Liquid 3D printers, also known as resin printers, have changed printing by offering super detailed and smooth finishes. They’re great for pros who need top-notch quality, like for making jewelry or tiny devices. But picking the perfect one needs some thinking. Here are a few factors:
- Resolution: Get a printer with high resolution (8K or higher) for detailed prints. It is useful for precise work like jewelry or dental designs. Avoid lower resolution printers to prevent fuzzy results.
- Screen Quality: Look for a printer with a top-notch LCD or DLP screen for accurate prints. A better screen means smoother finishes and less need for touch-ups afterward. This is important for getting consistent, professional-quality results.
- Efficiency: If you’re a busy professional, consider printing speed and efficiency. Choose a printer with advanced light sources and fast printing speeds. This will help you get things done quicker while still maintaining detail.
Best Liquid 3D Printers – Comparison
| Best Liquid 3D Printer | Monochrome Screen Size | Printing Size | Compatible Material | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ANYCUBIC Photon Mono Resin 3D Printer | 6.23 Inches | 5.19 x 3.14 x 6.49 Inches | Resin | Check On Amazon |
| ELEGOO Resin 3D Printer | 6.6 Inches | 5.647 × 3.52 × 6.8 Inches | Resin | Check On Amazon |
| Comgrow Resin 3D Printer | 5.96 inches | 5 x 3.1 x 6.3 Inches | Resin | Check On Amazon |
| PHROZEN Sonic Resin 3D Printer | 5.5 Inches | 4.7 x 2.6 x 5.1 Inches | Resin | Check On Amazon |
| LONGER Orange 30 3D Printer | -- | 4.72 x 2.68 x 6.69 Inches | Resin | Check On Amazon |
| Voxelab Resin 3D Printer | 6.08 Inches | 5.11 x 3.70 x 6.10 Inches | Resin | Check On Amazon |
| Creality 3D Resin Printer | 5 Inches | 5 x 3.14 x 6.29 Inches | Resin | Check On Amazon |
| LeeCHee Resin 3D Printer | 8.9 Inches | 7.55 x 4.72 x 7.87 Inches | Resin | Check On Amazon |
| Uniformation 3D Resin Printer | Build Plate 10.1 Inches | Tool Size 9 x 5.9 x 10.2 Inches | Stainless Steel, Aluminum, Resin | Check On Amazon |
Best Liquid 3D Printers Reviews
1. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono Resin 3D Printer
Why it made the cut: High-speed printing, large monochrome display, excellent resolution.
We opted ANYCUBIC as our first choice for its ability to race through printing tasks with unparalleled speed and precision, yet it handles each project with the finesse of an artist. It shines bright with its 6.23-inch monochrome display, providing a substantial viewing and operation interface.
This feature not only enhances usability but also contributes to the printer’s high efficiency, allowing it to cure layers in as little as 1.5 seconds. What’s more, its compatibility with standard liquid resin materials opens up a world of possibilities for your creative projects.
The printer’s notable printing area of up to 5.19 x 3.14 x 6.49 inches ensures that even the most ambitious designs can be brought to life. Plus, its 4K resolution guarantees that every detail, no matter how minute, is captured with precision, making this printer a must-have for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Specifications:
- 6.23-inch monochrome display
- 5.19 x 3.14 x 6.49 inches print size
- 1.5 seconds per layer speed
- 4K high resolution
- Standard resin compatible
- Long-lasting display technology
- Popular choice on market
- Budget-friendly option
- Detailed print capability
- 12 cm max print height
Pros:
- Affordable for beginners
- Quick printing speed
- High-resolution detailing
- Large display for easy use
Cons:
- Limited print height
- Resin smell during printing
2. ELEGOO Resin 3D Printer
Why it made the cut: Large printing size, 4K resolution, Powerful COB lens light source
Our second choice ELEGOO Mars 3 is like a magic wand that crafts your boldest ideas into tangible pieces, all without making your wallet weep. It brings a new era of high-quality, large-scale 3D printing within the reach of hobbyists and professionals alike.
