Low cost sla 3d printer

Best Resin 3D Printers in October 2022 (Every Price Range)

Resin 3D printers are more affordable than ever – you can now pick up a great quality resin printer with a 4K LCD screen for just a few hundred dollars. So if you’re a home maker who wants to make detailed miniatures for your next game, or have more professional ambitions, it’s never been easier.

MSLA (masked stereolithography) 3D printers have taken over the low-cost space, using LCD screens to cure resin models based on your sliced STL file.

With 2K, 4K, and even up to 8K LCD screen quality available under $1,000, and sub-35-micron resolution becoming increasingly common, with the right settings you can create incredible-looking miniature models, as well as key uses in jewelry molds and in the dental industry.

Here are our top picks for 4K, 6K, and 8K screens:

BUDGET PICK

Anycubic Photon M3

High quality 4K resolution for low price

Larger build volume than Photon Mono 4K and Elegoo Mars 3

Available at:

Anycubic here

MID-RANGE PICK

Anycubic Mono X 6K

Higher-quality 6K LCD screen

Much larger print area for printing many minis in one job

Available at:

Anycubic here

PREMIUM PICK

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K

Extremely high-res 8K LCD screen with 22-micron accuracy

Reasonable price for the quality

Available at:

Phrozen here

We’ve split our recommendations into the best cheap resin 3D printers with recommendations for $200, $300, $500, and $700, as well as recommending a couple of clear winners for professional resin 3D printers if you’re looking to start a business or scale things up.

The Best Resin 3D Printers 2022 – Reviews

Resin printer	Price	Best price at	Alternative
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro / 3	$200-349	Elegoo here	Amazon here
Anycubic Photon M3	$300	Anycubic here
Anycubic Mono X 6K	$639	Anycubic here
Elegoo Saturn	$499	Elegoo here	Amazon here
Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K	$799	Phrozen Store here
Prusa SL1S Speed	$1,999	Prusa Store here
Formlabs Form 3	$3,499	Dynamism store here

The best resin 3D printers, prices, and where to buy.

Best Cheap Resin 3D Printers (Under $1,000)

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Elegoo Mars 2 Pro / Mars 3

BUDGET PICK

Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

Print Volume: 129 x 80 x 160 mm

Screen size: 6. 08″ 2K Monochrome LCD

XY Resolution: 50 microns

Speed: 30-50 mm/h

Cleaning/Curing: Elegoo Mercury Plus/X

Available at:

Elegoo hereAmazon here

PREMIUM PICK

Elegoo Mars 3

Print Volume: 143 x 90 x 175 mm

Screen resolution: 6.6″ 4K LCD

XY Resolution: 35 microns

Speed: 1.5-3 seconds per layer

Cleaning/Curing: Elegoo Mercury Plus/X

Available at:

Elegoo hereMatterhackers hereAmazon here

While there are newer Mars printers like the Mars 3 and brand-new Elegoo Mars 3 Pro, the Mars 2 Pro still offers great quality if you’re on a budget. It features the revamped z-axis linear guide system for smoother layers and better surface areas.An accurate dinosaur head we 3D printed on the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro.Clank video game 3D print on the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro.

But for those looking for more precise detailing on their miniatures or other prints, consider upgrading to the Mars 3 range.

Whereas the Mars 2 Pro has a 6.08-inch 2K LCD, the Mars 3 and Mars 3 Pro both have 6.6-inch 4K screens, improving XY resolution from 50 microns to 35 microns – a 30% accuracy improvement.

You also get a 37% larger build volume: 143 x 90 x 175mm on the Mars 3, vs the 129 x 80 x 160 mm. This is ideal for printing a number of models at once to save time, and for printing larger models that might not quite have fit into the Mars 2 Pro’s build area.

So if you’re on a tight budget, the Mars 2 Pro is still a fine choice – we’ve printed some great detailing in our dinosaur head’s teeth, and in video game miniatures. But, for sharper accuracy and larger build areas, upgrade to the Mars 3, or Mars 3 Pro.

Read our full review: we tested the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro

Compared: Elegoo Mars 2 Pro and 3 vs Elegoo Saturn

Anycubic Photon M3

Price: Check latest price at Anycubic here
Build Volume: 180 x 163 x 102 mm
XY Resolution: 40 microns
Minimum Layer Height: 10 microns
Speed: 50mm/h

The latest entry-level Photon 3D printer, the Anycubic Photon M3 takes everything we loved about the series – fast print times, excellent resolution, and a user-friendly printing experience – and levels it up with a few choice enhancements.

Among the improvements, Anycubic has upgraded to a 180 x 163 x 102 mm build volume, which lends itself to larger prints along with the superb high detail models and miniatures the Mono 4K is known for, even intricate articulated figurines.

Another benefit of the build volume is the possibility of producing bigger batches of the same Warhammer or D&D mini-figures, ideal if you’re hoping to use your M3 to fuel a small business.

Though the Anycubic Photon M3 includes an excellent 7.6″ 4K monochrome screen, the resolution drops slightly to 40 microns – 5 microns higher than the Mono 4K. For us, this is a reasonable compromise for the extra printing space.

At this level of detail, you’d be hard-pressed to notice any tangible difference between the two resolutions, so the larger screen and print area is worth the drop to us – though you can opt for the Anycubic Photon Mono 4K if you prefer 35 micron resolution and a smaller build volume.

It’s cheap, user-friendly, and creates feature-rich, detailed 4K parts, models, figurines, and minis.

Larger build volume and 4K LCD screen than the Photon Mono 4K.

Low cost, high quality

Perfect if you’re looking to print larger minis faster, and several at once.

Cons

40-micron resolution vs 35 microns on the Mono 4K – though you’ll probably not notice the difference.

Anycubic Mono X 6K

Price: Check latest price at Anycubic here
Build Volume: 197 x 122 x 245 mm
XY Resolution: 34 microns
Minimum Layer Height: 10 microns
Speed: 80 mm/h

The Anycubic Mono X 6K allows makers to craft exceptionally detailed 6K prints at 34 microns XY resolution without sacrificing build volume (or vice versa), which inches close to standard FDM printer sizes at 197 x 122 x 245mm. A max print speed of 80 mm/h also prints the most complex minis and models at a blistering pace.

If you’re not constrained by a tight budget and want some of the best quality offered by any consumer-grade printer, there’s no question the Anycubic Mono X 6K is a sensible buy. The same goes for those piecing together the kit needed to take a budding minis business to the next level.

But, for those restricted to a smaller budget, the original Mono X and the even lower-cost M3 are perfect for those that want to print high-quality minis without breaking the bank. The trade-offs are smaller build volume, slightly lower resolutions, and longer print times – nothing that should hamper the majority of hobbyist resin projects.

Market leading print quality.

Reasonably priced for the specs it offers.

Cons

Average build volume.

Elegoo Saturn

Price: Check latest price at Elegoo here / Available on Amazon here
Print Volume: 192 x 120 x 200 mm
Screen resolution: 3840 x 2400 pixels
Screen size: 8. 9″ 4K Monochrome LCD
XY Resolution: 50 microns
Speed: 30-40mm/h
Cleaning/Curing: Elegoo Mercury Plus/X Washing and Curing Station

Featuring an 8.9-inch 4K monochrome LCD screen for fast layer curing, the Elegoo Saturn comes much upgraded on standard models, printing 60% faster than the Elegoo Mars Pro, printing a layer every 2-3 seconds.

For your money, you get a number of other key upgrades, most notably the larger build area, turning the Elegoo Saturn into a solid resin 3D printer for larger resin models or terrain for miniatures, as well as for printing more minis in one batch and taking advantage of resin printers’ abilities to print entire layers at once.

The improved precision, owing to the Saturn’s double linear guideway Z-axis structure makes it steadier than ever, ensuring accuracy and uniformity across the print.

