Creality LD-006 Resin 3D Printer Review: Specs, Features, and More

Hello and welcome to the Top 3D Blog - your everyday source of quality additive manufacturing content. This time, the spotlight will be taken by the Creality LD-006 — a newly developed budget-friendly workhorse of a resin printer that is easy to set up and use. Thanks to its high-precision outputs, quite a decent build volume, and a plethora of quality of life features, the machine will be a perfect choice for both hobbyists and more experienced makers. Besides, the device is suitable for several professional applications that require non-stop production of dimensionally accurate and delicate items with smooth surface finish (e.g. jewelry, prototyping, architecture, etc.).

But is it really as good as they say it is? We invite you to proceed with our Creality LD-006 review as we analyze the main specs and features of the printer, highlight its pros and cons, and present some of the models printed with it. By the end of the article, you can figure out if it is the right device for you or your application. Let’s get started.

 

About Creality

Creality 3D is one of the largest international manufacturers of affordable 3D printers and printable materials with headquarters in Shenzhen, China. Ever since its establishment in 2014, the company has been focusing on making 3D printers available to a larger audience by producing reliable high-performance consumer-grade 3D printers. Besides, just recently, the company entered the semi-professional additive manufacturing market with a bang by launching a powerful FDM desktop 3D printer — the CR-5 Pro — the successor of the CR-5 series. We believe that the Creality LD-006, the resin 3D printer that will be reviewed in this particular article is supposed to promote a paradigm shift and create a special priced-to-please niche of semi-professional resin 3D printers and continue the price reduction in the related additive manufacturing segment.

 

Creality LD-006 Overview

The Creality LD-006 is a high-quality desktop LCD 3D printer that, thanks to being equipped with a 4K (3840*2400 dpi) LCD matrix, can consistently output dimensionally accurate parts with the incredible surface finish at a minimum layer height of just 10 microns. Besides, it offers an extended build volume of 192 x 120 x 250 mm (7.5 x 4.7 x 9.8 in) that lets you print a single medium-sized part or simultaneously produce several smaller models in one go. The machine prints with 405nm resins, making it compatible with a variety of printable materials no matter the manufacturing company.

The LD-006 is a sturdily built machine that is supplied in a fully assembled state, removing any play that could’ve been caused by improper self-assembly. Its delicate and futuristic appearance and a medium-sized footprint of 325 x 290 x 500 mm (12.8 x 11.4 x 19.6 in) make this resin 3D printer a perfect addition to any home workshop or office. Besides, it offers a plethora of other essential features for a streamlined and prolonged resin 3D printing experience that will be reviewed throughout the article. 

 

Applications

Source: Instagram.com

Just like the other semi-professional resin 3D printers, the LD-006 shines when it’s employed for the production of well-detailed dimensionally accurate items that require the smoothest surface finish possible. Therefore, this machine would be a perfect pick for reverse engineering and product design, jewelry, education, dental, healthcare, audiology, and other professional applications. It can also be employed for the production of uniquely designed household items, tabletop miniatures, art designs, props, and much more. The device is remarkably easy to set up and use, so it certainly won’t be a pain in the neck for entry-level users that will be able to embrace the joys of high-quality resin 3D printing right away.

 

Smart Features

High-performance LCD masking screen

The Creality LD-006 is equipped with a high-quality 8.9-inch monochrome LCD display that, compared with its multi-color counterparts, accounts for a prolonged service life of more than 2000 hours, letting you reap the benefits of non-stop resin-powered production. Besides, monochrome LCD screens allow for faster layer exposure (approximately ¼ of the time required by color LCD screens) since they operate on a single wavelength of light, thereby greatly increasing the printing speed. Not only this, but it also uses considerably less energy, so your electricity bills won’t be high.  

Aside from the above-mentioned advantages, the LD-006’s LCD screen provides you with an ultra-high resolution of 3840*2400 dpi (4K) and XY axis precision of just 0.05 mm, letting you output unbelievably precise and well-detailed prints in a fast and consistent fashion.

 

Next-generation UV light source

The Creality LD-006 has been equipped with a powerful directional quartz LED array matrix light source with a minimum exposure angle of just two degrees. This ensures even UV light distribution and guarantees top-notch printing quality alongside a smooth surface finish. 

 

Air purification system

To provide a safe and odor-free printing experience, the LD-006 comes with a built-in air purification system powered by an active carbon filter and dual cooling fans. The system prevents any unwanted and potentially dangerous fumes from spreading to the working area and, ultimately, removes 3D printable resin’s scent that is not particularly pleasant to breathe. 

 

Metal resin vat

Now, let’s take a look at the printer’s resin container. The Creality LD-006 features a sturdy and reliable all-metal resin vat with liquid indicators that prevent the user from pouring excess material inside of it. Besides, the container legs make the resin vat stand tall, which ensures that the FEP film mounted on the bottom of it won’t be scratched or polluted. 

Moreover, the bottom of the resin vat features a detachable FEP film rig that’s been optimized for quick FEP replacement. Simply undo the screws to detach the rig and replace the old film with a new one.

