3D printing is a very interesting field, and more and more people want to or are trying to get involved here. With the development of technology, 3D printers are no longer expensive and complex tools. They have been applied in various fields as cost-effective and efficient tools. Resin 3D printers have the advantage of high-precision printing, which makes them ideal for making miniature models , and therefore attracts many users. How to choose a resin 3D printer suitable for beginners, how to balance affordability and print quality... Regarding these issues that users are concerned about, we explain in detail several key elements of choosing a printer next, hoping to help you find the best resin 3D printer for beginners.
What is Resin 3D Printing
Consumer-grade resin 3D printers, often referred to as MSLA 3D printers, stand for Mask Stereolithography or Mask SLA technology. Resin 3D printing creates three-dimensional objects by curing liquid resin layer by layer. A resin 3D printer consists of key components such as: build platform, resin tank, LCD screen, and UV light source. Below the resin tank is the LCD screen and its imaging system. Through energy and graphics control, a thin layer of resin of a certain thickness and shape is cured at one time. After each exposure is completed, the build platform will be raised to a certain height, then exposed layer by layer and cured layer by layer, and finally the additive manufacturing resin cured 3D prints will be obtained.
How to Choose the Best Resin 3D Printer for Beginners
To choose the best resin 3D printer for beginners, in addition to understanding the principles of MSLA technology as mentioned above, the parameters of the machine are also crucial. Here are a few key aspects, such as LCD screen resolution and build volume, that both beginners and experienced enthusiasts will consider and compare when purchasing a resin 3D printer.
LCD Screen: Beginners don’t have to worry about delving into the technical details of LCD screens. Typically, the resolution of the LCD screen is closely related to the printing accuracy that can be achieved. Higher resolution and higher quality LCD screens can enable 3D prints to exhibit intricate details and smooth surfaces. 4K-6K LCD screens are entry-level choices for beginners, while 8K-12K are suitable for users who require high-precision printing.
Build Volume: Beginners are advised to evaluate the dimensions of the objects you plan to print before choosing your 3D printer. Smaller-sized resin printers may have a printing volume of only 2 liters, which can only meet some miniature printing projects. Medium-sized resin 3D printers, with a build volume of 4-6 liters, will meet the printing needs of most users. Large-size resin 3D printers, such as Anycubic Photon M3 Max, have a printing volume of 14.7 liters and a printing size of 300*298*164mm, providing more space to release creativity.
Build Platform: Is the build platform easy to calibrate and level? Most resin 3D printers on the market only support manual leveling, and beginners need to learn how to level a resin 3D printer. In addition, the build platform of resin 3D printers usually uses laser engraving technology, which has good flatness and printing adhesion. It is useful for reducing 3D prints warping and improving the print success rate, which is more beginner-friendly.
When choosing a resin 3D printer for beginners, you can balance LCD screen resolution, print size, and build volume based on your printing needs. Within a budget-friendly range, you can further consider printing quality improvement and advanced function support, such as resin detection, printing status detection, APP one-click printing, etc.
Recommend the Best Resin 3D Printer for Beginners
When choosing the right resin 3D printer for beginners, balancing affordability and print quality is an important one. Fortunately, there are many affordable 3D printers on the market, and they are designed on a user-friendly basis that is well suited for beginners. Anycubic Photon series, for one, has long been popular with resin printing enthusiasts and professionals.
Anycubic Photon Mono X2 is an entry-level resin 3D printer equipped with a 9.1-inch LCD screen and a printing size of 4.8 liters. It has 4K+ screen pixels with a resolution of 4096x2560. The more uniformly exposed light source and the Z-axis of the dual linear guides ensure the quality of printing and the stability of printing, making it ready to meet the printing needs of beginners.
If you don't have a particular need for printing size, the smaller Photon Mono 2 will be an exciting option for beginners. It is equipped with a 6.6-inch 4K+ LCD screen, a printing volume of 2.09L, and a printing size of 165x89x143mm (HWD). Photon Mono 2 is priced at only $209, with a discounted price of $179 (subject to the event), making it a great choice for those on a budget.
In conclusion, resin 3D printers are the best tools for printing miniature models and working with intricate details that are worth trying and experiencing by users. When choosing the best resin 3D printer for beginners, you need to consider various factors such as printing accuracy and volume, balancing print quality and cost. Within the $300 budget, the Anycubic Photon Mono X2 and Photon Mono 2 are cost-effective options for beginners. Welcome to the world of 3D printing with endless possibilities.