If this isn’t enough, you have two upgrade options:

Elegoo Saturn S: a slight improvement across the board, with an 9. 1” 4K LCD, and a slight build volume increase to 196 x 122 x 210 mm
Elegoo Saturn 2: upgrades to a 10” 8K LCD, 28.5nm XY resolution, and a larger 219 x 123 x 250 mm build area.

	Elegoo Saturn	Elegoo Saturn S	Elegoo Saturn 2
LCD Quality	8.9″ 4K LCD	9.1″ 4K LCD	10″ 8K LCD
Build Volume	192 x 120 x 200 mm	196 x 122 x 210 mm	219 x 123 x 250 mm
XY Resolution	50 microns	48 microns	28.5 microns
	Buy here	Buy here	Preorder here

Elegoo Saturn vs Saturn S vs Saturn 2

Read more: Elegoo Saturn vs Anycubic Mono X – compared

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K

Price: Check latest price at Phrozen here
Build Volume: 165 x 72 x 180 mm
XY Resolution: 22 microns
Minimum Layer Height: 10 microns
Speed: 80 mm/h

Phrozen’s flagship resin printer capitalizes on a sleek 7. 1″ LCD screen and 22-micron resolution to deliver frankly outstanding print detail and surface quality that more budget-priced printers simply can’t provide.

As consumer printers go, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K has the potential to produce the most intricate, detail-rich models of any printers currently on the market.

The jump from a 2K, and even a 4K/6K, to an 8K screen is apparent when scrutinizing a print fresh off the Mini 8K bed. This is the main reason it out-classes Phrozen’s excellent budget Sonic Mini 4K, albeit with a hefty but warranted price increase.

For lots of makers, the jump in quality won’t be enough to justify spending more than double the price of a Photon or Mars, but the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K fleshes out the proposition with superb all-around usability and a decent 165 x 72 x 180 mm build volume.

If that’s not quite enough for your larger print projects or you’re looking to batch print to stock an online mini store, there’s always the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 8K, and its 123 x 218 x 235 mm printable area.

Market leading print quality.

Reasonably priced for the specs it offers.

Cons

Average build volume.

Best Desktop Resin 3D Printers (Between $1,000 and $3,000)

Prusa SL1S Speed

Price: $1,999 — Available at Prusa Store here
Print Volume: 120 x 68 x 150 mm
Screen resolution: 2560 x 1620 pixels
Screen size: 5.96” 2K Monochrome LCD
XY Resolution: 47 microns
Print Speed: 50mm/h
Cleaning/Curing: Original Prusa CW1S

Prusa printers are known for being the best open-source FDM kits around, but have since ventured into resin printing.

One thing we really want to drive home is how important it is not to get tunnel vision when looking at the specs of printers when choosing which to buy. As we explain in the buyer’s guide portion below, a well-made printer made from high-quality parts that can handle precise movements and stability will outperform a printer with a higher-spec LCD screen but worse build quality.

The 5.96” monochrome LCD is smaller than some lower-priced printers like the Elegoo Saturn 2, but it is capable of fantastic accuracy, even for tiny miniature models smaller than a penny. It’s made from high-quality parts to minimize vibrations, with a rigid aluminum body, and features a quick release mechanism to maintain z-axis calibration.

It’s also super fast, with 1.4-second layer exposures even on standard 405nm resins. If you’re a small business owner looking to produce minis at scale, or just want to print lots of models for yourself, the SL1S Speed suits you well.

You can buy the printer on its own, or as a bundle with the CW1S 4-in-1 wash and cure machine. It pre-heats your resin before use, washes resin prints, dries them off, and cures them, all in one add-on. The bundle is available here.

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

Formlabs Form 3 — best professional resin 3D printer

Price: $3,499 — Available on Dynamism Store here
Build Volume: 145 x 145 x 185 mm
XY Resolution: 25 microns
Print speed: 70mm/h
Cleaning/Curing: Formlabs Form Wash & Cure

Formlabs make professional resin 3D printers, but at desktop resin printer prices. The US manufacturer sells the Form 3 SLA 3D printer for $3,499, with its quality making it key for super accurate prototypes, as well as being adopted in the dental and jewelry industries.

The Form 3 comes with a huge variety of new features as compared with the previous Form 2. It comes with new LFS technology advantages as well as a new Light Processing Unit (LPU) to improve resin part surface finishes, as well as better layer registrations. The Form 2 was already fantastic, and these added features elevate the Form 3 to a whole new dimension within desktop SLA printers.

Additionally, the Formlabs Form 3 has an automated resin system and uses smart cartridges that automatically fill the resin tank – key for business owners looking to maximize efficiency and revenue per hour.

In addition, it has a scanning system for the resin tray after each layer, and automatically adjusts based on the type of resin used. Furthermore, its got a fantastic touch screen and can be operated remotely via a WiFi connection, as well as operable as part of a factory with Formlabs’ industrial multi-printer ‘Form Cell’ solutions.

This UV 3D resin 3D printer has a print volume of 145 x 145 x 185 mm, and is extremely precise with 25-micron XY resolution. The Formlabs Form 3 is compatible with a large number of resins, from ceramic, to flexible resins, to castable resins, though Formlabs also sell their own high-quality resin materials.Formlabs resins are available here.

Curing and Cleaning Stations

With washing and curing an unavoidable part of resin 3D printing, we’ve rounded up a few choice washing and curing stations well worth weaving into your printing setup to take some of the sting and mess out of post-processing.

Anycubic Wash & Cure

Available at Anycubic Store here / Amazon here

The Anycubic Wash & Cure is an all-in-one station compatible with the overwhelming majority of resin printers. Thanks to a nifty recent price cut from Anycubic, the Wash & Cure sets you back under $100.

The wash mode has adjustable wash cycles, including 2, 4, and 6 minutes. Cure mode employs a wide range 356 nm and 405 nm UV light set mounted on a 360° rotating platform to ensure a uniform cure of all and any print sized at 115 x 65 x 165 mm and under.

Anycubic has simplified the whole wash and cure process thanks to a set-and-forget design – choose either wash or cure on the touch button interface, and off it goes. The station blocks 99.95% of UV light and comes with an auto-pause function if the cover inadvertently comes off. The station has an adjustable bracket that can latch onto an Anycubic build platform if you’re working with a Photon Mono series printer.

Elegoo Mercury Plus

Available at Amazon here

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

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

A 385 nm and 405 nm UV light set and 360-degree rotating curing turntable do all the curing work with the option to key in and monitor curing time up to 30 minutes on the TFT touchscreen. Safety’s covered with an anti-UV lid that blocks 99.95% of UV rays and a suspend operation function should the cover come off during curing.

Expect to pay more than the Anycubic station, but at roughly $120, you’ll deck out your resin 3D printing setup with a quality mess-free station.

Buyer’s Guide – What to Consider When Buying a 3D Resin Printer

RGB vs Mono LCD Screens – Pick a Mono Resin 3D Printer

Most modern resin printers now ship with monochrome LCD screens instead of the RGB variants found in earlier models.

The shift is all to the benefit of makers as monochrome screens have many advantages over RGB:

They print faster, often up to 3x quicker
They are more durable, lasting up to 4-5x longer before replacing

LCD Screen Resolution: 2K, 4K, 6K, 8K – What Quality Do You Need?

Raw specs do translate to better quality overall. You will notice the difference in sharpness on corners, and on precise features of models such as facial features and hair on an 8K screen versus a 4K or 2K print.4K vs 8K resin printed miniature. Source: Geek Gaming Scenics

However, while a higher resolution makes a clear difference to print results, even the highest resolution 3D printer will not perform as well as a lower-res 2K screen if it is built from low-quality parts.

Therefore, buy from a reputable brand known for making high-quality parts, such as well-built screws and z-axis parts for the build plate, and resin vat screws, to deliver top quality.

We recommend resin printers from Anycubic, Elegoo, and Phrozen for hobbyist printing, and Prusa and Formlabs for professional resin printing.

Build Volume

As a general rule, resin printers feature smaller build volumes than more common FDM machines, hence why makers and professionals use them to create small intricate parts with high precision.