Featuring a generous 6.6-inch monochrome display, this printer offers an impressive printing size of up to 5.647 × 3.52 × 6.8 inches. It’s not just about the size; the 4K resolution ensures that every print is detailed to perfection.
Additionally, its upgraded COB lens equipped with 36 UV LED lights significantly reduces curing time while ensuring a smooth surface finish, thanks to the powerful 405 nm wavelength light beam. This printer is a testament to ELEGOO’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in 3D printing technology.
Specifications:
- 6.6-inch monochrome display
- 5.647 × 3.52 × 6.8 inches print size
- 4K resolution for detailed prints
- COB lens with 36 UV LEDs
- 405 nm wavelength light beam
- Anti-scratch tempered glass
- Compatible with resin material
- Large-scale printing capability
- High precision and speed
- User-friendly interface
Pros:
- Excellent print quality
- Large 4K resolution display
- Powerful and fast curing
- Smooth surface finishes
- Budget-friendly option
Cons:
- Limited maximum print size
- Requires frequent glass maintenance
3. Comgrow Resin 3D Printer
Why it made the cut: Fast printing, Smart features, Advanced light source
Comgrow offers the right balance between price and performance. It is perfect for the hobbyist who wants to dive into the world of 3D printing without diving too deep into their pockets. It stands out with its 5.96-inch 2K monochrome display, ensuring that your prints are not just big but beautifully detailed.
With a respectable printing size of 5 x 3.1 x 6.3 inches, this printer is designed for those who value precision and efficiency. Its smart features, including WiFi compatibility for remote printing, make it a breeze to use, no matter where you are.
The advanced light source, utilizing both reflection and refraction, guarantees an intense and uniform light, ensuring your creations are flawlessly replicated from screen to reality. With a layer printing time of just 1 to 4 seconds, it’s like having a personal fabrication plant right at your fingertips.
Specifications:
- 5.96-inch 2K monochrome display
- 5 x 3.1 x 6.3 inches printing size
- WiFi compatible
- 1 to 4 seconds per layer
- Advanced optical system
- 80% uniform light distribution
- Reflective and refractive light
- Standard liquid resin compatible
- Fast and precise printing
- Smart printing features
Pros:
- Quick printing speeds
- Consistent and intense light source
- WiFi for remote access
- Precise z-axis movement
- Affordable for hobbyists
Cons:
- Could improve resolution
4. PHROZEN Sonic Resin 3D Printer
Why it made the cut: Budget-friendly, Fast printing, Compact design
We picked it because it’s a budget-friendly 3D printer that packs a big punch in a small size. It’s perfect for beginners or hobbyists who want to start 3D printing without spending a lot of money. is a marvel in the compact 3D printing space, boasting a 5.5-inch monochrome display for sharp, detailed creations.
Despite its miniature stature, it supports printing sizes up to 4.7 x 2.6 x 5.1 inches, making it an ideal choice for prototypes or small-scale projects. Its blazing-fast printing speed, curing a layer of resin in just about a second, means you’ll see your designs come to life almost as quickly as you can conceive them.
Coupled with the ParaLED UV LED system for superior optical uniformity, this printer ensures that your prints are not only fast but also precise and of high quality. And with a 3-month warranty, it’s a worry-free investment for beginners and hobbyists alike.
Specifications:
- 5.5-inch monochrome LCD
- 4.7 x 2.6 x 5.1 inches max print size
- Standard liquid resin compatible
- 1-second layer curing
- ParaLED UV LED light system
- 95% optical uniformity
- 50 mm/hour printing speed
- Compact and lightweight
- 3-month warranty
- Budget-friendly choice
Pros:
- Affordable for beginners
- Ultra-fast printing capability
- High precision and uniformity
- Compact for small spaces
- Easy to use for hobbyists
Cons:
- Limited to small projects
- Not for complex designs
5. LONGER Orange 30 3D Printer
Why it made the cut: Mini size, large volume, fast speed, high precision.
