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Elegoo Saturn 3D Printer Review: Large Volume, High Quality, Great Value
Tom's Hardware Verdict
The Elegoo Saturn impressed us with its high-quality output, impressive attention to detail with regards to machine design, and large build volume.
Pros
- +
+ Native integration with ChituBox slicer
- +
+ Exceptionally large build-volume-to-price ratio
- +
+ Rigid dual-Z linear rail system
- +
+ Leveling process is simple
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The larger counterpart to the Elegoo Mars series of printers, the Elegoo Saturn is a large-volume resin MSLA 3D printer that has found a way to offer increased build volume without sacrificing part quality. By increasing both the size and the resolution of the masking Mono LCD, the Elegoo Saturn is able to offer the same XY resolution of the Mars 2 Pro while increasing the total build volume.
One of the best 3D printers, the Saturn impressed me with how easy it was to set up and use but the scarce availability of the typically $500 printer may be a source of frustration when searching for one to buy.
Elegoo Saturn Specifications
| Machine Footprint | 11.02" x 9.44" x 17.55" (28cm x 24cm x 44.6cm) |
| Build Volume | 7.55" x 4.72" x 7.87" (192mm x 120mm x 200mm) |
| Resin | DLP Photopolymer Resin |
| UV Light | 405nm UV LED Matrix |
| Masking LCD Resolution | 3840 x 2400 |
| Masking LCD Size | 8.9-inch |
| Interface | 3.5-inch LCD Touchscreen |
| XY Axis Resolution | .05mm |
Included in the Box of Elegoo Saturn
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Elegoo Saturn ships in a well-packed box and includes all of the accessories you need to start printing as soon as the printer is out of the box.
Included in the accessories box is a metal scraper (for removing parts from the build platform), a plastic scraper (for removing parts from the FEP sheet and stirring the resin), some paper funnels with a wire mesh (for filtering resin), wire cutters (for removing support material), latex gloves, and a healthy number of spare bolts, Allen keys, and other easy-to-lose parts. The included USB stick comes pre-loaded with a test print, the Chitubox slicer app, a digital copy of the user manual, and a few files from the 3D model repository site MyMiniFactory.
Elegoo shipped this Saturn with a ‘tomshardware.com’ sticker applied to the UV-resistant lid, which was a nice touch for a review unit. As far as I can tell, this is the only difference between this unit and a typical retail unit, so my experience with this printer should be similar to yours if you purchase it directly from Elegoo.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Saturn is a typical resin MSLA 3D printer which utilizes a vat of resin, a masking LCD, a UV light source, and a single axis of movement.
It took me under five minutes to assemble this printer, and most of that time was removing foam and packaging from the box. The printer doesn’t require any mechanical or electrical assembly, and only needs to be calibrated before printing. The calibration process is almost effortless (more on that later), and the out-of-the-box experience felt quick and easy.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Saturn uses an 8.9-inch masking LCD with a resolution of 3840 x 2400, which gives it an effective XY resolution of .05mm. The masking LCD ships with a pair of protective stickers on it during shipping, and I had no problem removing them before printing. The black protective tape around the masking LCD needs to be left on the machine, and the manual makes sure to mention this first so a new user doesn’t accidentally remove it while removing the rest of the stickers.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The resin vat on the Saturn uses four bolts that protrude from the bottom as locating posts which makes locking the vat into place a fast and repeatable process.
One of the biggest problems I have when cleaning resin vats is that they typically sit with the delicate FEP film flush against the surface they are laid down on, so even a small bump in a table can possibly dent or deform them. The four posts on the corners of the Saturn’s vat keep the FEP film slightly elevated during cleaning, which is a small feature but a welcome change in design.
The resin vat also has a max fill line printed right on it which takes away the stress from potentially over-filling and spilling resin. This feature, along with the spout that is molded into the vat, indicates that Elegoo has put some thought into the needs of users who are frequently changing vats or draining and replacing resin.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Unlike most resin MSLA 3D printers which use a single linear rail for the Z axis, the Saturn uses a threaded leadscrew and a pair of linear rails for added stability. The Saturn features a larger build volume than most MSLA 3D printers, which means more weight is suspended from the cantilevered build platform.
Between these two rails and the solid machined bracket for the build platform, the Saturn is able to print without bending the build platform bracket during lift moves, and I was impressed with the rigidity of the system.
The Saturn uses a USB stick for transferring files to the printer, as well as an Ethernet connection for adding the machine to a network. If you’re interested in using the Saturn as part of a high volume print farm, the ability to network the machine means you can transfer files without the need for an external drive. The two fans on the back of the unit provide airflow for the controller board and UV LED light source, but don’t provide air filtration like the fan in the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro. Despite the lack of air filtration, the Saturn didn’t seem to emit an odor any worse than the Mars 2 Pro during printing, but if you’re concerned about air quality you’ll want to take this into account.
Leveling the Build Platform on Elegoo Saturn
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)When printing on an MSLA resin 3D printer, you want the build platform to be perfectly level with the FEP film so the resin cures evenly across each layer.
This leveling process can be a challenge for beginners and it can be frustrating to have failed prints due to poor bed leveling. Elegoo has addressed this problem by using a unique leveling process that is fast, simple, and easy to complete. The Elegoo Saturn uses a build platform held rigid by two bolts and includes simple step-by-step instructions for the leveling process.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)After loosening the two bolts on the build platform and placing the included piece of leveling paper over the masking LCD, I dropped the Z axis to the home position and watched as the build platform self-leveled and sat perfectly flush. Once the axis had come to a rest, I simply tightened the two screws in the order indicated and lifted the build platform up. Compared to the leveling process on a printer like the Longer Orange 10 that uses four screws that need to be tightened in a star pattern and tend to shift during tightening, the Saturn feels almost effortless to set up.
Printing Safety with Elegoo Saturn
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Elegoo Saturn uses 405nm UV resin, a material that you need to handle safely when in an uncured state to avoid injury. The resin can be harmful when making contact with skin, so make sure to wear gloves when pouring, cleaning up, or handling uncured resin. I also make sure I’m wearing gloves when removing the build platform after a print, as the resin tends to pool on top of the platform and can drip off while the platform is being removed.
Make sure you use the Saturn in a well-ventilated room to minimize the danger from inhaling fumes. Any spills or uncured resin stuck to a surface should be cleaned using 99% Isopropyl Alcohol and the container for the resin should be kept closed and secured when not actively pouring material.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The build platform on the Saturn is designed with a trapezoidal shape that allows uncured resin to drip off and prevents it from pooling on the top of platform during printing.
Despite this shape, I noticed that resin had a tendency to collect at the very edge of the platform, and I couldn’t help but wonder if a more aggressive angle or a chamfered edge would help to allow more resin to drip back into the vat during printing. This is a relatively minor point, as the majority of resin will drip downwards during printing and cleaning the edge of the build platform doesn’t require much effort.
