PHROZEN Resin LCD 3D Printers Brand Review

The market for desktop resin 3D printers is booming — more and more manufacturers are offering compact devices for every taste. Earlier, this niche was firmly occupied by machines based on SLA and DLP technologies. Nowadays, however, there is a significant development of expensive 3D printing technologies, one of them is LCD, meaning printers with a liquid-crystal matrix. This is the technology that was used by the company that successfully received funding on Kickstarter twice — a Taiwanese manufacturer Phrozen, which is the main focus of this article.

  

About Phrozen 

Credit: facebook.com

Phrozen, founded by a group of Taiwanese engineers, has been around since 2013. In 2017, the company launched its first prototype — a 3D printer, which used an LCD matrix to create an image on a layer of photopolymer resin. Phrozen was able to raise more than $375,000 on the Kickstarter crowdfunding platform, with a stated goal of $30,000. In 2019, the company repeated its success, raising more than $519,000, with the same modest goal of thirty thousand. In both cases, the sponsors were interested in getting a printer with unique characteristics at a reasonable price.

Phrozen stand at the Formnext Exhibition in Germany

Credit: facebook.com 

The LCD printing process is almost identical to the DLP technology. In DLP, the three-dimensional product is created by curing layer after layer of resin with UV light. The main difference is that LCD-based 3D printers use a bank of UV LEDs to project light through a mask of the layer on an LCD panel. In DLP 3D printers however, a set of micro mirrors is used to selectively project UV light to create an image on the resin layer.

 

Company products 

Credit: phrozen3d.com  

Phrozen product line includes:

• LCD and MSLA 3D printers
• Add-on equipment
• Resins and toners 
• Spare parts for 3D printers
• Dedicated slicers

 

3D printers

Credit: phrozen3d.com

What makes Phrozen 3D printers stand out from other manufacturers? The main distinguishing features are the ability to quickly print out several units simultaneously, a great variety of brand resins, and compatibility with third-party materials. In addition to that, other features such as easy maintenance of the resin vat with FEP film, a high-resolution LCD matrix that allows printing with an accuracy of 0.047 mm, and low cost are worth mentioning. 

Another remarkable feature is the Phrozen’s signature UV engine — paraLED, which provides a perpendicular and uniform light flow in relation to the LCD matrix.The construction is made up of an array of LEDs with a system of concave glass forms. The printing platform moves along the Z-axis on linear bearings on two rigid rails, which helps to avoid the usual printing errors for 3D printers of the same price category.

Look through the following table to get acquainted with the main characteristics of the company’s 3D printers:

Model	Sonic 4K	Sonic XL 4K	Sonic Mini	Sonic Mini 4K	Sonic Mini 8K	Sonic Mighty 4K	Sonic Mighty 8K	Sonic Mega 8K
Build volume	134 x 75 x 200 mm	120 x 190 x 200 mm	120 x 68 x 130 mm	134 x 75 x 130 mm	165 x 72 x 180 mm	200 x 125 x 220 mm	218  x 123  x 235 mm	330 x 185 x 400 mm
Print speed	90 mm/hr	90 mm/hr	80 mm/hr	80 mm/hr	80 mm/hr	80 mm/hr	70 mm/hr	70 mm/hr
XY resolution	35 µm	50 µm	62 µm	35 µm	22 µm	52 µm	28 µm	43 µm
Z resolution	10 µm
Z axis	Dual linear rails	Dual linear rails	Single linear rails	Single linear rails	Dual linear rails	Dual linear rails	Dual linear rails	Dual linear rails
Optical design	ParaLED ® 3.0 Parallel Light Source (405nm UV-LED)	ParaLED ® 3.0 Parallel Light Source (405nm UV-LED)	ParaLED ® 2.0 Parallel Light Source (405nm UV-LED)	ParaLED ® 2.0 Parallel Light Source (405nm UV-LED)	Linear Projection LED Module	ParaLED ® 2.0 Parallel Light Source (405nm UV-LED)	ParaLED ® 3.0 Parallel Light Source (405nm UV-LED)	ParaLED ® 3.0 Parallel Light Source (405nm UV-LED)
LCD	6.1" 4K mono-LCD	8.9" 4K mono-LCD	5.5" mono-LCD	6.1" 4K mono-LCD	7.1" 8K mono-LCD	9.3" 4K mono-LCD	10" 8K mono-LCD	15" 8K mono-LCD
Touchscreen	5" touch screen	5" IPS high-resolution touch screen	2.8" touch screen	2.8" touch screen	3.5" touch screen	2.8" touch screen	5" touch screen	5" touch screen
Cooling system	Single fan cooling	Triple fan cooling	Fanless	Single fan cooling	Single fan cooling	Single fan cooling	N/A	Dual fan cooling
Connectivity	Ethernet, USB	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB	USB	USB	USB	USB	Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB	Ethernet, USB
Slicing software	Phrozen3D FormWare / Chitubox	Phrozen3D FormWare / Chitubox	CHITUBOX	CHITUBOX	CHITUBOX	CHITUBOX	CHITUBOX	Phrozen3D FormWare / Chitubox
Voltage	100–240V
System power	50W	160W	35W	40W	50W	70W	N/A	250W
Dimensions	230 x 260 x 460 mm	290 x 330 x 470 mm	250 x 250 x 330 mm	250 x 250 x 330 mm	290 x 290 x 420 mm	280 x 280 x 440 mm	337 x 337 x 516 mm	470 x 400 x 680 mm
Weight	13.5 kg	19.5 kg	4.3 kg	5 kg	13 kg	8 kg	14.3 kg	35 kg