If you do need extra printing space for duplicate part printing or larger figurines and models, consider larger format resin printers such as the Peopoly Phenom and Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K.

Post-Processing Equipment

Resin 3D printing is a messy business, and post-processing is a core part of the printing process. Post-processing breaks down into two parts, washing and curing.

Washing involves removing any residual uncured resin from the print using isopropanol.

Curing uses further UV light source slexposure to complete the curing polymerization process to improve the part’s finish and overall rigidity.

Self-guided, hands-on post-processing is one way to go, but manufacturers now propose all-in-one washing and curing stations to take much of the messy hassle out of the process.

How Does a Resin 3D Printer Work?

Resin is sticky, liquid, and moves around in any container (or resin vat) that you pour it into. However, take that container outside, and the sun’s UV rays will almost immediately cure and solidify the resin.

Your resin printer’s LCD screen uses the same UV light as the sun but in a more stable indoor environment, flashing light at certain parts of the resin to selectively cure parts, based on your model’s features.

The LCD screen blocks off the LEDs from certain parts so that the resin isn’t cured in some places – only where your model file is sliced to be.

The screen sits under the resin vat, and projects light upwards into the build platform. An FEP screen (fluorinated ethylene propylene) protects the screen from damage – though these FEP films themselves need to be replaced more often than any other parts of the printer.

As each layer is cured, the resin printer’s z-axis platform, lifts up one layer, for the next resin layer to be cured. The cured model sticks to the build platform as it moves up out of the resin (if it sticks to the resin, the print fails), with the layer on the edge cured and moved up each time.

Resin 3D Printing Tips for Beginners:

Check the MSDS (material safety data sheet) for the resin you’re using – all reputable resin manufacturers will have these sheets. They outline any potential hazards, and how you can keep safe and prevent these issues.

Print in a relatively warm environment – room temperature is fine, but if resin gets too cold it become more viscous and difficult to print.

Wear gloves when handling resin – nitrile rubber disposable gloves work well.

Pick the best slicer for you – if you use a certain brand such as Prusa, you’ll likely use Prusa Slicer. For simple everyday use, CHITUBOX is fine, but other options for great resin results include Lychee Slicer. We have a full run-down of resin slicers here.

Take care over supports – within your slicer, take care over how you position your model, and the supports you use. Flat printed models don’t work as well as they do in FDM, as you can damage the resin print scraping it off – though there are workarounds with sacrificial rafts. Generally, lift the model off the bed and have supports between the bottom raft and the FEP sheet. If you’re technical, there is a very powerful tool called UVTools which automatically detects likely errors, resin traps and islands, and with one click fixes them all. It is available at Github here. It acts as a kind of previewer, showing you where potentials for print failure are, so you can avoid the costly failed prints, and optimize them automatically.

How Much is a Resin 3D Printer?

Good cheap resin 3D printers start at around $200, with either a 2K or 4K screen that can still print precise features on miniature models. 6K and 8K screen resin printers cost from $600 to $1000+, and professional resin 3D printers from companies like Formlabs cost $3500 and up.

Uses of resin 3D printers

Budget resin 3D printers are typically used by hobbyists to make accurate figures and miniatures at details FDM printers just cannot reach. They’re commonly used for 28mm miniatures, D&D figures, and other similar projects for tabletop models.

See also: our buyer’s guide for the best 3D printers for miniatures.

However, these low cost options can sometimes be used for creating wax molds for jewelry casting. For better quality casting with precious metals however it is recommended to use a more professional resin 3D printer capable of better resolutions and precision.

See also: our guide to the best jewelry 3D printers.

Resin printers are commonly used in the dental, audiology, jewelry, and medical industries. For example, within dentistry resin 3D printers can print orthodontic models and implants, and within audiology, almost 100% of custom hearing aids are now 3D printed.

See also: 3D printing in the dental industry.

See also: how 3D printed hearing aids took over the world.

Is Resin Printing Messy?

Though the resin printing process isn’t messy per se, the post-processing of a finished resin print invariably descends into a frustrating, sloppy, not to say potentially harmful mess of dripping resin and pungent isopropanol. It isn’t for the faint of heart or those wary of getting stuck in.

Fortunately, curing and cleaning stations help contain resin processing’s messiness, so you’re not caking your hands in muck by juddering your prints around in a vat of isopropanol.

FAQs

What are the best resin 3D printer brands?

For the home resin 3D printing $200-600 range, the best resin 3D printer brands are Anycubic, Elegoo and Phrozen, who make high-quality printers capable of accurate details. In the professional resin printer range, Prusa, Formlabs and Peopoly are well-reputed, as well as industrial brands like 3D Systems, Carbon 3D and EnvisionTEC.

Is it worth getting a resin 3D printer?

Resin 3D printers can print incredible-looking details for miniatures that FDM simply can’t compete with, so for anything precise and detailed, resin printers can’t be beaten. However, if you want a simpler printing experience without washing or curing prints, or want to print large-scale models, go for an FDM 3D printer instead.

Do You Need To Wash and Cure Resin Prints?

Yes. The resin printing process leaves uncured residual resin on the finished part. Rinsing off the excess resin ensures all the detail and finish of the print remain accurate once you move to the curing process. There’s also a safety concern; washing resin prints removes potentially toxic uncured liquid resin, so you can handle the part safely.

Curing is an equally important part of the process. When a printer completes a part, the resin is in a transitory state: hard enough to retain the desired shape and detail but lacking overall rigidity, making it prone to scratches, scarring, and blemishes. By curing the print with UV, or even sunlight if you’ve got time on your side, the resin reaches its optimal, finished state.

If you liked this ranking, you may also like:

Top 10 SLS 3D printers
The best metal 3D printers
Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers
3DSourced’s Overall Top 20 Best 3D Printers
Our guide to the 10 types of 3D printers
Best large resin 3D printers
Best resin curing stations

7 Cheapest & Best SLA Resin 3D Printers You Can Get Today – 3D Printerly

3D printing has come a long way from where it first started out. Today, we have at our disposal a seemingly never-ending variety of 3D printers that use different types of technology.

Apart from the most common FDM-type 3D printers, there are also those that use the Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) technique to print parts and models.

These are usually more precise than FDM 3D printers and boast a much higher part quality. This is because of the process where a powerful UV light is applied directly to liquid resin for the purpose of curing it.

In the end, parts come out looking amazing and exceptionally detailed. It is for this reason that makes SLA 3D printers exceedingly desirable.

In this article, I’ve gathered 7 of the cheapest, yet best SLA resin 3D printers that you can buy today online. Without any further ado, let’s jump straight in.

Creality is widely known for its array of high-quality and reliable 3D printers. They are industry experts in FDM and SLA 3D printing alike, and the LD-002R just shows how versatile this Chinese manufacturer is.

This is a budget-friendly machine that costs just around $200 and is one fantastic option if you’re looking to find an entry into resin 3D printing.

The LD-002R (Amazon) has several features that make it worthy of being purchased. It is equipped with an air filtering system, and it also has anti-aliasing technology for making quality and detailed prints.

It may not be the best SLA 3D printer out there, but given its price, the LD-002R surely packs great value for money, and that makes it one of the best SLA 3D printers you can get right now.

What’s more, is that this printer is fairly easy to operate and also has minimal assembly. For beginners and casuals, this counts as a significant benefit of this resin 3D printer.

Let’s probe further with the features and specifications.

Features of the Creality LD-002R

Air Filtration System
Quick Leveling System
Fast ChiTuBox Slicing Software
30W UV Light
3.5-inch 2K LCD Full-Color Touchscreen
Anti-Aliasing Feature
Offline Printing
Convenient Vat Resin Cleaning
All-Metal Body & CNC Aluminum
Stable Ball Linear Rails
Lifetime Technical Assistance & Professional Customer Service

Specifications of the Creality LD-002R

Slicer Software: ChiTu DLP Slicer
Printing Technology: LCD Display Photocuring
Connectivity: USB
Print Size: 119 x 65 x 160mm
Machine Size: 221 x 221 x 403mm
Print Speed: 4s/layer
Nominal Voltage 100-240V
Output Voltage: 12V
Nominal Power: 72W
Layer Height: 0. 02 – 0.05mm
XY Axis Precision: 0.075mm
Print Method: USB
File Format: STL/CTB
Machine Weight: 7KG

The Creality LD-002R is enriched with features, and this comes off as a pleasant surprise given its price point. It has an effective air filtration system that does a great job at minimizing resin odor.

