The 6 Best 4k/8k/6K MSLA Printers in 2023

MSLA 3D printers are known for their high-quality prints and their ability to make models with smooth, detailed surfaces. Manufacturers are currently adding 4K, 6K, and 8K screens to these machines to improve the print quality, even though 2K was already good enough for this.

With these more options comes the difficulty of selecting the most cost-effective printer. This article will talk about some of the best 4K, 6K, and 8K MSLA printers, making it easier for you to choose.

The 6 Best 4K/6K MSLA Printers in 2023

1. ELEGOO Mars 3 ULTRA 4K 3D Printer

Mars 3 is the first ultra-4K, high-precision, desktop LCD resin 3D printer by Elegoo. It has a 6.6-inch ultra-4K monochrome LCD with a high resolution, an improved COB UV light source structure, and a new release film 2.0 for printing.

The Elegoo Mars 3 Resin 3D printer has an Ultra 4K 6.6-inch monochrome LCD with a resolution of 4098 x 2560. Compared to standard 2K LCD 3D printers, its printing volume is 37% greater than Mars 2, and its XY precision is up to 35 microns, which is 30% higher than Mars 2 series.

Additionally, its printing efficiency, performance stability, and maintenance requirements are all higher. With 36 highly integrated LED lights and a newly developed free-form surface lens, the light is 90% as even as it can be.

This makes it easier to get accurate measurements when printing. The lower release tension keeps small supports from breaking, improves the quality of printed model details, and speeds up the printing rate.

ELEGOO resin 3D printer is the first to employ a copper tube heat dissipation construction, which significantly improves heat dissipation efficiency and lowers light decay. 

After 6000 hours of continuous printing, the loss of light is less than 5%. This makes the 3D printer last longer. Included is a free one-year trial of the Chitibubox Pro slicer, which is valued at $169 USD.

Chitubox Pro improves model output and unlocks the full potential of 3D printing with features like the automated support algorithm and the improved model repair tool.

Specifications:

Product model: MARS 3

System: EL3D-3.0.1

Slicer Software: ChituBox

Technology: MSLA 3D Stereolithography

Layer Thickness: 0.01-0.2mm

Printing Time: 1.5-3s

Z Axis Accuracy: 0.00125mm

XY Resolution: 0.035mm(4098*2560)

Build Volume: 5.64in(L)*3.52in(W)*6.89in(H) 143.43mm(L)*89.6mm(W)*175mm(H)

Light Source: UV Integrated Light (wavelength 405nm)

Languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Dutch, Korean, French, German Russian Ital

2. ELEGOO Saturn 2 8K MSLA 3D Printer

The ELEGOO Saturn 2 Resin 3D Printer uses a 10-inch 8K mono LCD screen with an HD resolution of 7680×4320 and an ultra-fine XY resolution of 28.5 microns to produce highly detailed 3D models in 1-3s per layer. Scratch-resistant 9H tempered glass protects and transmits light above the LCD panel.

With a build capacity of 219x123x250 mm3/ 8.62×4.84×9.84 in3 and a 10″ mono LCD screen, you can print one large object or numerous smaller ones in one batch.

Together, the free-form surface COB lens and the FCL system Fresnel lens work with the 48 highly integrated UV LED lights to create a consistent 405nm light beam with 92% light uniformity, better printing accuracy, and a smoother surface finish.

The Z-axis is stable and accurate for good printing because it has two linear rails and non-slip hexagon socket leveling screws. The sandblasting construction plate and PFA release lining improve adhesion and model removal.

Most resin smells are taken up by an activated carbon filter in the filtering system, which makes the printing area smell fresh. 3D printers last longer with double heat-conducting copper heat tubes.

Specifications:

• Operation: 3.5 inches touch screen
• Slicer Software: CHITUBOX
• Connectivity: USB
• Technology: MSLA
• Light source: UV LED 405nm 
• XY Resolution: 7680*4320
• Z Axis Accuracy: 0.00125mm
• Layer Thickness: 0.01-0.2mm
• Printing Speed: 30-70mm/h
• Printer Dimensions: 305.9mm(L)*273mm(W)*567.3mm(H)
• 12.04in(L)*10.75in(W)*22.33in(H)
• Build Volume:  218.88mm(L)*123.12mm(W)*250mm(H)

3. ANYCUBIC Photon Mono X 6K Resin 3D Printer

The ANYCUBIC Photon mono X 6k 3D printer has a 9.25-inch monochrome screen, 138% larger than a 6-inch screen. The monochromatic screen lasts 4X longer than the RGB LCD panel and has a scratch-resistant coating that can be changed to reduce maintenance costs. It can print at 9.6 x 7.8 x 4.8 inches (HWD). The enormous volume can print numerous large models at once, enhancing job productivity.

