Get Started in 3D Printing for Under $250! Here are 5 Resin Printers Under 250

3D printing has been gaining popularity in recent years, with more and more people looking to get started in this exciting hobby. However, the high cost of some 3D printers can be a barrier for many beginners. Luckily, there are now a variety of affordable options available, including resin printers that can be purchased for under $250.

Resin printers are a type of 3D printer that use a liquid resin material to create highly detailed and precise prints. They are ideal for creating small objects with intricate details, such as figurines or jewelry. When looking to purchase a resin printer, it\’s important to consider factors such as print quality, build volume, and ease of use.

One critical thing to pay attention to when purchasing a resin printer is the type of resin material it uses. Some resin materials can be toxic and require special handling, while others are safer and easier to work with. It\’s important to choose a resin printer that uses a safe and easy-to-handle material, especially if you are new to 3D printing.

In this article, I will introduce you to five resin printers that can be purchased for under $250. These printers offer a great way to get started in 3D printing without breaking the bank. Let\’s take a closer look at each one.

Best Resin Printers Under $250

I\’ve scoured the internet to find the best resin printers for those who want to get started in 3D printing without breaking the bank. Resin printing offers high-quality prints with intricate details, making it a popular choice among hobbyists and professionals alike. In this roundup, I\’ve compiled a list of the top 5 resin printers that you can get for under $250. Whether you\’re a beginner or an experienced user, these printers are sure to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.

Phrozen Sonic Mini LCD Resin 3D Printer

If you\’re looking for a budget-friendly resin 3D printer with impressive print quality, the Phrozen Sonic Mini LCD Resin 3D Printer is a great option.

Pros

• Fast printing speed thanks to the Mono-LCD screen
• Easy to operate with CHITUBOX Slicing Software and simple installation
• Excellent accuracy and print quality with ParaLED system and 0.0625mm XY resolution

Cons

• Small build volume of 120 x 68 x 130mm
• Flat build plate can make it difficult to remove prints
• Limited warranty of only 3 months

This printer was love at first use for me, especially when it comes to printing miniatures and jewelry. The Mono-LCD screen is a game-changer, allowing for incredibly fast printing speeds of up to 50mm/hr. The CHITUBOX software is user-friendly and easy to navigate, and the installation process was a breeze.

The accuracy and print quality are also impressive, thanks to the ParaLED system and 0.0625mm XY resolution. However, the small build volume of 120 x 68 x 130mm may be a downside for those looking to print larger objects. Additionally, the flat build plate can make it difficult to remove prints, so I recommend investing in an angled build plate if possible. Customer support was slow in responding when I did have an issue, the FEP film came damaged. I sent support a message about it. The response came 5 week later after I had already purchased some more. FEP film id a consumable so it was not a real big issue but they did send me a package of FEB. this occurred during the pandemic and this may have hampered there response time.

Overall, I highly recommend the Phrozen Sonic Mini LCD Resin 3D Printer for those looking to get started in resin printing on a budget. Just be aware of the limited 3-month warranty and potential limitations with the build volume and build plate.

ELEGOO Mars 3 Resin 3D Printer and ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure Station

If you\’re looking for an affordable resin 3D printer, the ELEGOO Mars 3 is a great option. The printer comes with a wash and cure station, making it easy to clean and finish your prints. The printer is compatible with various types of resins, making it versatile for different projects.

Pros

• The printer has excellent printing accuracy and detail performance.
• This machine is build like a tank heavy and solid.
• The printer comes with a wash and cure station, making it easy to clean and finish prints.

Cons

• The printer is relatively heavy, weighing in at 55.6 pounds – this was not a real issue for me since I don\’t move my printers around.
• The printer\’s build volume is limited, making it unsuitable for larger prints.
• The printer is relatively loud during operation.
• Chitubox software tends to crash on some computers.

When I purchased the ELEGOO Mars 3 the reviews I saw were somewhat mixed, with some customers complaining about the Chitubox software with several reviewers calling it a  horrible software. I did have the issue with the software crashing on me, however Chitubox has had many updates and seems to rune better in 2024 than it did a few years ago.  The printer has excellent printing accuracy and detail performance, producing high-quality prints with ease. The strict manufacturing process ensures stability and reliability, making it a trustworthy option for those new to 3D printing.

One downside to the printer is its weight, which may make it difficult to move around. Additionally, the printer\’s build volume is limited, making it unsuitable for larger prints. The printer is also relatively loud during operation, which may be a concern for those looking for a quieter option.

Overall, the ELEGOO Mars 3 is a great option for those looking to get started with resin 3D printing. The printer\’s excellent printing accuracy and detail performance, combined with the included wash and cure station, make it a versatile and reliable option for a variety of projects.