A pouch of activated carbon is placed at the back of its print chamber, allowing it to filter out the irritating smell with the help of a set of double fans.

The LD-002R comes pre-loaded with the ChiTuBox slicer software that’s popularly known for its speed and ease of use. In addition, a powerful 30W UV light attributes to fast resin printing and ensures a high level of quality.

This printer is also equipped with a 3.5-inch 2K LCD full-color touchscreen whose interface is easy to use and get around with. Navigation is a breeze with the LD-002R.

What’s more, is that Creality offers lifetime technical assistance when you buy this 3D printer. The company is well-known for its professionalism in providing excellent customer support.

Customer Reviews of the Creality LD-002R

The Creality LD-002R enjoys a remarkable 4.6/5.0 rating on Amazon at time of writing,and has almost 80% of the customers dropping 5-star reviews for it.

Users have truly admired how this SLA 3D printer’s print bed is fairly easy to level despite being a manual one. You just have to loosen the 4 screws, give the plate a push, tighten the 4 screws back, and you’re done.

The build quality is also top-notch. The LD-002R has an all-metal body that’s reinforced by CNC cutting techniques. This makes the printer rock-solid – something that users have appreciated much after purchasing it.

In addition, people commented that they were able to print reliably and consistently with the LD-002R without any failures. The large build volume is another big selling point of this resin 3D printer that people have appreciated.

For a sub $200 purchase, the Creality LD-002R is an efficient workhorse that can produce quality prints without having to put in a lot of effort. It’s surely one of the best SLA 3D printers out there.

Pros of the Creality LD-002R

Ball linear rails ensure steady Z-axis movement for smoother prints
A strong metal frame reduces vibrations
Uniform 405nm UV light source with a reflective cup for even lighting
A strong air filtering system provides a cleaner environment
Competitive pricing
New easy to use user interface
Anti-aliasing effect to produce finer prints
Quick leveling system simplifies the leveling process – loosen 4 side screws, push home, then tighten the 4 side screws.
Vat cleaning is a lot easier with the special FED release film
Relatively large print volume of 119 x 65 x 160mm
Consistently successful prints

Cons of the Creality LD-002R

The instructions given in the manual are unclear and hard to understand
Some users have reported the touchscreen being unresponsive at times, but a restart can fix this promptly

Final Thoughts

The Creality LD-002R is an SLA 3D printer that does not break the bank and comfortably gets you in on the scene of resin 3D printing. It’s well-built, has great features, and prints top-quality parts.

Get yourself the Creality LD-002R from Amazon today.

When the topic is resin 3D printing, one cannot help but bring up Elegoo. This China-based manufacturer is a symbol of superb quality SLA 3D printers with the promise of reliability and high performance.

Speaking of these traits, the Mars 2 Mono is no exception to Elegoo’s brilliance. It costs somewhere around $230, is jam-packed with features, and has widespread respect in the resin 3D printing community.

There’s simply a lot that the Mars 2 Mono brings to the table. At such an inexpensive price point, you can step into the world of SLA 3D printing and do quite well with this machine.

Elegoo has covered all customers with a 1-year warranty on the whole printer and a separate 6-month warranty on the 2K LCD. The latter does not include the FEP film, however.

Just like the Creality LD-002R, the Mars 2 Mono (Amazon) also utilizes ChiTuBox as its default slicer software. Compared to others which you use on the printer as well, ChiTuBox is optimized for resin 3D printing specifically and is a much better option for users.

Let’s see what the features and specifications look like on the Mars 2 Mono.

Features of the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono

Fast Printing
Low Maintenance Requirement
2K Monochrome LCD
Sturdy Build Quality
Sandblasted Build Plate
Multi-Language Support
One-year Warranty Services
Replaceable Resin Tank
COB UV LED Light Source
ChiTuBox Slicer Software
Top-Notch Customer Support Service

Specifications of the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono

Technology: LCD
Assembly: Fully-Assembled
Build Volume: 129 x 80 x 150mm
Layer Height: 0.01+mm
XY Resolution: 0.05mm (1620 x 2560 pixels)
Z-Axis Positioning Accuracy: 0.001mm
Printing Speed: 30-50mm/h
Bed-Leveling: Semi-Automatic
Display: 3. 5-inch Touchscreen
Third-Party Materials: Yes
Materials: 405nm UV Resin
Recommended Slicer: ChiTuBox Slicer Software
Operating System: Windows/macOS
File types: STL
Connectivity: USB
Frame Dimensions: 200 x 200 x 410 mm
Weight: 6.2 kg

The features look nice on the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono. A 6.08-inch monochrome LCD with 2K (1620 x 2560 pixels) HD resolution means that this MSLA 3D printer has a longer service life—almost 4 times more—while printing two times faster.

It takes 1-2 seconds for the Mars 2 Mono to cure each layer of the print model. As compared to ordinary RBG LCD screens, this printer is leaps and bounds above and is surely one of the cheapest yet best SLA machines out there.

The build quality is also top-class. It’s sturdy and compact and makes sure printing is done smoothly with little to no wobbling. The CNC machined aluminum incorporated in the Mars 2 Mono is one of the main factors to thank for this.

Additionally, the ChiTuBox slicer software works wonders with this 3D printer. You can also use other slicer software, but people seem to like the flexibility offered in the ChiTuBox slicer.

The Mars 2 Mono also has a fairly decent build volume that measures about 129 x 80 x 150mm. While this is 10mm less in the Z-axis than the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, it’s still relatively larger as compared to previous Elegoo MSLA printers.

Customer Reviews of the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono

The Elegoo Mars 2 Mono is received greatly by customers on Amazon. It boasts an awesome 4.7/5.0 overall rating out of which 83% of people have left a 5-star review at time of writing.

Users say that the initial setup is extremely easy to deal with, and Elegoo has a great community online. There’s a page called Elegoo Mars Series 3D Printer Owners on Facebook that seems to help out beginners a lot.

The Mars 2 Mono produces incredibly detailed prints with high resolution. Customers also say that this printer requires low maintenance as compared to its counterparts.

Reliability also scores maximum points with the Mars 2 Mono. Users report that they were able to print consistently with this superb machine without any print failures.

All those venturing into SLA 3D printing definitely have to go with the Mars 2 Mono for its ease of use, responsible after-sales support, and high quality. This 3D printer is the people’s favorite in the budget range.

Pros of the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono

Top-notch build quality will allow greater stability when printing
Customer support service is second to none
Great affordability and amazing value for money
High-end print quality despite being a budget resin 3D printer
One of the best options to start SLA 3D printing with
Relatively low maintenance
ChiTuBox slicer is easy to operate
Assembly is effortless
Operation is whisper-quiet
Great Facebook community

Cons of the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono

Some users have reported build plate adhesion issues
Narrow operating temperature (22 to 25°C)

Final Thoughts

If you’ve previously used FDM-type printers only and are looking to find a cheap yet terrific resin 3D printer to try out SLA 3D printing, the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono is an excellent option.

Check out the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono (Amazon) on Amazon today.

Anycubic is a top-ranking 3D printer manufacturer that affords a ranking right alongside the likes of Elegoo and Creality. Its most notable creation is the Photon series of resin 3D printers that are as affordable as they come but genuinely efficient.

The Photon Mono falls in the ballpark with Anycubic’s fame and success. It’s affordable, has a good number of features, and produces prints of remarkable quality.