Printing the Included Test Prints on the Elegoo Saturn
Most 3D printers include a prepared test print as an opportunity for the manufacturer to demonstrate the strengths of their machine. Despite this relatively simple premise, I’ve found that test prints can be a source of frustration for first time users as they have a tendency to have issues that most first-time users won’t be expecting.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Unfortunately, the Elegoo Saturn falls short in this category and my experience with the included test print was really the only major disappointment I had while writing this review.
The Saturn includes a test print on the included USB drive called “_Rook_SATURN.ctb” that consists of two chess pieces with fine details on the interior and exterior of the model. This test print completes in a very reasonable 3 hours and 49 minutes, and I was impressed with the fine detail on the models once the print had completed. Unfortunately, this is where things took a bit of a turn.
The build platform on the Saturn has a sandblasted textured finish which helps cured resin adhere during printing and prevents parts from delaminating. When removing a part, a thin raft can be bent (as seen in the picture above), which allows the part to easily detach from the build platform without too much trouble. This is a delicate balance; too thin and the part won’t adhere to the plate, too thick and the part can’t be easily removed. I had no trouble with any of the parts I sliced in Chitubox, but as you’ll see below, the included test print was significantly more difficult to remove.
Once printed, the detail on the rooks was impressive, but the solid base of the model printed directly on to the build plate didn’t present an intuitive method of removal. After using the included metal scraper and attempting to gently pry the parts off, I wondered if this was a common problem or if the Elegoo Water Washable Ceramic Grey resin I was using simply wasn’t compatible with the settings provided. A quick Google search for “Elegoo Saturn Test Part Stuck To Plate” shows that this is not an uncommon problem, with some users resorting to using a rubber mallet to remove the parts from the build plate.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)I was eventually able to remove the prints from the bed, but it required significantly more effort than I was comfortable with and resulted in both parts being chipped along the bottom layer. This could have been avoided with a demo model that was suspended from a support structure or simply used a sacrificial raft during printing to prevent such a wide and thick model being printed directly on the build plate.
It’s worth noting this was the only time I experienced this issue during this review. The rest of the parts I prepared using Chitubox for printing were easily removed and didn’t require excessive force to remove from the plate.
Preparing Files for Printing with Chitubox
(Image credit: Chitubox)The Elegoo Saturn uses Chitubox for slicing, preparing, and exporting files for 3D printing. Chitubox is a feature-rich program which reduces the need for secondary programs to generate supports, hollow models, or make other changes that would typically require a longer workflow. The general process for preparing a 3D model for resin 3D printing goes like this:
- Import 3D model
- Angle model for printing (avoiding wide per-layer cross-sections)
- Hollow model
- 4Add drain holes
- Generate support material
- Slicer
- Delete islands
- Export printable file
Chitubox makes this easy, as each step can be accomplished within the software without the need to export the file to various third-party softwares.
Chitubox also includes a built-in profile for the Elegoo Saturn which gives good quality results without any tweaking or modifications. I’ve been a fan of Chitubox since I started using it, and the ease-of-use and native support for the Saturn makes it a logical choice.
The profile for the Saturn that is included with Chitubox is what I would consider a good starting point for base settings. The Z resolution of .05mm is high enough to give a good quality print, but not so high as to cause an excessively long print time. The per-layer cure time of 2.5 seconds makes the Saturn a speedy printer when compared to machines with 9 second per-layer cure times like the Creality LD-002R.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)For a first test, I used the Ancient Statue model from Loot Studios and prepared it using the default settings in Chitubox without making any modifications. For resin, I used the Elegoo Water Washable Ceramic Grey , which has worked very well for me in the past on the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro.
This model used about 28 grams of resin and printed out in just under 4 hours, which seems in line with what I would expect from a Mono LCD 3D printer.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Water Washable Ceramic Grey resin looked great after printing, and the support structure removal process is simplified by not requiring any isopropyl alcohol or other chemicals to remove the excess resin. A quick soak in a small tub of hot water dissolved the excess resin from the surface of the printer and also softened the support structure. After removing the support structure, I cured the model for a total of two minutes in 30 second increments to prevent it from warping.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)It’s worth taking a moment to reflect on the printing process so far before we really look at this model. The steps to create this model are all simple and straight-forward, and a beginner could easily follow along to calibrate the bed, fill the resin vat, and process the file for printing.
The resulting print looks sharp and detailed, and even small details like the cracks in the stone of the statue resolve and don’t require any touch-up work. Putting aside the large format nature of the Elegoo Saturn, it’s easy to understand why this machine is in such demand; it’s easy to use, gives good quality results, and the native software doesn’t require tinkering or tweaking.
Print Size Comparison of the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro vs. Elegoo Saturn
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Elegoo Saturn shares many design similarities with the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, so it makes sense to compare the two 3D printers directly. The Saturn uses a higher resolution masking LCD, but the increased size of the LCD means the XY resolution (pixel size) is .05mm on both machines. This means a part printed on the Mars 2 Pro and Saturn, using the same settings, will result in two parts that should be indistinguishable from one another.
| Elegoo Mars 2 Pro | Elegoo Saturn | |
|---|---|---|
| Masking LCD Resolution | 1620 x 2560 | 3840 x 2400 |
| XY Resolution | . 05mm | .05mm |
| Build Dimensions | 5.08 x 3.15 x 6.3 inches | 7.55 x 4.72 x 7.87 inches |
| Build Volume | 100.81 cubic inches | 280.46 cubic inches |
| Printer Dimensions | 7.87 x 7.87 x 16.14 inches | 11.02 x 9.44 x 17.55 inches |
| Printer Volume | 999.66 cubic inches | 1825.70 cubic inches |
| Build / Footprint Ratio (higher is better) | 10.0% | 15.4% |
With a retail price of $500, the Saturn offers nearly 3 times the total build volume (280 cubic inches vs. 100 cubic inches) of the Mars 2 Pro, which retails for $330. If you’re interested in throughput and high-volume printing ability, the Saturn is able to produce a large batch of parts at the same resolution as Mars 2 Pro. However, if you’re looking for a higher resolution finished part and aren’t interested in a large build size, a 4K LCD printer like the Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K would be a better choice.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Printing a Large Assembly on the Elegoo Saturn
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The large build volume and fast per-layer print time of the Elegoo Saturn make it ideal for printing models that would ordinarily be too large or time-consuming to print on a smaller MSLA resin printer like the Longer Orange 10. To test out the ability of the Saturn to print large models in multiple pieces simultaneously, I loaded up the Olympus Rider model from Loot Studios. This model of a winged Pegasus complete with rider armed with a spear prints in six individual pieces and a single large base.
