High resolution desktop 3d printer

What is Resolution in 3D Printing? X, Y, and Z Resolution

The technical definition of resolution in 3D Printing is the shortest distance a 3D printer nozzle travels when depositing filament.  

If you’ve ever purchased a phone or television (or maybe you made your girlfriend/boyfriend get them for you), you’d have come across the term resolution frequently. You’ll know that a 1080p screen has better picture quality than that of a 720p screen. 

Likewise, in 3D printing, a high resolution 3D printer is by far the most important factor to consider when buying a printer if you want high-quality prints.

You’ll often hear terms like Z layer resolution and XY resolution in 3D printer reviews. The Z layer resolution is the height of a single layer in a 3D print. The X and Y resolution, on the other hand, is the shortest distance the nozzle travels in the horizontal direction.

Other Factors That Affect Print Quality

Material

Not all materials print with the same quality: some materials produce higher quality prints than others. 

Printer Stability

Vibrations during printing can hamper 3D printing accuracy. That’s why a sturdy, stable printer is important. All metal printers are sturdier than plastic printers.

Type of Printing

Resin printing produces a higher resolution of prints than FDM printing. 

Temperature

Different plastics print better at different temperatures. For ABS, extrusion temperatures of up to 240-250°C are ideal for accurate prints. PLA on the other hand benefits from temperatures of 200-220°C.

Slicer settings

Slicer settings play a big role in print quality, so make sure you play with these settings to get the perfect print. The layer height will have a big effect on print quality and print speed.

Nozzle size

The smaller the nozzle size, the more accurate and high resolution the print.

When Do High-Quality 3D Printers Make the Most Difference?

High-quality 3D printers don’t make much of a difference on basic flat surfaces like a cube. A cheaper less accurate printer can even produce the same cube in a shorter period of time (because the nozzle diameter size is larger which means it deposits more filament in less layers).  

But if you love printing intricate miniatures, prints with curved or diagonal surfaces, or embossings and engravings, then the difference between a high resolution 3D printer vs a low-resolution printer is blatantly obvious.

Advantages and Disadvantages for High Resolution 3D Printers

High-quality 3D printers don’t make much of a difference on basic flat surfaces like a cube. A cheaper less accurate printer can even produce the same cube in a shorter period of time (because the nozzle diameter size is larger which means it deposits more filament in less layers). 

But if you love printing intricate miniatures, or prints with curved or diagonal surfaces, or embossings and engravings, then the difference between a high resolution 3D printer vs a low-resolution printer is blatantly obvious.

Advantages

Print Quality 

Higher resolution printing naturally leads to smoother surfaces, finer details, and more accurate printing.

Efficient Workflows

High-res printing also leads to efficient workflows while being uncompromising on speed and quality.

More Variability in Creating Objects

These 3D printers can create the most intricate and complex of designs while maintaining quality. 

Picture a model or a sculpture in your head. You can make a real-life version of that with the help of a high res 3D printer.

Disadvantages

Slow Speed

It’s not all sunshine, rainbows, and popcorn with high resolution 3D printers. A piece that may take an hour with a lower res 3D printer will take four hours to print on a high-res one. 

More error-prone

The more the layers in a print, the more time it takes to print, and the greater the chances of a printing error.

Requires Precise Calibration

Your printer setting game needs to be tight to get the highest resolution prints possible. The extrusion and bed temperatures must be just right, and the right nozzle must also be selected.

SLA VS FDM

Like we briefly touched on before, SLA (aka resin) 3D printers produce far more accurate prints than FDM printers. 

SLA printers use UV or laser to cure the resin. These two light sources have different spot sizes. Anycubic Photon Mono X, a popular resin printer, has an XY resolution of 0.05mm and a Z layer resolution of 0.01mm. The resolution of most high-end consumer printers falls in this range.

On the other hand, FDM 3D printers don’t compare to resin printers. For example, one of the best FDM printers, the Prusa MK3S, has a Z layer resolution of only 0.05mm.

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

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

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

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

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

Accurate 3D printers we recommend

Name	Max build volume (mm)	Min layer height	Price	Where to buy
Ender 3 V2	220 x 220 x 250	0.1 mm	$279	Creality Store here
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro	129 x 80 x 160	0.01 mm	$280	Elegoo here
Anycubic Photon Mono 4K	132 x 80 x 165	0. 01 mm	$299	Anycubic Store here
Elegoo Mars 3	143 x 90 x 165	0.01	$349	Elegoo here
Prusa i3 MK3S	250 x 210 x 200	0.05 mm	$749 / $999	Prusa Store here
Formlabs Form 3	145 x 145 x 185	25 microns	$3,499	Formlabs Form 3
Ultimaker S3	230 x 190 x 200	20 microns	$3,850	Dynamism Store here

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

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

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

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

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

However, other factors can also significantly affect print quality.