In addition, Anycubic is known to offer discounts from time to time so you could get the Photon Mono (Amazon) for an even cheaper price. Without any sale, the printer costs somewhere around $270.

Anycubic 3D printers come with their own slicer software: the Photon Workshop. While this is a fairly decent slicer on its own with a host of features, you can also use other software like ChiTuBox and Lychee Slicer as well.

The Photon Mono is equipped with a 2K monochromatic LCD to make prints with stunning details and get the job done twice as fast. There’s no going wrong with this bad boy.

Let’s check out the features and specifications of the Photon Mono.

Features of the Anycubic Photon Mono

6” 2K Monochrome LCD
Large Build Volume
New Matrix Parallel 405nm Light Source
Fast Printing Speed
Easy to Replace FEP
Own Slicer Software – Anycubic Photon Workshop
High-Quality Z-Axis Rail
Reliable Power Supply
Top Cover Detection Safety

Specifications of the Anycubic Photon Mono

Printer’s Manufacturer: Anycubic
System Series: Photon
Display Screen: 6.0-Inch Screen
Technology: LCD-Based SLA (Stereolithography)
Printer Type: Resin 3D Printer
Light Source: 405nm LED Array
Operating System: Windows, Mac OS X
Minimum Layer Height: 10 Microns
Build Volume: 130mm x 80mm x 165mm (L, W, H)
Max Printing Speed: 50mm/h
Compatible Materials: 405nm UV Resin
Z-Axis Positioning Accuracy: 0. 01mm
XY Resolution: 0.051mm 2560 x 1680 Pixels (2K)
File Types: STL
Bed Leveling: Assisted
Power: 45W
Assembly: Fully Assembled
Connectivity: USB
Printer Frame Dimensions: 227 x 222 x 383mm
Third-Party Materials: Yes
Slicer Software: Anycubic Photon Workshop
Weight: 4.5 KG (9.9 Pounds)

The Photon Mono has quite a few tricks up its sleeve. For starters, it comprises a large build volume that measures 130mm x 80mm x 165mm to give you the creative space you need.

Just like leveling the print bed, replacing the FEP film of this SLA machine has been made fairly easy. All you have to do is unscrew some nuts, get your new FEP film in, and sort the screws out back again.

Furthermore, a stable Z-axis is essential for stable and smooth 3D printing. The Photo Mono employs a great quality Z-axis rail structure right alongside a well-constructed stepper motor to make sure stability never has to be compromised.

There is also a special Photon Mono feature called the “Top Cover Detection Safety.” This is actually for protecting the user from the potentially dangerous UV light show happening inside.

If the printer detects that the UV-blocking lid has been taken off, it instantly pauses the print operation. You will have to enable this feature beforehand within the Photon Mono’s interface for it to work.

Customer Reviews of the Anycubic Photon Mono

The Anycubic Photon Mono has a 4.5/5.0 rating on Amazon at time of writing and 78% of the people who bought it have left a 5-star review with positive feedback throughout.

All those buyers who entered SLA 3D printing for the first time through this machine say that they didn’t expect it to be all that simple. This was due to the courtesy of the Photon Mono for being exceedingly easy to set up and use.

In addition, people love it when their prints come out detailed with perfect sharpness and delicacy, and that’s just about every time you set out to use the Photon Mono.

Customers usually buy the Anycubic Wash and Cure machine with their purchase of the Photon Mono. Resin 3D printing is, indeed, a messy process so you’re going to need all the help you can get to reduce manual labor.

The fast printing speed that the 2K monochromatic LCD makes possible has also appealed greatly to customers. When you factor in all these features with the Photon Mono’s ease of use, it gets hard to overlook this classy 3D printer.

Pros of the Anycubic Photon Mono

Comes with an efficient and convenient acrylic lid/cover
With a resolution of 0.05mm, it produces an excellent build quality
Build volume is a bit larger than its advanced version Anycubic Photon Mono SE
Offers a very fast printing speed which is normally 2 to 3 times faster than other traditional resin 3D printers
It has a high 2K, XY resolution of 2560 x 1680 pixels
Has quiet printing, so it doesn’t disturb work or sleep
Once you get to know the printer, it is quite easy to operate and manage
An efficient and extremely easy bed leveling system
Focusing on its print quality, printing speed, and build volume, its price is quite reasonable as compared to other 3D printers

Cons of the Anycubic Photon Mono

It only supports a single file type which can be inconvenient sometimes
Anycubic Photon Workshop is not the best software, but you have the options to use Lychee Slicer which can save in the required extension for the Photon Mono
It’s hard to tell what’s going on until the base comes above the resin
The odors aren’t ideal, but this is normal for many resin 3D printers. Get some low-odor resin to combat this downside
There is a lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and air filters
The display screen is sensitive and prone to scratches
Easy replace FEP means you have to buy the whole FEP film set rather than individual sheets which cost more

Final Thoughts

The Anycubic Photon Mono is a great SLA 3D printer that has its fair share of features and benefits. When you factor in its price point, this machine becomes one of the cheapest yet highly deserving options out there for grabs.

You can find the Anycubic Photon Mono 3D printer on Amazon for a competitive price.

Shining bright in the budget range, the Sonic Mini comes from a Taiwanese manufacturer who’s slowly starting to make a reputable name for itself.

This SLA 3D printer is known to do exceedingly well and has a variety of remarkable features to brag about. Phrozen claims that the Sonic Mini cures each layer of resin in one second and users report the same results more or less.

This SLA machine uses a parallel UV LED matrix light system instead of the conventional COD LED design, and this lends the printer unrivaled accuracy and print quality.

Costing just about $230, the Sonic Mini is one of the best SLA 3D printers out there without a doubt. It also has another model where the monochrome LCD boasts a 4K resolution, but that one costs $400+ and doesn’t entirely fall in the budget range.

The Sonic Mini comes with a 3-month warranty should you run into any unfixable problems. You can always have it returned and replaced in due time with minimal hassles.

Let’s see how the features and specifications look like on this promising machine.

Features of the Phrozen Sonic Mini

High-Speed Printing
ChiTuBox Software
UV LED Matrix
Monochrome LCD
2.8″ Touchscreen Panel
Compatible with Third-Party Resin
Quick Start Operation
Reliable and Less Maintenance
Top-Notch Accuracy and Print Quality
Offline Printing Using Touch Panel

Specifications of the Phrozen Sonic Mini

Printing Technology: LCD-Based Masked Stereolithography
LCD Touchscreen: 5. 5″ Screen With Mono-LCD, UV 405nm
Build Volume Dimensions: 120 x 68 x 130mm
Z-Layer Resolution: 0.01mm
XY Resolution: 0.062mm
User Interface: 2.8″ IPS Touchscreen Display
Connectivity: USB
Build Platform Leveling: N/A
Printing Materials: Third-Party Materials Supported
Software Bundle Present: Phrozen OS (Onboard), ChiTuBox on Desktop
Total Weight: 4.5kg
Printer’s Dimensions are: 250 x 250 x 330mm
Printing Speed: 50mm/hour
UV Wavelength: 405nm
Power Requirement: 100–240 V, About 50/60 Hz

The Phrozen Sonic Mini has quite a generous number of features to its name. There’s a 2.8-inch touchscreen panel that makes sure navigating around is as effortless as possible.

There’s also a quick start operation feature that gets you printing right away in under 5 minutes. This makes the Sonic Mini one easy machine to operate and make stunning models with.

Since it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and produces prints of top-notch quality with its 2K monochromatic LCD screen, the Phrozen Sonic Mini is one of the best SLA 3D printers to start resin 3D printing with.

The build quality is also firm and solid despite the Sonic Mini being surprisingly lightweight. What further increases its value is its ability to print with third-party resin liquids and not just with a selective few.

The ChiTuBox slicer works great as well. Many users have recommended it for its ease of use, user-friendly interface, and speedy slicing times. That said, you can also use other software with the Sonic Mini.