(Image credit: Chitubox)Unfortunately, the auto-placement feature in Chitubox wasn’t able to automatically place all of these parts on the build platform in order to print them in a single piece. After manually rotating the parts myself, I was able to get everything except the base of the model onto a single tray. This would be an ambitious print under the best of circumstances, as it covered a large portion of the surface area of the build platform and would create a large amount of suction when moving the platform up and down. After slicing, Chitubox generated an estimated build time of 7 hours and 10 minutes as well as a material usage of 128 ml. I wasn’t sure if the Saturn could handle a print this ambitious, but I was eager to see if this hard-to-find machine could live up to its reputation.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Saturn printed every single part on the build platform without any defects, and I was genuinely surprised and impressed with how easily the Saturn could handle a large and complex build like this. The Elegoo Water Washable resin created a support structure that was easily removed and left minimal pockmarks on the finished model.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)After a rinse and cure in the Elegoo Mercury Plus Cure/Wash station, I laid out the parts and assembled the model using DAP RapidFuse CA glue, a favorite of mine for making strong bonds on resin prints like this one.
The final result is a finely-detailed print that measures nine inches wide and six and a half inches tall, and it is one of the largest resin MSLA prints I’ve ever made. The 3D model to 3D print process was seamless and easy, and this model earned the Saturn a permanent place on my personal list of all-time favorite 3D printers.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Printing Multiple Miniatures Simultaneously on the Elegoo Saturn
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)One of the key abilities of a large build volume resin MSLA 3D printer like the Elegoo Saturn is the ability to print multiple parts simultaneously. The Saturn is a popular printer for users interested in tabletop gaming, and the large build volume is ideal for printing out multiple miniatures in a single print. Because the print speed is dictated by the number of layers and not the number of miniatures, printing a single miniature or a full build platform full of them takes the same amount of time.
As a test of the printer’s performance, I filled the build platform with some of the enemies from the Loot Studios Ghostly Odyssey release which features a mix of detailed creatures and human 32mm miniatures.
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(Image credit: Chitubox)(Image credit: Chitubox)After importing the models into Chitubox, I manually laid them out to prevent the support structure rafts from touching to reduce the overall total surface area of the bottom cross-section. Chitubox handled the slicing of this large tray without breaking a sweat, and I was easily able to fit a mix of models and bases for a total of 12 parts printing simultaneously. Chitubox gave an estimate of 3 hours and 51 minutes, which is an attractive print speed for such a large yield of parts.
The models have a support structure already generated, so after slicing all I had to do was detect and remove the islands (small, unconnected pixels that can cause floating bits of resin) and scroll through the layer view to check for any missing geometry.
This is a quick and largely-automated process made possible by the Chitubox app, which I am grateful that Elegoo has internally decided to endorse as opposed to attempting to make their own slicer app which may lack some of this functionality.
As I expected, the print was completed without incident. Because of the large number of support structures, the first hour or so of the print is just hundreds of tiny cylinders (as seen in the Chitubox preview above). Every time the build platform lifted, it sounded like a Velcro strap being removed as each of the tiny support structures delaminated from the FEP sheet with a tiny pop sound. I couldn’t decide whether the sound was reassuring or not, but in the end, I’m grateful for each pop because it meant the printer was working correctly.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The support structures were easy to remove after a quick soak in hot water, and the models all felt like they had been cured enough to be solid.
In particular, the swords and wings on the smaller models were easy to free from the support structure, and I wasn’t concerned with them breaking off or shattering during the cleaning.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Even on these 32mm miniatures, the details were crisp and features like the individual feathers on the harpy model resolved well and could be easily distinguished. If you’ve used a printer like the Anycubic Photon Mono or the Elegoo Mars Pro, this level of resolution (.05mm) is directly comparable with what you’re used to, so the big benefit of the Saturn is being able to increase your output without sacrificing quality.
The Elegoo Saturn is about as hard to find as a PlayStation 5 right now, and it tends to sell out immediately after each restock at Amazon and the Elegoo official store. After using it for this review, it’s clear to me why the printer is in such high demand: it’s fast, relatively inexpensive, and offers a build volume ideal for printing multiple parts simultaneously.
The Saturn regularly sells for over $700 on second-hand sites like eBay, so finding one may prove to be a challenge for the foreseeable future.
I asked Elegoo to comment on the relative scarcity of the Saturn, and they indicated a combination of high demand and rigorous quality control were to blame for the shortages.
These two printers are too hot sale, so they always sold out. In fact, we have arranged more products for Amazon every week, but it sold out when available. In addition, our company will test the machine before selling, so it costs some time.
Elegoo
The high-yield nature of the Saturn makes it ideal for printing multiple miniatures simultaneously, so there’s no doubt this printer will be a hit among hobbyists who are interested in printing custom miniatures. The large build volume also offers the ability to print large parts in a single print, something that smaller machines like the Creality LD-002R aren’t able to accomplish.
The overall trouble-free printing experience of the Saturn makes it appealing to beginners as well as more advanced users, but the $500 retail price (if you can even find it for that) might be a little high for a first printer. If you’re interested in a lower cost alternative, the Elegoo Mars Pro or the Anycubic Photon Mono both offer a similar printing experience at a lower price point.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Andrew Sink first used a 3D printer in 2012, and has been enthusiastically involved in the 3D printing industry ever since. Having printed everything from a scan of his own brain to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, he continues to dive ever more deeply into the endless applications of additive technology. He is always working on new experiments, designs, and reviews and sharing his results on Tom's Hardware, YouTube, and more.
Creality Halot-One Plus 3D Printer Review: 4K Resolution, Sub-$400 Price
Tom's Hardware Verdict
Offering high resolution and an above-average build volume, the Creality Halot-One Plus is an impressive machine with a set of hardware features not typically seen at this price.
Pros
- +
4K+ resolution provides sharp detail and consistent surfaces
- +
Large 5-inch LCD interface is bright, fast, and responsive
- +
Halot Box slicer software is simple and easy to use
- +
Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and remote print monitoring
- +
Integrated air filtration unit
Cons
- -
Z endstop placement at the top of the Z axis is a strange choice
- -
Creality Cloud platform appears to host many unauthorized models
- -
Four bolt build platform leveling can be messy
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The Creality Halot-One Plus is the flagship printer in the Halot line of MSLA printers, offering 4K resolution, a 7.9-inch mono LCD with a 3 second exposure time, and other high-end features in a package that retails for just under $400.
The Halot-One Plus appears to have been designed for the prosumer market, with features like Wi-Fi connectivity, air filtration, and other features that don’t typically appear in printers in this price range.
During testing, this printer proved to be a logical next-step in resin 3D printing, showing how these features can be successfully implemented at a lower price point while still maintaining functionality. We had issues with the Creality Cloud platform and the lack of attribution on published models, but the printer hardware itself places this among the best resin 3D printers.
Creality Halot-One Plus Specifications
| Machine Footprint | 9.29" x 9.57" x 16.46" (23.6cm x 24.3cm x 41.8cm) |
| Build Volume | 6.77" x 4.02" x 6.30" (172mm x 102mm x 160mm) |
| Resin | MSLA Photopolymer Resin |
| UV Light | 4,500 uw/m2 Integral Light Source |
| Masking LCD Resolution | 4320 x 2560 |
| Masking LCD Size | 7. 9-inch |
| XY Axis Resolution | .04mm |
| Interface | 5-inch LCD Touchscreen |
Included in the Box of Creality Halot-One Plus
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Creality Halot-One Plus ships with everything you need to get started printing, including a set of Allen keys, plastic and metal scrapers to remove parts from the printer, a printed user guide, and a power cable, and some paper funnels for pouring resin back into the bottle from the vat. The printer itself is well-packed and protected, with a protective plastic covering over the UV-resistant lid.
