7 Cheapest & Best SLA Resin 3D Printers You Can Get Today

3D printing has come a long way from where it first started out. Today, we have at our disposal a seemingly never-ending variety of 3D printers that use different types of technology.

Apart from the most common FDM-type 3D printers, there are also those that use the Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA) technique to print parts and models.

These are usually more precise than FDM 3D printers and boast a much higher part quality. This is because of the process where a powerful UV light is applied directly to liquid resin for the purpose of curing it.

In the end, parts come out looking amazing and exceptionally detailed. It is for this reason that makes SLA 3D printers exceedingly desirable.

In this article, I’ve gathered 7 of the cheapest, yet best SLA resin 3D printers that you can buy today online. Without any further ado, let’s jump straight in.

1. Creality LD-002R

Creality is widely known for its array of high-quality and reliable 3D printers. They are industry experts in FDM and SLA 3D printing alike, and the LD-002R just shows how versatile this Chinese manufacturer is.

This is a budget-friendly machine that costs just around $200 and is one fantastic option if you’re looking to find an entry into resin 3D printing.

The LD-002R (Amazon) has several features that make it worthy of being purchased. It is equipped with an air filtering system, and it also has anti-aliasing technology for making quality and detailed prints.

It may not be the best SLA 3D printer out there, but given its price, the LD-002R surely packs great value for money, and that makes it one of the best SLA 3D printers you can get right now.

What’s more, is that this printer is fairly easy to operate and also has minimal assembly. For beginners and casuals, this counts as a significant benefit of this resin 3D printer.

Let’s probe further with the features and specifications.

Features of the Creality LD-002R

• Air Filtration System
• Quick Leveling System
• Fast ChiTuBox Slicing Software
• 30W UV Light
• 3.5-inch 2K LCD Full-Color Touchscreen
• Anti-Aliasing Feature
• Offline Printing
• Convenient Vat Resin Cleaning
• All-Metal Body & CNC Aluminum
• Stable Ball Linear Rails
• Lifetime Technical Assistance & Professional Customer Service

Specifications of the Creality LD-002R

• Slicer Software: ChiTu DLP Slicer
• Printing Technology: LCD Display Photocuring
• Connectivity: USB
• Print Size: 119 x 65 x 160mm
• Machine Size: 221 x 221 x 403mm
• Print Speed: 4s/layer
• Nominal Voltage 100-240V
• Output Voltage: 12V
• Nominal Power: 72W
• Layer Height: 0.02 – 0.05mm
• XY Axis Precision: 0.075mm
• Print Method: USB
• File Format: STL/CTB
• Machine Weight: 7KG

The Creality LD-002R is enriched with features, and this comes off as a pleasant surprise given its price point. It has an effective air filtration system that does a great job at minimizing resin odor.

A pouch of activated carbon is placed at the back of its print chamber, allowing it to filter out the irritating smell with the help of a set of double fans.

The LD-002R comes pre-loaded with the ChiTuBox slicer software that’s popularly known for its speed and ease of use. In addition, a powerful 30W UV light attributes to fast resin printing and ensures a high level of quality.

This printer is also equipped with a 3.5-inch 2K LCD full-color touchscreen whose interface is easy to use and get around with. Navigation is a breeze with the LD-002R.

What’s more, is that Creality offers lifetime technical assistance when you buy this 3D printer. The company is well-known for its professionalism in providing excellent customer support.

Customer Reviews of the Creality LD-002R

The Creality LD-002R enjoys a remarkable 4.6/5.0 rating on Amazon at time of writing,and has almost 80% of the customers dropping 5-star reviews for it.

Users have truly admired how this SLA 3D printer’s print bed is fairly easy to level despite being a manual one. You just have to loosen the 4 screws, give the plate a push, tighten the 4 screws back, and you’re done.

The build quality is also top-notch. The LD-002R has an all-metal body that’s reinforced by CNC cutting techniques. This makes the printer rock-solid – something that users have appreciated much after purchasing it.

In addition, people commented that they were able to print reliably and consistently with the LD-002R without any failures. The large build volume is another big selling point of this resin 3D printer that people have appreciated.

For a sub $200 purchase, the Creality LD-002R is an efficient workhorse that can produce quality prints without having to put in a lot of effort. It’s surely one of the best SLA 3D printers out there.

