Best Resin 3D Printer UK: Must Read Before You Final Buy!

When I first started looking into 3D printers, I quickly realised that not all machines were built for high detail. That’s when I came across resin 3D printers. Unlike the typical filament-based FDM printers, resin models use UV light to cure liquid resin, and the results are simply stunning—sharp, smooth, and packed with intricate detail.

I wanted that level of precision for my own projects. So, I took the plunge and began my hunt for the best resin 3D printer in the UK.

We ordered, unboxed, and spent weeks—sometimes months—testing multiple machines. It wasn’t easy. Each printer had its strengths and weaknesses. But the goal was clear: I needed something reliable, affordable, and capable of printing small, highly detailed models that FDM printers just couldn’t handle.

The technology behind resin printing is quite impressive. Using the MSLA (Masked Stereolithography) process, these printers cure the resin layer by layer with a masked UV light source. That’s how they achieve such fine resolution—sometimes as small as 0.035mm on the XY axis. Honestly, the quality is miles ahead of what I’d ever seen with filament printers.

However, I also realised that resin printing comes with responsibilities. Handling the resin safely is important—you need gloves, a mask, and proper ventilation. There’s post-processing too, like cleaning and curing the printed parts. But once I got the hang of it, the results were worth every effort.

Today, even reasonable resin 3D printers in the UK offer features that used to cost thousands. Some even come with sensors that notify you if anything goes wrong during printing.

After all the hands-on testing, research, and comparisons, I finally created a list of the best resin 3D printers UK based on real experience. If you’re serious about precision and detail, and willing to take a bit of care during use, these printers are absolutely worth it.

Best Resin 3D Printer UK At A Glance

Resin 3D Printer UK	Customer Satisfaction Ratings	Reason to Buy
ELEGOO Saturn 4 Resin 3D Printer	92%	12K ultra-sharp prints, auto levelling, fast tilt-vat design, and built-in camera for smooth, high-quality printing.
Anycubic Photon 2 Resin 3D Printer	88%	Perfect for beginners, quick setup, crisp 4K detail, lightweight, and affordable entry into resin printing.
ELEGOO Mars 5 Resin 3D Printer UK	90%	Superb 9K resolution, smart features like tilt release and AI detection, ideal for models and hobby projects.
ANYCUBIC Professional Resin 3D Printer	93%	Premium 8K detail with large build area, dual air filters, and smooth performance—ideal for professionals.

Exploring The Right Kind of Resin 3D Printer UK

Before I bought my resin 3D printer, I had to think carefully about a few important things. Choosing the right resin 3D printer in the UK isn’t just about price or brand—it’s about getting the right features for the kind of work I want to do also the lifespan.

One of the first things I looked at was the type of masking LCD. I learned that RGB LCDs are cheaper, but they’re slower because the UV light doesn’t pass through as easily. For example, printers like the Creality LD-002R take around 9 seconds per layer. But mono LCDs, like the one on the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro, are much faster—only about 2.2 seconds per layer. I now prefer mono screens because I save a lot of time with them.

I also had to think about build volume. Most resin 3D printers in the UK have smaller build areas than FDM printers. At first, this was limiting for me. If you want to make larger models, it’s better to go for a big format printer like the Elegoo Saturn or Anycubic Photon Mono X. I chose a mid-sized one to start, but I plan to upgrade soon.

Resolution was another key point. A 2K screen like the one in the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro already gives great detail, with a layer height of 0.05mm. That was enough for my needs in the beginning. But if you want even sharper prints, a 4K resin printer can deliver better results—just expect to pay more.

Finally, I had to consider post-processing. Resin printing isn’t done when the print finishes. I needed to wash each print in alcohol and cure it under UV light. It was messy at first. Later, I invested in a curing station like the Elegoo Mercury X, which made the job easier and cleaner.

These are the real factors I had to figure out while choosing the best resin 3D printer for my setup.

Software Options for Resin 3D Printer UK – My Experience

When I started using my resin 3D printer in the UK, I realised that software plays a big role in getting successful prints.

Larger prints were especially tricky. I had to be more careful with support settings and model orientation because bigger models go through more physical stress during printing. If I didn’t set things up properly, the print could fail—and that meant wasted resin, time, and a bigger mess to clean. I also noticed that a full resin vat adds more weight, so I had to take that into account too.

Running a resin 3D printer isn’t just about buying the printer and resin. There are hidden costs. For example, the LCD screen in mono printers, which are common now, doesn’t last forever. I found out that they usually last around 2000 hours before the print quality starts to drop. I also had to replace the clear film in the vat from time to time.

