A resin 3D printer is a type of 3D printer that uses liquid resin and light to produce incredibly detailed objects, layer by layer. Unlike the more common filament-based printers (like FDM), which melt plastic to build a model, resin printers use a process called photopolymerization. Here, UV light or lasers harden the resin selectively, solidifying one layer at a time in a tank of liquid. This method allows for extremely fine resolution, making resin printers a go-to choice for professionals in industries like dentistry, jewelry design, and miniature modeling where precision matters most.
The technology behind resin 3D printing is typically based on one of several methods, such as SLA (Stereolithography), DLP (Digital Light Processing), or LCD masking. Each uses a slightly different light source to cure the resin, but they all produce smoother surfaces and more intricate details than FDM printers. While resin printers are generally messier and require post-processing like cleaning and UV curing, the quality of the final output is often worth the extra effort. As resin 3D printing becomes more affordable and user-friendly, it’s steadily gaining popularity among hobbyists and makers looking to level up their creations.
If you intend to buy a resin 3d printer, you should look for references first. In this article we will provide a list of recommended resin 3d printers that might suit your needs. We also complete it with a list of estimated prices that we get from research on official websites and marketplaces.
Table of Contents
- Formlabs Form 3L
- Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K
- Anycubic Photon M3 Max
- Peopoly Phenom XXL V2
- Nexa3D NXE 400 Pro
- Asiga Pro 4K
- FlashForge Foto 13.3
- EnvisionTEC Xtreme 8K
- Uniz Slash 2 Plus
- Ackuretta SOL
1. Formlabs Form 3L
Why it’s recommended: The Formlabs Form 3L is a large-format SLA printer that brings industrial-grade resin printing to the desktop. Its Low Force Stereolithography (LFS) technology ensures ultra-smooth surfaces and exceptional detail, making it ideal for high-quality prototyping or end-use parts.
Price: ±$4,999
Key Features:
- Build Volume: 335 × 200 × 300 mm
- Resolution: 25 microns
- Best For: Rapid prototyping, dental models, medical devices
- Business Fit: Excellent for businesses seeking reliability and post-processing automation (via Form Wash and Form Cure).
2. Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K
Why it’s recommended: This resin printer features one of the highest resolutions in the consumer market and a massive build volume, ideal for batch printing or large-scale prototypes with exquisite detail.
Price: ±$1,299
Key Features:
- Build Volume: 330 × 185 × 400 mm
- Resolution: 43 microns (8K)
- Best For: Figurine production, dental models, jewelry
- Business Fit: Outstanding value for businesses scaling up production while maintaining ultra-high-resolution outputs.
3. Anycubic Photon M3 Max
Why it’s recommended: A cost-effective, large-format printer with 7K resolution, the Photon M3 Max strikes an excellent balance between affordability and industrial performance.
Price: ±$599
Key Features:
- Build Volume: 300 × 298 × 164 mm
- Resolution: 7K monochrome LCD
- Best For: Product prototypes, educational tools, design iterations
- Business Fit: Ideal for medium-sized businesses expanding their prototyping departments without overspending.
4. Peopoly Phenom XXL V2
Why it’s recommended: Designed for large-format, professional applications, this MSLA printer offers speed and scale in one of the biggest resin printing volumes available.
Price: ±$7,999
Key Features:
- Build Volume: 527 × 296 × 550 mm
- Resolution: 137 microns
- Best For: Architecture models, automotive parts, large product design
- Business Fit: Best suited for firms requiring very large one-piece prints or high-throughput production.
5. Nexa3D NXE 400 Pro
Why it’s recommended: This industrial-grade printer leverages proprietary LSPc (Lubricant Sublayer Photo-curing) technology for ultra-fast print speeds without sacrificing accuracy.
Price: ±$59,990
Key Features:
- Build Volume: 275 × 155 × 400 mm
- Resolution: 76.5 microns
- Best For: Engineering prototypes, production-grade parts, healthcare devices
- Business Fit: Perfect for large enterprises that value speed and automated production capabilities.
6. Asiga Pro 4K
Why it’s recommended: With medical-grade precision and reliability, the Asiga Pro 4K is favored in dental and audiology sectors, its 4K DLP projector and open material system.
Price: ±$22,900
Key Features:
- Build Volume: 192 × 108 × 200 mm
- Resolution: 4K DLP
- Best For: Medical applications, dental labs, jewelry
- Business Fit: Excellent for businesses with strict regulatory requirements and demand for repeatable precision.
7. FlashForge Foto 13.3
Why it’s recommended: This printer offers solid print quality with an exceptionally large build volume, making it a cost-effective solution for mass printing applications.
Price: ±$1,999
Key Features:
- Build Volume: 292 × 165 × 400 mm
- Resolution: 4K monochrome LCD
- Best For: Toy manufacturing, educational prototypes, industrial design
- Business Fit: A robust addition for medium businesses looking to increase batch production without a huge capital investment.
8. EnvisionTEC Xtreme 8K
Why it’s recommended: A high-end choice for businesses with critical quality and speed requirements, especially in industries like aerospace and automotive.
Price: ±$95,000
Key Features:
- Build Volume: 450 × 371 × 399 mm
- Resolution: 76 microns
- Best For: Industrial part production, functional prototypes
- Business Fit: Tailored for enterprise-grade needs, it provides unmatched speed, material versatility, and automation options.
9. Uniz Slash 2 Plus
Why it’s recommended: Known for its fast print speeds and strong ecosystem, this printer is optimized for small-batch, high-resolution production.
Price: ±$4,599
Key Features:
- Build Volume: 192 × 120 × 200 mm
- Resolution: 49.8 microns
- Best For: Product development, small-scale manufacturing
- Business Fit: Ideal for companies wanting both quality and speed, especially in the early stages of production or product customization.
10. Ackuretta SOL
Why it’s recommended: A highly accurate printer popular in the dental sector, Ackuretta SOL combines reliability, fast printing, and validated workflows with compatible resins.
Price: ±$6,500
Key Features:
- Build Volume: 128 × 80 × 140 mm
- Resolution: 47 microns
- Best For: Dentistry, orthodontics, surgical guides
- Business Fit: Highly suitable for medical and dental firms with rigorous accuracy and repeatability requirements.
Advice Before You Buy Resin 3D Printer
Before diving into the world of 3D printing with resin, it’s crucial to understand that not all resins are created equal. One of the first pieces of advice seasoned makers share is to match your resin type with your project’s purpose. Standard resins are great for detailed models and miniatures but can be brittle. If you’re printing functional parts or anything that will be handled frequently, look into tough, flexible, or engineering-grade resins designed for durability. Additionally, always check if the resin is compatible with your specific 3D printer, some resins are formulated for particular wavelengths or brands and might not work properly otherwise.
Another key consideration is safety and storage. Resin printing offers stunning detail, but the material is inherently toxic in its liquid form. Always use gloves and a well-ventilated area or even better, a dedicated resin printer enclosure with proper filtration. When shopping for resin, check reviews for odor levels, curing reliability, and post-processing requirements. Some resins may require longer UV curing times or specific cleaning agents, which can add to your workflow and budget. A little research ahead of time can save you money, time, and a lot of mess in the long run.
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