Customer Reviews of the Phrozen Sonic Mini

The Phrozen Sonic Mini has a cool 4.4/5.0 rating on Amazon at time of writing and 74% of the people who bought it left nothing but a 5-star review with lots of praise.

Apart from loving the price tag of this effective SLA machine, customers have highly appreciated its printing speed, quality construction, noiseless operation, amazing detail, and dimensional accuracy.

One user says that the Sonic Mini doesn’t need re-leveling of the build plate once you’ve leveled it already, and this is something quite the contrary with most other resin 3D printers.

The customer support service of Phrozen is also admirable. Some users say that the manufacturer representatives were quick to respond and swift to address their issue.

The Phrozen Sonic Mini has left everyone extremely satisfied with their purchase. People write that if they ever require a higher volume output, they would definitely purchase another one of these workhorses.

Pros of the Phrozen Sonic Mini

Offers exquisite features at a very affordable price and can be considered budget-friendly
Has a high horizontal and vertical plane resolution which means better printing quality
A wide range of resin compatibility increases the printer’s versatility
High-speed printing is a great plus point being 60% more than the average printing speed
Easy leveling and assembling is also a major plus point
It is quite light in weight
Easy to operate, making it a good choice for beginners
This printer will be able to provide you with not only detailed prints but also amazing print accuracy as well as quality
Durable body and design

Cons of the Phrozen Sonic Mini

The curved build plate isn’t as smooth as most FDM 3D printers and it retains a lot of resin on it.
The printer can vibrate significantly during printing
The print operation can get noisy at times
Print removal is difficult according to some customers

Final Thoughts

The Phrozen Sonic Mini takes pride in its inexpensive price tag and a whole lot of impressive features. It is a sturdy, fast, and quality machine that doesn’t compromise on making stunningly detailed prints.

Check out the Phrozen Sonic Mini on Amazon for a cheap, but great resin 3D printer.

The Longer Orange 30 is an upgraded version of the Orange 10 and is straight-up one of the best resin 3D printers you can get right now for a great price.

Longer is a Shenzhen-based manufacturer and has a bunch of other FDM and SLA 3D printers up for grabs. The Orange 10 was their first attempt at making an impression in this market.

Taking advantage of its success, the brains at Longer decided to release an improved iteration of the latter. The Orange 30 now boasts a bigger build volume, 2K (2560 x 1440) print resolution, and pixel resolution up to 47. 25μm or 0.04725mm.

It’s also highly recommended for jewelry making where precision and detail are essential for parts and models. The Orange 30 costs around $200, making it an attractive option for SLA 3D printers in the budget range.

To speak of the slicer software, the LongerWare slicer is a nice touch as well. It works quite well as a default software, but you can also use the ChiTuBox slicer or PrusaSlicer with the Orange 30 too.

Let’s check what the features and specifications look like.

Features of the Longer Orange 30

2K High-Precision LCD Resolution
Uniform UV LED Design
LongerWare Slicer Software
Fast Cooling System
User-Friendly Colored Touchscreen
Uncomplicated Assembly
Accessory Bundle
Temperature Detection System
12-Month Machine Warranty
Terrific Customer Support Service

Specifications of the Longer Orange 30

Technology: MSLA/LCD
Assembly: Fully-Assembled
Build Volume: 120 x 68 x 170mm
Layer Thickness: 0. 01 – 0.1mm
Resolution: 2560 x 1440 pixels
XY-Axis Resolution: 0.047mm
Z-Axis Positioning Accuracy: 0.01mm
Maximum Printing Speed: 30 mm/h
Display: 2.8″ Color Touchscreen
Third-Party Materials: Yes
Materials: 405nm UV Resin
Recommended Slicer: LongerWare, ChiTuBox
Operating System: Windows/macOS
File Types: STL, ZIP, LGS
Connectivity: USB
Frame Dimensions: 200 x 200 x 390mm
Weight: 6.7 kg

The Longer Orange 30 has several features that make it one of the best SLA 3D printers to buy. What’s unique with this machine is a bundle of accessories that ships with the printer.

These include a couple of Allen keys to deal with bolts and screws, gloves, an FEP film, a USB drive, cards for bed-leveling, a steel spatula, and 3M filter funnels. All this is more than enough to get you started with 3D printing.

The 2.8-inch touchscreen of the device also makes the print operation fluid and smooth. There’s also a real-time print status preview that can be viewed on the colored touchscreen.

The high-precision 2K LCD might not be monochromatic, but it still does a remarkable job at printing exceptionally detailed parts and models. You’re not going to go wrong with the Orange 30 in this regard.

The LongerWare slicer software also looks good and works nicely. It generates support with a single click, slices models quite quickly, and is easy to use. Not liking it for some reason? You can use the ChiTuBox slicer just as well.

Customer Reviews of the Longer Orange 30

The Longer Orange 30 has a modest 4.3/5.0 rating on Amazon at time of writing with the majority of the customers leaving positive feedback in their respective reviews.

The Orange 30 is one of the best SLA 3D printers for beginners and newcomers in the $200 range. It comfortably marks your entry in resin 3D printing with style and substance.

It’s ready to print right out the box, as people who bought it have stated, and requires minimal effort to level its build plate and get going.

People seem to be genuinely pleased with the quality of prints this fine SLA machine produces. When you purchase a product for its inexpensive price, but it turns out to be premium quality as well, you’re bound to be happy, no?

That’s exactly what users of the Orange 30 think about it. The machine has a larger build volume than other resin 3D printers in this price range and is made exceptionally compact. I highly recommend this printer if you’re looking for an all-in-one SLA machine.

Pros of the Longer Orange 30

Effortless print bed leveling
Great value for money
Customer support service is helpful and responsive
Print quality goes beyond expectations
Noiseless, whisper-quiet print operation
The metal enclosure is robust
LongerWare software is quick and smooth
The resin vat is simple but sturdy too
Commendable build quality
Cheap and affordable

Cons of the Longer Orange 30

The touchscreen is easy to use but it is a bit undersized
The LCD screen isn’t monochromatic

Final Thoughts

The Longer Orange 30 is surprisingly a great SLA 3D printer making waves in the 3D printing market. It comes off extremely cheap, but value for money is where this dazzling specimen truly shines.

You can get yourself the Longer Orange 30 from Amazon for your resin printing desires.

Qidi Technology is a brand that has earned the respect of the 3D printing community all across the globe. This Chinese manufacturer aims to create 3D printers by balancing affordability and versatility in a perfect combo.

With the Shadow 5.5S, they’ve done exactly that. This reliable yet dirt-cheap MSLA 3D printer has stirred up the competition by offering amazing print quality, unbeatable price, and unmatched value for money.

The Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S costs somewhere around $170 and this is as low as you can drop for a 3D printer of this standard. This MSLA machine has truly changed the way we look at budget-range 3D printers.

It is equipped with a high-performance 2K HD LCD screen and has a 3.5-inch touchscreen to make navigation smooth and easy to deal with.

If you run into any problems with your 3D printer or there’s something you don’t understand, Qidi Tech’s excellent customer service is there to help you out from start to finish with the Shadow 5. 5S.

Let’s shed some light on the features and specifications now.

Features of the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S

2K HD LCD Masking Screen
Easy-Release Film
Detailed Craftsmanship & Design
High-Strength Tempered Glass
Double Filter System Fan with Carbon Filtration
Dual Z-Axis Linear Guide
Professional ChiTuBox Slicing Software
3.5″ Touchscreen
Professional After-Service Team
Free 1-Year Warranty

Specifications of the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S

Technology: MSLA (Masked Stereolithography)
Build Volume: 115 x 65 x 150mm
Printer Dimensions: 245 x 230 x 420mm
Build Speed: 20mm/hour
Minimum Layer Height: 0.01mm
Compatible Materials: 405nm Resin, Third-Party Resins
XY Resolution: 0.047mm (2560 x 1440 pixels)
Leveling System: Semi-Automatic
Z-Axis Accuracy: 0.00125mm
Software: ChiTuBox Slicer
Weight: 9. 8kg
Connectivity: USB

For what it’s worth, the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S is a sight to behold. A high-quality 2K LCD screen entitles your prints to come out looking sharp, crisp, and outright beautiful. This is just how Qidi Tech rolls with all its 3D printers.

