.

Elegoo Mars 3

• Price: $349
• Print volume: 143 x 90 x 165 mm
• Screen resolution: 4098 x 2560 pixels
• Screen size: 6.6″ 4K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 35 microns
• Speed: 1.5-3 seconds per layer
• Cleaning/Cure: Elegoo Mercury Plus/X Wash and Curing Station

Featuring an Ultra 4K resolution LCD screen and Elegoo's latest mSLA technology, Elegoo Mars now has 30% more accurate XY (35µm) resolution than Mars 2, as well as a 37% larger build volume. For an extra $100, this is a very attractive deal for those looking to get higher-end resin 3D printing.

Other features include an improved light source for more uniform resin curing - even over a larger build area. Built-in 36 high-power LED lamps and a new lens provide higher accuracy, as well as an improved heat sink and cooling fan, which extends the life of the printer and enhances its durability.

Elegoo Saturn

• Price: $499
• Print volume: 192 x 120 x 200 mm
• Screen resolution: 3840 x 2400 pixels
• Screen size: 8. 9″ 4K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 50 microns
• Speed: 30-40 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Elegoo Mercury Plus/X Cleaning and Curing Station

Featuring an 8.9" 4K monochrome LCD screen for fast layer curing, the Elegoo Saturn greatly outperforms the standard models by printing 60% faster than the Elegoo Mars Pro, printing a layer every 2-3 seconds.

You get a number of other key improvements for your money, the most notable of which is a larger build area that turns the Elegoo Saturn into a 3D printer for printing large hard resin models, as well as the ability to print multiple small models at the same time in one batch.

Improved accuracy with the Saturn's double linear Z-axis guide makes the Saturn printer more stable than ever, ensuring accurate and uniform printing. And in case you're a fan, the Elegoo Saturn also has an Ethernet port on the back to keep things fast and efficient.

Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K

• Price: $549
• Print area: 200 x 125 x 220 mm
• Screen resolution: 3840 x 2400 pixels
• Screen size: 9. 3″ 4K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 52 microns
• Print speed: 80 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Phrozen Cure and Phrozen Ultra-Sonic Cleaner

If you're looking for a low-cost photoresin 3D printer with a large enough footprint for mass production of models or large photoresin prototypes, the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K is even bigger than the Elegoo Saturn.

With a strong and reliable Z-axis that delivers print accuracy up to a maximum print height of 22 cm, it offers good print quality, especially with the 4K resolution LCD screen. It also prints fast, with two-second layer printing.

While Phrozen recommends using proprietary 3D printer resins, the Sonic Mighty 4K is compatible with most third-party resins (check first). So if you have spare resins left over from a previous 3D printer, you should be fine.

Anycubic Mono X is a great budget photopolymer 3D printer

• Price: $599
• Printable area: 192 x 120 x 245 mm
• Screen resolution: 3840 x 2400 pixels
• Screen size: 8. 9″ 4K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 50 microns
• Speed: 60 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Anycubic Wash & Cure Statio

Anycubic's original budget Photon 3D resin 3D printer is still one of the most popular 3D printers in the world, and now the Mono X proves that the company can compete with higher-end machines. Mono X can print 3 times faster than standard photopolymer printers at speeds up to 60mm/h, and thanks to the 4K LCD screen, it can create very precise and sharp details.

In addition, the upgraded Mono X Z-axis improves stability and makes the surface smooth, unaffected by external factors such as vibrations. The result is jewelry models and miniatures where the layer lines are barely visible.

Another big benefit is WiFi printing, so you don't have to keep unplugging your SD or USB card when printing multiple designs throughout the day. The large 3.5" touch screen makes it easy to navigate, and with a larger build volume, you can print multiple jewelry models or desktop miniatures at the same time. Overall, this is one of the best budget photopolymer 3D printers out there.

Curing & Cleaning Stations

Since washing and curing are an inevitable part of resin 3D printing, we've rounded up some of the best washing & curing stations to include in your printing system to save you the hassle and mess of subsequent printing. processing.

Anycubic Wash & Cure.

Anycubic Wash & Cure is a versatile station compatible with the vast majority of photopolymer printers. Thanks to Anycubic's recent price cut, Wash & Cure is under $100.

The flush mode has adjustable flush cycles including 2, 4 and 6 minutes. Curing mode uses a broad spectrum UV light of 356 nm and 405 nm mounted on a 360° rotating platform to ensure uniform curing of any and all prints 115 x 65 x 165 mm or smaller.

