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Creality Halot-One Plus 3D Printer Review: 4K Resolution, Sub-$400 Price
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Creality Halot-One Plus is just the right size for a desktop resin 3D printer.
(Image: © Tom's Hardware)
Tom's Hardware Verdict
Offering high resolution and an above-average build volume, the Creality Halot-One Plus is an impressive machine with a set of hardware features not typically seen at this price.
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Pros
- +
4K+ resolution provides sharp detail and consistent surfaces
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Large 5-inch LCD interface is bright, fast, and responsive
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Halot Box slicer software is simple and easy to use
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Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and remote print monitoring
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Integrated air filtration unit
Cons
- -
Z endstop placement at the top of the Z axis is a strange choice
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Creality Cloud platform appears to host many unauthorized models
- -
Four bolt build platform leveling can be messy
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The Creality Halot-One Plus is the flagship printer in the Halot line of MSLA printers, offering 4K resolution, a 7.9-inch mono LCD with a 3 second exposure time, and other high-end features in a package that retails for just under $400. The Halot-One Plus appears to have been designed for the prosumer market, with features like Wi-Fi connectivity, air filtration, and other features that don’t typically appear in printers in this price range.
During testing, this printer proved to be a logical next-step in resin 3D printing, showing how these features can be successfully implemented at a lower price point while still maintaining functionality.
We had issues with the Creality Cloud platform and the lack of attribution on published models, but the printer hardware itself places this among the best resin 3D printers.
Creality Halot-One Plus Specifications
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| Machine Footprint | 9.29" x 9.57" x 16.46" (23.6cm x 24.3cm x 41.8cm) |
| Build Volume | 6.77" x 4.02" x 6.30" (172mm x 102mm x 160mm) |
| Resin | MSLA Photopolymer Resin |
| UV Light | 4,500 uw/m2 Integral Light Source |
| Masking LCD Resolution | 4320 x 2560 |
| Masking LCD Size | 7.9-inch |
| XY Axis Resolution | .04mm |
| Interface | 5-inch LCD Touchscreen |
Included in the Box of Creality Halot-One Plus
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Creality Halot-One Plus ships with everything you need to get started printing, including a set of Allen keys, plastic and metal scrapers to remove parts from the printer, a printed user guide, and a power cable, and some paper funnels for pouring resin back into the bottle from the vat.
The printer itself is well-packed and protected, with a protective plastic covering over the UV-resistant lid.
- Creality Halot-One Plus (Black) at Amazon for $319
Unlike with many other resin printers, including the Elegoo Mars 3, the Halot-One Plus does not include any consumables such as gloves, masks, or other cleaning supplies. This isn’t a large omission, but it means first time users will want to make sure they have all the proper supplies before they start printing.
One of the first features I noticed on the Creality Halot-One Plus was the large LCD screen. The 5-inch screen is bright, responsive, and feels like the type of capacitive screen you’d expect to see on a tablet or mobile phone. This screen is easy to read and use, and immediately sets the Halot-One Plus apart from similarly priced machines that use smaller screens. The Halot-One Plus also includes an onboard ARM Cortex-M4 quad-core 64 bit processor, which gives it more processing power than other similarly priced machines.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Halot-One Plus has a dark blue UV-resistant lid, something that stands out from the typical red, orange, or yellow used on similar printers. This lid is close to opaque, and I can’t easily see through it during printing. The QR code printed on the top of the lid leads to the Creality Cloud site where users can purchase models, 3D printers, consumables, as well as a social platform for sharing prints.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Halot-One Plus features an integrated 100W power supply, so there’s no need for an external power brick. The build size, printer size, and other information is printed on a sticker on the back of the printer, as well as a QR code that appears to contain information specific to the printer. The base of the Halot-One Plus is heavy and dense, and feels very sturdy despite the plastic shell.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The integrated air filtration system on the Halot-One Plus is a welcome addition and worked very well throughout our testing.
The resin used in the MSLA printing process can have an odor during printing, and the integrated air filtration system significantly reduces the amount of odor from the Halot-One Plus. The air intake is located directly behind the resin vat, and runs automatically throughout the duration of printing.
The Z axis on the Halot-One Plus uses a threaded rod with a captive nut for travel, and the dual linear rails allow for smooth and consistent movement. Most small format MSLA resin 3D printers use a single linear rail for travel, with dual rail systems being more common on larger machines like the Elegoo Saturn or the Anycubic Mono X. The build platform is suspended from a lightweight metal arm and doesn’t deflect, even when printing large and heavy parts.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Halot-One Plus has the Z end-stop located at the top of the Z axis, an unusual design choice for an MSLA resin 3D printer. Typically, the leveling process involves dropping the platform to Z0 (the bottom of the Z axis) and ensuring the platform is planar with the LCD screen.
The Halot-One Plus requires the entire platform be brought to the top of the printer to define Z0, and then lowered to the LCD screen and leveled. It’s hard to say if this is a less accurate process, but it’s definitely a more time-consuming one.
The resin vat on the Halot-One Plus is smooth and easy to clean, with printed labels that indicate 250mL, 450mL, and 650mL fill levels. The vat also has a spout molded into the front right and back left corners, which makes pouring resin out of the vat and back into the bottle a simple and mess-free process. One of the screws that secures the vat to the frame had some flashing on the molded thumbscrew, and this meant the screw couldn’t actually fit into the mating hole without being trimmed. Not a major issue, but definitely a QC issue that should have been caught before the printer was packed and left the factory.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The light source of the Halot-One Plus is what Creality calls the “Integral Light Source”, which is a high-powered 4,500 uw/cm2 LED array that is projected through the masking LCD via an angled mirror in the base of the printer.