One thing that really made a difference was the software compatibility. Some reasonable resin 3D printers force you to use their own software, which I found very limited and frustrating. It lacked the features I needed and offered little help if something went wrong.

I prefer printers that work with free and well-supported software like ChiTuBox Basic or Lychee. These tools gave me better control over my prints, especially for supports, layer settings, and hollowing out models to save resin. Having open compatibility made my printing experience smoother and more flexible.

For me, choosing the best resin 3D printer in the UK wasn’t just about the hardware. Making sure the software was user-friendly and fully featured was just as important.

Best Resin 3D Printer UK: Tried and Tested

Why you can trust Best 3D Printer UK: Print Lab Solutions: Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

ELEGOO Saturn 4 Resin 3D Printer

I recently got my hands on the ELEGOO Saturn 4 Resin 3D Printer in the UK, and it’s honestly one of the best decisions I’ve made for my setup. I was looking for something that offered both high resolution and speed without breaking the bank—and the Saturn 4 Ultra delivered.

The first thing that impressed me was the 12K LCD resolution. At 11520 x 5120 pixels and a resolution of just 19×24 microns, the detail this printer can produce is incredible. Even the finest textures and surfaces come out looking crisp and professional. I didn’t need any special resin either—it works great with standard materials, which helped me keep costs down.

I also appreciated the build volume: 218.8 x 122.8 x 220 mm. That’s more than enough space for my typical projects. The tilting vat system really caught my attention. Instead of pulling the print straight up, which normally creates suction stress and can damage the film, the Saturn 4 Ultra gently rocks the print out. It’s smoother, faster, and easier on the printer’s components. I haven’t seen that in any of my previous printers.

The auto levelling feature saved me a lot of setup time. Plus, the printer has a hinged hood that tilts back—something so simple, yet so convenient when working on multiple prints. The built-in camera is another great addition, letting me monitor the print and even record time lapses through Chitubox, the slicer I already use.

There were a couple of small drawbacks. The lid doesn’t have a handle, which is slightly annoying, and the camera currently only works with Chitubox. But honestly, those are minor issues compared to everything else this printer offers.

I think the ELEGOO Saturn 4 is excellent value for money. It’s feature-packed, fast, and easy to use—even if you’re new to resin printing. I didn’t need any special setup or expensive add-ons to get started. Just unbox, level, slice, and print.

If you’re serious about getting professional-quality results from a resin 3D printer in the UK, I’d absolutely recommend the Saturn 4 . It’s made a huge difference to the way I print.

Anycubic’s Photon 2 Resin 3D Printer

I picked up the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 Resin 3D Printer in the UK because I wanted something compact, affordable, and capable of printing detailed models. I wasn’t disappointed.

The 4K resolution (2560 x 4096) really stood out. With a 34-micron XY resolution and a 6.6-inch monochrome LCD, the print quality is excellent. Even on smaller models, I could clearly see the sharp lines and fine details. It gave me a clean, professional finish every time.

The build volume of 165 x 89 x 143 mm was enough for mini, small busts, and gaming pieces. It’s slightly more than the previous Mono 4K model, which gave me more flexibility without needing a larger machine.

One thing I liked was how easy it was to get started. The setup was quick since it came mostly pre-assembled. I just levelled the bed and started printing. The menu system is simple and beginner-friendly, and the USB Type A 2.0 interface worked well for transferring my sliced files.

Another benefit is its size. The Mono 2 is lightweight and compact, so I could easily move it and store it when not in use. It doesn’t take up much space on the desk, which is great if you’re tight on room.

There are a couple of things to note. The base could be sturdier—the feet are a bit slippery. I placed mine on a non-slip mat, which solved the problem easily. The overall feel is a bit light, but it hasn’t affected print quality or reliability for me.

At the time I bought it, it was priced around £159–£179, and I genuinely believe it’s one of the best entry-level resin 3D printers in the UK. For anyone just starting with resin printing or looking for a backup printer for minis, it’s hard to beat the value and performance.

If you want to spend a bit more, the Photon M3 offers more space and finer resolution, but for reasonable price and reliable 4K prints, the Anycubic Photon Mono 2 is a solid choice. I’d definitely recommend it.

ELEGOO Mars 5 Resin 3D Printer UK

I bought the ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra Resin 3D Printer in the UK because I wanted something fast, accurate, and reliable for mini and small parts. After using it, I can say it really delivers high-quality prints with pro-level precision.

