The Best UV Light Curing Box for Resin 3D Printing
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The 10 Best UV Curing Stations for Resin 3D Printing

Best overall
  • Easy to use
  • Wide printer compatibility
  • Noise-free operation
Best high-end
  • Washes, dries & cures
  • Industrial build quality
  • All-in-one setup
Best on a budget
  • Easy to set up
  • Built-in timer
  • High power LEDs

Post-processing is an essential step in resin 3D printing. It is essential to wash off excess resin from your models and cure them to prepare for your end-use. This is usually a messy process due to the resin itself and requires extra time and equipment to wash and cure your models properly.

A UV curing station aims to make post-processing more convenient for you and increase your productivity. You can cure (and sometimes wash) your resin 3D prints quickly and get professional quality results with minimal effort.

Yet there are many curing stations of various sizes and features, and it can be puzzling for someone new to choose the one that best suits their needs. In this article, we’ll go over some of the best UV curing stations that you can buy to accompany your resin 3D printer.

Read on to understand more about UV curing stations and what you need to look for to choose the best one for your needs.

SUMMARY
UV Curing StationVolumeWavelengthPrice (~)Best Offer
Elegoo Mercury Plus v2.0Ø140 x 165 mm405 nm$169
Prusa CW1S127 x 80 x 150 mm405 nm$749
SUNLU UV Curing LightboxØ120 x 155 mm405 nm$49
Creality UW-01Ø165 x 200 mm385 + 405 nm$139
AnyCubic Wash and Cure 2.0Ø140 x 165 mm405 nm$149
Elegoo MercuryØ142 x 150 mm405 nm$45
AnyCubic Wash and Cure PlusØ190 x 245 mm405 nm$249
Phrozen Cure Mega400 x 400 x 450 mm405 nm$699
ACMESONIC 15L Ultrasonic CleanerN/AN/A$285
Sovol UV Resin Curing Light N/A405 nm$18
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What is a UV Curing Station?

A UV curing station is a post-processing solution to cure resin 3D prints. Once the model is 3D printed, it is used to cure the model to make it ready for the end application.

Some curing stations come with a built-in washing functionality. These allow you to clean any excess resin residue from the model before the curing process, without having to resort to a different machine or cleaning setup.

Some resin 3D printer manufacturers tend to release these post-processing machines alongside their resin printers to give the user an end-to-end resin 3D printing setup. While it is not mandatory to use them with resin printers, an UV curing machine does significantly ease your resin 3D printing workflow.

Why Use a UV Curing Station for 3D Printing?

Once you’ve printed the resin model, there is still some 3D printer resin left on your print’s surface. This resin is harmful and covers the model’s fine details by forming a thick layer of uncured resin. Additionally, the resin 3D printer might not have adequately cured some areas of your models, and you cannot use the resin prints for end-use at this stage.

If your UV curing machine supports it, you can wash off the excess resin from your model and get a clean-looking resin print. After washing, the post-curing process increases your models’ hardness and durability, and the curing process imparts a nice shine to your model’s surface.

Best UV Curing Boxes and Stations in 2024

Best overall

The Elegoo Mercury Plus V2.0 is an easy-to-use, versatile, and user-friendly UV curing station. It has a compact form factor and is designed to work best with the Elegoo Mars series of 3D printers.

For washing, it has a plastic container that comes with a metal basket and a practical metal attachment to suspend your build plate in the container directly. The UV curing station is the central piece in the set and comes with 16 small yet powerful 405 nm UV LED lights to cure the model. It comes with a TFT screen to view and select operating modes and preferred timing for the curing process.

Its simplicity, features, and budget price make the Elegoo Mercury Plus V2.0 the best overall UV curing machine that you can buy right now. It is a great fit for beginners, hobbyists, and even professionals looking to cure UV resin 3D prints.

Standout Features

  • Flexible washing modes
  • UV safety features
  • Fanless design

Technical Details

Max curing size Ø 140 x 165 mm
UV light 405 nm
Time settings 0-30 mins
Control method Control Knob
UV power output 52.8 W

What We Like

  • Easy to use
  • Wide printer compatibility
  • Noise-free operation

Could Be Better

  • Limited curing volume
  • Cheap plastic container
Best high-end
Prusa CW1S
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The Prusa CW1S was released alongside the Prusa SL1 resin printer. Aside from washing and curing your resin 3D prints, the CW1S lets you preheat your resin and dry the washed resin models.