This light source generates a substantial amount of heat during printing, which causes the onboard fan to run continuously during printing.
The 7.9-inch masking LCD has a resolution of 4320 x 2560, a resolution that is slightly above the typical 4K resolution (4098 x 2560) used on similar resin 3D printers like the Elegoo Mars 3. This 4K resolution translates to an XY pixel size of .04mm (40 microns), which is high enough to capture fine details and texture when printing.
Image: Creality
(Image credit: Creality)Build Platform on Creality Halot-One Plus
The Creality Halot-One Plus uses a four bolt leveling system to ensure a planar relationship between the build platform and the masking LCD. Because the Z endstop is located at the very top of the printer, this process involves loosening the build platform connecting bolts, sending the built platform to the top of the printer to trigger the endstop, then reversing direction and sending the platform to the bottom of the Z axis.
Once the platform is sitting flush on the masking LCD, the four bolts are tightened and the platform is leveled.
The Halot-One Plus has four upward-facing bolts that secure the build platform to the gantry arm, and these bolts tend to fill with resin during printing. This is a poor design choice, as resin tends to pool inside the bolt cap heads, in the knurling, and around the bolts, which is very difficult to clean and remove. Elegoo has solved this on their Mars 2 Pro and Mars 3 printers by using a simple captive ball joint that can be leveled with only two screws. Those platforms are easy to level and clean without additional effort.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Printing Safety with Halot-One Plus
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Creality Halot-One Plus uses 405nm UV resin, a material that you need to handle safely when in an uncured state to avoid injury. The resin can be harmful when making contact with skin, so make sure to wear gloves when pouring, cleaning up, or handling uncured resin.
I also make sure I’m wearing gloves when removing the build platform after a print, as the resin tends to pool on top of the platform and can drip off while the platform is being removed.
Make sure you use the Halot-One Plus in a well-ventilated room to minimize the danger from inhaling fumes. Any spills or uncured resin stuck to a surface should be cleaned using 99% isopropyl alcohol and the container for the resin should be kept closed and secured when not actively pouring material.
Printing the Included Test Print on the Creality Halot-One Plus
The test print included with the Creality Halot-One Plus is one of the best demonstration prints I have ever seen. The 8 hour print is titled “Kholek Suneater”, and it fills nearly the entire build area of the Halot-One Plus from corner to corner. This model comes pre-sliced using the same settings as in Halot Box (.05mm layer height, 3 second layer exposure time, 40 second base layer exposure time, etc.), and is ready to print directly from the USB thumb drive.
Creality has apparently identified one of the common applications of resin 3D printing (tabletop gaming and miniatures) and has embraced this by including a detailed miniature model with the Halot-One Plus. My previous experience with Creality’s test prints was poor; the Creality LD-002R (a budget MSLA resin 3D printer) included a test model that took over 19 hours to print and was not particularly impressive.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)This model has a very dense support structure, which is required to support all the various fine features including a long hammer and tail. The support structure was removed easily and left minimal marks on the printed model. Unfortunately, I broke the hammer during washing, but was able to glue it back on without much effort. The spikes on the armor, the thin tail, and the other details present on this model are sharp and in focus, and I believe that anyone who purchased this printer to make miniatures would be immediately delighted to see such a high-quality model come out of the printer without any additional preparation.
Preparing Files for Printing with Creality Halot Box
(Image credit: Creality)While resin 3D printers tend to be much more mechanically simple than filament FDM 3D printers, the software typically requires more setup work and the part preparation is a very important part of the process. Creality includes a copy of Halot Box with the Creality Halot-One Plus, which is the slicer design for the Halot series of printers.
Halot Box offers two separate menus for slicing parts: Basic Options and Advanced Options. As expected, Basic Options contains parameters like layer thickness, exposure time, build platform raise height, and more which users will likely adjust the most often. These options are pre-populated with parameters that are more focused on success as opposed to speed, with a 3-second layer exposure and a 40 second initial layers exposure. Advanced Options contains more complicated parameters, such as shrinkage compensation for X, Y, and Z axes, anti-aliasing, and other parameters.
Halot Box is a fully featured slicer and is capable of importing models, hollowing them for resin printing, adding support structures, and even more advanced features like adding text, slicing a model into pieces, and measuring between two points. These features make Halot Box just as feature-rich as ChituBox and Lychee slicer, both of which are also compatible with the Halot-One Plus.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)I prepared this model of a dragon using the default Halot Box settings, including a 5mm shell after hollowing, medium support settings, and default slicer settings. Sliced with a .05mm layer height and a 3 second exposure time, this print took just over 12 hours to print out using Anycubic Water Washable Aqua Grey resin. The process of importing a model, hollowing, adding drain holes, adding support, and slicing took about 5 minutes and was intuitive and easy.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Comparison of the Creality Halot-One Plus vs.
Elegoo Mars 3(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The 4K resolution mono LCD on the Creality Halot-One Plus makes it a natural competitor to smaller resin printers like the Elegoo Mars 3, but the larger build volume and Wi-Fi capabilities help it to edge out most competition. Instead of focusing on Z height, the Halot-One Plus has a large surface area on the build platform, providing additional space for printing multiple parts.