- Creality Halot-One Plus (Blue) at Walmart for $399.99
Unlike with many other resin printers, including the Elegoo Mars 3, the Halot-One Plus does not include any consumables such as gloves, masks, or other cleaning supplies. This isn’t a large omission, but it means first time users will want to make sure they have all the proper supplies before they start printing.
One of the first features I noticed on the Creality Halot-One Plus was the large LCD screen. The 5-inch screen is bright, responsive, and feels like the type of capacitive screen you’d expect to see on a tablet or mobile phone. This screen is easy to read and use, and immediately sets the Halot-One Plus apart from similarly priced machines that use smaller screens. The Halot-One Plus also includes an onboard ARM Cortex-M4 quad-core 64 bit processor, which gives it more processing power than other similarly priced machines.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Halot-One Plus has a dark blue UV-resistant lid, something that stands out from the typical red, orange, or yellow used on similar printers. This lid is close to opaque, and I can’t easily see through it during printing. The QR code printed on the top of the lid leads to the Creality Cloud site where users can purchase models, 3D printers, consumables, as well as a social platform for sharing prints.
The Halot-One Plus features an integrated 100W power supply, so there’s no need for an external power brick. The build size, printer size, and other information is printed on a sticker on the back of the printer, as well as a QR code that appears to contain information specific to the printer. The base of the Halot-One Plus is heavy and dense, and feels very sturdy despite the plastic shell.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The integrated air filtration system on the Halot-One Plus is a welcome addition and worked very well throughout our testing. The resin used in the MSLA printing process can have an odor during printing, and the integrated air filtration system significantly reduces the amount of odor from the Halot-One Plus. The air intake is located directly behind the resin vat, and runs automatically throughout the duration of printing.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Z axis on the Halot-One Plus uses a threaded rod with a captive nut for travel, and the dual linear rails allow for smooth and consistent movement.
Most small format MSLA resin 3D printers use a single linear rail for travel, with dual rail systems being more common on larger machines like the Elegoo Saturn or the Anycubic Mono X. The build platform is suspended from a lightweight metal arm and doesn’t deflect, even when printing large and heavy parts.
The Halot-One Plus has the Z endstop located at the top of the Z axis, an unusual design choice for an MSLA resin 3D printer. Typically, the leveling process involves dropping the platform to Z0 (the bottom of the Z axis) and ensuring the platform is planar with the LCD screen. The Halot-One Plus requires the entire platform be brought to the top of the printer to define Z0, and then lowered to the LCD screen and leveled. It’s hard to say if this is a less accurate process, but it’s definitely a more time-consuming one.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The resin vat on the Halot-One Plus is smooth and easy to clean, with printed labels that indicate 250mL, 450mL, and 650mL fill levels.
The vat also has a spout molded into the front right and back left corners, which makes pouring resin out of the vat and back into the bottle a simple and mess-free process. One of the screws that secures the vat to the frame had some flashing on the molded thumbscrew, and this meant the screw couldn’t actually fit into the mating hole without being trimmed. Not a major issue, but definitely a QC issue that should have been caught before the printer was packed and left the factory.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The light source of the Halot-One Plus is what Creality calls the “Integral Light Source”, which is a high-powered 4,500 uw/cm2 LED array that is projected through the masking LCD via an angled mirror in the base of the printer. This light source generates a substantial amount of heat during printing, which causes the onboard fan to run continuously during printing.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The 7.
9-inch masking LCD has a resolution of 4320 x 2560, a resolution that is slightly above the typical 4K resolution (4098 x 2560) used on similar resin 3D printers like the Elegoo Mars 3. This 4K resolution translates to an XY pixel size of .04mm (40 microns), which is high enough to capture fine details and texture when printing.
Image: Creality
(Image credit: Creality)Build Platform on Creality Halot-One Plus
The Creality Halot-One Plus uses a four bolt leveling system to ensure a planar relationship between the build platform and the masking LCD. Because the Z endstop is located at the very top of the printer, this process involves loosening the build platform connecting bolts, sending the built platform to the top of the printer to trigger the endstop, then reversing direction and sending the platform to the bottom of the Z axis. Once the platform is sitting flush on the masking LCD, the four bolts are tightened and the platform is leveled.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Halot-One Plus has four upward-facing bolts that secure the build platform to the gantry arm, and these bolts tend to fill with resin during printing.
This is a poor design choice, as resin tends to pool inside the bolt cap heads, in the knurling, and around the bolts, which is very difficult to clean and remove. Elegoo has solved this on their Mars 2 Pro and Mars 3 printers by using a simple captive ball joint that can be leveled with only two screws. Those platforms are easy to level and clean without additional effort.
Printing Safety with Halot-One Plus
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Creality Halot-One Plus uses 405nm UV resin, a material that you need to handle safely when in an uncured state to avoid injury. The resin can be harmful when making contact with skin, so make sure to wear gloves when pouring, cleaning up, or handling uncured resin. I also make sure I’m wearing gloves when removing the build platform after a print, as the resin tends to pool on top of the platform and can drip off while the platform is being removed.
Make sure you use the Halot-One Plus in a well-ventilated room to minimize the danger from inhaling fumes.
Any spills or uncured resin stuck to a surface should be cleaned using 99% isopropyl alcohol and the container for the resin should be kept closed and secured when not actively pouring material.
Printing the Included Test Print on the Creality Halot-One Plus
The test print included with the Creality Halot-One Plus is one of the best demonstration prints I have ever seen. The 8 hour print is titled “Kholek Suneater”, and it fills nearly the entire build area of the Halot-One Plus from corner to corner. This model comes pre-sliced using the same settings as in Halot Box (.05mm layer height, 3 second layer exposure time, 40 second base layer exposure time, etc.), and is ready to print directly from the USB thumb drive.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Creality has apparently identified one of the common applications of resin 3D printing (tabletop gaming and miniatures) and has embraced this by including a detailed miniature model with the Halot-One Plus. My previous experience with Creality’s test prints was poor; the Creality LD-002R (a budget MSLA resin 3D printer) included a test model that took over 19 hours to print and was not particularly impressive.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)This model has a very dense support structure, which is required to support all the various fine features including a long hammer and tail. The support structure was removed easily and left minimal marks on the printed model. Unfortunately, I broke the hammer during washing, but was able to glue it back on without much effort. The spikes on the armor, the thin tail, and the other details present on this model are sharp and in focus, and I believe that anyone who purchased this printer to make miniatures would be immediately delighted to see such a high-quality model come out of the printer without any additional preparation.
