LCD 3D printers are especially popular as consumer-grade desktop resin printers. It is a common type of resin printer capable of curing the entire image layer through the LCD screen, thus completing the construction of 3D models very efficiently. LCD-printed models are often very detailed and are commonly used in the jewelry, dental and miniature modeling fields. So, how does an LCD printer work? We can gain an in-depth understanding of what is an LCD 3D printer, how it works, and information about LCD screens. Hope it will be helpful for enthusiasts who are interested in resin printing.
The Basics of LCD 3D Printer: What is LCD 3D Printer & How to Use it
The LCD printer came later than other resin printers and can be said to have been developed on the basis of SLA and DLP technology. It uses the LCD screen for masking, displays the required image, lets the light source irradiate the liquid resin to complete the curing, repeats the shape of each layer of the 3-dimensional object, and builds the model layer by layer. The LCD 3D printer consists of multiple parts, including the core LCD screen and UV light source, the construction platform that needs to be lifted up and down during the printing process, and the resin tank for resin printing materials.
For resin printing, you first need a 3D model and a model slice file. Both fused deposition printing and resin printing build up or cure the material layer by layer to build up a three-dimensional solid. Many modeling websites and professional software can help you with model preparation. To start using LCD 3D printer, once you have finished leveling the platform, you need to pour the resin into resin tank, ensure the LCD screen is clean and fix the resin tank above the screen. This is a simple process, and the rest of the printing work can be completely undertaken by the 3D printer, only need to remove the model after printing. It should be noted that the printed model still needs to be cleaned and cured. For more information refer to:How to Post Process Resin Prints
LCD 3D Printer Material: Photosensitive Resin
The material used in LCD 3D printers is called photosensitive resin, which is a photosensitive polymer that can solidify into a solid of a certain strength when exposed to UV light. The light-curing reaction can make the liquid resin rapidly solidify layer by layer, and complete the construction of the three-dimensional model with the support of LCD, DLP and other 3D printers. However, the resin needs to be used with care. The resin has certain toxicity and odor, so we should avoid direct skin contact with liquid resin. After the model is printed, it is usually necessary to wear gloves and tools to take the impression from the build platform. LCD 3D printers are generally equipped with a casing to form a closed printing environment, which can prevent the resin from contacting other light sources and also block the smell of the resin.
Like the filament materials used in FDM printing, there are many kinds of resins for us to choose from. Usually, high-quality resin can bring better rendering effect, and there are also plant-based resins, which can provide more environmentally friendly and safe printing.Anycubic Plant-based UV Resin made of green pure natural soybean extract can avoid chemical irritation the effect of smell.
LCD 3D Printer Demystified: LCD Screen
The LCD screen is one of the most core parts of the LCD printer. We often see the parameters of LCD screens, so what exactly is the important role of the resolution of LCD screens in the 3D printing process? For LCD 3D printers, the role of the LCD screen is as a high-resolution mask, the light source projects the image to be printed onto the resin, and the rest of the light is shielded by the screen, so that the resin can be cured layer by layer according to the image. The quality and resolution of LCD can directly affect the quality and fineness of prints, as well as the realization of model details.
The resolution of an LCD screen is expressed in the number of rows and columns of pixels (3,840 x 2,400 px), which represents the size of the pixel. The resolution of a 4K LCD 3D printer is about 3,840 x 2,400 px, 4K refers to the horizontal resolution, and the vertical resolution is about half of the horizontal resolution. Common desktop grade resin printers are available in resolutions of 2K, 4K, 6K. More professional and high-configuration LCD 3D printers such as Anycubic Photon M3 Premium are equipped with 8K screens.
Best 3D LCD Printer: Right for Your Needs
Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K is a very popular LCD 3D printer for 3D printing enthusiasts. From screen size, resolution, to print quality, print speed, all have been upgraded. The maximum printing volume of the printer is 9.6 x 7.8 x 4.8 inches/475 x 290 x 270 mm. The resin 3D printer can print multiple models at the same time, which greatly saves printing time and improves efficiency. It is equipped with a 9.25-inch 6K monochrome screen, which can achieve very vivid detailed printing, which meets the needs of most enthusiasts, and performs well on the printing of miniature models. Print on the edges of your models with an industry-leading 350:1 contrast ratio for optimal results. It can be seen on the official website that a 6K LCD 3D printer can be purchased for about $400. In addition to the excellent machine configuration, the price of Anycubic Photon Mono X 6K is also very attractive.