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| Header Cell - Column 0 | Creality Halot-One Plus | Elegoo Mars 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Masking LCD Resolution | 4320 x 2560 | 4098 x 2560 |
| Masking LCD Size | 7.9 inches | 6.7 inches |
| XY Resolution | .04mm | .035mm |
| Build Dimensions | 6. 77 x 4.01 x 6.29 inches | 5.64 x 3.52 x 6.89 inches |
| (172mm x 102mm x 160mm) | (143mm × 89mm × 175mm) | |
| Build Volume | 170.76 cubic inches | 136.79 cubic inches |
| Printer Dimensions | 9.29 x 9.57 x 16.46 inches | 8.93 x 8.93 x 17.28 inches |
| (23.6cm x 24.3cm x 41.8cm) | (22.7cm x 22.7cm x 43.85cm) | |
| Printer Volume | 1463 cubic inches | 1378 cubic inches |
| Build / Footprint Ratio | 11.70% | 9.90% |
| (higher is better) | ||
| Price | $399 | $299 |
The Halot-One Plus has a somewhat squat appearance in contrast with the taller and narrower Mars 3, and the large LCD screen on the front gives it an appearance that is closer to an appliance than a 3D printer.
The build volume is somewhere between the Elegoo Mars 3 and the Elegoo Saturn, and the price also sits between the two.
The Halot-One Plus is slightly larger in size than the Mars 3, but the differences in build volume and X/Y area are clear when comparing the two. In addition, the built-in air filtration system, large LCD, and dual Z axis linear rails give the Halot-One Plus a more industrial appearance. The front-facing USB port makes swapping out USB drives easy on both printers, but the power button on the Halot-One Plus is located on the back of the machine as opposed to the front-mounted power button on the Mars 3.
The build platform of the Halot-One Plus has a lightly textured surface, which gives printed parts a more complex surface to bond to during printing. Placing the platform of the Halot-One Plus and the Mars 3 side-by-side highlights the difference in build area, with the Halot-One Plus being a full inch longer in the X axis and just under half an inch wider in the Y axis.
The difference in build area is complemented by an increase in pixel resolution, which makes the Halot-One Plus XY pixel size .04mm, a 5 micron difference from the .035mm resolution of the Mars 3.
Printing a Large Model on Creality Halot-One Plus
(Image credit: Creality)The build platform on the Creality Halot-One Plus is large enough to fit busts from Loot Studio, so I printed the bust of Korut The Mechappilian. The model prints in 5 pieces: the bust, left arm, right arm, base, and minigun. I was able to fit the bust and both arms onto a single build platform, and printed the minigun and base separately. Processing these files in Halot Box was easy, and just involved dragging the models into the window, clicking “slice”, and exporting. No additional steps were needed, and I used Anycubic Grey Craftsman Resin and the default exposure settings.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The first filled build platform printed flawlessly, and the level of detail was incredible.
The lizard-like texture on the model looked realistic, and the smooth armor components had a consistent and even appearance. The 3-second exposure time seemed like a perfect fit for this resin as the support material snapped off easily and without leaving major pockmarks on the model.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)After washing and curing the model, the general surface quality was still very impressive. The smooth surfaces have an even appearance and there are virtually no layer lines present, owing to the .05mm layer height and the .04mm X/Y resolution. The nubs left by the support structure detach easily, and can be removed by simply running a pair of tweezers over them.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The final assembled bust looks more like a resin collectible than a 3D print, and the general quality was as good as any resin 3D printer under $2,500 that I have used. The joints fit together with simple peg and hole locating features, and they were a perfect friction fit.
You can clearly make out the lizard skin texture on the model, and the fine detailing on the armor is easy to see without magnification.
Printing Models from Creality Cloud
(Image credit: Creality)Creality has implemented Creality Cloud into its Halot Box software, which allows users to download models directly from the internet into their slicer. This feature has come under scrutiny due to the widespread abuse enabled by the ability to mass upload models, regardless of their copyright or designer intent. YouTuber Bryan Vines made an excellent video discussing this topic, which shows how the platform was intended to be used versus the current usage.
For example, on the front page of the Creality Cloud, I saw the chainmail model by Agustin “Flowalistik” Arroyo. This model is currently available with a Creative Commons Attribution license, which means attribution is required when sharing the model or derivatives. The model on Creality Cloud has been uploaded by “user3265593031”, and features the picture from Printables as well as filenames with “flowalistik” in them, further proving they were uploaded by someone other than the creator.
The chainmail model was easily downloaded, sliced, and sent to the printer without any additional steps required through Halot Box. While this does make searching for and downloading models a simple process, it’s troubling to see that the original creator has no effective recourse for limiting this type of piracy. In this case, I was aware of the original creator but it would be completely understandable that most users may not, and may even think the model was being provided by Creality directly.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Halot-One Plus is also able to download models from Creality Cloud directly from the printer interface without using Halot Box or any other slicer software. While this is a convenient feature, it is still subject to the same issues as downloading models from Creality Cloud via Halot Box. For instance, I downloaded this Minion file from the printer interface, but have no easy way to determine who the original designer was, what copyright license they used, and their intent for the printed model.
In addition, the model printed completely solid and used significantly more resin than I was expecting for such a small print.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Creality Halot-One Plus is a sleek, smart, and well-performing printer that worked well during our testing and left me impressed with the quality of prints made with minimal to no adjusting of the default settings when using the Halot Box slicer. The 172mm x 102mm x 160mm build volume is larger than other similarly priced printers, and the 4K resolution of the masking LCD provides sharp detail and fine features.
The Halot-One Plus sits in the awkward spot between small and large format resin 3D printers, and it’s hard to see if there is a place in the market for this machine. The large onboard LCD and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity are something you would expect on a more expensive printer like the Prusa SL1S, but are users currently looking for these features over build volume and print speed? That’s a hard question to answer, and only time will tell if the Halot-One Plus becomes a popular model.