The LONGER 3D Printer packs a punch in a small frame, offering speed, precision, and efficiency. It’s for those who want big performance without the big size, making it ideal for space-conscious creators seeking quality prints fast.
Despite its compact dimensions, this printer offers a surprisingly generous printing area, allowing users to bring to life a wide range of projects with ease. Thanks to its 47.25 µm pixel size display, which ensures that every detail of your designs is captured with clarity.
Additionally, its speed is nothing short of impressive, capable of printing a 100 mm layer in just under a minute, making it nearly three times faster than many competitors. This efficiency is supported by a fast-cooling system and a small angle UV LED light source, which guarantees uniform light distribution and optimal illumination for every print.
Specifications:
- Mini liquid 3D printer
- 4.72 x 2.68 x 6.69 inches printing size
- Standard liquid resin compatibility
- 100 mm/minute printing speed
- 47.25 µm pixel size
- Small angle UV LED light
- Fast cooling system
- High-speed printing
- Compact size
- Efficient light source
Pros:
- Compact yet spacious printing area
- Precision with 47.25 µm pixel size
- Fast printing speeds
- Efficient cooling system
- High light uniformity
Cons:
- Not ideal for large projects
- Some complexity in setup
6. Voxelab Resin 3D Printer
Why it made the cut: 4K resolution, large display, quick start, budget-friendly.
The Voxelab Proxima 6.0 stands out as a budget-friendly marvel for anyone wanting top-notch 4K prints without the hefty price tag. It comes with a 6.08-inch monochrome display, delivering a 4K resolution for precision and clarity in your prints. It’s ready to go almost instantly, cutting down prep time with a 5-minute setup.
The printer’s upgraded parallel matrix LED design ensures sharp, accurate prints by curing precise points on the layers. Moreover, its generous printing size accommodates a variety of projects, making it versatile for both hobbyists and professionals. The promise of a 2000-hour lifespan speaks volumes about its reliability, making it an excellent investment for those looking to dive into 3D printing without breaking the bank.
Specifications:
- 6.08 inches monochrome display
- 5.11 x 3.70 x 6.10 inches print size
- 25 mm/hour printing speed
- 405 nm LED light
- Ready in 5 minutes
- 2000 hours lifespan
- Compatible with resin material
- Parallel matrix LED
- Quick and precise curing
Pros:
- High-resolution 4K display
- Quick setup, ready in 5 minutes
- Long lifespan of 2000 hours
- Fast and accurate printing
Cons:
- Limited print size
7. Creality 3D Resin Printer
Why it made the cut: High precision, better light uniformity, great for beginners.
The Creality CL-60 is the gateway to advanced 3D printing for beginners. It offers a balance of ease-of-use with cutting-edge features, ensuring novices can achieve premium prints at an affordable cost.
It comes with a super-fast printing speed of 170mm/h, making it much faster than many other printers. But it’s not all about speed; it also has an 8K resolution on a big 10.3″ screen that shows your prints in amazing detail, from hair textures to the patterns on fabric. The printer’s “Dynax” system and very stable Z-axis mean your prints will always look perfect, even at high speeds, without any shaking.
It has a special light system that makes sure every part of your print cures evenly for consistent results. Plus, the printer is designed to be easy to use, with a flip lid called “MageArch” and a system that automatically deals with the resin for less mess. There’s also a smart air purifier built in to keep the air clean, which is great for longer printing jobs.
Specifications:
- 8K resolution display
- 10.3″ monochrome LCD
- Dual Z-axis rails
- 8000μW/cm² light intensity
- 405nm resin compatibility
- Automatic resin system
- Smart air purifier
- 12-month warranty
Pros:
- Exceptionally fast printing
- Ultra-high 8K resolution
- Large build volume
- Convenient resin handling
- Effective odor management
Cons:
- Might be pricey
- Requires learning curve
8. LeeCHee Resin 3D Printer
Why it made the cut: Largest display, unmatched printing size, high precision, WiFi control.