The CW1S comes with a metal washing tank used in conjunction with the curing station. Instead of touching the rotating base, the tank uses a magnetic propeller to wash the resin residue from the 3D prints.

After washing, you can dry the model using the inbuilt heater-fan system and get a clean and dry model ready for curing. For a speedy curing process, the CW1S has 4 LED strips with a total power output of 52 W to cure your resin model within the shortest time possible.

The Prusa CW1S is undoubtedly not a cheap curing machine, and for $749.00, it is a premium option limited to high-end resin 3D printer users. It pairs well with the Prusa SL1 and printers of similar size, and its additional features make it an excellent choice for use in professional resin 3D printing scenarios.

Standout Features

  • Preheating and drying functions
  • Smart and compact design
  • Easy to use

Technical Details

Max curing size 127 x 180 x 150 mm
Max wash volume 124 x 90 x 110 mm (with platform)
131 x 90 x 220 mm (without platform)
UV light 405 nm (8+8)
Time settings 0-30 mins
Control method Touch button
UV power output 52 W

What We Like

  • Washes, dries & cures
  • Industrial build quality
  • All-in-one setup

Could Be Better

  • Outdated LCD display
  • Significant investment
Best on a budget
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Sunlu’s UV Curing lightbox stands out from the rest of the curing stations regarding its design and low price. It has a small curing volume of Ø120 x 155 mm and costs only $50.00.

This curing box is easy to set up and has 6 UV LEDs to cure resin 3D prints. You can set the timer control to anywhere between 0s to 600s, giving you complete control over the post-curing process. The turntable rotates ten times a minute, allowing sufficient exposure time for your model and curing it properly.

Even though the window is see-through, it has a unique optical filter that blocks out almost 90% of UV rays, reducing the risk of damaging UV light exposure. While it lacks the professional build quality of some of the other options, it still performs better than many DIY solutions.

Altogether, the Sunlu UV curing box is great for beginners and hobbyists who want a small curing machine for a low price.

Standout Features

  • 360° Rotating curing platform
  • UV protection filter
  • Intelligent time control

Technical Details

Max curing size Ø120 x 155 mm
UV lights 405 nm (6)
Time settings 0-10 min
Control method Touch button
UV power output 60 W

What We Like

  • Easy to set up
  • Built-in timer
  • High power LEDs

Could Be Better

  • Poor build quality
  • Limited curing time
Most versatile
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The Creality UW-01 gives you the flexibility of a washing and curing station in a single bundle. It comes with a large wash volume of 170 x 120 x 160 mm that lets you wash and cure large resin 3D prints with ease.

You can choose to wash the uncured prints in the washing basket separately or hang them while still attached to the build platform itself. Once washing is done, the 18 dual rows of dual-band UV lights cure the model evenly within minutes. The rotating turntable attaches magnetically to the curing base and has a reflective mirror coating to bounce back the UV lights on the model and cure it.

The touch buttons and interface are easy to use and are easy for beginners to understand. The Creality UW-01 is a great curing machine that takes care of all your post-processing needs and is a great addition to anyone’s resin 3D printing workflow.

Standout Features

  • Dual LED array
  • Self-adjustable wash bucket
  • Stronger wash mode

Technical Details

Max curing size Ø165 x 200 mm
Max wash volume 170 x 120 x 160 mm
UV light 385 + 405 nm (9+9)
Time settings 2-90 mins
Control method Touch button
UV power output 96 W

What We Like

  • Large washing container
  • Easy to use interface
  • Adjustable gear speeds

Could Be Better

  • Big basket grid
  • Poorly adhered control panel
Best budget wash & cure

The AnyCubic Wash and Cure 2.0 is another excellent budget alternative that lets you wash and cure your resin prints in a single setup. You get a sealed washing container and a curing station that you can use separately to post-process your resin models.

It gives enough room to clean and cure small to medium-sized models. Additionally, it offers flexible washing modes (with build platform and basket), washing and curing timers, and a UV blocking top cover.

While purchasing the machine, you should get a secondary washing station, and it comes in handy to give the models a second wash to clean them thoroughly. The AnyCubic Wash and Cure V2.0 is a great budget curing machine and will be a great choice for any resin 3D printer user who regularly prints small models or miniatures.

