Finding the best 3D printer curing station is essential for anyone working with resin 3D printers to ensure models are perfectly cured and cleaned. Below is a summary table featuring top-rated curing stations, combining powerful UV lighting, flexible washing capabilities, and innovative designs for a seamless post-processing experience.
| Product Name | Brand | Washing Size (mm) | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 | ANYCUBIC | 165 x 100 x 180 | Gooseneck lights, dual-layer design, IPA saving |
| ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Wash and Cure | ELEGOO | Size fits Mars/Photon series | Sealed washing, fan-less curing, intelligent TFT display |
| ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 Larger Wash and Cure | ELEGOO | 230 x 135 x 260 | Large cleaning and curing volume, 360° curing, vortex cleaning |
| ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 | ANYCUBIC | 165 x 100 x 180 | Twistable gooseneck light, detergent saving, uniform curing |
| phrozen Cure Mega S 3D Printer Resin Curing | phrozen | Not specified | 360° light source, dual high-speed fans, multiple drying modes |
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 – Upgraded 2-in-1 Station
The ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 offers a significant upgrade in cleaning capacity at 42% larger basket volume than its predecessor. Designed for resin 3D printers up to 7.3 inches, it features an enlarged 4L cleaning bucket to handle bigger prints efficiently. Its innovative Flexicure Gooseneck Light Design boosts curing energy by 30,000 uW/cm² within a close irradiation range, enhancing curing precision on finer model details such as top surfaces and garment hems.
The station incorporates a dual-layer PP cleaning basket with adjustable heights (100mm and 165mm) to accommodate different platform sizes, which also helps in saving IPA cleanser by optimizing liquid use. This model balances flexibility, precision, and efficient post-processing for resin prints.
ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 – Intelligent Wash and Cure
The ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 is designed for a quiet and efficient wash and cure process. Its sealed washing system greatly reduces alcohol evaporation during cleaning, and the fan-less curing mode ensures less noise. The anti-UV lid blocks 99.95% of harmful ultraviolet rays for safe operation.
Operation is simplified with a front TFT screen displaying setting and remaining curing time. It uses 16 405nm UV LEDs and a 360-degree rotating turntable for uniform curing. The platform height is adjustable to match liquid levels for thorough cleaning. This versatile unit supports separate or combined washing of the build plate and models, minimizing resin contact risk.
ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 – Larger Wash and Cure Capacity
The ELEGOO Mercury Plus 3.0 elevates resin post-processing with a cleaning volume increase of 114% over the Mercury Plus 2.0, accommodating larger prints up to 230 x 135 x 260 mm. Its curing chamber is 200% larger, able to cure prints up to ∅250 x 290 mm, perfect for bigger models and printers like Saturn 4 Ultra.
This 2-in-1 station uses a powerful vortex cleaning system to remove excess resin followed by 360° all-round curing with 24 UV LEDs and reflective mirrors. The rotating turntable and bottom light source ensure comprehensive light coverage to thoroughly cure every surface of the model, streamlining the entire post-print workflow.
ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 – Twistable Gooseneck Light
The ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 builds on the advanced gooseneck concept, featuring a twistable gooseneck light that intensifies localized curing up to 30,000 uW/cm² within 1-3 cm distance. Its revamped LED arrangement and lens optics improve uniformity by 20%, ensuring a thorough cure on all model surfaces.
The washing volume matches the Wash and Cure 3 model with a 4L bucket and a cleaning size of 165 x 100 x 180 mm. Its dual-layer polypropylene basket with two height adjustments maximizes IPA detergent savings, while flexible print platform accommodation supports various resin printer models.
phrozen Cure Mega S – 360° Resin Curing with Dual Fans
The phrozen Cure Mega S features a comprehensive 360-degree curing environment using a transparent turntable with surrounding UV light sources. Users can select from multiple modes for drying, curing, or combined drying and curing to suit different resin post-processing needs.
High-speed dual fans operating at 1700 rpm rapidly dry models, significantly reducing wait times. This station is a versatile solution for SLA, DLP, and LCD resin prints, offering a DIY enclosure design aimed at balanced efficiency between drying and UV curing.
Buying Guide for 3D Printer Curing Stations
Choosing the right curing station depends on several key factors tailored to your 3D printing setup and post-processing workflow.
1. Cleaning and Curing Volume
Select a station with a washing basket and curing chamber size that fits your largest print models. Larger cleaning volumes (measured in liters) and spacious curing interiors accommodate bigger objects and multiple prints simultaneously, improving efficiency without needing multiple sessions.
2. Light Source and Uniformity
Effective curing depends on powerful and well-distributed UV light. Look for models with 405nm UV LEDs, reflective cavities, and multi-angle illumination such as 360-degree turntables and additional gooseneck or bottom lights. These features ensure even curing of complex geometries and minimize uncured spots.
3. Washing Flexibility and Detergent Usage
Check for adjustable cleaning baskets that accommodate various build plate sizes and allow for separate or combined washing of parts. Designs that optimize IPA use through double-layer baskets or height adjustments contribute to cost savings on resin cleaning solutions.
4. Ease of Operation and Safety
User-friendly interfaces, such as clear TFT displays for timing and mode selection, simplify use. Safety features like anti-UV lids, sealed washing compartments to limit alcohol vapor, and quiet fan or fan-less modes improve comfort and protect users during operation.
5. Extra Features and Build Quality
Additional functionalities like drying modes, fast-drying fans, and sturdy enclosures with observation windows offer convenience and durability. Consider models with modular parts or easy assembly to fit your workspace and maintenance preferences.