Pros of the Creality LD-002R

• Ball linear rails ensure steady Z-axis movement for smoother prints
• A strong metal frame reduces vibrations
• Uniform 405nm UV light source with a reflective cup for even lighting
• A strong air filtering system provides a cleaner environment
• Competitive pricing
• New easy to use user interface
• Anti-aliasing effect to produce finer prints
• Quick leveling system simplifies the leveling process – loosen 4 side screws, push home, then tighten the 4 side screws.
• Vat cleaning is a lot easier with the special FED release film
• Relatively large print volume of 119 x 65 x 160mm
• Consistently successful prints

Cons of the Creality LD-002R

• The instructions given in the manual are unclear and hard to understand
• Some users have reported the touchscreen being unresponsive at times, but a restart can fix this promptly

Final Thoughts

The Creality LD-002R is an SLA 3D printer that does not break the bank and comfortably gets you in on the scene of resin 3D printing. It’s well-built, has great features, and prints top-quality parts.

Get yourself the Creality LD-002R from Amazon today.

2. Elegoo Mars 2 Mono

When the topic is resin 3D printing, one cannot help but bring up Elegoo. This China-based manufacturer is a symbol of superb quality SLA 3D printers with the promise of reliability and high performance.

Speaking of these traits, the Mars 2 Mono is no exception to Elegoo’s brilliance. It costs somewhere around $230, is jam-packed with features, and has widespread respect in the resin 3D printing community.

There’s simply a lot that the Mars 2 Mono brings to the table. At such an inexpensive price point, you can step into the world of SLA 3D printing and do quite well with this machine.

Elegoo has covered all customers with a 1-year warranty on the whole printer and a separate 6-month warranty on the 2K LCD. The latter does not include the FEP film, however.

Just like the Creality LD-002R, the Mars 2 Mono (Amazon) also utilizes ChiTuBox as its default slicer software. Compared to others which you use on the printer as well, ChiTuBox is optimized for resin 3D printing specifically and is a much better option for users.

Let’s see what the features and specifications look like on the Mars 2 Mono.

Features of the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono

• Fast Printing
• Low Maintenance Requirement
• 2K Monochrome LCD
• Sturdy Build Quality
• Sandblasted Build Plate
• Multi-Language Support
• One-year Warranty Services
• Replaceable Resin Tank
• COB UV LED Light Source
• ChiTuBox Slicer Software
• Top-Notch Customer Support Service

Specifications of the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono

• Technology: LCD
• Assembly: Fully-Assembled
• Build Volume: 129 x 80 x 150mm
• Layer Height: 0.01+mm
• XY Resolution: 0.05mm (1620 x 2560 pixels)
• Z-Axis Positioning Accuracy: 0.001mm
• Printing Speed: 30-50mm/h
• Bed-Leveling: Semi-Automatic
• Display: 3.5-inch Touchscreen
• Third-Party Materials: Yes
• Materials: 405nm UV Resin
• Recommended Slicer: ChiTuBox Slicer Software
• Operating System: Windows/macOS
• File types: STL
• Connectivity: USB
• Frame Dimensions: 200 x 200 x 410 mm
• Weight: 6.2 kg

The features look nice on the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono. A 6.08-inch monochrome LCD with 2K (1620 x 2560 pixels) HD resolution means that this MSLA 3D printer has a longer service life—almost 4 times more—while printing two times faster.

It takes 1-2 seconds for the Mars 2 Mono to cure each layer of the print model. As compared to ordinary RBG LCD screens, this printer is leaps and bounds above and is surely one of the cheapest yet best SLA machines out there.

The build quality is also top-class. It’s sturdy and compact and makes sure printing is done smoothly with little to no wobbling. The CNC machined aluminum incorporated in the Mars 2 Mono is one of the main factors to thank for this.

Additionally, the ChiTuBox slicer software works wonders with this 3D printer. You can also use other slicer software, but people seem to like the flexibility offered in the ChiTuBox slicer.

The Mars 2 Mono also has a fairly decent build volume that measures about 129 x 80 x 150mm. While this is 10mm less in the Z-axis than the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, it’s still relatively larger as compared to previous Elegoo MSLA printers.

Customer Reviews of the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono

The Elegoo Mars 2 Mono is received greatly by customers on Amazon. It boasts an awesome 4.7/5.0 overall rating out of which 83% of people have left a 5-star review at time of writing.