Standout Features

  • Powerful UV LEDs
  • Auto-off function
  • Adjustable washing bracket

Technical Details

Max curing size Ø140 x 165 mm
Max wash volume 115 x 65 x 165 mm
UV light 405 nm
Time settings 2-6 mins
Control method Touch button
UV power output 40 W

What We Like

  • Budget price
  • Wide compatibility
  • Dual LED wavelength

Could Be Better

  • Cheap plastic container
  • Low timer settings
Smallest curing box
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The Elegoo Mercury is the smallest UV curing station that you can find in the market. A maximum curing size of Ø142 x 150 mm makes for an excellent post-processing unit for smaller resin prints.

The Mercury has a tin-can-like design with a sturdy aluminum body built to last for a long time. You get a reflective coating on the inside, which helps to evenly distribute the light from 14 UV LEDs in the curing chamber. One of the unique aspects is its solar powered turntable that rotates without the need of an external power source.

Its small curing chamber and compact design are aimed towards people who need a durable and industrial-looking curing station without a heavy price tag. If you’re someone who prints small 3D models and is looking for a cheap yet well-built curing machine, the Elegoo Mercury will be one of your standout resin printer accessories.

Standout Features

  • Sturdy aluminum alloy body
  • Reflective inner coating
  • Light powered turntable

Technical Details

Max curing size Ø142 x 150 mm
UV light 405 nm (14)
Time settings 0-9 mins
Control method Touch buttons
UV power output 25 W

What We Like

  • Compact form factor
  • Affordable
  • Easy to use

Could Be Better

  • Limited timer settings
  • No safety features
Largest wash and cure station
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The AnyCubic Wash and Cure Plus is one of the most extensive resin post-processing setups covering both the washing and curing of your resin prints. The design is similar to the smaller Anycubic Wash and Cure V2.0, albeit with minor differences.

This curing station has a dual array of 20 UV LED beads with an L-shaped LED strip lighting and includes an auto-rotating curing platform to cure your models evenly. You also get a powerful washing mode to clean your prints to accompany the large washing size properly.

With these, the ability to directly hang your large build plates in the washing bucket gives added flexibility and aids in post-processing bigger models. If you’re looking for a cleaning and curing combo for your large-sized resin prints and do not want to spend a fortune, the Anycubic Wash and Cure Plus is a great choice.

Standout Features

  • L-shape strip light
  • Upgraded UV lamp beads
  • Powerful washing

Technical Details

Max curing size Ø190 x 245 mm
Max wash volume 192 x 120 x 290 mm (without platform)
192 x 120 x 235 mm (with platform)
UV light 405 nm (10+10)
Time settings 1-60 mins
Control method Control knob
UV power output 40 W

What We Like

  • Easy to switch modes
  • 360° curing
  • Large size

Could Be Better

  • Low power LEDs
  • Requires a lot of cleaning agent
Largest curing lamp
Phrozen Cure Mega
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The Phrozen Cure Mega curing station is designed to accommodate the large resin prints produced on the likes of the company’s own Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K resin printer. Its curing chamber of 400 x 400 x 450 mm is more than capable of handling resin prints of nearly any hobbyist resin 3D printer.

Inside the UV curing chamber, UV LEDs are placed both on the top and the sides of the machine, along with a rotating platform. This ensures that you get an evenly cured model, no matter its size. The entire metal exterior body is well-built and is designed for durability. The Cure Mega offers preset timer modes of 10, 30, and 60 minutes to quickly and easily start your curing cycles.

At a price point of almost $700.00, it is not for everyone. Especially because you will still need a separate washing station for your resin prints. Nonetheless, if you regularly print large models or execute batch resin printing, the Phrozen Cure Mega helps you in significantly reducing the curing times while delivering outstanding results.

Standout Features

  • Mega-sized build chamber
  • Full metal exterior
  • High power UV LEDs

Technical Details

Max curing size 400 x 400 x 450 mm
UV light 405 nm
Time settings 1-60 mins
Control method Touch Buttons
UV power output 90 W

What We Like

  • Fits almost any resin print
  • Fast curing times
  • Durable build quality

Could Be Better

  • Significant cost
Best ultrasonic cleaner for resin prints
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Ultrasonic cleaners use ultrasonic vibrations to wash and clean the surfaces of your materials. The liquid in these cleaners is agitated at above 20 kHz frequency creating microbubbles that implode on the object’s surface and remove any impurities. Ideal for cleaning resin prints.

The ACMESONIC ultrasonic cleaner is a powerful industrial solution for cleaning your resin prints thoroughly. It comes with a 450W heater and a 360 W ultrasonic transducer capable of removing any excess resin from your model within minutes, giving you a clean-looking model without a lot of fuss.