Other factors that affect print quality

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The best high-resolution 3D printers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anycubic Photon Mono 4K

• Price: $299 – Available at Anycubic Official Store here / Available on Amazon here
• Build volume: 132 x 80 x 165 mm
• Type of 3D printer: LCD 3D printer
• Z-axis accuracy: 0.00125 mm, XY Resolution: 0.035 mm

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

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

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

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

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

Elegoo Mars 3 – Best Cost-Effective Resin Pick

• Price: $349 – Available at Elegoo store here / Available on Amazon here
• Build volume: 143 x 90 x 165 mm
• Type of 3D printer: LCD 3D printer
• Z-axis accuracy: 0. 00125 mm, XY Resolution: 0.035 mm

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

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

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

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

Prusa i3 MK3S+

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

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

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

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

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

Formlabs Form 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ultimaker S3

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

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

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

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

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

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

Advantages of a High Resolution 3D Printer

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

Disadvantages of an accurate 3D printer

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

High-Resolution 3D Printing Technologies

Some 3D printing technologies considered high-resolution include:

FDM – Fused Deposition Modeling

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

Resin (SLA, DLP, LCD)

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

MJF – Multi Jet Fusion

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

PolyJet – Photopolymer Jetting

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

High-Resolution 3D Printer FAQs

Are High-Resolution 3D Prints Stronger?

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

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

What Is High-Resolution 3D Printing?

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

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

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

What Effect Does 3D Print Resolution Have on Speed?

Higher resolutions decrease speed.

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

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

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

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

Usually, when choosing a resolution for 3D printing, the Z-axis resolution, or Z-resolution, is the most discussed. This is the vertical resolution, which 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

1. Resolution in 3D printing: X, Y and Z resolution
2. Other factors affecting print quality
3. When do high quality 3D printers matter most?
4. Best High Resolution 3D Printers
5. Ender 3 V2 - Precision 3D Printer Under $0
6. Elegoo Mars 2 Pro
7. Anycubic Photon Mono 4K
8. Elegoo Mars 3 - Best Inexpensive Resin Choice
+ 3903S
9. Formlabs Form 3
10. Ultimaker S3
11. Advantages of a high resolution 3D printer
12. Disadvantages of a precision 3D printer
13. High resolution 3D printing technologies
14. 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 delivering 35 micron pixel resolution, 15 microns better than its predecessor. In simple terms, this means a smooth surface and the finest detail in every print, which is immediately visible to the naked eye.

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

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

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

Elegoo Mars 3 - Best inexpensive resin choice

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

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

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

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

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

Prusa i3 MK3S+

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

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

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

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

Formlabs Form 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ultimaker S3

• Price: $3,850
• Assembly volume: 230 x 190 x 200 mm
• 3D printer type: FDM 3D printer and
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.

Benefits of High Resolution 3D Printer

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

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

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

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

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

High-Resolution 3D Printing Technologies

High-Resolution 3D Printing Technologies include:

FDM - Fused Deposition Modeling

Resin (SLA, DLP, LCD)

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

MJF - multi-jet simulation

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

PolyJet - Resin Inkjet

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

High Definition 3D Printer FAQ

Are high definition 3D prints more durable?

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

What is high resolution 3D printing?

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

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

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

How does 3D printing resolution affect speed?

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

Comparison of 3D printing technologies: FDM, SLA and SLS

Additive manufacturing or 3D printing reduces costs, saves time and enhances technological capabilities in product development. 3D printing technologies offer versatile solutions for applications ranging from rapid concept and functional prototypes in the field of prototyping to fixtures and clamps or even final parts in manufacturing.

Over the past few years, high resolution 3D printers have become more affordable, more reliable and easier to use. As a result, more companies have been able to use 3D printing technology, but choosing between different competing 3D printing solutions can be difficult.

Which technology is right for your needs? What materials are available for her? What equipment and training is needed to get started? What are the costs and payback?

In this article, we take a closer look at three of today's most well-known plastic 3D printing technologies: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS).

Choosing between FDM and SLA 3D printer? Check out our detailed comparison of FDM and SLA technologies.

Download this high resolution infographic here.

VIDEO MANUAL

Can't find the 3D printing technology that best suits your needs? In this video tutorial, we compare Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technologies in terms of the top factors to consider when purchasing.

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Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), also known as Fused Filament Manufacturing (FFF), is the most widely used form of 3D printing at the consumer level, fueled by the rise of consumer 3D printers. On FDM printers, models are made by melting and extruding a thermoplastic filament, which the printer's nozzle applies layer by layer to the model being built.

The FDM method uses a range of standard plastics such as ABS, PLA and their various blends. It is well suited for making basic experimental models, as well as for quickly and inexpensively prototyping simple parts, such as parts that are usually machined.

FDM models often show layer lines and may have inaccuracies around complex features. This sample was printed on a Stratasys uPrint FDM industrial 3D printer with soluble support structures (printer price starting at $15,900).

FDM printers have the lowest resolution and accuracy of SLA or SLS and are not the best option for printing complex designs or parts with complex features. Surface quality can be improved by chemical and mechanical polishing processes. To address these issues, industrial FDM 3D printers use soluble support structures and offer a wider range of engineering thermoplastics, but they are also expensive.