We picked the Creality Halot Lite Resin 3D Printer because it’s a top-tier, feature-rich printer perfect for large, complex projects. It’s ideal for anyone looking to create big, detailed designs with precision and ease.
It offers a generous printing area of 7.55 x 4.72 x 7.87 inches, making it a powerhouse for larger projects. The second-generation ILS (Integral Light Source) technology ensures that your prints are not just big but also beautifully detailed, with up to 90% light uniformity and a 95% success rate in printing.
Precision is another hallmark of this printer, boasting an accuracy level of up to 0.05 mm. Plus, with WiFi compatibility, you can manage your printing jobs from anywhere, adding a layer of convenience to its extensive list of capabilities.
Specifications:
- 8.9 inches monochrome display
- 2nd Gen ILS technology
- Up to 90% light uniformity
- 95% printing success rate
- 0.05 mm precision
- WiFi compatible
- Uses standard liquid resin
- Large display for detailed previews
- Remote printing management
Pros:
- Largest display for clear previews
- Unmatched large printing area
- High precision in details
- Remote control via WiFi
Cons:
- Very expensive option
- Might be complex for beginners
9. Uniformation 3D Resin Printer
Why it made the cut: Large build plate, compatible with all printers, durable, cost-effective.
We picked the Uniformation GKone Removal Tool for our lineup because it’s the unsung hero in the 3D printing process. It stands out for its ability to make the post-printing step—removing your creations from the print bed—simple and safe. It’s like having a reliable friend in your 3D printing journey, ensuring your projects come out smoothly without any hiccups.
Its design, featuring aluminum pins for grip and a stainless-steel handle for durability, means this tool is built to last. It’s specifically designed to be compatible with a wide range of liquid 3D printers, making it a universal solution for print removal.
Despite its sturdy construction, it’s surprisingly easy to assemble and even easier to use, promising to free your prints in under ten seconds without damaging them. It’s the tool you’ll wonder how you ever did without.
Specifications:
- 10.1 inches build plate
- 9 x 5.9 x 10.2 inches tool size
- Stainless steel and aluminum materials
- Compatible with all liquid 3D printers
- Durable construction
- Portable design
- Easy assembly
- Quick print removal
- Safely handles large prints
- Essential for 3D printing
Pros:
- Fits large 3D prints easily
- Sturdy and long-lasting
- Affordable compared to others
- Simple to put together
Cons:
- Assembly required
- May be bulky for small spaces
What is Liquid 3D Printer?
A liquid 3D printer, often referred to as a resin 3D printer, uses a photopolymerization process to create objects. This process involves curing liquid photopolymer resin into solid plastic with a light source, typically UV light. The printer builds objects layer by layer, with the light source hardening the resin in the desired shape for each layer. This technology allows for high precision and detail in the printed objects.
Benefits of Liquid 3D Printers
- Liquid 3D printers are capable of producing objects with extremely fine details, making them ideal for applications requiring intricate designs, such as jewelry, dental models, and miniature models.
- The objects printed with a liquid 3D printer typically have a very smooth surface finish compared to those produced by filament-based 3D printers, reducing the need for post-processing.
- There’s a variety of resin types available, each offering different properties, such as flexibility, transparency, and high temperature resistance, allowing for a wide range of applications.
- For certain models and settings, liquid 3D printing can be faster than filament-based printing, especially when printing multiple items at once due to the layer-wise curing process.
Drawbacks of Liquid 3D Printers
- While the price of liquid 3D printers has decreased, the cost of resin can be higher than filament, and the overall operating costs can accumulate over time due to the need for resin, disposable tanks, and other consumables.
- Many liquid 3D printers have a smaller build volume compared to their filament-based counterparts, limiting the size of objects you can print in one piece.
- Printed objects often require cleaning with isopropyl alcohol and further curing under UV light, adding extra steps to the post-processing workflow.
- Resins can be toxic, and handling them requires gloves and sometimes masks. There is also a need for proper ventilation, as the fumes can be harmful.