The Photon Mono X 6K LCD screen’s 5,760 x 3,600 px resolution and 350-plus contrast ratio show the character model’s hair, fingers, and other features. Each layer of the print is lit up by 40 bright LED lights in a grid, which improves quality and accuracy. It can print at 3.15 in/h. With a 6% light transmittance screen, the printer’s fastest printing speed is 1s/layer, saving half the time and expense of competing resin 3D printers.

Specifications:

● Printing volume: 199.1 oz. / 1.6 gals. / 5.9 L

● Light transmittance: 6%

● Contrast ratio: 350:1

● Light source: Parallel matrix (LED x 40)

● Power density: 5,000 – 6,500 μw/cm² / 34,150 – 44,395 lux

● Printing accuracy: 5,760 x 3,600 px (6K)

● Horizontal resolution: 34 μm

● Printing speed: Max 80mm/h

● Control panel: 3.5’’ TFT touch-control

● Data input: USB-A 2.0 / LAN

● Power supply: 120W

● Screen area: 38.22 in² / 248.75 cm²

● Machine dimensions: 18.7 x 11.4 x 10.6 in. / 475 x 290 x 270 mm (HWD)

● Machine weight: 24.3 lb. / 11 kg

4. Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K MSLA 3D Printer

Sonic Mega 8K’s 43μm detail beats all other large-scale 3D printers, producing 3D models almost twice as detailed.

Even XL projects are built. 330 x 185 x 400 mm.

All Sonic Mega 8K construction plates are calibrated before shipping, so you can start printing as soon as you open the package!

Sonic Mega 8K uses this Z-axis architecture to print large and heavy things without wobbling. Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K is metal-only. This makes the construction stronger and more durable.

Specifications:

Technology LCD

Build volume 330 mm x 185 mm x 400 mm

LCD curing screen Monochrome, 15-inch, 8K (7680 x 4320 pixels)

Bed leveling Factory-leveled

Manufacturer: Phrozen

XY-resolution 43 microns

Minimum layer thickness 10 microns

Supported materials 405 nm UV resins, both proprietary and third-party ones

Connectivity USB, Ethernet, SD card

Software ChiTuBox

Outer dimensions 400 x 470 x 680 mm

Weight 35 kg

Maximum Printing Speed 70 mm/hr

5. ELEGOO Jupiter 6K UV Photocuring LCD 3D Printer

Sonic Mega 8K’s 43μm detail beats all other large-scale 3D printers, producing 3D models almost twice as detailed.

Even XL Projects are built. 330 x 185 x 400 mm.

All Sonic Mega 8K construction plates are calibrated before shipping, so you can start printing as soon as you open the package!

Sonic Mega 8K uses this Z-axis architecture to print large and heavy things without wobbling. Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K is metal-only. This makes the construction stronger and more durable.

Specification:

• Technology: mSLA
• Operation: 5.0 Inch Capacitive Screen
• Connectivity: USB
• Layer Thickness: 0.01-0.2mm
• Printing Speed: 30-70mm/h
• Z Axis Accuracy: 0.00125mm
• XY Resolution: 0.051mm(5448*3064)
• Build Volume: 10.939in(L)*6.144in(W)*11.811in(H)                    277.848mm(L)*156.06mm(W)*300mm(H)
• Light Source:
  UV Integrated Light (wavelength 405nm)
• Power Requirements: 100-240V 50/60Hz
• Printer Dimensions: 498mm (L)*358mm (W)*750mm (H)
• Weight: 40kg

6. Creality Halot Lite 4K MSLA 3D Printer

The Halot light is one of the top MSLA 3D printers. Up to 90% lighting uniformity and high-resolution 4K HD 8.9 inch Monochrome LCD Tech boost printing success and allow models to be printed with 0.05mm accuracy.

The Creality Eco-development Creality Cloud APP incorporates online slicing, firmware upgrading, online printing, community, technical assistance, firmware update, and over 100,000 free models, making 3D printing more creative.

It prints 2s per layer, 3X quicker than DLP-SLA 3D printers, and has a 64-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53 CPU processor for silent but powerful computing.

Specifications:

LCD Pixel: 3840*2400

LCD screen: 8.9″ monochrome

Light Source: Integral Light Source

Printing size: 192*120*200mm

XY-axis precision: 0.05mm

Printing speed: 1-4s/layer

Layer Thickness: 0.01-0.2mm

Interaction Screen: 5″ color touchscreen

Material: 405nm UV Resin

Auto-leveling: Easy manual leveling

Input power: 100-240V

Machine size: 330*301*572mm

Machine Weight: 10.6kg

What to consider when shopping for an MSLA Printer?

3D Print Quality

When buying an MSLA 3D printer, the quality matters most. You can’t buy any resin 3D printer, even if most are decent.

mSLA 3D printers transmit light uniformly over the construct, improving dimensional accuracy, unlike DLP 3D printers, which distort images owing to projection angles (think of the corners of a projection TV.

