Over the past few years, resin 3D printing has transitioned from a niche hobby to a mainstream solution for professionals, makers, and creative enthusiasts alike. Whether you're building high-detail miniatures, dental models, or functional prototypes, resin printers offer a level of precision that filament printers simply can’t match.But with so many options on the market, how do you choose the right one? In this article, I’ll walk you through the features to look for, the major use cases, and help you navigate the search for the best resin 3d printers based on my own experience and what’s dominating the industry in 2025.
To start, let’s talk about why resin is booming. Unlike FDM (fused deposition modeling), which melts plastic filament layer by layer, resin printers use photopolymer resin cured by UV light, enabling ultra-fine detail and smoother finishes. This makes resin printing the go-to method for:
While earlier resin printers were messy, expensive, and required extensive post-processing, modern machines have dramatically improved in ease of use, affordability, and ecosystem support.
Choosing a resin printer isn’t just about buying the most expensive model. It’s about finding the right match for your needs. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Look at the XY resolution (measured in microns). The smaller the number, the finer the detail. A good printer will offer 35–50 microns, but the best can hit sub-30 levels.
Do you plan to print large parts or batches? Then opt for a printer with a spacious build plate. Just remember that a larger volume often means longer print times and more resin use.
Thanks to advancements in monochrome LCD technology, modern resin printers are faster than ever. Speed matters especially if you’re printing at scale or running a small business.
Touchscreen interfaces, Wi-Fi connectivity, and slicer compatibility make your life easier. Bonus points for models that include onboard slicing, resin level detection, or self-calibration.
A strong ecosystem—reliable customer support, compatible resins, spare parts, and an active community—can make or break your experience. Some brands go the extra mile in making their systems intuitive and serviceable.
Here are some of the standout options that users (including myself) are loving this year:
HeyGears continues to push boundaries with its professional-grade UltraCraft line. Known for their high accuracy, speed, and innovative resin management systems, they’re a serious contender for the title of the best resin 3d printers on the market right now.I’ve used the UltraCraft Smart for both dental models and small production runs. The print quality rivals much more expensive systems, and the touchscreen UI makes everything feel seamless.
A favorite among hobbyists, this printer offers a 12K mono LCD, auto bed leveling, and blazing-fast print speeds. It strikes a fantastic balance between price and performance, especially for larger prints.
For those who want reliable printing without a steep learning curve, this is a solid choice. The M5s comes with smart features like failure detection and one-click calibration, making it especially beginner-friendly.
If budget isn’t a concern and you want a turnkey solution, Formlabs continues to set the standard in premium resin printing. The Form 4 is perfect for serious professionals in engineering, product design, and healthcare.
I’ve connected with artists, engineers, and small business owners who are using resin printers in incredible ways:
The takeaway? These machines aren’t just for show—they’re unlocking speed, precision, and creativity in real-world scenarios.
It’s worth noting that resin printing comes with a few responsibilities:
Taking proper care ensures consistent print quality and extends the lifespan of your machine.
Absolutely. The resin 3D printing landscape has never been more exciting—or more accessible. Prices are dropping, features are expanding, and use cases are multiplying across every industry.Whether you're a hobbyist leveling up your game or a professional seeking production-grade results, there's a printer out there ready to meet your needs.If you’re on the hunt for the best resin 3d printers, I highly recommend checking out trusted sources like HeyGears. Their lineup blends innovation, usability, and performance in ways that make resin printing feel like magic.And trust me—once you get that first flawless print off the build plate, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.