If resolution isn’t your primary concern and you’re looking for the most build volume for your dollar, the Elegoo Saturn (on sale on Amazon for $369) and Elegoo Saturn 2 (available as a pre-order for $550) provide larger build volumes for a similar price tag. If you want to go in the other direction and find a printer with a higher resolution and aren’t worried about the price, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K provides an eye-watering .022mm XY resolution at an $899 price tag.
Creality Halot-One Plus: Price Comparison
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Andrew Sink first used a 3D printer in 2012, and has been enthusiastically involved in the 3D printing industry ever since.
Having printed everything from a scan of his own brain to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, he continues to dive ever more deeply into the endless applications of additive technology. He is always working on new experiments, designs, and reviews and sharing his results on Tom's Hardware, YouTube, and more.
Elegoo Saturn 3D Printer Review: Large Volume, High Quality, Great Value
Tom's Hardware Verdict
The Elegoo Saturn impressed us with its high-quality output, impressive attention to detail with regards to machine design, and large build volume.
Pros
- +
+ Native integration with ChituBox slicer
- +
+ Exceptionally large build-volume-to-price ratio
- +
+ Rigid dual-Z linear rail system
- +
+ Leveling process is simple
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The larger counterpart to the Elegoo Mars series of printers, the Elegoo Saturn is a large-volume resin MSLA 3D printer that has found a way to offer increased build volume without sacrificing part quality. By increasing both the size and the resolution of the masking Mono LCD, the Elegoo Saturn is able to offer the same XY resolution of the Mars 2 Pro while increasing the total build volume.
One of the best 3D printers, the Saturn impressed me with how easy it was to set up and use but the scarce availability of the typically $500 printer may be a source of frustration when searching for one to buy.
Elegoo Saturn Specifications
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| Machine Footprint | 11.02" x 9.44" x 17.55" (28cm x 24cm x 44.6cm) |
| Build Volume | 7.55" x 4.72" x 7.87" (192mm x 120mm x 200mm) |
| Resin | DLP Photopolymer Resin |
| UV Light | 405nm UV LED Matrix |
| Masking LCD Resolution | 3840 x 2400 |
| Masking LCD Size | 8.9-inch |
| Interface | 3.5-inch LCD Touchscreen |
| XY Axis Resolution | . 05mm |
Included in the Box of Elegoo Saturn
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Elegoo Saturn ships in a well-packed box and includes all of the accessories you need to start printing as soon as the printer is out of the box. Included in the accessories box is a metal scraper (for removing parts from the build platform), a plastic scraper (for removing parts from the FEP sheet and stirring the resin), some paper funnels with a wire mesh (for filtering resin), wire cutters (for removing support material), latex gloves, and a healthy number of spare bolts, Allen keys, and other easy-to-lose parts. The included USB stick comes pre-loaded with a test print, the Chitubox slicer app, a digital copy of the user manual, and a few files from the 3D model repository site MyMiniFactory.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Elegoo shipped this Saturn with a ‘tomshardware.com’ sticker applied to the UV-resistant lid, which was a nice touch for a review unit.
As far as I can tell, this is the only difference between this unit and a typical retail unit, so my experience with this printer should be similar to yours if you purchase it directly from Elegoo.
The Saturn is a typical resin MSLA 3D printer which utilizes a vat of resin, a masking LCD, a UV light source, and a single axis of movement. It took me under five minutes to assemble this printer, and most of that time was removing foam and packaging from the box. The printer doesn’t require any mechanical or electrical assembly, and only needs to be calibrated before printing. The calibration process is almost effortless (more on that later), and the out-of-the-box experience felt quick and easy.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Saturn uses an 8.9-inch masking LCD with a resolution of 3840 x 2400, which gives it an effective XY resolution of .05mm. The masking LCD ships with a pair of protective stickers on it during shipping, and I had no problem removing them before printing.
The black protective tape around the masking LCD needs to be left on the machine, and the manual makes sure to mention this first so a new user doesn’t accidentally remove it while removing the rest of the stickers.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The resin vat on the Saturn uses four bolts that protrude from the bottom as locating posts which makes locking the vat into place a fast and repeatable process. One of the biggest problems I have when cleaning resin vats is that they typically sit with the delicate FEP film flush against the surface they are laid down on, so even a small bump in a table can possibly dent or deform them. The four posts on the corners of the Saturn’s vat keep the FEP film slightly elevated during cleaning, which is a small feature but a welcome change in design.
The resin vat also has a max fill line printed right on it which takes away the stress from potentially over-filling and spilling resin. This feature, along with the spout that is molded into the vat, indicates that Elegoo has put some thought into the needs of users who are frequently changing vats or draining and replacing resin.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Unlike most resin MSLA 3D printers which use a single linear rail for the Z axis, the Saturn uses a threaded leadscrew and a pair of linear rails for added stability. The Saturn features a larger build volume than most MSLA 3D printers, which means more weight is suspended from the cantilevered build platform. Between these two rails and the solid machined bracket for the build platform, the Saturn is able to print without bending the build platform bracket during lift moves, and I was impressed with the rigidity of the system.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Saturn uses a USB stick for transferring files to the printer, as well as an Ethernet connection for adding the machine to a network. If you’re interested in using the Saturn as part of a high volume print farm, the ability to network the machine means you can transfer files without the need for an external drive. The two fans on the back of the unit provide airflow for the controller board and UV LED light source, but don’t provide air filtration like the fan in the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro.
