The New Prusa SL1S SPEED Is the Fastest SLA 3D Printer on the Market

The Original Prusa i3 MK3 (currently at the MK3S+ iteration) is one of the most popular and well-respected FFF (Fused-Filament Fabrication) 3D printers available. But FFF 3D printing can't match the quality and fine-detail reproduction of SLA (Stereolithography) resin 3D printing. That's why Prusa released the SL1 3D printer a couple of years ago, which was the company's first foray into the SLA 3D printer market. The SL1 filled the gap between expensive resin printers like those offered by Form Labs and cheap options from companies like Anycubic. Now Prusa is launching the SL1S SPEED and claims that it is the fastest SLA 3D printer on the market.

While the Original Prusa SL1S SPEED is “just” an improved version of the SL1 (there is even an upgrade kit available), the improvements are massive. Thanks to a host of new features, it can print parts more than twice as fast twice as its predecessor. In Prusa's tests against five unnamed competitors, the SL1S SPEED was the fastest by far. Of course, we won't know the true numbers until we see independent and unbiased tests. But even if the SL1S SPEED doesn't match up quite as favorably as Prusa claims, there is little doubt that this is a very speedy SLA 3D printer.

All SLA resin 3D printers have print volumes limited by the size of the LCD. The SL1S SPEED has a 5.96" monochrome with a resolution of 2560x1620 pixels, resulting in a build volume of 127x80x150 mm (about 5x3.15x5.91 inches). The new UV light engine reduces exposure time from 6-8 seconds on the SL1 down to a mere 1.4-2.5 seconds on the SL1S SPEED. This printer, like the SL1, has an innovative platform tilting mechanism that reduces time between layer exposures when compared to traditional lifting, and that tilt time has dropped from 5-8 seconds to 3 seconds. Those factors combine to help the SL1S SPEED reach print speeds of up to 80 mm per hour (at 0.1mm layer height with transparent resin). That means that you can print the entire build volume in less than two hours.

Prusa has also added a handful of quality-of-life upgrades. The top of the build platform is now sloped, which helps to drain resin. Affordable and interchangeable resin tanks with covers are available, so you don't have to empty the tank when switching between resins. There is even a new machine available, the CW1S, which handles curing, washing, drying, and even resin preheating. Like the SL1, the SL1S is compatible with all 405 nm resins, so you have a variety of brands and colors to choose from.

A new, assembled Original Prusa SL1S SPEED costs $1,999, or you can upgrade your existing SL1 with a kit that costs $399. The CW1S is available for $749, or you can buy it in a bundle with the SL1S SPEED for $2,599.