Resin 3D Printing (SLA) – A Quick Overview

Always wondered how you could achieve the smoothest print possible without too much post-process? Resin printing (SLA) might be for you!

This process isn’t new at all; in fact, it was developed before the FDM printer that we know and love. Over the last few years, this process has become widely accessible with less odor resin and cheaper printers to acquire.

The SLA process, which stands for stereolithography, utilizes a single Z-axis and a precise LCD screen that allows UV light to pass through, curing the resin exactly where it needs to be at each layer.

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Resin 3D Printer Models

Entry Level

Resin printers have a wide range of prices, making them accessible to both hobbyists and professionals with specific applications.

For anyone who doesn’t want to spend a lot on a resin printer, the entry-level ones are pretty good and can definitely meet their needs.

ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4 – $239.99

• Print Dimension: 153.4mm (X) x 87mm (Y) x 165mm (Z)
• Screen Resolution: 10K
• Max Speed: 120mm/h
• Heated VAT: No
• AI Camera: No

ELEGOO Mars 5 – $199.99

• Print Dimension: 143.43mm (X) x 89.6mm (Y) x 150 mm (Z)
• Screen Resolution: 4K
• Max Speed: 70mm/h
• Heated VAT: No
• AI Camera: No

Creality HALOT R6 – $149.99

• Print Dimension: 131mm (X) x 83mm (Y) x 160 mm (Z)
• Screen Resolution: 2K
• Max Speed: 60mm/h
• Heated VAT: No
• AI Camera: No

Mid Range

For the ones that aim to keep and produce for the long term with the printer, and still don’t want to spend too much.

ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra – $649.99

• Print Dimension: 218.88mm (X) x 122.88mm (Y) x 220mm (Z)
• Screen Resolution: 16K
• Max Speed: 150mm/h
• Heated VAT: Yes
• AI Camera: Yes

ANYCUBIC Photon Mono M7 PRO – $689.99

• Print Dimension: 223mm (X) x 126mm (Y) x 230 mm (Z)
• Screen Resolution: 14K
• Max Speed: 170mm/h
• Heated VAT: Yes
• AI Camera: No

Halot Mage S – $489.99

• Print Dimension: 223mm (X) x 126mm (Y) x 230 mm (Z)
• Screen Resolution: 14K
• Max Speed: 150mm/h
• Heated VAT: No
• Camera: Yes

High End

And for the 3D printing enthusiast who simply wants the best and a worry-free experience, those two brands are what you need:

Formlabs

Raise3D

Pros Of Resin 3D Printers

• No layer lines – ready to paint models.
• Faster print times when you print multiple models at once.
• Easy to use.

Cons Of Resin 3D Printers

• A well-ventilated area is needed to limit odors and toxicity.
• Washing and manipulating parts require protective gear.
• Resin can be messy if dropped; extra care is required to wipe everything as soon as possible with 99% alcohol.
• The process is more expensive because of the resin and cleaning supplies.

All purchases made through the links in this post will support my work as a writer and any upcoming projects or demos I do!

Happy printing

Jérôme