Despite the lack of air filtration, the Saturn didn’t seem to emit an odor any worse than the Mars 2 Pro during printing, but if you’re concerned about air quality you’ll want to take this into account.
Leveling the Build Platform on Elegoo Saturn
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)When printing on an MSLA resin 3D printer, you want the build platform to be perfectly level with the FEP film so the resin cures evenly across each layer. This leveling process can be a challenge for beginners and it can be frustrating to have failed prints due to poor bed leveling. Elegoo has addressed this problem by using a unique leveling process that is fast, simple, and easy to complete. The Elegoo Saturn uses a build platform held rigid by two bolts and includes simple step-by-step instructions for the leveling process.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)After loosening the two bolts on the build platform and placing the included piece of leveling paper over the masking LCD, I dropped the Z axis to the home position and watched as the build platform self-leveled and sat perfectly flush.
Once the axis had come to a rest, I simply tightened the two screws in the order indicated and lifted the build platform up. Compared to the leveling process on a printer like the Longer Orange 10 that uses four screws that need to be tightened in a star pattern and tend to shift during tightening, the Saturn feels almost effortless to set up.
Printing Safety with Elegoo Saturn
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Elegoo Saturn uses 405nm UV resin, a material that you need to handle safely when in an uncured state to avoid injury. The resin can be harmful when making contact with skin, so make sure to wear gloves when pouring, cleaning up, or handling uncured resin. I also make sure I’m wearing gloves when removing the build platform after a print, as the resin tends to pool on top of the platform and can drip off while the platform is being removed.
Make sure you use the Saturn in a well-ventilated room to minimize the danger from inhaling fumes. Any spills or uncured resin stuck to a surface should be cleaned using 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and the container for the resin should be kept closed and secured when not actively pouring material.
The build platform on the Saturn is designed with a trapezoidal shape that allows uncured resin to drip off and prevents it from pooling on the top of platform during printing. Despite this shape, I noticed that resin had a tendency to collect at the very edge of the platform, and I couldn’t help but wonder if a more aggressive angle or a chamfered edge would help to allow more resin to drip back into the vat during printing. This is a relatively minor point, as the majority of resin will drip downwards during printing and cleaning the edge of the build platform doesn’t require much effort.
Printing the Included Test Prints on the Elegoo Saturn
Most 3D printers include a prepared test print as an opportunity for the manufacturer to demonstrate the strengths of their machine. Despite this relatively simple premise, I’ve found that test prints can be a source of frustration for first time users as they have a tendency to have issues that most first-time users won’t be expecting.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Unfortunately, the Elegoo Saturn falls short in this category and my experience with the included test print was really the only major disappointment I had while writing this review. The Saturn includes a test print on the included USB drive called “_Rook_SATURN.ctb” that consists of two chess pieces with fine details on the interior and exterior of the model. This test print completes in a very reasonable 3 hours and 49 minutes, and I was impressed with the fine detail on the models once the print had completed. Unfortunately, this is where things took a bit of a turn.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The build platform on the Saturn has a sandblasted textured finish which helps cured resin adhere during printing and prevents parts from delaminating. When removing a part, a thin raft can be bent (as seen in the picture above), which allows the part to easily detach from the build platform without too much trouble.
This is a delicate balance; too thin and the part won’t adhere to the plate, too thick and the part can’t be easily removed. I had no trouble with any of the parts I sliced in Chitubox, but as you’ll see below, the included test print was significantly more difficult to remove.
Once printed, the detail on the rooks was impressive, but the solid base of the model printed directly on to the build plate didn’t present an intuitive method of removal. After using the included metal scraper and attempting to gently pry the parts off, I wondered if this was a common problem or if the Elegoo Water Washable Ceramic Grey resin I was using simply wasn’t compatible with the settings provided. A quick Google search for “Elegoo Saturn Test Part Stuck To Plate” shows that this is not an uncommon problem, with some users resorting to using a rubber mallet to remove the parts from the build plate.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)I was eventually able to remove the prints from the bed, but it required significantly more effort than I was comfortable with and resulted in both parts being chipped along the bottom layer.
This could have been avoided with a demo model that was suspended from a support structure or simply used a sacrificial raft during printing to prevent such a wide and thick model being printed directly on the build plate. It’s worth noting this was the only time I experienced this issue during this review. The rest of the parts I prepared using Chitubox for printing were easily removed and didn’t require excessive force to remove from the plate.
Preparing Files for Printing with Chitubox
(Image credit: Chitubox)The Elegoo Saturn uses Chitubox for slicing, preparing, and exporting files for 3D printing. Chitubox is a feature-rich program which reduces the need for secondary programs to generate supports, hollow models, or make other changes that would typically require a longer workflow. The general process for preparing a 3D model for resin 3D printing goes like this:
- Import 3D model
- Angle model for printing (avoiding wide per-layer cross-sections)
- Hollow model
- 4Add drain holes
- Generate support material
- Slicer
- Delete islands
- Export printable file
Chitubox makes this easy, as each step can be accomplished within the software without the need to export the file to various third-party softwares.
Chitubox also includes a built-in profile for the Elegoo Saturn which gives good quality results without any tweaking or modifications. I’ve been a fan of Chitubox since I started using it, and the ease-of-use and native support for the Saturn makes it a logical choice.