- Liquid resins need to be handled and stored carefully to avoid spills and exposure to light, and they can have a limited shelf life once opened.
How To Choose The Best Liquid 3D Printer?
Choosing the best liquid 3D printer involves considering various factors to ensure it meets your specific needs, whether for professional use, hobbies, or educational purposes. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the selection process.
1. Print Quality and Resolution
Look for printers with high resolution, as this directly impacts the detail and smoothness of your final prints. Resolution in liquid 3D printers is often measured in microns, with lower numbers indicating higher precision.
2. Build Volume
Consider the maximum size of objects you plan to print. Build volume will dictate the scale of your projects. While larger build volumes offer more flexibility, they also typically come at a higher cost.
3. Material Compatibility
Ensure the printer supports various types of resins to match your application needs, from standard resins to specialized ones like castable, flexible, or water-washable resins.
4. Ease of Use
Features like a user-friendly interface, straightforward setup, and easy resin handling can significantly enhance your printing experience. Also, consider printers with reliable software support.
5. Print Speed
Speed is essential if you’re aiming for high productivity. Compare the layer curing times and overall print speeds, but remember that faster speeds may sometimes compromise print quality.
6. Durability and Reliability
A well-built printer can ensure consistent performance over time. Read reviews and consider brands with a good track record for reliability and customer support.
7. Safety Features
Given the toxic nature of liquid resin, look for printers with built-in safety features like UV-blocking lids, resin odor filters, and automatic pausing when the lid is opened.
8. Post-Processing Requirements
Understand the post-processing steps required, such as washing and curing, and consider whether the printer offers integrated solutions or if you’ll need additional equipment.
9. Cost of Ownership
Beyond the initial purchase price, consider ongoing costs like resin, replacement tanks, and any proprietary consumables. Also, factor in electricity consumption and maintenance costs.
Liquid 3D Printers – FAQs
Ans: Yes, many can use a variety of resins, including standard, flexible, tough, and castable, but check the printer’s compatibility.
Ans: Costs vary based on resin consumption, replacement parts like tanks/screens, and any proprietary consumables. Factor these into the total cost of ownership.
Ans: They require precautions due to toxic resins and UV exposure. Look for models with safety features like UV-blocking lids and resin filters.
Ans: Higher resolution results in finer details and smoother surfaces on printed objects, crucial for applications requiring high precision.
Ans: Yes, 3D printers come with or require compatible slicing software to prepare models for printing, often specific to the printer brand or model.
Ans: Regular cleaning involves removing unused resin, cleaning the vat, and occasionally replacing the resin tank or curing screen, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Ans: Build volume varies by model; some are designed for smaller, detailed pieces, while others can print larger objects but may cost more.
Ans: Manufacturer’s websites, online forums, and user communities are great resources for troubleshooting, tips, and project ideas.
Final Thoughts
In the realm of liquid 3D printing, which utilizes liquid resins for precise and intricate projects, we’ve highlighted the top selections available on the market. These models have been meticulously evaluated based on critical factors, ensuring they meet a broad range of printing needs and preferences.
- For those on a budget, the PHROZEN Sonic Mini LCD Resin 3D Printer stands out as an affordable yet competitive choice, featuring a 5.5-inch monochrome display and a compact build volume of 4.7 x 2.6 x 5.1 inches, complemented by a 2.8-inch smart touchscreen for easy operation.
- Professionals seeking larger print capabilities might gravitate towards the LeeCHee Creality Halot Lite Resin 3D Printer, our premium pick, which boasts an 8.9-inch display and a spacious build area of 7.55 x 4.72 x 7.87 inches, alongside a 4K resolution for unmatched detail and accuracy.
- The ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 4K is recommended for those balancing cost with performance, offering a 6.23-inch 4K monochrome screen and UV LCD technology for enhanced speed and precision, capable of printing at 50 mm/hour, making it an ideal choice for both enthusiasts and budget-conscious professionals.
For more information or queries, feel free to write in the comment section.