Users say that the initial setup is extremely easy to deal with, and Elegoo has a great community online. There’s a page called Elegoo Mars Series 3D Printer Owners on Facebook that seems to help out beginners a lot.

The Mars 2 Mono produces incredibly detailed prints with high resolution. Customers also say that this printer requires low maintenance as compared to its counterparts.

Reliability also scores maximum points with the Mars 2 Mono. Users report that they were able to print consistently with this superb machine without any print failures.

All those venturing into SLA 3D printing definitely have to go with the Mars 2 Mono for its ease of use, responsible after-sales support, and high quality. This 3D printer is the people’s favorite in the budget range.

Pros of the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono

• Top-notch build quality will allow greater stability when printing
• Customer support service is second to none
• Great affordability and amazing value for money
• High-end print quality despite being a budget resin 3D printer
• One of the best options to start SLA 3D printing with
• Relatively low maintenance
• ChiTuBox slicer is easy to operate
• Assembly is effortless
• Operation is whisper-quiet
• Great Facebook community

Cons of the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono

• Some users have reported build plate adhesion issues
• Narrow operating temperature (22 to 25°C)

Final Thoughts

If you’ve previously used FDM-type printers only and are looking to find a cheap yet terrific resin 3D printer to try out SLA 3D printing, the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono is an excellent option.

Check out the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono (Amazon) on Amazon today.

3. Anycubic Photon Mono

Anycubic is a top-ranking 3D printer manufacturer that affords a ranking right alongside the likes of Elegoo and Creality. Its most notable creation is the Photon series of resin 3D printers that are as affordable as they come but genuinely efficient.

The Photon Mono falls in the ballpark with Anycubic’s fame and success. It’s affordable, has a good number of features, and produces prints of remarkable quality.

In addition, Anycubic is known to offer discounts from time to time so you could get the Photon Mono (Amazon) for an even cheaper price. Without any sale, the printer costs somewhere around $270.

Anycubic 3D printers come with their own slicer software: the Photon Workshop. While this is a fairly decent slicer on its own with a host of features, you can also use other software like ChiTuBox and Lychee Slicer as well.

The Photon Mono is equipped with a 2K monochromatic LCD to make prints with stunning details and get the job done twice as fast. There’s no going wrong with this bad boy.

Let’s check out the features and specifications of the Photon Mono.

Features of the Anycubic Photon Mono

• 6” 2K Monochrome LCD
• Large Build Volume
• New Matrix Parallel 405nm Light Source
• Fast Printing Speed
• Easy to Replace FEP
• Own Slicer Software – Anycubic Photon Workshop
• High-Quality Z-Axis Rail
• Reliable Power Supply
• Top Cover Detection Safety

Specifications of the Anycubic Photon Mono

• Printer’s Manufacturer: Anycubic
• System Series: Photon
• Display Screen: 6.0-Inch Screen
• Technology: LCD-Based SLA (Stereolithography)
• Printer Type: Resin 3D Printer
• Light Source: 405nm LED Array
• Operating System: Windows, Mac OS X
• Minimum Layer Height: 10 Microns
• Build Volume: 130mm x 80mm x 165mm (L, W, H)
• Max Printing Speed: 50mm/h
• Compatible Materials: 405nm UV Resin
• Z-Axis Positioning Accuracy: 0.01mm
• XY Resolution: 0.051mm 2560 x 1680 Pixels (2K)
• File Types: STL
• Bed Leveling: Assisted
• Power: 45W
• Assembly: Fully Assembled
• Connectivity: USB
• Printer Frame Dimensions: 227 x 222 x 383mm
• Third-Party Materials: Yes
• Slicer Software: Anycubic Photon Workshop
• Weight: 4.5 KG (9.9 Pounds)

The Photon Mono has quite a few tricks up its sleeve. For starters, it comprises a large build volume that measures 130mm x 80mm x 165mm to give you the creative space you need.

Just like leveling the print bed, replacing the FEP film of this SLA machine has been made fairly easy. All you have to do is unscrew some nuts, get your new FEP film in, and sort the screws out back again.

Furthermore, a stable Z-axis is essential for stable and smooth 3D printing. The Photo Mono employs a great quality Z-axis rail structure right alongside a well-constructed stepper motor to make sure stability never has to be compromised.

There is also a special Photon Mono feature called the “Top Cover Detection Safety.” This is actually for protecting the user from the potentially dangerous UV light show happening inside.