The profile for the Saturn that is included with Chitubox is what I would consider a good starting point for base settings. The Z resolution of .05mm is high enough to give a good quality print, but not so high as to cause an excessively long print time. The per-layer cure time of 2.5 seconds makes the Saturn a speedy printer when compared to machines with 9 second per-layer cure times like the Creality LD-002R.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)For a first test, I used the Ancient Statue model from Loot Studios and prepared it using the default settings in Chitubox without making any modifications. For resin, I used the Elegoo Water Washable Ceramic Grey , which has worked very well for me in the past on the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro.
This model used about 28 grams of resin and printed out in just under 4 hours, which seems in line with what I would expect from a Mono LCD 3D printer.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Water Washable Ceramic Grey resin looked great after printing, and the support structure removal process is simplified by not requiring any isopropyl alcohol or other chemicals to remove the excess resin. A quick soak in a small tub of hot water dissolved the excess resin from the surface of the printer and also softened the support structure. After removing the support structure, I cured the model for a total of two minutes in 30 second increments to prevent it from warping.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)It’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the printing process so far before we really look at this model. The steps to create this model are all simple and straight-forward, and a beginner could easily follow along to calibrate the bed, fill the resin vat, and process the file for printing.
The resulting print looks sharp and detailed, and even small details like the cracks in the stone of the statue resolve and don’t require any touch-up work. Putting aside the large format nature of the Elegoo Saturn, it’s easy to understand why this machine is in such demand; it’s easy to use, gives good quality results, and the native software doesn’t require tinkering or tweaking.
Print Size Comparison of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro vs. Elegoo Saturn
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Elegoo Saturn shares many design similarities with the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, so it makes sense to compare the two 3D printers directly. The Saturn uses a higher resolution masking LCD, but the increased size of the LCD means the XY resolution (pixel size) is .05mm on both machines. This means a part printed on the Mars 2 Pro and Saturn, using the same settings, will result in two parts that should be indistinguishable from one another.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Header Cell - Column 0 | Elegoo Mars 2 Pro | Elegoo Saturn |
|---|---|---|
| Masking LCD Resolution | 1620 x 2560 | 3840 x 2400 |
| XY Resolution | . 05mm | .05mm |
| Build Dimensions | 5.08 x 3.15 x 6.3 inches | 7.55 x 4.72 x 7.87 inches |
| Build Volume | 100.81 cubic inches | 280.46 cubic inches |
| Printer Dimensions | 7.87 x 7.87 x 16.14 inches | 11.02 x 9.44 x 17.55 inches |
| Printer Volume | 999.66 cubic inches | 1825.70 cubic inches |
| Build / Footprint Ratio (higher is better) | 10.0% | 15.4% |
With a retail price of $500, the Saturn offers nearly 3 times the total build volume (280 cubic inches vs. 100 cubic inches) of the Mars 2 Pro, which retails for $330. If you’re interested in throughput and high-volume printing ability, the Saturn is able to produce a large batch of parts at the same resolution as Mars 2 Pro.
However, if you’re looking for a higher resolution finished part and aren’t interested in a large build size, a 4K LCD printer like the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K would be a better choice.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Printing a Large Assembly on the Elegoo Saturn
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The large build volume and fast per-layer print time of the Elegoo Saturn make it ideal for printing models that would ordinarily be too large or time-consuming to print on a smaller MSLA resin printer like the Longer Orange 10. To test out the ability of the Saturn to print large models in multiple pieces simultaneously, I loaded up the Olympus Rider model from Loot Studios. This model of a winged Pegasus complete with rider armed with a spear prints in six individual pieces and a single large base.
(Image credit: Chitubox)Unfortunately, the auto-placement feature in Chitubox wasn’t able to automatically place all of these parts on the build platform in order to print them in a single piece.
After manually rotating the parts myself, I was able to get everything except the base of the model onto a single tray. This would be an ambitious print under the best of circumstances, as it covered a large portion of the surface area of the build platform and would create a large amount of suction when moving the platform up and down. After slicing, Chitubox generated an estimated build time of 7 hours and 10 minutes as well as a material usage of 128 ml. I wasn’t sure if the Saturn could handle a print this ambitious, but I was eager to see if this hard-to-find machine could live up to its reputation.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Saturn printed every single part on the build platform without any defects, and I was genuinely surprised and impressed with how easily the Saturn could handle a large and complex build like this. The Elegoo Water Washable resin created a support structure that was easily removed and left minimal pockmarks on the finished model.
After a rinse and cure in the Elegoo Mercury Plus Cure/Wash station, I laid out the parts and assembled the model using DAP RapidFuse CA glue, a favorite of mine for making strong bonds on resin prints like this one. The final result is a finely-detailed print that measures nine inches wide and six and a half inches tall, and it is one of the largest resin MSLA prints I’ve ever made. The 3D model to 3D print process was seamless and easy, and this model earned the Saturn a permanent place on my personal list of all-time favorite 3D printers.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Printing Multiple Miniatures Simultaneously on the Elegoo Saturn
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)One of the key abilities of a large build volume resin MSLA 3D printer like the Elegoo Saturn is the ability to print multiple parts simultaneously. The Saturn is a popular printer for users interested in tabletop gaming, and the large build volume is ideal for printing out multiple miniatures in a single print.
Because the print speed is dictated by the number of layers and not the number of miniatures, printing a single miniature or a full build platform full of them takes the same amount of time.
As a test of the printer’s performance, I filled the build platform with some of the enemies from the Loot Studios Ghostly Odyssey release which features a mix of detailed creatures and human 32mm miniatures.