Preparing Files for Printing with Creality Halot Box
(Image credit: Creality)While resin 3D printers tend to be much more mechanically simple than filament FDM 3D printers, the software typically requires more setup work and the part preparation is a very important part of the process.
Creality includes a copy of Halot Box with the Creality Halot-One Plus, which is the slicer design for the Halot series of printers.
Halot Box offers two separate menus for slicing parts: Basic Options and Advanced Options. As expected, Basic Options contains parameters like layer thickness, exposure time, build platform raise height, and more which users will likely adjust the most often. These options are pre-populated with parameters that are more focused on success as opposed to speed, with a 3-second layer exposure and a 40 second initial layers exposure. Advanced Options contains more complicated parameters, such as shrinkage compensation for X, Y, and Z axes, anti-aliasing, and other parameters.
(Image credit: Creality)Halot Box is a fully featured slicer and is capable of importing models, hollowing them for resin printing, adding support structures, and even more advanced features like adding text, slicing a model into pieces, and measuring between two points.
These features make Halot Box just as feature-rich as ChituBox and Lychee slicer, both of which are also compatible with the Halot-One Plus.
I prepared this model of a dragon using the default Halot Box settings, including a 5mm shell after hollowing, medium support settings, and default slicer settings. Sliced with a .05mm layer height and a 3 second exposure time, this print took just over 12 hours to print out using Anycubic Water Washable Aqua Grey resin. The process of importing a model, hollowing, adding drain holes, adding support, and slicing took about 5 minutes and was intuitive and easy.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Comparison of the Creality Halot-One Plus vs. Elegoo Mars 3
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The 4K resolution mono LCD on the Creality Halot-One Plus makes it a natural competitor to smaller resin printers like the Elegoo Mars 3, but the larger build volume and Wi-Fi capabilities help it to edge out most competition.
Instead of focusing on Z height, the Halot-One Plus has a large surface area on the build platform, providing additional space for printing multiple parts.
| Creality Halot-One Plus | Elegoo Mars 3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Masking LCD Resolution | 4320 x 2560 | 4098 x 2560 |
| Masking LCD Size | 7.9 inches | 6.7 inches |
| XY Resolution | .04mm | .035mm |
| Build Dimensions | 6.77 x 4.01 x 6.29 inches | 5.64 x 3.52 x 6.89 inches |
| (172mm x 102mm x 160mm) | (143mm × 89mm × 175mm) | |
| Build Volume | 170.76 cubic inches | 136.79 cubic inches |
| Printer Dimensions | 9.29 x 9.57 x 16.46 inches | 8.93 x 8.93 x 17.28 inches |
| (23.6cm x 24.3cm x 41.8cm) | (22.7cm x 22.7cm x 43.85cm) | |
| Printer Volume | 1463 cubic inches | 1378 cubic inches |
| Build / Footprint Ratio | 11. 70% | 9.90% |
| (higher is better) | ||
| Price | $399 | $299 |
The Halot-One Plus has a somewhat squat appearance in contrast with the taller and narrower Mars 3, and the large LCD screen on the front gives it an appearance that is closer to an appliance than a 3D printer. The build volume is somewhere between the Elegoo Mars 3 and the Elegoo Saturn, and the price also sits between the two.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Halot-One Plus is slightly larger in size than the Mars 3, but the differences in build volume and X/Y area are clear when comparing the two. In addition, the built-in air filtration system, large LCD, and dual Z axis linear rails give the Halot-One Plus a more industrial appearance. The front-facing USB port makes swapping out USB drives easy on both printers, but the power button on the Halot-One Plus is located on the back of the machine as opposed to the front-mounted power button on the Mars 3.
The build platform of the Halot-One Plus has a lightly textured surface, which gives printed parts a more complex surface to bond to during printing. Placing the platform of the Halot-One Plus and the Mars 3 side-by-side highlights the difference in build area, with the Halot-One Plus being a full inch longer in the X axis and just under half an inch wider in the Y axis. The difference in build area is complemented by an increase in pixel resolution, which makes the Halot-One Plus XY pixel size .04mm, a 5 micron difference from the .035mm resolution of the Mars 3.
(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)Printing a Large Model on Creality Halot-One Plus
(Image credit: Creality)The build platform on the Creality Halot-One Plus is large enough to fit busts from Loot Studio, so I printed the bust of Korut The Mechappilian. The model prints in 5 pieces: the bust, left arm, right arm, base, and minigun. I was able to fit the bust and both arms onto a single build platform, and printed the minigun and base separately.
Processing these files in Halot Box was easy, and just involved dragging the models into the window, clicking “slice”, and exporting. No additional steps were needed, and I used Anycubic Grey Craftsman Resin and the default exposure settings.
The first filled build platform printed flawlessly, and the level of detail was incredible. The lizard-like texture on the model looked realistic, and the smooth armor components had a consistent and even appearance. The 3-second exposure time seemed like a perfect fit for this resin as the support material snapped off easily and without leaving major pockmarks on the model.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)After washing and curing the model, the general surface quality was still very impressive. The smooth surfaces have an even appearance and there are virtually no layer lines present, owing to the .05mm layer height and the .
04mm X/Y resolution. The nubs left by the support structure detach easily, and can be removed by simply running a pair of tweezers over them.
The final assembled bust looks more like a resin collectible than a 3D print, and the general quality was as good as any resin 3D printer under $2,500 that I have used. The joints fit together with simple peg and hole locating features, and they were a perfect friction fit. You can clearly make out the lizard skin texture on the model, and the fine detailing on the armor is easy to see without magnification.
Printing Models from Creality Cloud
(Image credit: Creality)Creality has implemented Creality Cloud into its Halot Box software, which allows users to download models directly from the internet into their slicer. This feature has come under scrutiny due to the widespread abuse enabled by the ability to mass upload models, regardless of their copyright or designer intent. YouTuber Bryan Vines made an excellent video discussing this topic, which shows how the platform was intended to be used versus the current usage.
For example, on the front page of the Creality Cloud, I saw the chainmail model by Agustin “Flowalistik” Arroyo. This model is currently available with a Creative Commons Attribution license, which means attribution is required when sharing the model or derivatives. The model on Creality Cloud has been uploaded by “user3265593031”, and features the picture from Printables as well as filenames with “flowalistik” in them, further proving they were uploaded by someone other than the creator.
(Image credit: Creality)The chainmail model was easily downloaded, sliced, and sent to the printer without any additional steps required through Halot Box. While this does make searching for and downloading models a simple process, it’s troubling to see that the original creator has no effective recourse for limiting this type of piracy. In this case, I was aware of the original creator but it would be completely understandable that most users may not, and may even think the model was being provided by Creality directly.
The Halot-One Plus is also able to download models from Creality Cloud directly from the printer interface without using Halot Box or any other slicer software. While this is a convenient feature, it is still subject to the same issues as downloading models from Creality Cloud via Halot Box. For instance, I downloaded this Minion file from the printer interface, but have no easy way to determine who the original designer was, what copyright license they used, and their intent for the printed model. In addition, the model printed completely solid and used significantly more resin than I was expecting for such a small print.
