What are the Differences Between LCD, DLP and SLA 3D Printing?

Although SLA and DLP technology are extremely similar in principle, there are slight differences that separate the two.

SLA 3D printing utilizes two motors known as galvanometers. These motors, placed on the X and Y axis, work together to aim a laser beam across the print area, solidifying resin into a 3D model. The layers of the model are broken down into a series of points and lines, which the galvos use to direct the laser beam.

On the other hand, DLP technology uses a digital projector screen to flash a single image of each layer across the entire platform at once. Each layer of the 3D model is displayed as square pixels, meaning that the print is comprised of voxels.

As for LCD 3D printing, the process is nearly identical to DLP in that it utilizes projected light to solidify resin layer-by-layer until a 3D model is built. The main difference is that LCD 3D printers project light through an LCD panel, while DLP 3D printers utilize an array micro-mirrors to project light.

The Sparkmaker introduced itself to the 3D printing community via a successful Kickstart project, and thankfully the company behind this compact SLA machine delivered to backers. This print has managed to beat out other budget resin 3D printers like the Anycubic Photon as far as price goes, and can even be found online for as low as $250.

Considering that the cheapest SLA 3D printer in its respective market, the Sparkmaker does lack certain features that other resin-based machines offer. For instance, it has a small build volume of 98 x 55 x 125mm and no touchscreen, opting instead to use a simple button that starts and stops the machine.

Learn more: 2018 Sparkmaker – Review the Specs of This 3D Printer

Sparkmaker

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The Micromake L2 is one of the most unique DLP 3D printers on our list. This is because it offers a built-in UV curing light module to cure models directly within the machine. The hood has a sealing ring that effectively keeps the nauseating and hazardous odor of resin from escaping from the printer.

Outside of the special built-in UV curing chamber, the Micromake L2 provides a build volume of 108 x 65 x 200mm, XY resolution of 57 microns and an exposure time of 2 to 15 seconds. This printer also has Wifi connectivity and a 4.3-inch high-definition touchscreen. Priced right around the $500 mark, this DLP 3D printer offers some great features for a surprisingly low price.

Micromake L2

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Priced at just under $500, it’s no surprise that the Anycubic Photon DLP 3D printer has become one of the hottest tickets to getting into resin-based 3D printing. This affordable DLP 3D printer offers an impressive 2k resolution, and also comes pre-assembled.

However, the 115 x 65 x 155mm build volume is a bit small for some people, so if size is of grave importance, you may want to look elsewhere. Otherwise, the AnyCubic Photon DLP 3D printer is an appealing option for makers on a budget who want to venture beyond the world of FDM 3D printing.

DLP 3D Printer Review: 2018 Anycubic Photon Review – Best Budget Resin 3D Printer

Although the AnyCubic Photon is marketed as a DLP 3D printer, there has been some debate over whether that is an accurate description or not. The machine has a UV light source at the bottom, but it shines through the LCD screen, which either blocks or allows the light to shine through. Either way, most users seem extremely satisfied with this resin-based 3D printer, and that’s reason enough to place it atop our list of DLP 3D printers.

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Anycubic Photon

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The Duplicator 7 DLP 3D Printer:

Introducing the cheapest DLP 3D printer in the list, coming in at under $500! Despite that, the Duplicator 7 boasts decent resolution and a large build space.

Chinese company Wanhao designed their DLP 3D printer with hobbyists in mind. Though it comes with its own software, it’s also compatible with third-party slicers.

Wanhao Duplicator 7

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Widely recognized for bringing incredibly affordable desktop FDM 3D printers onto the market, Monoprice is also getting its feet sticky with cheap resin 3D printing as well. The manufacturer has already refined its first “SLA” 3D printer, resulting in the Monoprice MP Mini Deluxe SLA. The name is a bit misleading, considering that this printer uses an LCD screen. However, when it comes to price and potential, this resin 3D printer could soon be on the same level as the AnyCubic Photon .

