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Resin printing, also known as stereolithography (SLA) or digital light processing (DLP), has gained popularity for its ability to produce highly detailed and smooth prints. This blog post will cover the basics of resin printing, introduce you to different resin printers, highlight the top 10 resin printers on the market, and explain the curing and washing process as well as the different types of resin available.
The Basics of Resin Printing
Resin printing involves using a liquid photopolymer resin that is cured (hardened) layer by layer using a light source. The two main types of resin printers are SLA and DLP:
SLA Printers: Use a laser to cure the resin.
DLP Printers: Use a digital light projector to cure the resin.
Different Resin Printers
SLA Printers
Formlabs Form 3
Peopoly Moai
DLP Printers
Anycubic Photon Mono X
ELEGOO Mars 3
MSLA Printers (Masked SLA)
Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
Creality LD-002R
Top 10 Resin Printers
Formlabs Form 3
Type: SLA
Features: Professional-grade, high precision, large build volume.
Where to Buy: Formlabs
Anycubic Photon Mono X
ELEGOO Mars 3
Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K
Type: MSLA
Features: Ultra-high resolution, fast printing speed, compact design.
Where to Buy: Phrozen
Creality LD-002R
Peopoly Moai
Type: SLA
Features: High precision, versatile, customizable settings.
Where to Buy: Peopoly
Anycubic Photon S
ELEGOO Saturn
Prusa SL1
Type: MSLA
Features: High quality, reliable, user-friendly interface.
Where to Buy: Prusa Research
Photon Mono SE
Curing and Washing Process
After printing, resin prints require additional steps to ensure they are fully hardened and safe to handle:
Washing: Once the print is complete, it needs to be washed to remove any uncured resin on its surface. This is typically done using isopropyl alcohol (IPA). Some printers come with dedicated wash stations to simplify this process.
Curing: After washing, the print needs to be fully cured using UV light. This final curing step ensures the print reaches its maximum strength and stability. Curing can be done using a dedicated UV curing station or by exposing the print to sunlight.
Different Resin Types
Standard Resin:
Use Case: General-purpose prints, models, and prototypes.
Properties: Easy to print, smooth finish, available in various colors.
Tough Resin:
Use Case: Functional parts, mechanical components.
Properties: Durable, impact-resistant, slightly flexible.
Flexible Resin:
Use Case: Soft-touch parts, wearables.
Properties: Flexible, rubber-like texture, high elasticity.
Castable Resin:
Use Case: Jewelry making, dental molds.
Properties: Burns out cleanly, high detail, suitable for investment casting.
High-Temperature Resin:
Use Case: Heat-resistant parts, molds for injection molding.
Properties: Can withstand high temperatures, high strength.
Biocompatible Resin:
Use Case: Medical applications, dental devices.
Properties: Safe for skin contact, sterilizable, approved for medical use.
Resin printing offers unparalleled detail and smoothness, making it ideal for high-precision applications. Understanding the basics, choosing the right printer, and properly curing and washing your prints are crucial steps to achieving the best results. Happy printing!
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