For many years, the two main types of resin 3D printers were broadly defined as stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP). More recently, subsets of those technologies have been introduced and further delineated, including liquid crystal display (LCD) and masked stereolithography (MSLA) 3D printing.

DLP printers can print multiple or large parts faster than SLA. This is due to the fact that the entire print bed can be exposed to the light from the projector. Each layer gets polymerized at once. DLP light sources are easier to replace and calibrate.

DLP Printing Advantages and Disadvantages They are relatively affordable, so they are often found in offices. Limitations of DLP printing include strong odors produced by melting photopolymers in the printing process, and the risk of warping in larger items.

Most resins are usable with both DLP and LCD 3D printers but some are only suitable for either one. It depends on the energy intensity of the light source.