Its 15 L capacity gives you enough room to wash models of a minimum 200 x 200 x 200 mm size. It also comes with a washing basket, allowing you to suspend your resin models in the cleaning tank.

While a great solution, it might be overkill for hobbyists and beginners. For resin 3D printing enthusiasts and professionals, however, it is ideal.

For its price, the ACMESONIC ultrasonic cleaner provides excellent value and is a great washing station to clean your resin prints near-instantly and thoroughly.

Standout Features

  • Industrial build quality
  • One piece metal tank
  • Heat protection

Technical Details

Max wash volume 304 x 330 x 381 mm
Ultrasonic frequency 40 kHz (6 transducers)
Time settings 1-30 min
Control Methods Control knobs
Power Output 450 W Heating
360 W Ultrasonic

What We Like

  • Through cleaning
  • Wide application
  • Available in various sizes

Could Be Better

  • Noisy operation
Best budget resin curing light
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Sovol’s resin curing light is a handheld UV curing solution for your resin prints. It comes in the form factor of a halogen lamp and has 6 UV LEDs to cure the resin model. It is a great and handy light to cure smaller resin prints.

The light has an adjustable bracket letting you mount it at your convenience, and the body itself is made of aluminum for longer life. The main advantage of this handheld light is its ease of use and simplicity. However, you risk over-curing the resin print, and the exposed UV lights, too, are a safety hazard for your eyes.

Even though the light lacks the professional build quality and requires manual effort to use, it is the best solution under $25 to cure your resin prints. If you are a beginner and have the time and patience to cure your models manually, the Sovol resin curing light is an excellent alternative to any other DIY solution out there.

Standout Features

  • Adjustable bracket angles
  • Aluminum casing
  • Bright UV LEDs

Technical Details

Body size 115 x 85 x 75 mm
UV lights 405 nm (6)
Power output 6 W

What We Like

  • Cheap DIY solution
  • No size restriction
  • Easy to store

Could Be Better

  • No safety features
  • Risk of overexposure

Buying a UV Curing Station: What to Look For?

2-in-1 or Separate Wash and Cure Machines

There are two significant steps involved in resin post-processing: washing and curing. To do this, you can either buy a 2-in-1 post-processing setup that lets you wash and cure the resin prints in a single machine, or you can buy two separate devices for each step.

Two separate machines such as an ultrasonic cleaner for washing and a UV lamp for the curing process will increase your 3D printing costs slightly more than the combined setup and occupy a larger footprint in your working area. However, you have the freedom to choose the size of each machine and execute two different steps at the same time, which is helpful during batch resin 3D printing operations.

Whereas, with 2-in-1 machines, you get both the washing and curing setups bundled up to work together. While they’re easy to use, you’re restricted in size and features, and these setups are often designed to work with specific resin 3D printers only.

If you prioritize simplicity and cost, 2-in-1 setups such as the Elegoo Mercury V2.0 and the Creality UW-01 are best for you. And if you need the freedom of size and better cleaning of your resin prints, a good option is to couple an ACMESONIC Ultrasonic Cleaner with the Phrozen Cure Mega.

Curing Volume

The curing volume dictates the maximum size of resin prints that you can cure within the curing box itself, and it depends on your resin printing setup and the size of models you regularly print on the 3D printer.

If most of your printing workflow involves smaller models, you should consider getting a UV curing box that matches the size of your models, as it will result in faster curing times. On the other hand, if you print large-sized models or models in batches, a large curing volume will give you the necessary UV light power to cure these models.

The Elegoo Mercury V2.0 gives a decent curing volume which is enough to post-process resin models from a wide variety of popular hobbyist resin 3D printers. However, if you need a large curing chamber, the Anycubic Wash and Cure Plus and the Phrozen Cure Mega have some of the largest curing volumes that are more than sufficient to cover the majority of your resin prints.

Curing Time

Having a shorter curing time will increase productivity, as it reduces the waiting time for models to cure. As a general rule, the bigger your model, the greater its curing time, and vice versa with smaller models.

To compensate for this, more UV LEDs with higher wattage will result in more light and more power, drastically reducing your curing times. If you need quicker curing times, focus on getting a set up with LEDs distributed on all sides and a higher overall wattage.

Resin Compatibility

Not all UV curing stations are compatible with all types of resin. Make sure to research the type of resins your machine uses and find a curing box that is compatible with those resins.

