The 5 Best Resin 3D Printers in 2024

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Resin is one of the best materials used in 3D printing, period. Resin 3D printing works great for prints with a tremendous level of detail. It’s capable of generating prototypes with smooth surfaces and tight tolerances.

However, not all 3D printers are suited for resin 3D printing. Even when it comes to the models that support resin 3D printing, not all of them will give you satisfying and consistent results.

In this guide, we’ve listed and reviewed some of the best resin 3D printers, so you can pick the one that best suits your needs.

Comparison Table

ModelBuild VolumeResin Curing Speed
ELEGOO Mars 389.6 x 143.36 x 175 mm1.5-3 seconds per layer
Phrozen Sonic Mini132 x 74 x 130 mm2 seconds per layer
ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K130 x 80 x 165 mm1.5 seconds/layer
ELEGOO Saturn MSLA192 x 120 x 200mm2-3 seconds per layer
ELEGOO Resin Mars 2 Pro129 x 80 x 160 mm2 seconds/layer

5 Best Resin 3D Printers in 2024

Alright, now let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of each 3D printer, as well as the features that make each one worth buying. 

1. ELEGOO Mars 3 – Best Overall Pick

ELEGOO Mars 3

The ELEGOO Mars 3 is arguably one of the most recommended resin 3D printers out there.

It sports a massive 6.66-inch 4K Monochrome LCD screen with a whopping resolution of 4098 x 2560 px, enabling you to create resin prototypes efficiently. It’s capable of printing at 1.5-3 seconds per layer, allowing you to make your ideas come to life as quickly as possible.

What’s more, the Mars 3 has a new free-form surface COB light source that packs a copper tube heat dissipation structure with excellent heat dissipation efficiency. And with a light decay of <5% after 6000 hours, the service life is significantly enhanced.

The new FEP film provides protection for small supports while also minimizing lower release tension, ensuring that the details of your prints aren’t compromised.

The build volume is 89.6 x 143.36 x 175 mm, which is slightly larger than its predecessor, the Mars 2.

Plus, you get a robust Z-axis linear guide structure with an accuracy of 0.001mm, meaning that your prints will come out just as you intended them to be. Not to mention, leveling the platform is super easy.

Our only complaint is the plastic base. It doesn’t feel that cheap, but of course, we’d have preferred a metal base.

What We Like

  • Fast resin curing
  • 4K resolution
  • Convenient leveling
  • Great heat dissipation efficiency

What We Don’t Like

  • Plastic base
  • No wireless printing

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for fast resin 3D printing with efficient heat dissipation and a high-resolution screen, the ELEGOO Mars 3 would be your best bet.

2. Phrozen Sonic Mini – Runner Up

Phrozen Sonic Mini

The Phrozen Sonic Mini flaunts a 3840 x 2160 Ultra-high-definition screen that can print your models at 35µm with a whopping pixel density of 722 PPI. This enables you to build complex 3D models in great detail. You can even use this 3D printer to make intricate jewelry pieces.

Additionally, the build area is 132 x 74 x 130 mm, which is adequate for most 3D projects. The good news is that you don’t need to compromise portability and compactness to get this ample printing volume.

The 6.1″ Monochrome LCD screen enables you to print your models at multiples of the speed of many other 3D printers on the market.

With a resin curing speed of 2 seconds per layer, you’ll be able to create prototypes in little to no time.

It’s also worth noting that the Phrozen Sonic is compatible with a wide range of resin types, including the company’s proprietary Aqua-Gray 4K resin and water-washable resins.

The only downside is that leveling the platforms can be a bit challenging, especially for beginners.

What We Like

  • Rapid prototyping
  • Compatible with all resin types on the market
  • Vast build volume
  • HD screen with 722 PPI pixel density

What We Don’t Like

  • Difficult to level

Bottom Line

The Phrozen Sonic Mini has many tricks up its sleeve, with a high-resolution screen, fast curing, and a big build area.

3. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K – Best Budget Pick

ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K

The ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K 3D printer is a watered-down version of the Mono X from the same manufacturer, and it costs about 50% of its price tag.

It features a modest build volume that measures 130 x 80 x 165 mm. It should be good enough for miniatures and medium-sized projects.

What’s more, the Photon is equipped with a 6.08″ Monochrome 2K HD LCD screen that can last at least 4x longer than standard RGB screens. The 3840 x 2400 HD resolution allows for greater details in your prints, with a pixel count of more than 9.2 million.

One area where the Photon 3D printer shines is speed. With rapid prototyping, your projects will be much more efficient. This printer is capable of printing at 2.5x the speed of conventional 3D printers, allowing you to create more projects in less time. It can cure resin at a rate of 1.5 seconds/layer, which is quite impressive.

The Photon is equipped with a 2.8” touchscreen display that lets you access the control panel and adjust print settings.

On top of all that, you get a transparent UV-blocking cover that can block 99.95% of the 405nm UV light for consistent print quality. Plus, there’s an anti-scratch film above the screen for extra protection.

What We Like

  • Fast speed
  • High-resolution screen
  • Effective UV-blocking cover
  • Reasonable price tag
  • Anti-scratch film for the screen

What We Don’t Like

  • Doesn’t support wireless printing
  • Build volume is somewhat limited

Bottom Line

If you’re searching for a budget resin 3D printer that doesn’t compromise on print quality and speed, the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 3D Printer leaves little to be desired.