If the printer detects that the UV-blocking lid has been taken off, it instantly pauses the print operation. You will have to enable this feature beforehand within the Photon Mono’s interface for it to work.

Customer Reviews of the Anycubic Photon Mono

The Anycubic Photon Mono has a 4.5/5.0 rating on Amazon at time of writing and 78% of the people who bought it have left a 5-star review with positive feedback throughout.

All those buyers who entered SLA 3D printing for the first time through this machine say that they didn’t expect it to be all that simple. This was due to the courtesy of the Photon Mono for being exceedingly easy to set up and use.

In addition, people love it when their prints come out detailed with perfect sharpness and delicacy, and that’s just about every time you set out to use the Photon Mono.

Customers usually buy the Anycubic Wash and Cure machine with their purchase of the Photon Mono. Resin 3D printing is, indeed, a messy process so you’re going to need all the help you can get to reduce manual labor.

The fast printing speed that the 2K monochromatic LCD makes possible has also appealed greatly to customers. When you factor in all these features with the Photon Mono’s ease of use, it gets hard to overlook this classy 3D printer.

Pros of the Anycubic Photon Mono

• Comes with an efficient and convenient acrylic lid/cover
• With a resolution of 0.05mm, it produces an excellent build quality
• Build volume is a bit larger than its advanced version Anycubic Photon Mono SE
• Offers a very fast printing speed which is normally 2 to 3 times faster than other traditional resin 3D printers
• It has a high 2K, XY resolution of 2560 x 1680 pixels
• Has quiet printing, so it doesn’t disturb work or sleep
• Once you get to know the printer, it is quite easy to operate and manage
• An efficient and extremely easy bed leveling system
• Focusing on its print quality, printing speed, and build volume, its price is quite reasonable as compared to other 3D printers

Cons of the Anycubic Photon Mono

• It only supports a single file type which can be inconvenient sometimes
• Anycubic Photon Workshop is not the best software, but you have the options to use Lychee Slicer which can save in the required extension for the Photon Mono
• It’s hard to tell what’s going on until the base comes above the resin
• The odors aren’t ideal, but this is normal for many resin 3D printers. Get some low-odor resin to combat this downside
• There is a lack of Wi-Fi connectivity and air filters
• The display screen is sensitive and prone to scratches
• Easy replace FEP means you have to buy the whole FEP film set rather than individual sheets which cost more

Final Thoughts

The Anycubic Photon Mono is a great SLA 3D printer that has its fair share of features and benefits. When you factor in its price point, this machine becomes one of the cheapest yet highly deserving options out there for grabs.

You can find the Anycubic Photon Mono 3D printer on Amazon for a competitive price.

4. Phrozen Sonic Mini

Shining bright in the budget range, the Sonic Mini comes from a Taiwanese manufacturer who’s slowly starting to make a reputable name for itself.

This SLA 3D printer is known to do exceedingly well and has a variety of remarkable features to brag about. Phrozen claims that the Sonic Mini cures each layer of resin in one second and users report the same results more or less.

This SLA machine uses a parallel UV LED matrix light system instead of the conventional COD LED design, and this lends the printer unrivaled accuracy and print quality.

Costing just about $230, the Sonic Mini is one of the best SLA 3D printers out there without a doubt. It also has another model where the monochrome LCD boasts a 4K resolution, but that one costs $400+ and doesn’t entirely fall in the budget range.

The Sonic Mini comes with a 3-month warranty should you run into any unfixable problems. You can always have it returned and replaced in due time with minimal hassles.

Let’s see how the features and specifications look like on this promising machine.

Features of the Phrozen Sonic Mini

• High-Speed Printing
• ChiTuBox Software
• UV LED Matrix
• Monochrome LCD
• 2.8″ Touchscreen Panel
• Compatible with Third-Party Resin
• Quick Start Operation
• Reliable and Less Maintenance
• Top-Notch Accuracy and Print Quality
• Offline Printing Using Touch Panel

Specifications of the Phrozen Sonic Mini

• Printing Technology: LCD-Based Masked Stereolithography
• LCD Touchscreen: 5.5″ Screen With Mono-LCD, UV 405nm
• Build Volume Dimensions: 120 x 68 x 130mm
• Z-Layer Resolution: 0.01mm
• XY Resolution: 0.062mm
• User Interface: 2.8″ IPS Touchscreen Display
• Connectivity: USB
• Build Platform Leveling: N/A
• Printing Materials: Third-Party Materials Supported
• Software Bundle Present: Phrozen OS (Onboard), ChiTuBox on Desktop
• Total Weight: 4.5kg
• Printer’s Dimensions are: 250 x 250 x 330mm
• Printing Speed: 50mm/hour
• UV Wavelength: 405nm
• Power Requirement: 100–240 V, About 50/60 Hz

The Phrozen Sonic Mini has quite a generous number of features to its name. There’s a 2.8-inch touchscreen panel that makes sure navigating around is as effortless as possible.