The resin used in most hobby-level resin 3D printers is cured using 405 nm wavelength UV light. Accordingly, 3D print UV curing stations should use the same UV wavelength to cure the resin in post-processing.

However, if you choose to use 385 nm resin with your resin printer, you are limited in UV curing stations. To address this issue, the Creality UW-01 comes with two separate arrays, one with 405 nm UV LEDs and the other with 385 nm UV LEDs. It gives you the flexibility to work with more resin types.

Turntable Functionality

The automatic rotating turntable ensures that your resin print is evenly exposed to the UV light on all sides. It leads to an evenly cured model and helps prevent over-curing and under-curing defects.

Aside from the Sovol UV Curing light, all other setups have a turntable that rotates at a slow and fixed speed to cure your models on all sides. If you choose a UV curing solution that is not featured on our list of best UV curing stations, ensure that it has a turntable. It will lead to better results and remove your worries about uneven resin curing.

Interface

An easy user interface makes it simple for even novice users to quickly set up and start the post-processing of their resin models. The elements that the best UV curing stations have are control buttons, mode selection, and a display to show the timing settings.

With the Phrozen Cure Mega, you get pre-configured timers to start the curing process quickly. The Creality UW-01 lets you select between different washing speeds giving you more control over the cleaning process. All the machines in this list have an easy-to-use interface that makes post-processing resin prints easy for the end-user.

What is a UV Curing Station?

A UV curing station is a device that uses UV light to cure resin prints. It is used as a post-processing step to harden the printed model and remove any excess resin.

What are the Benefits of Using a UV Curing Station?

A UV curing station exposes your 3D prints to ultraviolet light, which helps cure the resin and harden the 3D print. This process is faster than traditional curing methods, and it produces stronger prints that are less likely to warp or break. UV curing stations also give you more control over the curing process, so you can produce prints with smoother surfaces and fewer imperfections.

How Do You Make a UV Curing Station?

There are a few ways to make a UV curing station. One way is to use an ultraviolet lightbulb and a reflector. Another way is to use an LED lamp. For the best results, however, you can buy a UV curing station that is ready to use.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a UV Curing Station?

When choosing a UV curing station, you should consider the size of your resin 3D prints, the type of resin you use, and the wattage of the light source. You should also consider the ease of use and setup of the curing station. Finally, you should make sure that the UV curing station has a rotating turntable to expose all sides of the print to the light.

What are Some Common Problems With UV Curing Stations?

One common problem with UV curing stations is that they can cause prints to over-cure or under-cure. This can lead to defects in the print, such as warping, cracking, or peeling. You can avoid these problems by choosing a UV curing station that has adjustable timing and wattage settings.

Is a Curing Station Worth It?

A UV curing station can be a great investment, especially if you do a lot of resin 3D printing. The main benefit of a UV curing station is that it speeds up the curing process, which can save you a lot of time in the long run. It also ensures that your prints are evenly cured, which can give you better results overall.

What UV Light is Best for Curing Resin?

There are a few different types of UV light that can be used to cure resin, including LED lights and traditional fluorescent bulbs. Each type of light has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for your needs.

LED lights are more energy-efficient and tend to last longer than traditional bulbs, but they can be more expensive. Fluorescent bulbs provide a wider range of wavelengths, which can be beneficial for curing certain types of resin. Ultimately, the best UV light for curing resin depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Conclusion

UV curing stations are a great aid to post-process your resin models and make printing easy and convenient for any resin 3D printer user. You can easily wash and clean your resin prints and even cure them using a single setup, which takes away the messiness and complications associated with post-processing resin prints.

If you’re looking for an all-in-one solution for cleaning and curing your resin models, the Elegoo Mercury Plus V2.0 is one of the best UV curing stations for you. It has a proper curing and washing volume, is easy to use, has excellent specs, and comes at a budget price, making it affordable for many users.

Alternatively, if you want to use different resin types, the Creality UW-01 is an excellent solution with similar features to any other UV curing station. And if you’re looking for a larger curing chamber, the Anycubic Wash and Cure Plus offers great value for your money.

Let us know your thoughts on the list, and if you have anything else to add, feel free to comment below.

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Pranav is a skilled content creator specializing in 3D printing, holding a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sinhgad Institute of Technology. His work stands out for blending technical precision with accessible, clear explanations, making complex topics understandable and encouraging exploration and experimentation with innovative techniques.

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