SLA, MSLA and DLP Resin Printers Explained, and Which to Buy
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“SLA printer” in consumer use almost always means MSLA: a UV LED array shining through a monochrome LCD that masks each layer, curing resin in a vat. True SLA scans a laser point (Formlabs); DLP projects each layer with a micromirror chip. All three produce the same class of part: fine detail, smooth surfaces, brittle standard resins. The mainstream buys are MSLA: Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra (7-inch), Saturn 4 Ultra (10-inch) and Anycubic M7 Max (13.6-inch). Every one needs wash, cure and ventilation.
Uncured resin is a skin and respiratory irritant. Wear nitrile gloves and eye protection, ventilate the room or vent the printer outdoors, wash parts in IPA in a covered container, and fully cure before handling. Never pour resin or IPA wash down a drain.
Where to buy
The three technologies
| Technology | Light source | Layer exposure | Resolution | Consumer availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLA | UV laser, galvo mirrors | Traced point by point | Spot size ~85 µm; very smooth | Formlabs class; expensive | Slow on large solid layers; best surface |
| MSLA | UV LED array through mono LCD | Whole layer at once | Pixel: 14 to 50 µm | Elegoo, Anycubic, Phrozen, Creality | Dominant; LCD is a consumable (1000+ hours) |
| DLP | UV projector, DMD chip | Whole layer at once | Pixel size grows with build area | Few consumer models | No screen wear; voxel edges visible at size |
Why consumer printers are MSLA
Mono LCDs became cheap and fast: 2 to 3 second layer exposures, 8K to 16K resolution, and tilt-release mechanisms pushing 150 mm/h. DLP holds its own in small dental-class machines; laser SLA remains a professional choice. For a hobbyist the question is not which technology but which size of MSLA. See resin vs filament first if you are unsure resin suits your parts.
MSLA printers by size
| Printer | Build volume | Screen | XY pixel | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | 153 × 78 × 165 mm | 7-inch 9K | 18 µm | Tilt release, auto level |
| Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S | 165 × 72 × 180 mm | 7.1-inch 8K | 22 µm | Manual level; miniature reputation |
| Anycubic Photon Mono 4 | About 153 × 87 × 165 mm | 7-inch 10K | About 17 µm | Budget |
| Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra | 218.88 × 122.88 × 220 mm | 10-inch 12K | 19 × 24 µm | The default 10-inch |
| Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro | 223 × 126 × 230 mm | 10.1-inch 14K | 16.8 × 24.8 µm | Heated vat |
| Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Max | 298 × 165 × 300 mm | 13.6-inch 7K | About 46 µm | Large; coarser pixels |
What every resin printer needs
A wash station, a cure station, IPA or water-washable resin, gloves, and a ventilation plan. See the Saturn 4 Ultra page and resin types.
The units in the box
The listings are the Mars 5 Ultra, the Saturn 4 Ultra and the Photon Mono M7 Max, one per size class.
FAQ
Is a Formlabs true SLA better? Smoother surfaces and better material library, at many times the price.
How long does an LCD last? Manufacturers quote about 1000 to 2000 hours; it is a replaceable part.
LayerWalker
Print defect diagnosis, calibration procedures and parts that actually fit. Corrections welcome through the contact page.