There’s also a quick start operation feature that gets you printing right away in under 5 minutes. This makes the Sonic Mini one easy machine to operate and make stunning models with.

Since it doesn’t cost an arm and a leg and produces prints of top-notch quality with its 2K monochromatic LCD screen, the Phrozen Sonic Mini is one of the best SLA 3D printers to start resin 3D printing with.

The build quality is also firm and solid despite the Sonic Mini being surprisingly lightweight. What further increases its value is its ability to print with third-party resin liquids and not just with a selective few.

The ChiTuBox slicer works great as well. Many users have recommended it for its ease of use, user-friendly interface, and speedy slicing times. That said, you can also use other software with the Sonic Mini.

Customer Reviews of the Phrozen Sonic Mini

The Phrozen Sonic Mini has a cool 4.4/5.0 rating on Amazon at time of writing and 74% of the people who bought it left nothing but a 5-star review with lots of praise.

Apart from loving the price tag of this effective SLA machine, customers have highly appreciated its printing speed, quality construction, noiseless operation, amazing detail, and dimensional accuracy.

One user says that the Sonic Mini doesn’t need re-leveling of the build plate once you’ve leveled it already, and this is something quite the contrary with most other resin 3D printers.

The customer support service of Phrozen is also admirable. Some users say that the manufacturer representatives were quick to respond and swift to address their issue.

The Phrozen Sonic Mini has left everyone extremely satisfied with their purchase. People write that if they ever require a higher volume output, they would definitely purchase another one of these workhorses.

Pros of the Phrozen Sonic Mini

• Offers exquisite features at a very affordable price and can be considered budget-friendly
• Has a high horizontal and vertical plane resolution which means better printing quality
• A wide range of resin compatibility increases the printer’s versatility
• High-speed printing is a great plus point being 60% more than the average printing speed
• Easy leveling and assembling is also a major plus point
• It is quite light in weight
• Easy to operate, making it a good choice for beginners
• This printer will be able to provide you with not only detailed prints but also amazing print accuracy as well as quality
• Durable body and design

Cons of the Phrozen Sonic Mini

• The curved build plate isn’t as smooth as most FDM 3D printers and it retains a lot of resin on it.
• The printer can vibrate significantly during printing
• The print operation can get noisy at times
• Print removal is difficult according to some customers

Final Thoughts

The Phrozen Sonic Mini takes pride in its inexpensive price tag and a whole lot of impressive features. It is a sturdy, fast, and quality machine that doesn’t compromise on making stunningly detailed prints.

Check out the Phrozen Sonic Mini on Amazon for a cheap, but great resin 3D printer.

5. Longer Orange 30

The Longer Orange 30 is an upgraded version of the Orange 10 and is straight-up one of the best resin 3D printers you can get right now for a great price.

Longer is a Shenzhen-based manufacturer and has a bunch of other FDM and SLA 3D printers up for grabs. The Orange 10 was their first attempt at making an impression in this market.

Taking advantage of its success, the brains at Longer decided to release an improved iteration of the latter. The Orange 30 now boasts a bigger build volume, 2K (2560 x 1440) print resolution, and pixel resolution up to 47.25μm or 0.04725mm.

It’s also highly recommended for jewelry making where precision and detail are essential for parts and models. The Orange 30 costs around $200, making it an attractive option for SLA 3D printers in the budget range.

To speak of the slicer software, the LongerWare slicer is a nice touch as well. It works quite well as a default software, but you can also use the ChiTuBox slicer or PrusaSlicer with the Orange 30 too.

Let’s check what the features and specifications look like.