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(Image credit: Chitubox)(Image credit: Chitubox)After importing the models into Chitubox, I manually laid them out to prevent the support structure rafts from touching to reduce the overall total surface area of the bottom cross-section. Chitubox handled the slicing of this large tray without breaking a sweat, and I was easily able to fit a mix of models and bases for a total of 12 parts printing simultaneously. Chitubox gave an estimate of 3 hours and 51 minutes, which is an attractive print speed for such a large yield of parts.
The models have a support structure already generated, so after slicing all I had to do was detect and remove the islands (small, unconnected pixels that can cause floating bits of resin) and scroll through the layer view to check for any missing geometry.
This is a quick and largely-automated process made possible by the Chitubox app, which I am grateful that Elegoo has internally decided to endorse as opposed to attempting to make their own slicer app which may lack some of this functionality.
As I expected, the print was completed without incident. Because of the large number of support structures, the first hour or so of the print is just hundreds of tiny cylinders (as seen in the Chitubox preview above). Every time the build platform lifted, it sounded like a Velcro strap being removed as each of the tiny support structures delaminated from the FEP sheet with a tiny pop sound. I couldn’t decide whether the sound was reassuring or not, but in the end, I’m grateful for each pop because it meant the printer was working correctly.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The support structures were easy to remove after a quick soak in hot water, and the models all felt like they had been cured enough to be solid.
In particular, the swords and wings on the smaller models were easy to free from the support structure, and I wasn’t concerned with them breaking off or shattering during the cleaning.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Even on these 32mm miniatures, the details were crisp and features like the individual feathers on the harpy model resolved well and could be easily distinguished. If you’ve used a printer like the Anycubic Photon Mono or the Elegoo Mars Pro, this level of resolution (.05mm) is directly comparable with what you’re used to, so the big benefit of the Saturn is being able to increase your output without sacrificing quality.
The Elegoo Saturn is about as hard to find as a PlayStation 5 right now, and it tends to sell out immediately after each restock at Amazon and the Elegoo official store. After using it for this review, it’s clear to me why the printer is in such high demand: it’s fast, relatively inexpensive, and offers a build volume ideal for printing multiple parts simultaneously.
The Saturn regularly sells for over $700 on second-hand sites like eBay, so finding one may prove to be a challenge for the foreseeable future.
I asked Elegoo to comment on the relative scarcity of the Saturn, and they indicated a combination of high demand and rigorous quality control were to blame for the shortages.
These two printers are too hot sale, so they always sold out. In fact, we have arranged more products for Amazon every week, but it sold out when available. In addition, our company will test the machine before selling, so it costs some time.
Elegoo
The high-yield nature of the Saturn makes it ideal for printing multiple miniatures simultaneously, so there’s no doubt this printer will be a hit among hobbyists who are interested in printing custom miniatures. The large build volume also offers the ability to print large parts in a single print, something that smaller machines like the Creality LD-002R aren’t able to accomplish.
The overall trouble-free printing experience of the Saturn makes it appealing to beginners as well as more advanced users, but the $500 retail price (if you can even find it for that) might be a little high for a first printer. If you’re interested in a lower cost alternative, the Elegoo Mars Pro or the Anycubic Photon Mono both offer a similar printing experience at a lower price point.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Andrew Sink first used a 3D printer in 2012, and has been enthusiastically involved in the 3D printing industry ever since. Having printed everything from a scan of his own brain to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, he continues to dive ever more deeply into the endless applications of additive technology. He is always working on new experiments, designs, and reviews and sharing his results on Tom's Hardware, YouTube, and more.
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 refers to 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 + 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 is the smallest movement 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 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've 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 body 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 consider large 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 is fast, constantly improving and combines excellent 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 recouped 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 highest 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 dual extruder 3D printer
- 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.
Advantages of High Resolution 3D Printer
Better Quality: High resolution results in a smoother surface, with excellent detail and aesthetic details.
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 strength 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 - Photopolymer 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 MJF, PolyJet is expensive, although 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 underlying technologies of the printer being used such as resin or MJF, and the complexity of the model.
Photopolymer 3D printer
3D printers can be sorted not only by the printing technologies used, but also by the consumables used. In this section, we will look at devices that use photopolymer resins to build models.
- 1 Consumables
- 2 Laser stereolithography (SLA)
- 3 Projector Stereolithography (DLP)
- 4 Multi-jet (MJM and PolyJet)
- 5 3D pens
- 6 Additional illumination
Consumables
Photopolymer resins are liquid polymers that harden when exposed to light.
As a rule, such materials are sensitive to the ultraviolet range, which determines the design of photopolymer printers. One of the common design elements is a transparent colored cap or housing made of a material that filters ultraviolet radiation. This is done both to protect the user's eyes and to protect the supplies inside the printer from exposure to sunlight and background lighting.
Photopolymer resin loaded into Form 1 3D printer
The physical properties of resins after polymerization vary widely. Both rigid and flexible options are available, transparent and matte. A wide selection of colors is also available. Resin consistency and exposure times also vary, so a range of compatible media should be considered when choosing a printer.
The last aspect to consider when choosing a material is its toxicity. There are both quite toxic options and biologically safe ones.
The cost of consumables can be considered the Achilles' heel of photopolymer printing.
The plants themselves are already reaching quite acceptable price levels, but it is still quite difficult to find inexpensive photopolymer resins. It is hoped that the proliferation of inexpensive photopolymer printers will lead to an increase in the production of consumables and lower prices.
Laser Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA Model
The firstborn of photopolymer printing and modern 3D printing in general. The technology was developed in 1984 by Charles Hall, who later founded 3D Systems.
SLA printers use laser emitters to cure the photopolymer supply.
A typical SLA printer consists of a consumable tray sitting under a build platform driven vertically by a raise/lower mechanism.
