Is a Fast Resin 3D Printer a Good Choice?

The demand for a fast 3D printer has increased tremendously because industries, hobbyists, and designers are interested in creating something that will save them time during production without compromising the quality. Resin 3D printers, characterized by excellent surface finish and precision, are currently being developed to provide higher speed with high-performance light engines and optimized resins. 

In the selection of a fast resin 3D printer, however, it's essential to understand the impact of speed on print quality, durability, and workflow. We could discuss the main parameters affecting the performance of resin printing and understand whether you are making the right decision investing in the model with high speed. This knowledge is key to learning how to improve 3D print quality at speed.

To quickly acquire knowledge, you can also get a basic overview using this infographic：

Factors Influencing Print Speed in Resin 3D Printing

When evaluating the speed of resin 3D printing, it is crucial to look beyond just the raw movement of the motor. True production speed is a combination of the core curing technology, material chemistry, and layer settings.

1. Printer Technology and Batch Efficiency 

The most defining factor in speed is the method used to form each layer. Legacy technologies like FDM and Laser SLA must trace the geometry of every single part. Consequently, adding more parts to the build plate significantly increases the print time because the laser or nozzle has to travel a longer distance.

This is where LCD and MSLA technology, such as the HeyGears Reflex series, excels. Because these printers utilize Area Wide Curing to flash the entire layer simultaneously, adding more parts to the build plate does not add any extra print time. Printing a single ring takes the same amount of time as printing 50 rings, provided they fit on the platform. This makes large-format LCD printers significantly faster for high-volume throughput.

2. Resin Type and Viscosity 

Resin chemistry plays a significant role in determining print speed. Generally, resins with low viscosity flow more easily, accelerating the reflow process between layers and reducing overall print time.

However, in standard formulations, there is often a trade-off. Low viscosity typically implies a lack of complex, large molecular structures that provide toughness, often resulting in more brittle parts. This is not an absolute rule, however. Advanced, high-end resin formulations can overcome this limitation. By incorporating specific toughening fillers or specialized oligomers, these premium resins can achieve high printing speeds without sacrificing mechanical strength or durability.

3. Layer Thickness 

The layer height setting directly impacts the total printing time. Choosing a thicker layer, such as 100 microns, allows for faster production because the machine needs to process fewer layers to build the full height of the model.

However, this comes at the cost of surface smoothness. Thicker layers often result in more visible layer lines. Conversely, using thinner layers like 25 or 50 microns will extend the print time, but is essential for achieving smoother surfaces and capturing fine details.

4. Model Complexity 

In traditional manufacturing, such as machining or vector-based printing like FDM or Laser SLA, complex geometry means slower production. In LCD resin printing, complexity is essentially free of time penalties.

Because the LCD screen exposes the entire cross-section at once, a complex lattice structure prints just as fast as a solid block of the same height. This allows designers to create intricate, organic shapes without worrying about extending the manufacturing time.

Understanding Layer Time and Its Role in Speed

It is important to know what a layer time is and how it affects the total printing time before going into high-speed printing.

Definition of Layer Time

Layer time refers to the total cycle duration for one layer, which includes the exposure time plus the mechanical movement time (lifting and retracting the build plate) and any light-off delay. Understanding how a resin 3D printer works fundamentally explains why mechanical motion often accounts for the majority of the total time. 

While exposure might only take 1-3 seconds, the mechanical motion often accounts for the majority of the total time. 

Even small reductions in layer time can dramatically decrease total print time for large models.

Factors Affecting Layer Time

Several factors influence layer time, including the light intensity of the UV source, screen resolution, and resin reactivity. For instance, printers with higher-powered LEDs or laser light engines can cure resin faster, while some smart printers use adaptive exposure algorithms to reduce unnecessary curing on simple geometry. Mechanical motion between layers—specifically the build plate’s lifting and settling time—also adds to the total print duration.

Pros and Cons of Fast Resin Printing

Although high-speed printing looks tempting, it cannot be made without knowing both sides of the equation, so it can be considered to make informed decisions.

Advantages of Faster Print Speeds

The primary benefit of high-speed printing is time efficiency. By reducing production time from days to hours, designers can iterate through prototypes rapidly, significantly shortening the product development cycle. For small businesses, this increased throughput translates directly to improved productivity and lower energy costs per unit.

Disadvantages and Trade-offs

Faster printing can sometimes lead to surface inconsistencies or weaker layer adhesion if settings aren’t optimized. Additionally, high-speed curing may reduce mechanical strength. These issues are manageable with the right resin selection and post-curing process, but they highlight the importance of understanding your equipment and materials.

How to Achieve Faster Resin Printing Without Sacrificing Quality

With the right techniques, you can achieve high throughput without compromising part quality or strength.

Optimizing Print Settings

Such as exposure time, lift distance, and retraction speed, are traditionally critical for balancing performance and curing reliability. While standard slicers often rely on basic "speed modes" to manage this, HeyGears offers a superior, hassle-free solution.

By leveraging Dynamic Algorithm 3.0 combined with parameters meticulously pre-tuned by their engineering team, HeyGears eliminates the need for manual calibration. This allows users to achieve high-quality results automatically, bypassing the complex fine-tuning process entirely. For professionals looking to capitalize on this technology, the HeyGears Reflex 2 Pro is an ideal resin 3D printer for investment, specifically designed to utilize these algorithms for consistent output without compromising reliability.

Choosing the Right Resin for Speed

Not all resins are created equal. Resins with high intensity of light are made with fast-curing resins and can significantly cut down on exposure duration. Nevertheless, make sure that you are compatible with your printer model. Manufacturer-approved materials will guarantee good adhesion, durability, and colour.

Conclusion

While print speed is a valuable metric for efficiency, it should not be the sole deciding factor when choosing a resin 3D printer. In the realm of professional resin printing, challenges like material performance and print stability are often more critical than raw speed.

A truly powerful resin 3D printer, such as the HeyGears Reflex 2 Pro, is engineered to handle high-performance materials with industrial-grade stability, ensuring that every print is not only delivered efficiently but also possesses the mechanical properties required for real-world applications. Therefore, when selecting a printer, prioritize a system that balances throughput with reliability—ensuring your workflow produces professional-level results every time, without compromising on quality.

FAQ

What is the printing speed of a resin 3D printer?

Most standard resin printers have a print speed of 20 to 50 mm/h, depending on the layer height and the resin used.

How can I speed up resin 3D printing without losing quality?

Use rapid-curing resins, optimize lift and retraction speeds, and fine-tune exposure settings. For parts where vertical detail is less critical, you can also slightly increase the layer height to reduce the total number of layers.

What are the best resins for fast 3D printing?

Resin with low viscosity that is UV sensitive and designed to cure quickly gives the best results.

How does layer height affect print speed in resin 3D printing?

With the larger layers, there are fewer exposures required, which saves on print time, although it compromises the sharpness of the detail slightly.