ANYCUBIC Resin 3D Printer, Photon Mono 2 3D Printer

If you\’re looking for an affordable resin 3D printer, the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 2 is a great option.

Pros

• The 6.6-inch monochrome LCD screen with a resolution of 4096*2560 displays the details of character figures and miniatures well.
• The upgraded print volume of 6.49\’\’ x 5.62\’\’ x 3.5\’\’ (HWD) is 20% larger than the previous generation, allowing for more printing options.
• The LightTurbo matrix reduces layering and eliminates grid lines, resulting in a smoother surface and better expression of details.

Cons

• The printer\’s software can be difficult to set up and use.
• I found the printer\’s build plate can be difficult to level.
• The printer\’s resin tank can be prone to leakage which results in resin curing under the plate

I found the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 2 to be a great entry-level 3D printer. The 6.6-inch monochrome LCD screen displayed the details of my prints well, and the upgraded print volume allowed me to print larger models. The LightTurbo matrix technology reduced layering and eliminated grid lines, resulting in a smoother surface and better expression of details.

However, the software can be difficult to set up and use, and the build plate can be difficult to level. Additionally, the printer\’s resin tank can be prone to leakage, which can be frustrating.

Overall, if you\’re looking for an affordable resin 3D printer, the ANYCUBIC Photon Mono 2 is a great option. Just be prepared to spend some time setting it up and troubleshooting any issues that may arise. Of the 5 printers listed this was the hardest one to warm up too but in hindsight that may have been due to having to learn the software. the printer produces great results and has been very durable.

LONGER Orange 30 3D Printer

If you\’re looking for a budget-friendly resin 3D printer, the Longer Orange 30 is a solid choice. It offers high precision and a larger printing size than some of its competitors.

Pros

• High precision printing
• Larger printing size
• Uniform matrix UV lighting for better printing performance

Cons

• No resin included
• Temperature detection system may interrupt printing – when this occurred I thought it was just mine but have seen other customer complaining about the same issue
• May require some troubleshooting to get started
• In my opinion the end product was not as detailed as some of the other printers on this list, this may be due to the larger build area.

I found the Longer Orange 30 to be easy to operate, with a full-color touch screen and real-time printing status preview. The upgraded trough with scale made leveling more convenient. The slicing software was faster than of the some other software I have used.

One-click smart support generation was also a plus, making it easy to get started with printing. The integrated matrix UV LED arrays offered better uniformity, higher intensity, and shorter curing time, resulting in better printing performance.

Please note my printer did not come with resin, so check the listing your buying from, you might need to purchase that separately. The temperature detection system may also interrupt printing if it gets too high. Additionally, some users may experience issues getting started and may need to troubleshoot the printer.

Overall, I would recommend the Longer Orange 30 for those looking for a budget-friendly resin 3D printer with high precision and a larger printing size.

Creality Halot-Play Resin 3D Printer

If you\’re looking for a budget-friendly resin printer, the Creality Halot-Play is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The high-resolution LCD screen produces detailed prints.
• The larger build volume allows for more creative freedom.
• The integrated light source ensures efficient and precise printing.

Cons

• The printer is relatively heavy, making it difficult to move around.
• The build plate can be difficult to level.
• The included slicer software may not be as user-friendly as other options.

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of prints produced by the Halot-Play. The high-resolution LCD screen really makes a difference in details that can be achieved. Additionally, the larger build volume allows for more ambitious projects.

One downside to the Halot-Play the build plate can be tricky to level, which can cause frustration for beginners.

I have owned several Creality 3d Printers that I loved, and the Halot did not disappoint. I would recommend the Creality Halot-Play to anyone looking for an affordable resin printer. While it may not be perfect, it offers impressive results for the price.

Buying Guide

When looking for a 3D printer under $250, it\’s important to consider a few key features to ensure you get the best value for your money. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Print Quality

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a 3D printer is print quality. Look for a printer that can produce high-quality prints with fine details and smooth surfaces. A printer with a high resolution and a good layer height range will help you achieve the best results.

Build Volume

Another important factor to consider is the build volume, or the maximum size of the objects you can print. Make sure the printer you choose has a build volume that meets your needs. If you plan to print larger objects, you\’ll need a printer with a larger build volume.

Connectivity

Consider the connectivity options of the printer. Some printers come with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, while others require a wired connection to a computer. Choose a printer that suits your needs and preferences.

Ease of Use

Choose a printer that is easy to use and has a user-friendly interface. Some printers come with touchscreens or intuitive software that makes the printing process easier. Look for a printer that is easy to set up, calibrate, and operate.

Price

Finally, consider the price of the printer. While you can find 3D printers under $250, keep in mind that you may need to purchase additional materials and accessories, such as resin or a build plate. Make sure the total cost fits within your budget.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best 3D printer under $250 that meets your needs and produces high-quality prints.