Anycubic has simplified the entire rinsing and curing process with a “set it and forget it” design—select rinsing or curing on the touch button interface and you're done. Station blocks 99.95% UV radiation and has an auto-pause feature if the cap is accidentally knocked off. The station has an adjustable bracket that can be fixed on the Anycubic platform if you are working with a Photon Mono series printer.

Elegoo Mercury Plus

Another all-in-one station, but this time from Elegeoo, the Elegoo Mercury Plus is an easy-to-use option for hands-free finishing.

The allowed maximum print size is 125 x 85 x 160 mm for washing and 140 x 165 mm for curing. You can either use the included cleaning basket or install the Elegoo build plate with models still attached, making it compatible with most if not all photopolymer 3D printers, not just Elegoo machines.

385nm and 405nm UV lamps and a 360-degree rotatable curing turntable do all the curing work with the ability to enter and control cure times up to 30 minutes on a TFT touch screen. Safety is provided by an anti-UV cap that blocks 99.95% of UV rays and a pause function if the cap comes off during curing.

Anycubic station will cost more, but at around $120 you will complete your 3D printing rig with a quality resin 3D printing station with no mess.
Best desktop resin 3D printers ($1,000 to $3,000)

Prusa SL1S Speed ​​

• Price: $1,999 - available at Prusa store here
• Print volume: 120 x 68 x 150 mm
• Screen resolution: 2560 x 1620 pixels
• Screen size: 5.96″ 2K monochrome LCD
• XY resolution: 47 microns
• Print speed: 50 mm/h
• Cleaning/curing: Original Prusa CW1S

Prusa printers are known for being the best RepRap 3D printers. They are so good that over 150,000 printers have been sold, and company founder Josef Prusa has opened his own printer factories to print parts for more printers! Prusa reception.

Prusa has now moved into the SLA 3D printing sector with the launch of the Prusa SL1 printer based on mSLA technology: using LCD and LED panels to cure photosensitive resin layers. As mentioned earlier, this has the advantage of scalability—multiple parts can be created at the same time without additional time—as well as high accuracy.

In addition to the printer, Prusa sells a wash and cure machine that helps wash and cure prints, maximizing the surface finish. The Prusa SL1 has a heavy aluminum chassis designed to anchor the printer to the ground and make it more stable for more accurate printing. It seems to me that the phrase “of course, this is good, this is Prusa” is appropriate here.

Peopoly Phenom mSLA Printer - large photopolymer 3D printer with huge build volume

• Price: $1,999 - Available from Matterhackers here
• Print volume: 276 x 155 x 400 mm
• Screen resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Screen size: 12.5″ 4K LCD
• XY resolution: 72 microns
• Print speed: 75 mm/h
• Cleaning/Cure: Peopoly Curing Box

We already included the Peopoly Moai 130 in our list, a fantastic DIY SLA 3D printer kit. Now Peopoly is back with the Phenom, a large photopolymer 3D printer that combines LCD and LED technology.

Peopoly Moai has a huge print volume for a photopolymer 3D printer - 276 x 155 x 400 mm, as well as 72-micron resolution. This is practically unheard of as photopolymer printers typically have a much lower build volume than FDM 3D printers. Peopoly recommends using their own resins for 3D printing, which they sell for about $70 per litre.

Overall, this is an impressive and accurate large format resin 3D printer.

Professional Resin 3D Printers ($3,000+)

Formlabs Form 3 - Best Resin 3D Printer

• Price: $3,499
• Assembly volume: 145 x 145 x 185 mm
• XY resolution: 25 microns
• Print speed: 70 mm/h
• Clean/Cure: Formlabs Form Wash & Cure

Formlabs has made a name for itself in the 3D printing industry since its initial Kickstarter campaign in 2012. An American 3D printer company was selling a Form 3 SLA 3D printer for 3 49$9 and has since become very popular in the dental and jewelry industries.

Formlabs resins available here.

Form 3 comes with a ton of new features. It features the new benefits of LFS technology as well as a new Light Processing Unit (LPU) to improve the surface finish of resin parts as well as better layer registration. The Form 2 was already fantastic, and these additional features take the Form 3 to a whole new level in desktop SLA printers.