Features of the Longer Orange 30

• 2K High-Precision LCD Resolution
• Uniform UV LED Design
• LongerWare Slicer Software
• Fast Cooling System
• User-Friendly Colored Touchscreen
• Uncomplicated Assembly
• Accessory Bundle
• Temperature Detection System
• 12-Month Machine Warranty
• Terrific Customer Support Service

Specifications of the Longer Orange 30

• Technology: MSLA/LCD
• Assembly: Fully-Assembled
• Build Volume: 120 x 68 x 170mm
• Layer Thickness: 0.01 – 0.1mm
• Resolution: 2560 x 1440 pixels
• XY-Axis Resolution: 0.047mm
• Z-Axis Positioning Accuracy: 0.01mm
• Maximum Printing Speed: 30 mm/h
• Display: 2.8″ Color Touchscreen
• Third-Party Materials: Yes
• Materials: 405nm UV Resin
• Recommended Slicer: LongerWare, ChiTuBox
• Operating System: Windows/macOS
• File Types: STL, ZIP, LGS
• Connectivity: USB
• Frame Dimensions: 200 x 200 x 390mm
• Weight: 6.7 kg

The Longer Orange 30 has several features that make it one of the best SLA 3D printers to buy. What’s unique with this machine is a bundle of accessories that ships with the printer.

These include a couple of Allen keys to deal with bolts and screws, gloves, an FEP film, a USB drive, cards for bed-leveling, a steel spatula, and 3M filter funnels. All this is more than enough to get you started with 3D printing.

The 2.8-inch touchscreen of the device also makes the print operation fluid and smooth. There’s also a real-time print status preview that can be viewed on the colored touchscreen.

The high-precision 2K LCD might not be monochromatic, but it still does a remarkable job at printing exceptionally detailed parts and models. You’re not going to go wrong with the Orange 30 in this regard.

The LongerWare slicer software also looks good and works nicely. It generates support with a single click, slices models quite quickly, and is easy to use. Not liking it for some reason? You can use the ChiTuBox slicer just as well.

Customer Reviews of the Longer Orange 30

The Longer Orange 30 has a modest 4.3/5.0 rating on Amazon at time of writing with the majority of the customers leaving positive feedback in their respective reviews.

The Orange 30 is one of the best SLA 3D printers for beginners and newcomers in the $200 range. It comfortably marks your entry in resin 3D printing with style and substance.

It’s ready to print right out the box, as people who bought it have stated, and requires minimal effort to level its build plate and get going.

People seem to be genuinely pleased with the quality of prints this fine SLA machine produces. When you purchase a product for its inexpensive price, but it turns out to be premium quality as well, you’re bound to be happy, no?

That’s exactly what users of the Orange 30 think about it. The machine has a larger build volume than other resin 3D printers in this price range and is made exceptionally compact. I highly recommend this printer if you’re looking for an all-in-one SLA machine.

Pros of the Longer Orange 30

• Effortless print bed leveling
• Great value for money
• Customer support service is helpful and responsive
• Print quality goes beyond expectations
• Noiseless, whisper-quiet print operation
• The metal enclosure is robust
• LongerWare software is quick and smooth
• The resin vat is simple but sturdy too
• Commendable build quality
• Cheap and affordable

Cons of the Longer Orange 30

• The touchscreen is easy to use but it is a bit undersized
• The LCD screen isn’t monochromatic

Final Thoughts

The Longer Orange 30 is surprisingly a great SLA 3D printer making waves in the 3D printing market. It comes off extremely cheap, but value for money is where this dazzling specimen truly shines.

You can get yourself the Longer Orange 30 from Amazon for your resin printing desires.

6. Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S

Qidi Technology is a brand that has earned the respect of the 3D printing community all across the globe. This Chinese manufacturer aims to create 3D printers by balancing affordability and versatility in a perfect combo.

With the Shadow 5.5S, they’ve done exactly that. This reliable yet dirt-cheap MSLA 3D printer has stirred up the competition by offering amazing print quality, unbeatable price, and unmatched value for money.

The Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S costs somewhere around $170 and this is as low as you can drop for a 3D printer of this standard. This MSLA machine has truly changed the way we look at budget-range 3D printers.

It is equipped with a high-performance 2K HD LCD screen and has a 3.5-inch touchscreen to make navigation smooth and easy to deal with.

If you run into any problems with your 3D printer or there’s something you don’t understand, Qidi Tech’s excellent customer service is there to help you out from start to finish with the Shadow 5.5S.

Let’s shed some light on the features and specifications now.