There is a dual Z-axis linear rail system to provide stability to the Shadow 5.5S mid-print. Right alongside that is the sturdy build quality of this device that makes sure firmness is never sacrificed.

A free 1-year warranty also comes with the printer to give you that sense of security often missing with other expensive 3D printers. Purchasing the Shadow 5.5S, you’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

The ChiTuBox slicer software always proves to come in handy which is what many people use with the Shadow 5.5S. Once you get used to the software, it quickly turned into a smooth process to slice your models.

The 3.5-inch touchscreen is the bread and butter of this MSLA machine’s operation and is effortless to run the 5. 5S with.

Customer Reviews of the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S

The Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S has a terrific 4.6/5.0 rating on Amazon at time of writing and 79% of the people who have bought it have left a highly positive 5-star review.

Coming from Qidi Technology, one cannot hope the quality to be any different. This manufacturer has yet to disappoint us.

The first thing to notice is the packaging of this machine. There are closed-cell foam boxes between the box walls and all the surfaces of the printer to make sure it ships without any harm or damage to the printer.

While this should be pretty basic stuff, it isn’t, and this comes from experience. The Shadow 5.5S produces top-notch prints with impressive attention to detail.

Customers have admired how capable this 3D printer is for such a cheap price. You don’t even have to level the print bed constantly, and this makes the Shadow 5.5S one of the best SLA 3D printers to get right now.

Pros of the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.

Has a sturdy foundation, being built with CNC-machined aluminum with a plastic alloy casing
Compatible with many third-party resins out there for more freedom
Decreases smelly odors with the built-in dual fans and activated charcoal carbon filter system
The brand-new user interface is easy to use and has simple control options
Very aesthetic design especially with the acrylic cover and color scheme
Amazing value for the price you are paying, with similar build volumes to premium resin printers
Removable build area so it can be easily removed to tend to your prints
Creates high-resolution 3D prints out-the-box that will impress friends and family, as well as yourself!
Shipped with protective packaging to ensure it arrives in good condition
Comes with great customer service

Cons of the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S

Calibrating the 3D printer can get time-consuming
The UV lamp is reported to be weak for resin curing
Due to the absence of a parallel light source system, the edges of your parts and models might not be the same quality as the rest of the print
No connectivity option other than USB
The carbon filters are ineffective against resin fumes and smell

Final Thoughts

The Qidi Tech Shadow 5. 5S is the cheapest SLA machine on the list, but make no mistake, its price does not definite its quality. I have been surprised how extremely capable this printer is, and how it’s a perfect fit for anyone out there looking to start resin 3D printing.

Get yourself the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S on Amazon today.

Voxelab is a relatively new 3D printing manufacturer that isn’t quite well-known as Elegoo, Qidi Tech, or Anycubic. However, if you believe in quality over quantity, let the Proxima 6.0 strengthen your concept even more.

This brand is actually a subsidiary of the 3D printing tycoon Flashforge. The parent company is well-established for its years of experience in this industry and that’s easily noticeable in its extensive array of FDM 3D printers.

The Voxelab Proxima 6.0 is focused on promising a valuable SLA 3D printing experience while staying in the wallet-friendly range. That is to say, this SLA machine costs just a bit under $200.

So far, the Proxima 6. 0 just seems to have exceeded everyone’s expectations. The ease of use is unmatched, and it also has a decent number of features that make the 3D printing process as convenient as possible.

It is a solid mid-sized printer that produces parts with highly detailed quality. All this combined with its cheap price tag makes the Proxima 6.0 one of the best SLA 3D printers out there.

Let’s check out the features and specifications.

Features of the Voxelab Proxima 6.0

6″ 2K Monochrome LCD Screen
VoxelPrint Slicer Software
Well-Built Design
Dual Linear Rails
Effortless Bed Leveling
Resin Vat Maximum Level Indicator
Integrated FEP Film Design
Grayscale Anti-Aliasing
Third-Party 405nm Resin Compatibility
Built-In Light Reflector

Specifications of the Voxelab Proxima 6.0

Technology: LCD
Year: 2020
Assembly: Fully Assembled
Build Volume: 130 x 82 x 155 mm
Layer Height: 0. 025mm
XY Resolution: 0.05mm (2560 x 1620 pixels)
Z-Axis Positioning Accuracy: N/A
Printing Speed: 25 mm/h
Bed Leveling: Manual
Display: 3.5-inch Touchscreen
Third-Party Materials: Yes
Materials: 405nm UV resin
Recommended Slicer: VoxelPrint, ChiTuBox
Operating System: Windows/macOS/Linux
File Types: STL
Connectivity: USB
Weight: 6.8 kg

The Voxelab Proxima 6.0 also sports a monochrome 2K LCD to stay in the game and compete with the big guns. This means that you can expect faster curing times, and increased detail in your prints from this awesome SLA 3D printer.

In addition, Voxelab says that the Proxima 6.0 has an in-built light deflector for uniform light distribution across the entirety of your model. Couple that with the Proxima’s monochrome screen, the combination is outright marvelous.

With an XY-accuracy of 0.05mm, this bad boy can be counted on for making high-quality prints reliably without any hint of print failure.

This SLA 3D printer comes loaded with its own slicer software – the VoxelPrint. This is a fresh, efficient, and easy to operate slicer that comprises a number of features to make print optimization uncomplicated for you.

The manufacturer has also incorporated dual linear rails for steady and stable Z-axis movement and precise 3D printing that takes away the possibility of print imperfections.

Customer Reviews of the Voxelab Proxima 6.0

Since the Voxelab Proxima 6.0 is a fairly new machine into the scene of resin 3D printing, it’s not up there with the likes of the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono or the Creality LD-002R in terms of sales.

Those who have bought it, however, have been simply left amazed by the cost-effectiveness of this fantastic resin 3D printer. People seem to love how easy it is to handle despite resin printing being messy in general.

A customer has said that the metal and plastic scraper that comes with the Proxima 6.0 along with the rest of the tools come in super handy and useful during the clean-up process.

Others have praised the resin vat maximum level indicator feature that prevents users from overfilling the resin tank. The manual bed leveling feature is also easy for users to get the hang of, even for beginners.

The Proxima 6.0 is one tireless workhorse that can truly produce high-end quality prints in no time due to its monochromatic LCD. You will be making the right decision purchasing this sub $200 SLA 3D printer.

Pros of the Voxelab Proxima 6.0

Print quality is exceptional
Build quality is compact and firm
Easy to operate, even more than some FDM 3D printers
Ready for action right out the box
Leveling the bed is a breeze
Works great for 3D printing miniatures and figures
Cheap and affordable
Comes with clean and crisp packaging
Includes a plastic and metal scraper

Cons of the Voxelab Proxima 6.0

A few users have reported that the build plate does not tighten and cannot be leveled
Customer support service isn’t up to the standard of Elegoo or Creality

Final Thoughts

The Voxelab Proxima 6. 0 is an underdog SLA 3D printer, but that doesn’t mean it performs inefficiently. In fact, it’s one of the best resin 3D printers out there for its simple operation, ample features, and excellent print quality.

You can get yourself the Voxelab Proxima 6.0 machine from Amazon today for a reliable and cheap SLA 3D printer.

the choice of a professional and a beginner / Selections of products from Aliexpress and not only / iXBT Live

So, I continue the topic of 3D printers, this time we will talk about budget and affordable photopolymer devices. Photopolymer 3D printing is becoming cheaper and cheaper and is becoming available not only to professionals, but also to novice printers-makers-designers. The cost of a number of models has dropped significantly in recent years, especially budget startups in SLA printing, making affordable office models of compact printers such as Sparkmaker and Longer. Almost all models are available in a warehouse in the Moscow region, they are delivered quickly, it makes sense to add to the basket and compare, choose the best one for yourself in terms of cost and printing parameters.