The MP Mini Deluxe SLA is capable of printing at a resolution of up to 20 microns. It can also print with negative gaps as small as 30 microns. You also get a relatively speedy printer that can print up to 30mm/hour vertically. Monoprice claims that this desktop resin machine is compatible with a wide variety of UV resins, making it ideal for beginners looking to prototype for applications in the medical and dental field, as well as jewelry.

Monoprice MP Mini Deluxe SLA

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The Flyingbear Shine is an affordable DLP 3D printer with a generous 120 x 68 x 210mm print area, a full-color touchscreen, and adequate layer resolution. This machine is equipped with a 2K LCD that offers a resolution of up to 2550 x 1440. For a low cost, users receive a quality resin 3D printer with a sturdy and stable design.

The Shine included parts made of CNC aluminum and a ball screw on the Z-axis, which improves print accuracy and stability. Other features include WiFi connectivity, an easily removable resin vat, two cooling fans and a dustproof net to protect the printer’s electronics. The Flyingbear Shine is yet another competitor entering the new segment of cheap resin 3D printers, ideal for beginners looking for an affordable introduction to SLA/DLP 3D printing.

Flyingbear Shine

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A notable upgrade to the previously released Phrozen Make, the Phrozen Shuffle is a new resin 3D printer that offers a generous build volume for a low price of $799. It may not be the most professional machine on this list, but it has a set of features that simply cannot be dismissed. With a large build volume of 120 x 68 x 200mm and high print resolution, the Phrozen Shuffle is ideal for anyone trying a DLP 3D printer for the first time, but are also willing to shell out a few extra bucks for a larger print area than the Anycubic Photon offers.

Looking for even more reasons to look at the Shuffle? How about the fact the fact that you can control this DLP 3D printer wirelessly and use third-party resin! On top of that, the Taiwanese manufacturer has also released the Phrozen Shuffle XL, which offers a 190 x 120 x 200mm print volume for $1,199.

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Phrozen Shuffle (XL)

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Coming out of California, the Peopoly Moai is the cheapest laser SLA 3D printer in this list. In part that’s thanks to the fact that it comes as a kit, which the user must assemble (a process that’s not very complicated).

SLA 3D Printer Review: 2018 Peopoly Moai Review – Best Value Resin 3D Printer

It may not be much to look at, but it’s the Moai’s simple, open design that sets it apart.  Nothing is hidden from the user in this SLA 3D printer. Even the laser exposure settings are fully accessible, a feature which researchers and developers are sure to appreciate.

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Peopoly Moai

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XYZprinting are known for their budget FDM printers, but they’ve also taken aim at the SLA 3D printer market with their Nobel line. The Taiwanese company recently upgraded their Nobel 1.0 to the Nobel 1.0 Advanced.

As with the rest of XYZprinting’s range, this SLA 3D printer was built with budgeting in mind. Sure, some of the higher end features that you’ll find on another SLA 3D printer are lacking with the Nobel 1.0A. But it performs well for its price, automatically refills its resin vat, and comes complete with its own software.

Resins available for this SLA printer include standard (clear, white, yellow, blue, gray), castable, flexible, tough, and rigid.

XYZ Printing Nobel 1.0A

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The Sunlu SL is larger than most resin 3D printers on this list, weighing in with a 125 x 125 x 165mm build volume. This SLA 3D printer can probably be labeled as a cheap alternative to the Form 2, making it ideal for pro-sumers, small businesses and hobbyists. It is capable of provding a print thickness of .025mm/.05mm/0.1mm and has a print speed of 15mm/h. Priced at just under $3,000, the Sunlu SL is outside of the budget segment, but is still affordable compared to other professional resin 3D printers.

Sunlu SL SLA 3D Printer

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Colido’s DLP 2.0 DLP 3D Printer:

Colido may lack the same brand name appeal as FormLabs or 3D Systems, but the DLP 2.0 offers all the standard features you would expect from any DLP 3D printer. For an affordable price, you get a comfortable build volume, decent resolution, and sleek design.