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(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)(Image credit: Tom's Hardware)The Creality Halot-One Plus is a sleek, smart, and well-performing printer that worked well during our testing and left me impressed with the quality of prints made with minimal to no adjusting of the default settings when using the Halot Box slicer.
The 172mm x 102mm x 160mm build volume is larger than other similarly priced printers, and the 4K resolution of the masking LCD provides sharp detail and fine features.
The Halot-One Plus sits in the awkward spot between small and large format resin 3D printers, and it’s hard to see if there is a place in the market for this machine. The large onboard LCD and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity are something you would expect on a more expensive printer like the Prusa SL1S, but are users currently looking for these features over build volume and print speed? That’s a hard question to answer, and only time will tell if the Halot-One Plus becomes a popular model.
If resolution isn’t your primary concern and you’re looking for the most build volume for your dollar, the Elegoo Saturn (on sale on Amazon for $369) and Elegoo Saturn 2 (available as a pre-order for $550) provide larger build volumes for a similar price tag. If you want to go in the other direction and find a printer with a higher resolution and aren’t worried about the price, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K provides an eye-watering .
022mm XY resolution at an $899 price tag.
Andrew Sink first used a 3D printer in 2012, and has been enthusiastically involved in the 3D printing industry ever since. Having printed everything from a scan of his own brain to a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, he continues to dive ever more deeply into the endless applications of additive technology. He is always working on new experiments, designs, and reviews and sharing his results on Tom's Hardware, YouTube, and more.
Top 5 Resin 3D Printers (2021 Review)
Resin 3D printer produces highly reliable prints using SLA, LCD or DLP technology. It cures UV resin and turns liquid into high quality 3D models at a faster rate.
To go into more detail, stereolithography (SLA) is the earliest form of resin 3D printing, which works by adding a light sensitive liquid resin substrate to a UV laser beam. The resin is then cured to the desired pattern and the product is formed layer by layer to completion.
On the other hand, when we talk about digital light processing (DLP), we mean the process of projecting one image in each layer with a digital projector by emitting UV radiation. And with the advent of LCD technology, resin 3D printing with LCD screen is becoming predominant in the 3D printing industry today. Since the LCD screen acts as a mask over the UV light source, it is sometimes referred to as MSLA (masked stereolithography).
Having said that, getting the right resin 3D printer has never been easier with so many brands and models available on the market. So, to help you on your buying journey, we've provided the top five resin 3D printers, along with advice from our technical experts and 3D printer enthusiasts, to give you the most important information before you buy.
Just click the buttons below that we have prepared for you to view their best deals on Amazon. That being said, we hope you find the best resin 3D printer to suit your next printing project in the future!
The best polymer 3D printers in comparison and rating
| Smol 3D printers | Features | 1. |
| |
|
3D-PHOMOV Quality and accuracy
Functions
Ease in use
Plus :
- It has a large assembly of 192 mm x 120 mm X 24 mm, that allows us to maximize our creativity and imagination.
- Offers an 8.9-inch 4K monochrome LCD display with a resolution of 3840 x 2400 pixels, which can return print information to its original form, and has a lifespan of up to 2000 hours.
- Has a short exposure time of 1.5-2 seconds and delivers a high print speed of 60mm per hour, which is 3 times faster than a standard 3D printer.
- Features a dual effect cooling system specially designed for consistent print performance and longevity.
- Uses a UV LED matrix to distribute light more evenly throughout the print.
- Comes with a dual Z-axis that prevents Z-axis wobble and improves printing efficiency.
- Has Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring of print operations.
Cons:
- The firmware is unstable, but this can be fixed by updating it.
- Vapors seem very smelly, so a more well ventilated print shop is required.
Final take:
This ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X resin 3D printer revolutionized resin 3D printing. It impressed us during the testing process as it printed consistently at 3 x 192 x 120 mm. It has a monochrome LCD in the center as well as a 245K resolution panel with 4 micron pixel size (XY). We printed with a thickness of 50mm and were impressed by the quality of the print, which perfectly brings out important and small details. The slicer program is simple but accurate. So far, the auto support feature has been reliable because we haven't had missed or failed prints due to insufficient support. The Z-axis is indeed a thread-height bar, while the plastic tank is anodized aluminum, so we've never experienced any Z-axis wobble before this entry. It also features a brushed aluminum platform that improves the adhesion between the platform and prints, as well as its design and durability.
Ultimately, this ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X 05D Resin Printer is an excellent entry-level resin UV printer with exceptional print efficiency. We were blown away by its printing capabilities and we can't say enough about the print quality!
30-50 mm per hour
SLISER software
Chitaboks
Equal for use
Simplication in use
simplicity in the use Pros of :
- Features a COB UV LED light source that emits more stable UV light, and a 2K monochrome LCD display, which greatly improves printing performance and accuracy.
- Comes with a 6.08-inch 2K HD monochrome LCD, which has a much longer life and high stability in long-term printing.
- It only takes 2 seconds to apply cured resin to one layer, which can greatly improve print quality.
- Features a durable CNC machined aluminum body and its state of the art sandblasted build plate also has excellent adhesion throughout the print for more reliable printing.
- Supports 12 different languages, allowing customers from all over the world to easily use this 3D printer. (Japanese, Dutch, Korean, French, German, Russian, Italian, Spanish, Turkish and Portuguese).
- Offers a replacement resin tank made from a special engineering plastic that is environmentally friendly and biodegradable.
Cons:
- The slicer app is a little hard to use.
Final take:
The ELEGOO Mars 3 Mono MSLA 2D printer is among the most affordable 3D printers we have seen so far.
It features a monochrome LCD, COB UV light source and a 6.08-inch 2K HD LCD. We printed everything from industrial parts to board game mini-games with a build volume of 129mm x 80mm x 150mm. Compared to RGB LCD 3D printers, it has four times the shelf life and twice the print speed, making it one of the most powerful, reliable and maintenance free resin 3D printers. In the process of testing the transparent resin, we set at least 8 seconds per layer at a height of 0.05 mm, and it showed outstanding consistency. Also, at 11-12 seconds for opaque resins per 0.05mm layer, the prints from this 3D printer are really beautiful and flawless. We had a great time with this ELEGOO Mars 3 Mono MSLA 2D Printer as it is incredibly easy to operate while in use and comes with amazing support. In addition, it creates amazing objects with stunning detail and resolution.
30 mm/h
Slicer software
Longer in-house developed slicing software.
CHITUBOX4
Quality and accuracy of
Functions
Simplication in use
Plus :
- also supported an increetized LCD-3D prisoner with a faster. and finer details compared to FDM printers.
- Comes with an advanced UV LED module that provides specialized optical path configuration and even power distribution to help improve prototype accuracy and print performance.
- Has a self-developed slicing program that creates a 100 MB slicing file in one minute, which is three times faster than others.