Features of the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S

• 2K HD LCD Masking Screen
• Easy-Release Film
• Detailed Craftsmanship & Design
• High-Strength Tempered Glass
• Double Filter System Fan with Carbon Filtration
• Dual Z-Axis Linear Guide
• Professional ChiTuBox Slicing Software
• 3.5″ Touchscreen
• Professional After-Service Team
• Free 1-Year Warranty

Specifications of the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S

• Technology: MSLA (Masked Stereolithography)
• Build Volume: 115 x 65 x 150mm
• Printer Dimensions: 245 x 230 x 420mm
• Build Speed: 20mm/hour
• Minimum Layer Height: 0.01mm
• Compatible Materials: 405nm Resin, Third-Party Resins
• XY Resolution: 0.047mm (2560 x 1440 pixels)
• Leveling System: Semi-Automatic
• Z-Axis Accuracy: 0.00125mm
• Software: ChiTuBox Slicer
• Weight: 9.8kg
• Connectivity: USB

For what it’s worth, the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S is a sight to behold. A high-quality 2K LCD screen entitles your prints to come out looking sharp, crisp, and outright beautiful. This is just how Qidi Tech rolls with all its 3D printers.

There is a dual Z-axis linear rail system to provide stability to the Shadow 5.5S mid-print. Right alongside that is the sturdy build quality of this device that makes sure firmness is never sacrificed.

A free 1-year warranty also comes with the printer to give you that sense of security often missing with other expensive 3D printers. Purchasing the Shadow 5.5S, you’ve got nothing to lose and a lot to gain.

The ChiTuBox slicer software always proves to come in handy which is what many people use with the Shadow 5.5S. Once you get used to the software, it quickly turned into a smooth process to slice your models.

The 3.5-inch touchscreen is the bread and butter of this MSLA machine’s operation and is effortless to run the 5.5S with.

Customer Reviews of the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S

The Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S has a terrific 4.6/5.0 rating on Amazon at time of writing and 79% of the people who have bought it have left a highly positive 5-star review.

Coming from Qidi Technology, one cannot hope the quality to be any different. This manufacturer has yet to disappoint us.

The first thing to notice is the packaging of this machine. There are closed-cell foam boxes between the box walls and all the surfaces of the printer to make sure it ships without any harm or damage to the printer.

While this should be pretty basic stuff, it isn’t, and this comes from experience. The Shadow 5.5S produces top-notch prints with impressive attention to detail.

Customers have admired how capable this 3D printer is for such a cheap price. You don’t even have to level the print bed constantly, and this makes the Shadow 5.5S one of the best SLA 3D printers to get right now.

Pros of the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S

• Has a sturdy foundation, being built with CNC-machined aluminum with a plastic alloy casing
• Compatible with many third-party resins out there for more freedom
• Decreases smelly odors with the built-in dual fans and activated charcoal carbon filter system
• The brand-new user interface is easy to use and has simple control options
• Very aesthetic design especially with the acrylic cover and color scheme
• Amazing value for the price you are paying, with similar build volumes to premium resin printers
• Removable build area so it can be easily removed to tend to your prints
• Creates high-resolution 3D prints out-the-box that will impress friends and family, as well as yourself!
• Shipped with protective packaging to ensure it arrives in good condition
• Comes with great customer service

Cons of the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S

• Calibrating the 3D printer can get time-consuming
• The UV lamp is reported to be weak for resin curing
• Due to the absence of a parallel light source system, the edges of your parts and models might not be the same quality as the rest of the print
• No connectivity option other than USB
• The carbon filters are ineffective against resin fumes and smell

Final Thoughts

The Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S is the cheapest SLA machine on the list, but make no mistake, its price does not definite its quality. I have been surprised how extremely capable this printer is, and how it’s a perfect fit for anyone out there looking to start resin 3D printing.

Get yourself the Qidi Tech Shadow 5.5S on Amazon today.

7. Voxelab Proxima 6.0

Voxelab is a relatively new 3D printing manufacturer that isn’t quite well-known as Elegoo, Qidi Tech, or Anycubic. However, if you believe in quality over quantity, let the Proxima 6.0 strengthen your concept even more.

This brand is actually a subsidiary of the 3D printing tycoon Flashforge. The parent company is well-established for its years of experience in this industry and that’s easily noticeable in its extensive array of FDM 3D printers.

