Lite3DP Gen 2 Is a Tiny Open Source Resin 3D Printer

Resin 3D printing technology has advanced rapidly over the past few years. Just a decade ago, resin 3D printing was out of the reach of hobbyists. But now resin 3D printing is as accessible as FFF (fused-filament fabrication) printing and has many benefits. The most common form of resin 3D printing today is MSLA (masked stereolithography) and that are many models on the market that are quite affordable. Leading the charge in tiny MSLA resin printing is Lite3DP and their new Lite3DP Gen 2 model is an open source wonder.

Most MSLA resin 3D printer manufacturers today are racing in the other direction. They’re competing to build larger and larger models that have build volumes comparable to FFF 3D printers. That is a smart, because it eliminates one of the biggest downsides to resin printing. But the truth is that most people don’t use their full build volume and wouldn’t have a problem with much smaller models. The new Lite3DP Gen 2 is the perfect example. The entire printer can fit in the palm of your hand and it has a build volume of just 36.7 x 48.8 x 80mm (1.44 x 1.92 x 3.15 inches).

When it comes to specifications, the Lite3DP Gen 2 lags behind the big name competition. It’s LCD panel XY resolution (pixel size) is 115μm and it takes 6-15 seconds to cure each layer (at the standard 50μm thickness). Those numbers aren’t anything to write home about, but the Lite3DP Gen 2 still produces nice results. Its prints will be especially pleasing to those were are coming from the world of filament 3D printing.

What makes the Lite3DP Gen 2 appealing is the open source hardware and software. Its controller board is based on an Espressif ESP32 microcontroller and everything is hackable and upgradeable. It does require a custom PCB, because the screen and all of the other components are built into the board. The frame and body are 3D-printable and users have the option to add external UI screens for controlling their printer.

The Lite3DP Gen 2 isn’t out yet, but kits should become available in the near future on CrowdSupply. Be sure to subscribe to the campaign page so you can receive updates.

The hobbyist FFF 3D printing industry has long benefited from open source development and its time for resin 3D printing to get the same treatment. You be part of that change by investing in the Lite3DP Gen 2.