In addition, the Formlabs Form 3 has an automated resin supply system and uses smart cartridges that automatically fill the resin reservoir, along with many other advanced features. In addition, it is equipped with a resin tray scanning system after each layer and automatically adjusts according to the type of resin used. In addition, the printer has a fantastic touch screen and can be controlled remotely via a WiFi connection.

This UV resin 3D printer has a very good print volume of 145 x 145 x 185mm and is extremely accurate with 25 micron XY resolution. The Formlabs Form 3 is compatible with a wide range of resins, from ceramics, flexible resins, to cast resins, although Formlabs also sells its own high quality resins.

For those looking for 3rd party resins compatible with Formlabs printers, here's a great place to start.

Formlabs has established itself as a leader in stereolithography with the Form 3 printer. It has received rave reviews and is widely used in dentistry. Formlabs also sells a 3D printer for SLS, the Fuse 1.

Buyer's Guide - What to Consider When Buying a Resin 3D Printer

RGB vs. LCD Screens - Differences, Advantages/Disadvantages

earlier models.

This change is only to the benefit of manufacturers, since monochrome screens have many advantages over RGB. Although they are more expensive, they are more efficient, less energy intensive, and print faster due to shorter polymerization times.

Unless you choose an old used model, you will most likely buy a printer with a default monochrome LCD screen.

LCD Resolution - 2K, 4K, 6K

Like computer monitors and TVs, LCD resolution determines the level of pixels and detail.

Higher resolution translates into better XY resolution and lower layer height, which is a critical factor for the fine detail and precision we expect from resin printers.

You'll find 2K, 4K and even 8K resolution printers for those who want the ultimate level of detail and intricate detail in their prints.

However, the print quality of the 2K LCD is far superior to that of FDM printers, so it is more than adequate for most applications.
Build Volume

Photopolymer printers typically have a smaller build volume than more common FDM machines, so manufacturers and professionals use them to create small, intricate parts with high precision.

If you need extra space to print duplicate parts or large figures and models, look to larger format resin printers such as the Peopoly Phenom and Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K.

Post-Processing Equipment

Resin 3D printing is a messy business and post-processing is a major part of the printing process. Post-processing consists of two parts - washing and polymerization.

Flushing involves removing uncured resin residue from the print with isopropanol.

Polymerization uses additional UV light to complete the polymerization process to improve the finish and overall rigidity of the part.

Do-it-yourself, hands-on processing is one option, but manufacturers now offer versatile wash and curing stations that eliminate many of the hassles associated with this process.

How does a photopolymer 3D printer work?

Each type of resin 3D printing technology cures UV resin, they just differ in how they do it.

Stereolithography (SLA) was the first additive manufacturing technology invented, with patents granted to 3D Systems back in 1986. SLA printing works by using an ultraviolet laser and mirrors (called galvanometers) to selectively cure the resin.

DLP 3D printing was pioneered by EnvisionTEC and uses a projector similar to a movie theater projector. LCD printing uses an LCD screen with individual LEDs that turn on and off to selectively cure specific areas of the resin to form the final object. LCDs are sometimes referred to as MSLA (masked SLA), as in Prusa and Peopoly resin printers.

Resin 3D Printing Technologies

SLA

Using mirrors, also called galvanometers, an SLA or stereolithography printer directs a UV laser beam onto photopolymer liquid resin in cross sections to cure or print layer by layer.

DLP

DLP, or digital light processing, is very similar to the SLA machine and involves emitting digital light (LED in most printers) through an array of micromirrors onto a light-sensitive liquid resin for flash, or in other words, curing the entire image layer at a time in so-called voxels - rectangles that look like pixels.

MSLA/LCD

Like DLP machines, MSLA or stereolithography (often also referred to as LCD) printers use a digital light source (usually hundreds of LEDs) to flash an entire layer at once. Unlike DLP, the MSLA printer uses the LCD as a "mask", directing and illuminating a photosensitive liquid resin rather than mirrors. The mask allows the printer to expose only those areas that need to be cured to the light source.

LFS

LFS or Low Force Stereolithography is Formlabs patented pot polymerization technology. LFS overhauls the standard SLA process using a custom-designed Closed Light Processing Unit (LPU) that passes a UV laser beam through a spatial filter and an array of mirrors to polymerize the photosensitive liquid resin cross-section layer by layer.

