Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Resin 3D Printer
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
The Best Resin 3D Printers in the UK (2026)
Resin printers deliver the finest detail for miniatures and models. Here's what to look for and how to work with resin safely, plus our top picks.
Quick answer
A resin (LCD/MSLA) printer is the right choice when fine detail is the priority - tabletop miniatures, figurines, jewellery masters. Look at the screen resolution (for detail) and build size (resin printers are smaller than FDM), and be ready for the wash-and-cure workflow plus gloves and ventilation.
Why resin for detail
Resin printers cure liquid resin with a UV LCD, producing extremely fine layers and crisp detail that FDM can't match. The trade-off is build size (smaller), mess and safety: uncured resin is an irritant, so you work with gloves in a ventilated space, and each print is washed in IPA and cured under UV before use.
What to look for
- Screen resolution (e.g. Higher-K mono LCDs) for finer detail.
- Build volume - smaller than FDM; check it fits your models.
- Mono LCD for faster curing and longer screen life.
- A wash & cure station (or budget to add one).
- Resin type support - standard, ABS-like, water-washable, etc.
Working with resin safely
Always wear nitrile gloves, work in a ventilated area, and avoid skin contact with uncured resin. Wash prints in IPA, then cure under UV. Filter and reseal unused resin, and dispose of waste resin/IPA responsibly (cure it solid first). Keep the FEP film and screen clean, and replace the FEP periodically. None of this is hard - it's just a routine resin printing requires and FDM doesn't.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Buying resin for large or functional parts (use FDM).
- Printing without ventilation or gloves.
- Forgetting you need a wash-and-cure step.
- Ignoring FEP film maintenance.
- Pouring waste resin or IPA down the drain (cure and bin it).
Our top picks
#1
#2 
Elegoo Mercury XS Bundle With Separate Washing and Curing
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#3 
Elegoo EU-EHJ-3DL-S4U Saturn 4 Ultra Resin 3D Printer
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#4 
Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Ultra 10K Resin 3D Printer
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#5 
Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra Resin 3D Printer
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#6 
Elegoo EU-EHJ-3DL-M5U Mars 5 Ultra 9K Resin 3D Printer
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#7 
Elegoo Eu-Ehj-3dl-M5 Mars 5 Resin 3D Printer With 4K Mono LCD
A resin 3d printer (43 x 90 x 150 mm), a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#8 
Anycubic Photon Mono M7 Pro Resin 3D Printer
A resin 3d printer (223 x 126 x 230 mm), a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#9 
Anycubic Photon P1 Resin 3D Printer
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
#10 
Anycubic Photon P1 Resin 3D Printer and Dual-Material Print
A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models.
Frequently asked questions
Are resin 3D printers better?
For ultra-fine detail like miniatures, yes - resin beats FDM. But resin printers are smaller, messier and need IPA washing, UV curing and ventilation, so FDM is better for large or functional parts.
What are the downsides of a resin 3D printer?
Smaller build size than FDM, plus a wash-and-cure workflow, the need for gloves and ventilation, FEP film maintenance, and careful disposal of resin and IPA. The detail is the payoff.
Which 3D printers can use resin?
Resin is used by LCD/MSLA printers specifically - these are different machines from FDM (filament) printers. You choose a resin printer if fine detail is your priority.
Bottom line
Our top pick is the Anycubic Photon Mono 4 Resin 3D Printer (our score 9.5/10) - A resin 3d printer, a detail-focused choice for miniatures and detailed models..