- Features 24 parallel LEDs for improved print efficiency, cure speed, layer adhesion support, and consistent light output compared to other printers.
- Features a full color touch screen interface, real-time display and monitoring of print status, fast bed leveling, strong steel body, strong adhesion, and a temperature warning system for greater safety.
Cons:
- We are a little limited in the printing area because it is a little small.
Final take:
This Longer Orange 3 Resin SLA 10D printer is one of the most iconic SLA 3D printers available and is a great entry level LCD light curing device. Assembly takes minimal time as we were able to start printing within minutes of unboxing and the entire process took only 15 minutes. The self-developed slicing program is incredibly easy to use and very fast. We printed 28mm high mock-ups which took about 3 hours to complete. One thing to note when printing with resin is that the printing process is proportional to the height of the model, meaning that it takes the same amount of time to print six models as it takes to print one model. It produces highly accurate prints and can print complex models such as miniatures including accessories. Ultimately, there is no doubt about its effectiveness, because it produces quality products of an exceptionally high level! This Longer Orange 3 Resin SLA 10D printer is a great buy when it comes to 3D printing.
4C per layer (50-70 mm per hour)
SLISER software
CHITU CHITU DLP
FURTS INSIDE BUILDS AND COMMUNICATION BE value for money
Pros :
- Delivers exceptional accuracy and precision with 30W dynamic UV for fast printing, delivering 4 seconds per layer using a 2560 x 1440 2K HD masking LCD.
- Equipped with a dual fan air filtration system for impressive ventilation that uses activated carbon air filtration to effectively minimize odor differences.
- Uses the latest ChiTuBox slicing software for an exceptional user interface.
- Provides easy cleaning of the resin reservoir, plus a distinctive FEP release film reinforced at both ends.
- With a print volume of 119 mm x 65 mm x 160 mm, we can produce larger and larger prints one after the other.
- Has an integrated computer board that allows us to print directly from a USB stick.
- The body of the system is all-metal manufactured using CNC cutting technology, which improves the structural system, reduces friction and provides relatively smooth printing.
Cons:
- The manual is useless because there doesn't seem to be any cleaning or post-processing procedures, and even all the instructions are written in Chinese.
Final take:
Creality 3D printers are gaining popularity and this Creality LD3R Resin 002D printer is another great resin 3D printer in the industry. It is economical yet effective as its powerful UV output delivers 4 seconds per coat with exceptional precision and resolution.
During the testing procedure, the initial calibration and setup is extremely easy and our first prints were pretty good. After weeks of continuous testing and use, we can confidently state that this 3D printer is a fantastic piece to get started with resin 3D printing. The resolution is really very good, and the surface quality of the printed parts is impressive. We have been using the printer for two months now, and since we have used it, it has not disappointed us. In addition, the performance of this 3D printer is amazing. Without a doubt, this Creality LD3R Resin 002D Printer is a fantastic way to start your 3D printing journey.
Cons:
- The work table is not tilted and holds a significant amount of resin.
- Compared to other 3D printers in the same price range, it usually has a smaller build volume.
Final take:
This PHROZEN Sonic Mini Resin 3D printer is an impressive low cost resin 3D printer with high speed printing, high precision and ease of use. It has a very advanced production and processing method that cures the resin in a fraction of a second. In the same way, it uses a thermally stable mono-LCD display, which will better last about 2000 hours, so we don't have to worry about maintenance and care. During testing, we tested this 3D printer with 0.03mm resolution accessories along with aqua green resin. The standard resin profile allowed only 2 seconds, but we accurately tested it for 1.
35 seconds to achieve more accurate measurements and fewer filled loops. In addition, this resin 3D printer is so easy to operate that we can start printing in 5 minutes with just 3 clicks. We liked how the touchscreen feels responsive and the user interface looks attractive along with the lightweight body it has.
Available photopolymer resins after the borders are closed
While the borders are closing, warehouses are being emptied and consumables are being bought up, we invite you to get acquainted with the brands of polymers that are available for order in LIDER-3D. In this article you will find unexpected novelties and proven brands of photopolymers for any task.
Brands:
- Anycubic
- Creality
- Elegoo
- eSUN
- Gorky Liquid
- HardLight
- HARZ Labs
The most famous brand of affordable photopolymer printers is not far behind in the production of materials for their (and not only) devices.
Anycubic's range includes base resins, as well as dental, jewelry and casting resins, burnout resins, and even a plant-based safe photopolymer for young 3D printing enthusiasts.
A wide color gamut and standard exposure ranges make this resin suitable for use in more than just Anycubic printers.
Recommended:
► Anycubic Colored UV Resin
A versatile base resin available in a variety of shades for hobbyists and professionals alike. The stable composition, excellent pigmentation and good strength characteristics allow you to quickly produce quality products on your photopolymer printer.
Colored UV Resin is suitable for creating vibrant miniatures at home or visualizing projects right in your office.
► Anycubic Plant-Based UV Resin
Biodegradable resin has many uses, from hobbyist miniature printing to medical or dental applications. The most gentle composition of the resin based on soybean oil does not cause allergies and has virtually no smell when printing.
This photopolymer is the ideal choice for those who care about nature - Anycubic Plant-Based UV Resin is biodegradable.
Creality currently has a very limited range of resins as it is just getting started in the production and distribution of photopolymer printing materials. The manufacturer is known for its 3D printers, so the creation of its own photopolymers has become a natural development of the company's activities.
Creality Resins are designed for DLP, LCD/LED devices and are compatible with all desktop 3D printers. The color palette of polymers is not as wide as that of Anycubic, but nevertheless able to meet the needs of most users.
Worth a look:
► Creality PLA-based UV Curable Resin
Safely formulated and virtually odorless resin, safe for children and pets. In the composition you will find plant components, and as a pleasant bonus to the natural composition - the possibility of washing under ordinary running water.
Finished Creality PLA-based UV Curable Resin for high strength and impact resistance.
► Creality Standard Rigid LCD UV Resin
Basic universal resin that every manufacturer has. The material has several colors and is suitable for printing products with a high degree of detail. Due to the slightly pronounced odor, the polymer can be used in rooms with natural ventilation.
Standard Rigid LCD UV Resin print speeds are best achieved with DLP, LCD/LED monochrome matrix printers.
► Creality Water Washable LCD UV Resin
Keeping the theme of sustainability in mind, Creality has released a resin that requires no solvent washing and is virtually odorless when printed. Residues of the polymer can be washed off with plain water - it is safe and convenient. The material is recommended for use at home and in the classroom.
Available for printers of all levels, Water Washable LCD UV Resin is an excellent choice for DLP and LCD/LED applications.
The Chinese company Elegoo began to actively develop in the field of development and production of materials for photopolymer 3D printing. The manufacturer offers a fairly large range of polymers, some of which have recently been updated and now allow you to create high-quality products on devices with a matrix resolution of up to 8K.
Affordable photopolymers are the perfect solution for professional printing, education, home and office use.