The Voxelab Proxima 6.0 is focused on promising a valuable SLA 3D printing experience while staying in the wallet-friendly range. That is to say, this SLA machine costs just a bit under $200.

So far, the Proxima 6.0 just seems to have exceeded everyone’s expectations. The ease of use is unmatched, and it also has a decent number of features that make the 3D printing process as convenient as possible.

It is a solid mid-sized printer that produces parts with highly detailed quality. All this combined with its cheap price tag makes the Proxima 6.0 one of the best SLA 3D printers out there.

Let’s check out the features and specifications.

Features of the Voxelab Proxima 6.0

• 6″ 2K Monochrome LCD Screen
• VoxelPrint Slicer Software
• Well-Built Design
• Dual Linear Rails
• Effortless Bed Leveling
• Resin Vat Maximum Level Indicator
• Integrated FEP Film Design
• Grayscale Anti-Aliasing
• Third-Party 405nm Resin Compatibility
• Built-In Light Reflector

Specifications of the Voxelab Proxima 6.0

• Technology: LCD
• Year: 2020
• Assembly: Fully Assembled
• Build Volume: 130 x 82 x 155 mm
• Layer Height: 0.025mm
• XY Resolution: 0.05mm (2560 x 1620 pixels)
• Z-Axis Positioning Accuracy: N/A
• Printing Speed: 25 mm/h
• Bed Leveling: Manual
• Display: 3.5-inch Touchscreen
• Third-Party Materials: Yes
• Materials: 405nm UV resin
• Recommended Slicer: VoxelPrint, ChiTuBox
• Operating System: Windows/macOS/Linux
• File Types: STL
• Connectivity: USB
• Weight: 6.8 kg

The Voxelab Proxima 6.0 also sports a monochrome 2K LCD to stay in the game and compete with the big guns. This means that you can expect faster curing times, and increased detail in your prints from this awesome SLA 3D printer.

In addition, Voxelab says that the Proxima 6.0 has an in-built light deflector for uniform light distribution across the entirety of your model. Couple that with the Proxima’s monochrome screen, the combination is outright marvelous.

With an XY-accuracy of 0.05mm, this bad boy can be counted on for making high-quality prints reliably without any hint of print failure.

This SLA 3D printer comes loaded with its own slicer software – the VoxelPrint. This is a fresh, efficient, and easy to operate slicer that comprises a number of features to make print optimization uncomplicated for you.

The manufacturer has also incorporated dual linear rails for steady and stable Z-axis movement and precise 3D printing that takes away the possibility of print imperfections.

Customer Reviews of the Voxelab Proxima 6.0

Since the Voxelab Proxima 6.0 is a fairly new machine into the scene of resin 3D printing, it’s not up there with the likes of the Elegoo Mars 2 Mono or the Creality LD-002R in terms of sales.

Those who have bought it, however, have been simply left amazed by the cost-effectiveness of this fantastic resin 3D printer. People seem to love how easy it is to handle despite resin printing being messy in general.

A customer has said that the metal and plastic scraper that comes with the Proxima 6.0 along with the rest of the tools come in super handy and useful during the clean-up process.

Others have praised the resin vat maximum level indicator feature that prevents users from overfilling the resin tank. The manual bed leveling feature is also easy for users to get the hang of, even for beginners.

The Proxima 6.0 is one tireless workhorse that can truly produce high-end quality prints in no time due to its monochromatic LCD. You will be making the right decision purchasing this sub $200 SLA 3D printer.

Pros of the Voxelab Proxima 6.0

• Print quality is exceptional
• Build quality is compact and firm
• Easy to operate, even more than some FDM 3D printers
• Ready for action right out the box
• Leveling the bed is a breeze
• Works great for 3D printing miniatures and figures
• Cheap and affordable
• Comes with clean and crisp packaging
• Includes a plastic and metal scraper

Cons of the Voxelab Proxima 6.0

• A few users have reported that the build plate does not tighten and cannot be leveled
• Customer support service isn’t up to the standard of Elegoo or Creality

Final Thoughts

The Voxelab Proxima 6.0 is an underdog SLA 3D printer, but that doesn’t mean it performs inefficiently. In fact, it’s one of the best resin 3D printers out there for its simple operation, ample features, and excellent print quality.

You can get yourself the Voxelab Proxima 6.0 machine from Amazon today for a reliable and cheap SLA 3D printer.