What stood out to me first was the 9K LCD resolution. With an XY accuracy of 18 x 18 microns, the level of detail I got was seriously impressive. Even tiny features on models came out crisp and clean. The build volume of 153 x 77 x 165 mm may seem small, but it was more than enough for jewellery, collectibles, and game models.

The printer has some very helpful features like auto levelling, tilt release, and a resin level sensor. These made my print setup much smoother and more beginner-friendly. I also liked the built-in camera that lets me check print progress remotely—something I didn’t know I needed until I had it.

The 9-inch monochrome LCD screen makes everything easy to see and control. I used both WiFi and USB to transfer files, and both worked without issues. The touchscreen interface is responsive and easy to navigate, even for someone new to resin printing.

One issue I had was with print removal. The parts were tough to remove from the bed using the default settings. But after tweaking the exposure time and lift speed, it got a lot better.

I think the ELEGOO Mars 5 Ultra is a solid deal for anyone wanting a high-resolution resin 3D printer in the UK. It’s faster than many other models I’ve used and offers better resolution than some printers that cost a lot more.

If you’re a gamer, hobbyist, or a beginner looking for a powerful and user-friendly resin printer, I’d definitely recommend this one. It’s compact, prints fast, and gives pro-level results without needing a big cost or deep technical knowledge.

ANYCUBIC Professional Resin 3d Printer

I’ve been using the ANYCUBIC Professional Resin 3D Printer for a while now, and I honestly couldn’t be happier with the results. If you’re looking for a large-format, high-resolution resin 3D printer in the UK, this is the one I’d highly recommend.

The 8K LCD resolution (7680 x 4320) is a game changer. The 0.0285 mm XY resolution gives stunning detail, even on the smallest models. I printed a mini figure holding an open book, and I could actually read the tiny text with a magnifier. The sharpness is unbelievable. This level of detail is far beyond what I got from other printers.

The build volume (219 x 123 x 250 mm) is perfect. I’ve printed large single pieces and also loaded up the platform with smaller models to print in batches—everything came out clean and consistent. The 10-inch masking LCD gives plenty of space to work with, and I love the flexibility it gives me.

What really stands out is how reliable the printer is. With dual air filters, a laser-etched build platform, and a super-thin NFEP film, my prints have been smooth and failure-free. No warping, no peeling—just quality results every time.

The design also looks great. It has a professional industrial look, and the build feels premium. It fits nicely in my workspace and runs quietly too.

Even though the Photon Workshop software could be better, it hasn’t taken away from how much I enjoy using this machine. I focus on the output, and the output has been flawless.

For the price—especially compared to other high-end models—the ANYCUBIC is great value. It’s powerful, precise, and perfect for serious makers, creators, and anyone who needs top-tier print quality.

If you’re thinking about stepping up your resin printing game, this is one of the best resin 3D printers in the UK I’ve ever used. I genuinely recommend it.

How We Test

Before we recommend any resin 3D printer in the UK, we make sure to test each one thoroughly in real-world conditions. We don’t just rely on specs or manufacturer claims—we unbox, set up, and print with every machine ourselves.

Each printer is tested over a few weeks (sometimes even longer), so we can see how it performs with different models and under everyday use. Here’s how we evaluate them:

• Setup & Ease of Use
  We start by checking how simple it is to unbox and get started. We test the auto levelling, menu interface, and WiFi or USB connection. If a printer is beginner-friendly, we make sure it truly is.
• Print Quality
  We run multiple test prints— figures, and detailed parts—using common resins like Elegoo Standard and Anycubic. We carefully inspect surface finish, sharpness, and fine features. We also test how easy it is to remove prints from the bed.
• Speed & Performance
  Print speed isn’t just about how fast a printer claims to go—we measure the actual time it takes to complete prints. We also monitor for print failures, layer shifts, or support issues. Features like tilt-release, air filters, and camera monitoring are also tested in daily use.
• Post-Processing
  We check how smooth the post-processing is—how easy it is to wash, cure, and finish prints. We also note if the printer uses standard resins and consumables or requires costly add-ons.
• Value for Money
  Finally, we compare features and performance against price. We highlight which models give the most for your money, whether you’re a beginner, hobbyist, or serious maker.

All recommendations in our Best Resin 3D Printer UK guide come from hands-on experience, not just research. If it’s on our list, we’ve personally tested it—and trust it enough to use ourselves.

FAQ’s : Best Resin 3D Printer UK