FDM printers do not handle complex designs or parts with complex features (left) compared to SLA printers (right).

Invented in the 1980s, stereolithography is the world's first 3D printing technology and is still one of the most popular technologies among professionals today. SLA printers use a process called photopolymerization, which is the conversion of liquid polymers into hardened plastic using a laser.

See stereolithography in action.

Models printed on SLA printers have the highest resolution and accuracy, the sharpest detail and the smoothest surface of all plastic 3D printing technologies, but the main advantage of the SLA method is its versatility. Materials manufacturers have developed innovative formulas for SLA polymers with a wide range of optical, mechanical and thermal properties that match those of standard, engineering and industrial thermoplastics.

Models created using SLA technology have sharp edges, a smooth surface and almost invisible layer lines. This sample was printed on a Formlabs Form 3 Desktop Stereolithographic 3D Printer (price starting at $3499).

SLA is an excellent option for making highly detailed prototypes that require close tolerances and smooth surfaces such as molds, templates and functional parts. SLA technology is widely used in industries ranging from engineering and design to manufacturing, dentistry, jewelry, modeling, and education.

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Selective laser sintering is the most common additive manufacturing technology used in industry.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printers use a high power laser to sinter fine polymer powder particles. The unsprayed powder supports the model during printing and eliminates the need for special support structures. This makes SLS ideal for complex geometries, including internal features, grooves, thin walls, and negative taper. Models produced using SLS printing have excellent mechanical characteristics: their strength can be compared with the strength of injection molded parts.

Models created with SLS technology have a slightly rough surface, but almost no visible layer lines. This sample was printed on the Formlabs Fuse 1 SLS workshop 3D printer (price starting at $18,500).

The most common selective laser sintering material is nylon, a popular engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties. Nylon is light, strong and flexible, resistant to impact, heat, chemicals, UV radiation, water and dirt.

The combination of low part cost, high productivity, and widely used materials makes SLS a popular method for engineering functional prototyping and a cost-effective alternative to injection molding in cases where production runs are limited.

White Paper

Looking for a 3D printer to create durable, functional models? Download our white paper to learn how selective laser sintering (SLS) technology works and why it is popular in 3D printing for functional prototypes and end-use products. accuracy ★ opa ☆ ★ opa ★ Look Surface quality ★ op ★ performance 3 ★ opa ★★★★★ Ease of use ★★★★★ ★★★★★ ★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ 0455 Benefits Speed Inexpensive custom machines and materials High cost efficiency High accuracy Smooth surface Wide range of functional applications Robust functional parts Design flexibility No need for supporting structures Disadvantages Poor accuracy low detail Limited conformity to design design Susceptibility to prolonged UV exposure Uneven surface Material Limitations Applications Inexpensive Rapid Prototyping Basic experimental models Functional prototyping Templates, forms and tools Dental products Prototyping jewelry and molds Model building Functional prototyping Small batch and custom Print volume Up to ~300 x 300 x 600 mm (desktop 3D printers) Up to ~300 x 335 x 200 mm (Desktop and Workshop 3D printers) Up to 165 x 165 x 300 mm (Workshop 3D printers) Materials ABS plastic, PLA and their various mixtures. Various polymers (thermosets). Standard, engineering (with properties of ABS plastic, polypropylene, flexible, heat-resistant), molding, dental and medical (biocompatible). Engineering thermoplastics. Nylon 11, Nylon 12 and their composites. Training Minimum training in equipment setup, machine operation and surface treatment; short maintenance training. Plug and play concept. Minimal training in equipment setup, maintenance, machine operation and surface treatment. Short training in equipment setup, maintenance, machine operation and surface treatment. Room requirements Air-conditioned environment or preferably individual ventilation for desktop machines. Desktop machines suitable for office use. Workshop systems have moderate space requirements and can be installed in a production environment. Accessories Support removal system for machines with soluble support structures (optionally automated), finishing tools. Finishing station, washing station (optionally automated), finishing tools. Post-processing station for cleaning models and restoring materials.

Either way, you should choose the technology that best suits your business. Prices have dropped significantly in recent years, and today all three technologies are offered in compact and affordable systems.

3D printing costing doesn't end with initial equipment costs. Material and labor costs have a significant impact on the cost of each part, depending on the application and production needs. Professional desktop printers start at $3,500, large-format workshop printers start at $10,000, industrial systems for large-scale production start at $80,000. Material cost $50-$150/kg for most standard and engineering yarns and $100-$200/kg for auxiliary materials. $50-$150/L for most standard and engineering polymers. $100/kg for nylon. SLS does not require supporting structures and unused powder can be reused, reducing material costs. Labor Manual removal of support structures (can be automated for industrial systems with dissolvable supports). Long post-processing is required to obtain a high quality surface. Washing and final polymerization (both can be automated). Simple post-processing to remove supporting structures. Easy cleaning to remove excess powder.

INTERACTIVE MATERIAL

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FDM, SLA and SLS printed ski goggle frame prototypes (left to right).

We hope this article has helped you narrow down your search for the 3D printing technology best suited to your needs.

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