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You can find a great resin (aka MSLA) 3D printer for less than $300. LCD Display Module
The list in brief 1. Best Overall 2. Best High-Res 3. Best for Beginners 4. Best Splurge 5. Best Super-Large Format 6. Best Large Format 7. Best Medium Format 8. Best for Miniatures 9. Shopping Tips
As 3D printing continues to become cheaper and more accessible, resin 3D printers have become a popular choice for anyone interested in making highly-detailed models that wouldn’t be feasible using a filament-fed, FDM 3D printer. These MSLA (Masked Stereolithography) resin 3D printers typically have a single axis of motion, and this simple mechanical system means these machines can regularly be found for less than $300. With so many models on the market, we’ve made this list to help you find the best resin 3D printer for you.
The best resin 3D printers are capable of making high-resolution models by curing a liquid resin using a UV light source. This MSLA process uses a masking LCD to selectively block the UV light on a pixel-by-pixel basis, allowing these printers to create models that have a resolution of down to .035mm on the XY axes.
This high resolution comes at a price, as parts made on a resin 3D printer require post-processing after printing, and UV resin requires caution when handling. Because resin requires gloves and a mask to handle, we recommend beginners or anyone with young kids consider one of the FDM (fusion deposit modeling) printers on our overall best 3D printers page.
There are several factors to consider before buying one of the best resin 3D printers, so be sure to consider these questions before making a choice.
Best Resin 3D Printer Overall
This is a well-built resin printer with excellent 4K print quality. Its smaller size makes it easy to handle while taking up less space on your workbench. It has the widest build plate of any hobby level resin printer, giving you more room for printing beefy models.
With 12K resolution, this is a resin printer that prints with a remarkable level of detail and generous build volume. Paired with a special high-speed custom resin, it is capable of reaching an average print speed of 105 mm/hour saving you so much time when printing multiple projects.
Best Resin 3D Printer for Beginners
This printer was made specifically with first time resin users in mind. It delivers quality 4K prints with a smaller sized vat and a petite footprint that requires minimal space. It comes with an extra large screen protector for the LED glass, which covers the glass and the slight gap around it. This makes keeping the printer clean super easy.
Best Splurge Resin 3D Printer
This resin printer is so dead simple to use that a beginner will have no trouble with it. It's midsize for a resin printer without being awkward to operate and has a build volume closer to what we see in FDM printers. Best of all, it delivers on its promise of high-res quality.
Best Super-Large Format Resin 3D Printer
If you are looking for a sturdy large format resin printer that is priced much more reasonably than many of its competitors with similar build volumes, such as the Peopoly Phenom which goes for around $2,000, then this is the printer for you. Features include automatic resin feeder and built-in flood lighting.
Best Large Format Resin 3D Printer
This workhorse resin MSLA 3D printer is designed to offer uncompromising performance for serious hobbyists and small-volume part production. It is ideal for anyone looking for large build volume, high resolution, or just failure-free resin printing.
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The Anycubic Photon M3 is the best all around resin 3D printer we’ve reviewed. It produces crisp details with 4K+ quality that rivals more expensive machines and has a wide build plate allowing it to make larger models than competitors in its class.
A sample print of a unicorn was extremely detailed, with the ridges on its horn and its mane appearing really sharp and free from layer lines. It was also a full 180mm tall and printed in 10 hours.
The etched build plate works really well at holding models tight during printing, but also allows for easy removal when they’re done. The metal vat has a convenient pour spout, and Anycubic includes a screen protector for the LED light source to prevent accidental drips from ruining your printer.
Retailing for less than $250 at press time, the Anycubic Photon M3 is a reasonable purchase for a beginner or an advanced maker wanting to add to their fleet.
More: Anycubic Photon M3 Review
When it comes to printing in detail, nothing comes close to the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s which features a whopping 12K resolution and achieves 19 micron X accuracy. It is also super fast. In our test, we're able to print a 3.5-inch model in less than an hour. Anycubic claims this printer has the ability to reach an average print speed of 105mm/hour, so if you are looking for a high speed, high res printer, the M5s has you covered.
Amazingly, the Photon Mono M5s doesn't require any manual calibration. This is the first resin printer we've tested that provides auto-leveling using mechanical sensors which not only saves time but also makes it super easy to set up. Just add resin and you are ready to go.
Anycubic has also come out with its own specialty high-speed resin (sold separately or included in bundle kits) which works with the M5s and is the secret sauce that helps to cut the time of your prints tremendously.
With all these and more "smart" features the Photon Mono M5s has to offer, it is a great option for makers looking for a mid-size high-resolution printer and also a smart buy as it is also $40 off its usual $539 MSRP.
More: Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Review
The Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is a great and affordable option for anyone who is new to or want to get started with resin 3D printing. This printer is compact and light-weight so it won't take up a lot of space and can easily be stored away. It's shipped mostly assembled which makes setup a snap.
But don't let the size of this printer fool you, the Photon Mono 2 has a 20% larger build volume than its predecessor. In our testing, we were able to fit six presupported minuatures on the build plate at once.
This printer delivers very detailed 4K print quality, is great for miniatures and small models, and comes with its own custom slicer, the Photon Workshop V3.
More: Anycubic Photon Mono 2 Review
3 Inch Lcd Display If you’re ready to throw some serious cash down for a decent-sized resin 3D printer with quality that will knock your socks off, the Phrozen Sonic Mighty 8K is here for you. Its roomy 218 x 123 mm build plate can accommodate an army of gaming miniatures or a gift-worthy superh