Recommended to buy:
► Elegoo Standard Resin
There are base resins in every manufacturer's range, but Elegoo Standard Resin has perhaps the widest variety of shades. You can choose from pigmented, transparent and translucent colors to suit any project.
Photopolymer is the most affordable among the entire range of materials for printing on DLP and LCD printers.
► Elegoo ABS-Like Resin
Do you want parts as durable as ABS plastic? Elegoo offers photopolymer with special characteristics for durable products.
A material with a stable composition does not lose its properties during storage and transportation.
In addition to excellent physical qualities, Elegoo ABS-Like Resin has a rich color palette. You can use the material for printing final products, which are characterized by increased strength and resistance to mechanical stress.
► Elegoo Water Washable Resin
Universal resin suitable for most desktop printers. Its main feature is the possibility of washing with ordinary running water. Now you do not need to spend money on solvents and buy additional equipment. Simply dip the printed part into a container of water to remove any remaining resin!
Elegoo Water Washable Resin has a fairly high print accuracy and low shrinkage. A nice bonus for fans of 3D printing will be the presence of several bright colors.
► Elegoo Thermochromic Resin
Stunning visual effects can be achieved with Elegoo Thermochromic Resin. The resin is suitable for printing products with high detail, which can change color depending on temperature.
When heated, finished products can change their hue from gray to purple and vice versa when cooled.
The photopolymer is suitable for making decorative items, toys, accessories, souvenirs - any project will be unusual with Thermochromic Resin.
A selection of articles from the "Knowledge Base" section from the LIDER-3D website: 1) Recommendations for post-processing products from HARZ Labs photopolymers • 2) Best free 3D modeling software for beginners • 3) Guide: print figures on 3D printer
The Chinese company has long been working in the field of manufacturing materials for 3D printing. For more than 20 years, the company has been dedicated to the development of quality polymers for solving engineering problems and hobby projects.
eSUN's range of photopolymer resins includes standard water-washable resins, as well as high-precision printing and end-product materials.
Try:
► eSUN eResin Flex
Plant-based photopolymer has excellent flexibility and elasticity, so it can be used to make prototypes with the declared characteristics.
The photopolymer is available in just one shade, but this minor drawback is not very significant for production.
eSUN eResin Flex is compatible with most desktop and professional 3D printers with 395 - 405 nm wavelength.
► eSUN Hard Tough Resin
Heavy duty resin with improved strength characteristics. Finished products are in no way inferior to those made of ABS plastic and have the same resistance to impact loads, deformation and stretching.
Resin suitable for printing parts, functional prototypes and products that require harsh environments. A big plus is the compatibility of eSUN Hard Tough Resin with almost any desktop device.
The Russian manufacturer of photopolymers Gorky Liquid carries out a full production cycle - from development to manufacturing and packaging of finished products. The research and production enterprise has a wide range of polymers, which is regularly updated with new products.
Gorky Liquid offers several resin lines for modeling, dentistry and manufacturing.
Polymers have excellent physical characteristics and are suitable for any application. The manufacturer regularly tests all polymers in several parameters in order to offer users the best formulations and unique material properties.
Worth ordering:
► Gorky Liquid Simple
Basic photopolymer suitable for LCD printers from different manufacturers. Gorky Liquid Simple Resin is designed for DIY projects and comes in several vibrant colors.
Conveniently packaged in 1 liter tin containers to prevent leakage during transport and storage.
► Gorky Liquid Reactive
Want to print as fast as possible? Gorky Liquid offers the fastest resin in the Reactive lineup. The reduced exposure time of each layer will allow you to quickly create prototypes, souvenirs, miniatures and perform other tasks.
The material is available in several basic colors suitable for both prototyping and DIY projects.
► Gorky Liquid Extinguish LCD
Resin from a series of engineering polymers with special physical characteristics.
By their properties, finished products resemble non-flammable ABS plastic. Gorky Liquid Extinguish LCD is ideal for prototyping, printing test samples and performance-enhancing products.
Long lasting flame resistant polymerized material can be used in a variety of industries and business applications.
► Gorky Liquid Silicone LCD
Silicone-like material suitable for a variety of applications. You can make molds for plastic injection, various sealing and shock-absorbing elements from it. Gorky Liquid Silicone LCD is resistant to mechanical friction, so it can be used for functional prototypes and final products.
A pleasant bonus is the slight smell of the polymer, which allows you to print without the need for forced ventilation.
Another domestic manufacturer of photopolymers offers a wide range of materials for 3D printing. The high-tech manufacturing base allows the company to create quality polymers for education, manufacturing, dentistry and hobbyist use.
The company offers several series of materials that allow you to solve completely different tasks in different industries. For most of its resins, HardLight offers a wide range of colors.
We advise you to try:
► HardLight LCD HARD MODEL
One of the most budgetary polymers in the manufacturer's line. Base resin is great for teaching and modeling. Stable composition and low shrinkage allow you to create high quality products.
HardLight LCD HARD MODEL is available in several shades that allow you to visualize any project.
► HardLight MODEL WS
Not the first water washable resin on this list, it has a fairly high strength. The material is safe to use, does not have a strong odor and has little shrinkage.
HardLight MODEL WS products are very easy to clean from polymer residues. Rinse the part under running water and dry to ensure that the photopolymer acquires the declared characteristics.
► HardLight LCD HN Hard
HardLight LCD HN Hard engineered photopolymer for increased strength and rigidity.
The physical properties of the material are similar to nylon, so finished products can easily withstand heavy loads (including moderate bending), temperature changes and precipitation.
Ideal for printing functional prototypes and small series production. The polymer is presented in a transparent color, but can be dyed with special pigments before printing or dyed in the desired color by standard methods.
The first Russian company with a representative office in Europe is a serious research laboratory and large production facilities. HARZ Labs conducts its own polymer research and offers materials for a variety of applications.
The company has the largest range of photopolymers on the market. Series of base polymers, materials for dentistry, industry and design are available to a wide range of users. The line of dental resins is represented by a wide range of items and can successfully compete with materials from foreign manufacturers.
HARZ Labs continues its research and develops materials with special physical and chemical characteristics, as well as hypoallergenic and biocompatible resins.
Recommended to buy:
► HARZ Labs Basic Resin
The base resin in a rich red hue allows you to print accurate, strong and rigid models. The material is suitable not only for use at home, but also for education or production - for printing prototypes.
HARZ Labs Basic Resin is compatible with most DLP/LCD 3D printers, has a safe formulation and is very easy to use.
► HARZ Labs ART Glow
For the most daring and unusual ideas, you can use HARZ Labs ART Glow with a special pigment. Printed products may glow in the dark with an unusual greenish light. Luminescent additives are activated in the light, and with the onset of darkness they can emit a glow for up to 2 hours.
Contains safe components that do not cause allergic reactions. The resin has a fairly low shrinkage, so it allows you to create highly detailed objects.
► HARZ Labs Industrial PP-like
SLA 3D printer material is an engineering polymer with high strength properties.