Alternatively, the cuvette itself can be driven - what matters is the relative movement of the platform and the container. Above the cuvette is a laser emitter and a mirror system for deflecting the laser beam.
During the printing process, the platform is immersed in the consumable for the thickness of one layer of the digital model.
Since photopolymer resins can be quite thick, a leveling mechanism is often used to speed up the process.
SLA printer operation scheme
After leveling, the process of illumination of the material begins. Illumination is produced by laser irradiation. Most photopolymer resins are designed to cure (polymerize) when exposed to ultraviolet light, which determines the choice of laser frequency. The movement of the beam along the X and Y axes is determined by the operation of the deflecting mirrors.
After the drawing of the layer is completed, the platform is immersed in the material for the thickness of one more layer, and the process is repeated with the drawing of the next layer of the digital model.
Model building animation
SLA printing takes quite a long time, and printers using this method tend to have relatively small build areas.
This is mainly due to the high cost of laser emitters: printing large objects with a single laser will take too much time, and installing additional emitters and mirrors will complicate the design, increase the dimensions of the installation and raise the price to an unacceptable level for most users.
Despite the success of this technology, projected stereolithography is considered to be a more promising, albeit very similar, method.
Projector Stereolithography (DLP)
Formlabs Form 1 Desktop DLP Printer
A close relative of laser stereolithography, this method uses digital LED projectors instead of laser machines with mirror deflection systems. The method became popular due to the development of technology for the production of low-cost high-resolution digital projectors by Texas Instruments.
Layers are illuminated using a digital projector that highlights the patterns of the entire layer, which distinguishes this method from SLA, where the "picture" emerges progressively using an ultraviolet laser.
A similar approach has previously been used on SGC-type units, but this technology used physical photomasks, making the process costly, time consuming, slow and noisy.
FTI continues to exist, a development of SGC that is virtually indistinguishable from DLP printing, as it also uses digital LED projectors.
Construction of the DLP printer
Simultaneous illumination of an entire layer using projectors can significantly speed up the printing process, even compared to SLA printers that have a high scanning speed (ie beam movement).
In addition, these printers are less sensitive to rough physical impact due to the absence of delicate mirror systems.
The absence of mechanical mirror systems improves accuracy. Finally, the cost of projectors sets them apart from laser systems.
Projection size can be quite significant, reaching the average of popular FDM printers.
An interesting feature of DLP printers is the ability to "reverse" or "reverse" printing.
In this case, the projector is installed under a transparent (material choice for transparency in relation to ultraviolet light) cuvette, and the platform does not sink into the material, but gradually rises, pulling out the layers of exposed polymer.
This approach eliminates the alignment mechanism and achieves even higher Z resolution than SLA printers.
In addition, the size of models in height is not limited by the depth of the cuvette, which favorably affects the dimensions of the printer and the possibility of increasing the build area.
Multi-jet printing (MJM and PolyJet)
3D Systems ProJet 3500HDMax MJM printer
MJM and PolyJet technologies are almost indistinguishable from each other. The name difference comes from the respective patents: Multi Jet Modeling is owned by 3D Systems, while PolyJet is owned by rival Stratasys.
The very principle of multi-jet polymer printing was developed by the Israeli company Objet, which eventually became a division of Stratasys.
Multi-jet printing technology combines features of 3D inkjet printing (3DP) and projection stereolithography (DLP).
How the MJM PolyJet printer works
Models are built by spraying photopolymer using linear arrays consisting of multiple nozzles.
The applied layer is immediately exposed to ultraviolet lamps - as a rule, two processes occur simultaneously.
By the time the array reaches the end of the build chamber, the previously deposited material is hard enough to print a new layer.
Composite models created on the ProJet 3500 DP dental printer
This approach allows to achieve very high printing speed, but is characterized by high design complexity, which negatively affects the cost of such installations and limits their distribution to professional use.
One of the advantages of MJM and PolyJet technologies is the ability to create composite structures from photopolymer resins with different physical characteristics.
It is thus possible to create models with easily removable supports, use several colors and use flexible and rigid materials in parallel within one model.
3D Pens
CreoPop 3D Resin 3D Pen
Recently, there has been a craze for hand-held printing devices called 3D pens. At the moment, there are three main options for such devices: drip-jet pens (DOD), called BioPen and used in the development of new methods for treating damaged tissues, FDM 3D pens, which are manual extruders (in fact, an analog of the usual hot glue guns, but using thermoplastics) and developments in 3D-drawing with photopolymer resins.
CreoPop 3D pen was the first "handheld resin printer". The design of this device is quite simple, because the most complex function, positioning, is performed by the user himself. The pen only extrudes resin through the tip surrounded by LED emitters.
CreoPop 3D pen in action
This way the resin hardens immediately after application, allowing you to literally draw on air.
The advantage of such handles over FDM-analogues is the low operating temperature - there are no heating elements in the device. As a result, with such pens you can even draw on the skin.
In addition, a wide range of photopolymer resins with different physical properties can be used with such devices, which greatly expands the range of possible applications. At a minimum, this is a relatively inexpensive, but entertaining toy.
The only drawback is the relatively high cost of consumables, but such devices are unlikely to require large volumes of photopolymer resin for domestic use.
Additional Lighting
Final Lighting of Resin Models in a Homemade Camera
Full curing of models can take quite a long time, so models during SLA and DLP printing undergo only partial polymerization, sufficient to maintain the physical shape of the part.
After production, the models are usually placed in chambers equipped with ultraviolet lamps until fully cured.
