Best Resin 3D Printer UK 2026: Complete Guide

Resin printing delivers detail that FDM can't touch. If you're printing miniatures, jewellery, or intricate models, nothing else comes close. But it's not for everyone.

How MSLA Works Masked stereolithography (MSLA) uses UV light to cure liquid resin layer by layer. An LCD screen masks the light, creating each layer in seconds. The result: incredibly fine detail down to 0.01mm layer heights, versus 0.1mm typical for FDM.

Our Top Pick: Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra (around £245) The Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra dominates the budget resin market. 9K resolution, WiFi connectivity, built-in camera for monitoring, and ACF release film for 3x faster prints. Excellent detail with a reasonable build volume (153x78x165mm) and a huge community for troubleshooting.

For larger prints, the Elegoo Saturn 3 (around £400) nearly doubles the build volume with similar quality.

Alternative: Anycubic Photon Mono 4 (around £160) The Anycubic Photon Mono 4 offers exceptional value at a lower price point. 10K resolution with simplified 4-point leveling. A solid choice for beginners or budget-conscious makers.

The Reality Check Resin printing is messier, smellier, and requires more post-processing than FDM. Every print needs: 1. Draining excess resin 2. Washing in IPA or water (depending on resin type) 3. UV curing to fully harden 4. Support removal and cleanup

Budget 20-30 minutes per print for post-processing, regardless of print size.

Safety Is Not Optional Uncured resin is an irritant and potential allergen. Always wear nitrile gloves when handling prints or resin. Work in a ventilated area or use an enclosure with carbon filtration. UV light can damage eyes. Our resin safety guide covers this in detail.

Cost Comparison Resin costs £25-50 per litre versus £15-25 per kg for filament. Resin prints are typically solid or hollow with minimal infill, using more material per volume than FDM. Add IPA costs (around £15 per 5L) and gloves. Budget higher per-print costs than FDM.

When Resin Makes Sense Miniatures and tabletop gaming: Absolutely, nothing beats the detail Jewellery and small detailed items: Yes, resin excels here Functional parts: Usually no, FDM is stronger and cheaper Large objects: No, build volumes are limited and costs add up

UK Suppliers Amazon UK stocks most printers and resins. For specialist resins, try 3DJake or Elegoo's direct store. Resin delivery can face restrictions, so check shipping policies.

**Getting Started** If you're new to 3D printing, start with FDM. Learn the fundamentals without the safety complexity. If you specifically need resin's detail, the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 is the best value entry point, while the Elegoo Mars 4 Ultra offers more features and WiFi connectivity. *(Prices when reviewed: Photon ~£160, Mars 4 Ultra ~£245 | Check Photon price | Check Mars price)*