DLS

Another patented technology from Carbon 3D, DLS, or Digital Light Synthesis, uses an oxygen permeable window to cure a photosensitive liquid resin in what is known as Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP). Light from a special LED engine illuminates ultraviolet rays to match the shape and details of the part's cross-section onto an ultra-thin resin layer supported by an oxygen window known as the "dead zone". The resin in the "dead zone" is then cured to create precise, detail-rich layers.

How much does a photopolymer 3D printer cost?

Good cheap photopolymer 3D printers start around $200. Even ten years ago, resin printers cost thousands of dollars, but with great advancement - mainly in the field of LCD printing - the prices have come down!

However, these budget photoresin 3D printers can't compete with more professional high resolution printers like the Form 3 ($3,499) or the Peopoly Phenom (1 9$99). They can still produce accurate models, for example for miniatures and other fun projects, but as a photopolymer 3D printer for business, they may not be effective.

Resin 3D Printer Applications

Budget Resin 3D printers are commonly used by hobbyists to produce precise figurines and miniatures in detail that FDM printers simply cannot match. They are commonly used for 28mm miniatures, D&D figurines and other similar desktop model projects.

However, these inexpensive options can sometimes be used to create wax molds for casting jewelry. However, for higher quality precious metal casting, it is recommended to use a more professional resin 3D printer capable of better resolution and accuracy.

photopolymer printers are widely used in dentistry, audiology, jewelry and medical industries. For example, in dentistry, photopolymer 3D printers can print orthodontic models and implants, and in audiology, almost 100% of custom-made hearing aids are now 3D printed.

3D resin versus filament (FDM)

Hobbyists usually turn to resin 3D printing when they want higher precision, smoother surfaces and sharper details on small prints such as figurines or miniatures. While FDM is simpler, it cannot achieve these levels of precision and smoothness.

However, the trade-off between FDM and resin is that in terms of filament to resin ratio, filaments are cheaper, easier to use and reuse, come in more materials, colors and types, and tend to be stiffer.

Resins tend to be more expensive (although LCD resins are much cheaper now) and harder to use. They require thorough rinsing and post-processing, and extra care must be taken when printing and during post-processing with a resin 3D printer, including wearing protective gear, as the materials can be corrosive.

Thus, resin and thread are used for different purposes, and are not in direct competition for the same use. For the unrivaled precision of cheap 3D printers, as well as the rapid production of dental, jewelry and medical models, resin 3D printers are the way to go. But for more complex - perhaps with multiple colors - basic prototypes, deposition modeling is best suited.

3D printing with resin against selective laser sintering (SLS)

The trade-off between SLA and selective laser sintering is similar: SLS-printed parts are more rigid, with excellent mechanical properties (and make excellent functional prototypes), although parts printed SLA are characterized by a smoother surface and faster printing.

SLS is also great if you're not a fan of additional support structures and don't like post-processing, because the parts printed in the resin powder chamber don't move or deform during printing. SLS offers better material properties than SLA - for example, it is not as susceptible to UV or sun damage. But they are less affordable—even the cheapest printers start at $5,000.

FAQ

Is resin more durable than PLA?

In general, conventional resin produces brittle, brittle parts that are less resistant to stress and weather than traditional 3D printing materials such as PLA. Therefore, we cannot recommend the resin for making load-bearing, functional, impact-resistant or exterior parts where PLA and ABS work much better, so manufacturers prefer the resin for fragile decorative parts filled with precise detail and a smooth finish.

Increasingly, however, 3D printing media manufacturers are offering "tough" resins such as Formlabs Tough 2000 Resin, which offer superior tear strength and even outperform ABS in some cases. Real world applications in orthopedics (such as splints and braces) and dentistry (aligners and crowns) demonstrate how people are increasingly turning to tough resins to make strong, wear-resistant parts.

Is 3D printer resin expensive?

When viewed in the context of 3D printing and compared to other popular materials and filament types, resin is not particularly expensive. A 1 liter bottle of standard resin costs between $20 and $50 depending on the brand, which is more or less the price of ABS and PLA raw materials.

The number and size of prints you can make from a standard 1 liter bottle can vary, with costs skyrocketing for the most prolific producers.

Is the resin print dirty?

While the resin printing process itself isn't messy, post-processing of the finished print invariably turns into an annoying, messy mess, not to mention a potentially dangerous mess of dripping resin and harsh isopropanol. This is not for the faint of heart and not for those who are afraid to get involved in this matter.

Luckily, curing and cleaning stations help keep resin processing messy, so you don't get your hands dirty by smearing prints in a vat of isopropanol.

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