4. ELEGOO Saturn MSLA – Best Value Choice

ELEGOO Saturn MSLA

The ELEGOO Saturn MSLA features an 8.9 inch 4K Monochrome LCD with an HD resolution of 3840 x 2400, resulting in a resin curing speed of 2-3 seconds per layer. This is very fast, and the resulting print quality is impressive, considering how fast the prototypes are realized.

One of the key features that make the Saturn printer stand out from the crowd is its massive volume. It measures 192 x 120 x 200mm, which is larger than most other 3D printers within the same price range.

The double linear guide-way structure provides stability and improves moving accuracy, ensuring that your models are accurate and detailed.

This printer supports both USB and ethernet networking, giving you more options with your file transfers.

The Matrix light source packs 54 UV LED lights that provide uniform light emission. This allows for accurate printing size and excellent print quality. The build plate’s set screws ensure that you rarely need to level it.

The cherry on top is the one-year limited warranty that gives you peace of mind when it comes to maintaining the printer.

The included test print isn’t enough to try out the printer, though.

What We Like

  • Superior print quality
  • Stable guideway
  • 1-year warranty
  • Supports ethernet networking
  • Fast resin curing speed
  • 4K monochrome LCD

What We Don’t Like

  • Limited test print

Bottom Line

The ELEGOO Saturn MSLA offers excellent print quality, fast curing speed, and a 4K LCD, along with easy leveling and stabilizing, giving you a big bank for your buck.

5. ELEGOO Resin Mars 2 Pro – Best Budget Alternative

ELEGOO Resin Mars 2 Pro

The ELEGOO Resin Mars 2 Pro 3D printer has many tricks up its sleeve. Starting with the 6.08-inch monochrome 2K HD LCD, this screen will last much longer than other types of screens.

The Mars 2 Pro printer can cure resin at a speed of 2 seconds/layer, allowing you to finish your projects in a much shorter duration.

The silicone rubber seal, coupled with the built-in activated carbon and turbo cooling fan, ensures optimum resin fume absorption and odor elimination.

In addition, this 3D printer is equipped with a linear guideway for the most accurate and stable movement. This ensures that your prints come out just as you intended them to be.

The Resin Mars 2 Pro has a COB UV LED light source that boasts uniform light emission and a high luminous maintenance rate.

With a build volume of 129 x 80 x 160 mm, the Mars 2 Pro gives you more freedom with your projects, though you won’t be able to build models that are too large.

What We Like

  • Mono 2K LCD
  • Affordable
  • Smooth and accurate linear guideway
  • Excellent fume absorption
  • Fast resin curing speed

What We Don’t Like

  • Limited build volume
  • Doesn’t work with Wi-Fi

Bottom Line

The ELEGOO Resin Mars 2 Pro 3D printer is very affordable, but you still get a smooth guideway, top-notch fume absorption, and fast speed.

How to Pick the Best Resin 3D Printer for Your Needs

Here are some of the factors that you need to take into consideration when shopping for a resin 3D printer:

Build Volume

The larger the build volume of your resin 3D printer, the more freedom you get with the types of projects you can work on.

Just keep in mind that 3D printers with large build volumes often have a large footprint, which affects transportability.

Resin Curing Speed

Faster curing speeds mean that you’ll finish your projects more quickly. A resin curing speed of 1.5 seconds/layer is a good starting point. Of course, the smaller this number, the better.

Build Quality

The build quality of your resin 3D printer is paramount, at least if you want to get at least a few years of consistent service out of it.

Metal 3D printers are highly recommended, but some plastic models are really durable, too.

Leveling

Leveling your 3D printer is necessary for the best possible printing results. Some resin 3D printers can be quite tricky to level and may need frequent calibration, while others are much easier and rarely require you to calibrate them.

3D printers that have a solid set of screws in the build plate often provide the easiest leveling process.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Much Does a Good Resin 3D Printer Cost?

A good resin 3D printer can cost you anywhere from $250 all the way up to $3500. There are budget, midrange, and high-end models, so it’s all about the features you care about the most and your budget.

Which Is Stronger: FDM or Resin?

FDM 3D prints are stronger and more durable than resin 3D prints. However, resin prototypes often have much finer details that are often unachievable with other materials.

Why Are My Resin Prints Cracking?

The most common reason your resin prints are cracking is leaving uncured resin inside the 3D model. Since resin undergoes an exothermic reaction during printing, it expands while curing, so leaving uncured resin will cause it to crack.

How Toxic Is Resin?

Resin fumes may get into your lungs and cause irritation if inhaled. That’s why it’s recommended that you execute your 3D resin print jobs in a well-ventilated area. It’s also recommended that you choose a 3D printer that can absorb most of the resin fumes.

Final Verdict

Alright, so that was everything you need to know about the top resin 3D printers on the market.

If we had to pick an all-around choice for most users, it’d be the ELEGOO Mars 3. It’s very fast, has an adequate build volume, and dissipates heat efficiency. It’s probably the best resin 3D printer you can get for the money.

If you’re on a tight budget, consider opting for the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K 3D printer.

It comes at a low price tag, and it’s not that far behind other 3D printers in terms of speed and quality.

Finally, take a look at ELEGOO Saturn MSLA if you prefer resin 3D printers with large build volumes.

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