Easy Printer for Beginners - Sparkmaker SLA

Sparkmaker SLA Printer

Sparkmaker SLA is the most affordable printer for beginners. One of the very first available models, the price is less than $200. At the moment, a number of upgrades are available, a lot of spare parts, ready-made models for printing. Print resolution: 845 x 480 dots, working area dimensions: 98 x 55 x 125 mm. Virtually no noise, works autonomously, height calibration is provided. Printers and resin available in Moscow.

Professional photopolymer printer Longer ORANGE

Longer Orange 30 Longer Orange 10

One of the few 3D printers that I have appreciated. The Orange 10 and Orange 30 printers work literally out of the box and, unlike expensive models, are not capricious at all. It is easy to operate, if necessary, you can set the print height. A detailed review of the Longer Orange 30 model. All models and Longer Resin photopolymer are available in Moscow. Orange 10 has a print resolution: 854 x 480 dots, working area dimensions: 98 x 55 x 140 mm. Orange 30 has a print resolution: 2560 x 1440 dots, working area dimensions: 120 x 68 x 170 mm. Virtually no noise, works autonomously, height calibration is provided. Printers and resin available in Moscow.

Anycubic PHOTON excellent resin printer

Anycubic PHOTON Anycubic PHOTON-S

Anycubic's well-deserved large resin 3D printer. Two models are sold at the same time: PHOTON and PHOTON-S. The latter is slightly more expensive, has design changes, but both print perfectly. Of the features, I will highlight the patented hinged mechanism for attaching the table, which facilitates alignment. Both PHOTON models have a print resolution: 2560 x 1440 dots, working area dimensions: 115 x 65 x 155 mm. All models are available in Moscow, at the same time do not forget to buy a fast Anycubic photopolymer - one of the cheapest.

Photopolymer printer Anet N4 LCD

3D printer Anet N4

An interesting model from Anet is a photopolymer printer of the “N4” model with a print resolution of 2560 x 1440 dots and a working area of 120 x 65 x 138 mm. But the price pleases - this is one of the most budget printers with 2K resolution. The minimum "pixel" size is 40 microns. Don't forget to bring Anet photopolymer resin for testing.

Interesting photopolymer 3D printer Nova

Printer Nova3D

An unusual 3D printer was released by Nova3D, a stylish office compact printer for photopolymer printing. Of the features - an accurate T-rail rail was used, the table has an inclination adjustment for easy adjustment. The size of the print area is 130 x 70 x 150 mm. Print resolution 2K (2560 x 1440 dots). Attention: offline printing (from USB Drive) is provided, as well as connection via LAN and WiFi. Printers are available in Russia.

Wanhao Professional Printers

Wanhao Duplicator D11 CGR Wanhao Duplicator D8

One of the most thoughtful and best selling 3D printers from Wanhao. Two models of photopolymer printers are now available in the store - Duplicator D11 CGR (updated model) and Duplicator D8 (2019 model). Both models are deservedly considered the best for photopolymer printing, as for the new D8, I will single out a large print area (192 x 120 x 180 mm). Of the "chips" - WiFi connection.

Kelant 9 Large Resin 3D Printer0005

Kelant S400

Well, one of the inexpensive large-format office models is the Kelant S400. The size of the print area is 192 x 120 x 200 mm, the high power of the UV matrix (total power consumption is about 140 W) - all this makes it possible to print quickly and efficiently. The printer is available when ordering from Moscow, IML delivery (courier).

So, the selection includes the most popular, inexpensive and popular models of SLA printers. A number of models were left out of the article, I think I will make a continuation in the near future to cover everything, plus I will add photopolymer resin to the recommendations. By the way, most stores specializing in 3D printing, both on Aliexpress and locally, offer their own options for photopolymer, and there are inexpensive and good options. When choosing, consider the current store coupons, and also choose local delivery (from Russia / RU).

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Which 3D printer to choose for home and hobby use

A few years ago, 3D printers were bulky industrial machines, but now 3D printing is becoming more accessible for home use. When buying their first printer, many are disappointed. This may be due to the unsatisfactory quality of the resulting models or the complex setup and maintenance of the 3D printer.

In the reviews that are found on the Internet, printers are often shown after a lot of upgrades or a long selection of settings for printing. This is not at all the result that a beginner who first got acquainted with 3D printing will get.

In order not to be disappointed, before buying, you need to understand which model is suitable for your tasks. First of all, it is worth deciding what the printer will be used for. What is the main property that finished products should have? What is more important, the physical properties of the model or the ideal surface and detail? Not only the model depends on this, but also the technology by which the 3D printer will work.

Which technology to choose? FDM or LCD?

If you need to make a small detailed figurine with a perfectly smooth surface, you should pay attention to models that work on LCD technology (LCD works on a principle similar to DLP - Digital Light Processing or “digital light processing”).

LCD prints using a photopolymer resin that cures under UV light. This makes it possible to produce without deformation, even small and thin products that cannot be manufactured using FDM technology.

Resin model

Now on sale there are many photopolymer resins with different properties. A few years ago the choice was not great. Basically, finished products were not strong enough for use in functional models. Now engineering resins have begun to appear on sale. Products from them are not inferior in strength to models made using FDM technology from ABS or even nylon.

If it is necessary to produce large products with different properties, or the tasks will be very diverse, then the choice is with FDM technology. But it is important to understand that finished products will not have a perfectly smooth surface. Of course, you can polish the model, but this is additional time and labor costs.

FDM technology builds a model using molten plastic filament, which is fed from the print head. The print head (extruder) “grows” the model layer by layer on the printing table.

FDM Models

FDM technology became widespread much earlier than DLP. Thanks to this, a wide variety of 3D printers and consumables for them has appeared. You can find many decorative plastics that mimic various materials, or engineering plastics for making functional models or mock-ups.

Choosing an LCD printer

Photopolymer printers work on one of 3 technologies - DLP, LCD or SLA.

As home printers, devices based on LCD technology are usually used due to their availability and low price.

Printer design

SLA technology appeared the very first among photopolymer printers. With the help of a point-focused beam, the desired areas of the resin are gradually illuminated. This is repeated layer by layer.

How SLA 9 works0082

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

Pros:

Cons:

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

How DLP works

Pros:

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

Consumables are slightly cheaper than SLA

High surface quality (although may be inferior to SLA)

Cons:

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

How the LCD printer works

Pros:

small cost

Cheap parts

Cons:

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

Possible stray light

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

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

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

Rating of the best LCD 3D printers for home

Anycubic Photon Mono

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

Anycubic Photon Mono SE

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

Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K

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

Wanhao GR1

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

Anycubic Photon Zero

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

Choose FDM printer

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

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

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

Printer design

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

Kinematics “Prusa” (Prusa)

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

Prusa kinematics

Pros:

Cons:

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

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

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

Kinematics Ultimaker

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

Ultimaker kinematic diagram

Pros:

Cons:

H-BOT or Core-XY

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

Example Core-XY kinematics

Pros:

High print quality

High print speeds without loss of quality.

Can be easily closed completely

Cons:

MakerBot Kinematics

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

Pros:

Cons:

Delta

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

Delta printer example

Pros:

Cons:

Nuances of choosing an FDM 3D printer

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

One or two extruders?

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

Closed or open printer?

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

Bowden or direct?

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

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

Bowden feeding diagram

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

Diagram of direct feed

Heated table or not?

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

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

Filament sensor.

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

Power outage protection.

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

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

Rating of the best FDM 3D printers for home

Anycubic Mega Zero 2.0

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

Creality3D Ender 3 Pro

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

Flash Forge Finder

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

Wanhao Duplicator 6 Plus

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

Flashforge Dreamer

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

Flying Bear Ghost 5

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

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

Totals

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

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

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

For a beginner who has not yet decided whether he needs 3D printing, you can opt for inexpensive machines with slick kinematics. Due to their great popularity, you can find a lot of upgrades and reviews on them.
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