The Hong-Kong-based company also provides their own line of resin, which is included with the machine.

Where to buy this DLP 3D Printer: Colido’s DLP 2.0

The Minny DLP 3D Printer:

According to Nyomo, the Minny is the “smallest professional 3D printer in the world.” With an exceptionally high resolution, the Hong Kong company specifically designed this DLP 3D printer for dentistry, audiology, and jewelry.

Technical specifications aside, this miniature machine is also easy to use. An LCD touchscreen interface complements a sleek design and WiFi connectivity.

You’ll never go wanting for materials with this DLP 3D printer. The list of resin types includes standard (translucent orange, white, blue, gray), castable, and dental (stone and castable).

Impressed with Nyomo but looking for something a little bigger? Check out the Makyn 6.

Request a quote for this DLP 3D printer from Nyomo.

The Titan 2 DLP 3D Printer:

Like several others on this list, California-based Kudo3D is a startup company with a crowdfunding approach. Their first DLP 3D printer, the Titan 1, raised nearly $700,000 from backers.

The Titan 2 claims to offer better resolution and speed compared to most of its laser-based rivals, as well as advanced connectivity and workflow processes.

The secret to better detail and speed is called Passive Self-Peeling (PSP). It minimizes the separation force between the cured layers and the vat of resin, speeding up the 3D printing process.

For $3,799, you can get the upgraded version, the Titan 2 HR, which has a higher resolution but a slightly smaller build space.

Resins for this DLP 3D printer come in standard (black), castable, flexible, tough, hard, and ultra high resolution.

Kudo 3D Titan 2

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The FlashforgeHunter DLP 3D Printer:

FlashForge is known as one of the leaders in affordable desktop 3D printers and scanners, and that’s true as well in the DLP 3D printer market.

The Flashforge Hunter features a long-lasting proprietary DLP projector, providing uniform UV exposure throughout its generous build space. It also comes equipped with a durable aluminum resin vat, guaranteed to require fewer replacements.

Although this DLP 3D printer is compatible with third-party resins, FlashForge offers some of their own. They come in the following flavors: standard (gray), castable, tough, and bio-compatible.

FlashForge Hunter

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The Form 2 is the breadwinner of the SLA 3D printer market, far and away the most popular of the bunch. This SLA printer deserves its reputation, and not just for being the successor to a 3 million dollar Kickstarter success.

SLA 3D Printer Review: Formlabs Form 2 Review – Best Resin 3D Printer of Winter 2018

Ease of use is the key factor, coming in three main flavors. First and foremost is the automated resin system. By accepting cartridges, the Form 2 automatically fills the vat and adjusts settings based on the type of resin.

Next, the Form 2 SLA 3D printer has a user-friendly touch screen and WiFi connectivity, which makes it easy to deliver instructions and monitor operation. Finally, there is a large assortment of resins available, including standard (clear and white), castable, flexible, dental, and tough. Formlabs brings new engineering SLA resins to the market at least twice a year.

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Formlabs Form 2

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Back in 2015, SprintRay was a huge crowdfunding success story with the MoonRay DLP 3D printer . Since then, the Los Angeles has split the product into two separate lines, the MoonRay D and the MoonRay S.

The D is better-suited for dentistry and jewelry as it has a smaller build space and higher resolution. The S is targeted more toward designers and engineers.

Each DLP 3D printer features SprintRay’s patented RayOne DLP projector, which is custom-built for 3D printing. They also come with long-lasting resin tanks and user-friendly RayWare software.

Available resin types for this DLP 3D printer include standard (clear, white, green, orange), castable, and prototyping (gray).

MoonRay S

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The Slash+ DLP 3D Printer:

From San Diego, USA, Uniz brings you the “world’s fastest desktop 3D printer”. Whether or not that’s true, it certainly is an easy-to-use DLP 3D printer that delivers.

Compared to the other printers in this list, the Slash+ offers a large build volume, and that for a decent price. Add to that a convenient cartridge system to easily swap printing material and a steel reinforced column to reduce deformation and enhance precision.

