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Writer's pictureZac Holcomb

DLP - style 3D Printers (Digital Light Processing Printers)

DLP-style 3D printers, or Digital Light Processing printers, are a popular choice for creating highly detailed and accurate 3D models. Unlike other 3D printing technologies that use extrusion or deposition methods, DLP 3D printers use light to cure liquid resin into a solid object. In this blog, we will explore the different types of DLP-style 3D printers and the associated technology.


  1. Bottom-up DLP 3D printers: Bottom-up DLP 3D printers are the most common type of DLP-style 3D printers. These printers have a resin tank at the bottom and a build plate that moves up and down. The printer shines UV light onto the resin, which cures it into a solid layer. The build plate then moves up to allow the next layer of resin to be cured. This process continues until the object is complete. This type of printer is generally more accurate than top-down DLP printers.

  2. Top-down DLP 3D printers: Top-down DLP 3D printers have the resin tank at the top and the build plate at the bottom. The printer shines UV light through the resin tank onto the build plate, curing the resin into a solid layer. The build plate then moves up to allow the next layer of resin to be cured. This process continues until the object is complete. This type of printer is generally faster than bottom-up DLP printers.

  3. Continuous DLP 3D printers: Continuous DLP 3D printers use a conveyor belt to move the build platform continuously through a tank of resin. The printer shines UV light onto the resin, curing it into a solid layer as the build platform moves through the tank. This type of printer is capable of producing large numbers of identical parts quickly and efficiently.

  4. Multimaterial DLP 3D printers: Multimaterial DLP 3D printers are capable of printing with multiple types of resin simultaneously. This allows for the creation of objects with multiple colors or materials. These printers use multiple UV light sources, each with a different wavelength, to cure different types of resin.

  5. Large-format DLP 3D printers: Large-format DLP 3D printers are capable of printing objects that are several feet in size. These printers use a large build platform and a high-powered UV light source to cure the resin quickly and efficiently.


In conclusion, DLP-style 3D printers are an excellent choice for creating highly detailed and accurate 3D models. They offer several advantages over other types of 3D printers, such as faster printing times and the ability to print with multiple materials. There are several different types of DLP 3D printers available, each with its own unique advantages and capabilities. By understanding the different types of DLP 3D printers and their associated technology, you can choose the best printer for your needs.

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