 

Steady Z-axis and all-metal curing platform

For more quality of life features, the Creality LD-006 offers a sturdily built Z-axis structure based on tightly fixated dual linear rails and a T-rod, making the machine precise and accurate. Such a reliable system contributes to print 

Additionally, the machine boasts its all-metal build plate alongside CNC-processed body parts that account for improved first layer adhesion and, basically, prevent your prints from turning into a mess.

 

High-resolution touchscreen

Last but not least, there is a neatly-looking touchscreen for effortless standalone operation. You can easily control the printer using the 4.3-inch full-color touchscreen with a user-friendly UI and crystal clear logic behind menu options. 

 

Specs

• Technology: LCD
• Manufacturer: Creality
• Manufacturer country: China
• Assembly: Factory-assembled
• Leveling: Manual
• Build volume: 192 x 120 x 250 mm (7.5 x 4.7 x 9.8 in)
• LCD resolution: 4K (3840 x 2400 dpi)
• LCD screen details: 8.9 inches, 1-4s exposure time
• Machine size: 325 x 290 x 500 mm
• Machine weight: 14.3 kg
• XY axis precision:0.05 mm
• Printing speed: 1-4s/per layer (60 mm/h)
• Layer thickness: 0.01-0.1 mm
• Touch screen: 4.3'' full-color touch screen
• Printable materials: 405nm UV sensitive resin
• Light source: Matrix directional source
• Z-axis type: Linear slide rail + T-rod
• Resin vat type: Metal
• Platform material: aluminum alloy
• Package weight: 15.8 kg
• Package size: 430 x 400 x 600 mm

 

What’s in the Box?

The printer ships in a fully assembled state. In addition to the device, the shipping box contains the essential parts to operate the printer and a set of useful tools and accessories:

• Creality3D LD-006 3D Printer
• Protective equipment
• Resin vat
• USB drive
• Power cord
• Scraper
• Toolbox
• User manual
• Warranty card

For some items, package content may change. In case of any questions, please get in touch.

 

Setting Up the Printer

The Creality LD-006 is supplied in a fully assembled state, so all that’s left to do after unboxing is to install the resin vat and level the device according to the user manual. The calibration procedure is swift and easy thanks to the newly integrated leveling structure, which guarantees hassle-free leveling even for complete beginners.

Fill the resin vat with 405nm UV resin of your choice. Then, turn the voltage switch if you live in the USA. After that, you should connect the power cord to the device, turn it on and run a couple of test prints to ensure that everything is up and running and the printer is leveled correctly.

 

Slicing Software

Like all Creality resin 3D printers, the LD-006 is recommended to be used with the ChiTuBox slicer. The image below shows how the software interface looks. 

Source: chitubox.com

ChiTuBox is a powerful slicing software designed specifically for SLA, DLP, and LCD 3D printers. It lets you edit 3D models and fine-tune the machine using a plethora of basic and more advanced settings. Moreover, it offers a variety of essential slicing features such as auto support generation, multi-file processing, auto arrangement of 3D files, and much more.

 

Use Cases

Below are some of the quality prints made with the help of the Creality LD-006. Take a look at how smooth are the surfaces and dimensionally accurate are the models.

What about a resin 3D printed ring? Thanks to the LD-0006’s high-definition display and remarkable accuracy, printing a jewelry piece or its prototype is not a problem at all.

In case you’d like to apply the printer in the dental field, here’s a print of a dental impression. Notice all the smooth angles and unbelievably smooth surface finish.

The Creality LD-006 can also be employed to create dimensionally accurate replicas of bones for further study, just like this 3D printed spine.

Aside from all the professional applications, the printer can also be used to create tabletop miniatures, household items, props, and much more.

 

Pros and Cons

Pros

• High resolution: 4K (3820x2400dpi)
• Reliable all-metal vat with easy FEP film replacement
• Over 2000 hours of the monochrome screen service life
• Remarkably precise outputs with smooth surface finish
• Sleek and modern design
• A powerful air filtration system
• 4.3-inch touchscreen
• State-of-the-art steel build plate
• Stable Z-axis

Cons

• Manual bed leveling
• No WiFi or Ethernet connectivity
• The price tag may still be unreachable for makers on a budget

 

Bottom Line

The Creality LD-006 is a high-performance LCD 3D printer that offers a large build volume of 192 x 120 x 250 mm alongside 4K resolution (3840x2400 dpi) with an XY axis precision of 0.05 mm. It is equipped with a reliable all-metal vat and a powerful 8.9-inch monochrome LCD screen, allowing for continuous batch production of dimensionally accurate and well-detailed 3D printed items. Its stable Z-axis design provides additional stability, ensuring the accuracy and precision of every print. The LD-006 would be a fine choice for jewelry design, education, high-precision modeling, prototyping, dental and healthcare applications. Aside from professional applications, this easy-to-use device would also be a neat solution for entry-level and more experienced makers, allowing for the production of household items, tabletop miniatures, figurines, and more.

The printer’s quality design alongside the precision mechanics aims at delivering end-use parts fresh off the printer. Suitable for both household and semi-professional applications, the Creality LD-006 is a good fit for almost any workbench. You can get the printer at Top3DShop.