Uniz sells a list of resins with unique names, including ZABS (general purpose), ZPMMA (translucent), ZWax (castable), and ZFPU (flexible).

The Slash+ is expected to start shipping in September of this year.

This professional desktop SLA 3D printer comes out of Shenzhen, China. Although its target applications are dentistry and jewelry, its ample build space and moderate price tag make it a good general purpose option, as well.

For a laser SLA 3D printer, the S130 boasts an impressively fine resolution. Combine that with a user-friendly touch screen and a healthy selection of resin colors (clear, white, black and red).

Dazz 3D S130

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The B9Creator v1.2 DLP 3D Printer:

With its projector at its heart on full display, the B9Creator is arguably the most distinctive looking DLP 3D printer in the list. Slightly less distinctive are its cousins in the company’s Core series, which are smaller but print faster.

Thanks to its high accuracy and a wide range of materials, this DLP 3D printer is ideal for both jewelry makers and researchers.

B9Creations provides castable (emerald, yellow, cherry) and prototyping (black and red) material. The latter is designed to be accurate, strong, and temperature resistant. Users can also use third-party resins.

B9Creations B9Creator v1.2

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You needn’t worry about reliability with this SLA 3D printer. Indeed, it was 3D Systems’ co-founder Chuck Hull who coined the term “stereolithography” in 1984. Two years later, he filed a patent for the first SLA 3D printer. Needless to say, this company has been in the business for a while…

Unlike most of the printers in this list, the ProJet 1200 was specifically designed with dentistry, electronics, and jewelry in mind. That’s the reason for its relatively small build space and high resolution.

3D Systems’ VisiJet FTX series of resins was specifically designed for the ProJet 1200 and includes general purpose, castable (wax and plastic), and tough materials.

This SLA 3D printer can be purchased from third-party sellers. It’s no longer available through the company’s website, in the wake of a similar, soon-to-be-released machine, the FabPro 1000.

3D Systems ProJet 1200

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The Aria DLP 3D Printer:

You get what you pay for with the Aria. The lofty price tag attached to this DLP 3D printer reflects its user features. Those include a touchscreen interface and networking capabilities through both Ethernet and USB.

EnvisionTec, headquartered in Detroit, offer three resin types for their DLP 3D printer: prototyping, castable (light and heavy), and heat-resistant.

Where to buy this DLP 3D Printer: EnvisionTec

Asiga, based out of Sydney, Australia, has been designing and manufacturing 3D printers since 2011. Their product catalog offers a number of machines, and even the Pico 2 has several different versions, depending on the desired resolution and build space.

Like the ProJet 1200, this SLA printer is targeted towards dental, audiology, and jewelry. Unlike the ProJet, it boasts an extraordinary 1 micron resolution in the Z-axis. Making this a reality is their patented Slide-And-Separate (SAS) technology.

Other notable features of this SLA 3D printer include fast Single-Point calibration and the Squeeze Build Tray, which permits fast material swapping.

A wide variety of materials are available for the Pico 2, specialized for dental, audiology, jewelry, manufacturing, and biocompatibility.

Asiga Pico 2

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The Xfab is unique in this list as the only SLA 3D printer with a cylindrical build space. Don’t let that scare you away, though. Italian company Digital Wax Systems has a long-running history of professional grade 3D printers.

Although this SLA 3D printer has a relatively high cost and wide laser, it does have a system for quick material change and a large selection of resins. Material types include transparent, castable, rubber-like, and nano-ceramic materials.

DWS XFAB

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With the largest build space of the printers on this list, the Antares is a mammoth.

Not much else can be said about this SLA 3D printer, as it’s a relatively new product. On the other hand, Italian company Sharebot have a reputation for high-quality 3D printing solutions.

Apart from its generous build space, this device’s other notable feature is a that it can be operated remotely through a network.

Two resins are currently available for this printer: a black all-purpose material and a stronger, more rigid gray.

Sharebot Antares

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