Print Size

It is possible to print numerous pieces on a single build tray with all resin 3D printers. Build capacity has always been limited in desktop 3D printers due to two factors: peel force and heat management.

Print jobs might become substantially slower with these two limiters if they grow to be extremely big. However, with a more professional resin 3D printer, the slowing effects have been tailored to reach fast speed with a very respectable build volume.

These are unique characteristics derived from industrial 3D printing technology.

Speed

Importantly, MSLA 3D printing speeds vary greatly. mSLA 3D printers project a UV light source via an LCD display to print all pieces on the tray in one pass. This makes mSLA the fastest option.

Compatible Software

Although there are several open-source software platforms that support the vast majority of hobbyist MSLA 3D printers, they sometimes need in-depth expertise to adjust settings for your particular 3D printer.

However, professional 3D printers have their own software systems. Since they operate together natively and provide capabilities like remote connection and monitoring, they make setup and printing simpler.

Utilization

Engineering resin-printed Ashley Furniture alignment device (left) and car seat bracket (right).

High-resolution mSLA 3D printers produce smooth products. They may work in dental, automobile, medical, jewelry, and manufacturing. Only applications differ. Only a few 3D printers can create industrial-quality components.

Resin 3D printers can now make jigs, fixtures, and end-use production components.

Resin compatibility

The printer’s compatibility with resin is the third aspect you should take into account. Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to understand the types and brands of resin that work with different 3D printers.

Maintenance Costs

mSLA 3D printers feature fewer moving components than others. Only the Z-axis shifts, thus problems are rare. Professional mSLA 3D printers feature a further anchored Z-stage that lessens vibration that might damage the 3D printer’s components.

Price

mSLA 3D printers are priced as enthusiast, professional, or industrial. Price indicates printer class and quality. Before you buy one, compare two 3D printers in the same category and think about their pros and cons.

To make things simple, hobbyist-level 3D printers are priced at around $1,000, professional-level printers are between $3,000 and $10,000, and industrial-level printers are priced at over $50,000.

Post-processing

Remember to clean and cure your model after printing. Before buying a high-resolution resin printer, be aware that this procedure might take time.

IPA is used to clean resin from models. Curing requires putting your model under UV light or at a UV curing station for a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the resin.

Some 3D printers include built-in cleaning and curing, simplifying post-processing. A dedicated wash and cure station lets you start a fresh resin print while the previous one is post-processed. Other printer accessories may also make your life simpler.

MSLA 3D Printer Guide

What is an MSLA printer?

In SLA 3D printing, a masked stereolithography apparatus (MSLA) uses a bright LED light source and an LCD screen to selectively cure the photosensitive resin. Layers cure to form a three-dimensional object. An LCD screen projects an LED array as a mask.

This method is advantageous. It produces high-quality, low-cost objects faster and more accurately than most 3D printing technologies. MSLA 3D printers are expensive, hence, only a few companies can afford them.

This form of 3D printing should be done in complete darkness due to the photosensitive resin’s fragility and requirement for careful handling. MSLA 3D printers have resin tanks, digital masks, light arrays, and build platforms. This page will explain MSLA 3D printing, its operation, and its materials.

Is DLP better than Msla?

Despite the fact that both technologies light up pixels in a similar fashion, DLP does not have a predetermined resolution like MSLA 3D printers do. Screen size and resolution, in a nutshell, are the two factors that decide how accurately the MSLA printer prints. However, projectors are not limited to a particular screen size.

How does MSLA work?

MSLA 3D printing puts a thin layer of FEP plastic between the LCD and LED array and a photosensitive resin on top of it. LCDs control light penetration into the resin above. LCD pixels let light through when off and block it when on.

Pixels match each layer’s form. The LCD light cures the resin that is sandwiched between the build platform and the FEP sheet. The build platform raises and places the following layer. The part is built layer-by-layer, like other 3D printing methods.

What’s the difference between Msla and SLA?

Instead of using an LCD mask to project UV light onto the layers in order to harden them, as is done in MSLA, the shape of each layer is traced using an ultraviolet laser in SLA. When using the MSLA process, a single flash of the curing light can solidify an entire layer at once. This means that printing is usually done faster when using this method. This is something that the SLA laser cannot accomplish.

Conclusion

Resin 3D printers are growing, and 4K displays may become the standard. 6K and 8K resin 3D printers improve technology. The Elegoo Mars 3 is the best 4K resin 3D printer right now because it has a great LCD screen, a good amount of print space, and a unique look.

If you desire more resolution, the Elegoo Jupiter 6K and Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K are the next best 4K+ resin 3D printers. The LCD displays and features of these resin printers make them appealing to hobbyists and prosumers. Please comment on the list and add anything else.