 

Phrozen Sonic Series

Phrozen Sonic 4K 2022

The Phrozen Sonic 4K 2022 is a desktop 3D printer that is considered to be the best entry-level solution for dental application.The machine uses the so-called mono-LCD technology, which allows it to use a more transparent LCD screen compared to standard ones. 

Greater transparency in the UV range makes it possible to increase the intensity of light exposure, which allows to print a single layer of resin in just two seconds. Additionally, Phrozen claims that the new panel is four times more wear-resistant and durable than the usual, and promises a lifetime of 2000 hours. 

The Sonic 4K 2022 model is designed to provide the utmost degree of reliability and precision. With an ultra-high-resolution, aluminum frame design, open-material system, and pre-made printing parameters for dental applications, the device is perfectly fit for digital dentistry. It will produce accurate models in no time.
 

Credit: @tincho.ibanez / Instagram

Phrozen Sonic XL 4K 2022

The Phrozen Sonic XL 4K 2022 is an improved and bigger version of the standard Sonic 4K. With a larger build chamber, the machine offers wider design possibilities as well as inherited high accuracy and print quality of its predecessor.

The advanced technology used in the series makes the printer capable of producing precise outputs in rapid times. The XL 4K is perfect for areas where quality parts rich in details are required, such as jewelry design and dental applications, including the production of rings, earrings, dental impressions, aligners, etc.

 

Phrozen Sonic Mini Series

Phrozen Sonic Mini

The Phrozen Sonic Mini is a professional high-speed MSLA 3D printer introduced as the compact version of the Phrozen Sonic. It features the same proprietary mono-LCD technology allowing for great curing speed and high quality of resulting 3D models.

The machine boasts lightweight and portable design, stable kinematics, and high level of printing detail. The CHITUBOX software comes with a user-friendly interface and simple 3D printing experience. Apart from its outstanding technical characteristics, the Sonic Mini model attracts with its price as the best budget 3D printer of Spring 2020 (according to All3DP). 

The device is perfect for home use, such as producing miniatures, jewelry prototypes, toys, and more.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K

The Sonic Mini 4K is claimed to be the most beginner-friendly 4K 3D printer on the market. It offers the ultra-high resolution with the highest PPI of 722 and can provide a minimum layer height of 35 microns. Moreover, just like the previous Phrozen products, the machine prints at a very fast pace and cures a single layer in just two seconds.

The Sonic Mini 4K operates with the utmost degree of reliability and precision. A long-life monochrome LCD screen guarantees at least 2000 hours of productive work. A solid frame with increased stability and a decent build volume make the Sonic Mini 4K ideal for both entry-level and experienced makers.

The model is considered to be one of the best cost-effective solutions among LCD 3D printers to date. It can be successfully used by small businesses and printing enthusiasts for a range of various applications.

Credit: Uncle Jessy / youtube.com

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K

The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K features the highest resolution of 22 microns and 1152 PPI, which outperforms all consumer electronics on the market. Moreover, the machine boasts the 7.1" LCD screen with larger printing space and 18 cm Z-axis. Due to the frosted laser cut building plate, printed models attach firmly onto the build plate. In combination with the stable dual linear rails, it makes for smooth and impeccable printing of extremely detailed miniatures, bust sculpts, etc.

Credit: Adam Savage’s Tested / youtube.com

Specifications:

• Connectivity: USB
• Display: 3.5" in Large Touch Panel
• Operating system(s): Windows, Mac
• Outer dimensions: 290 x 290 x 420 mm
• Max. print speed: 80 mm/ h
• Printable material(s): 405nm resins
• Slicing: CHITUBOX
• Weight: 13 kg
• XY resolution: 22 µm
• Build volume: 165 x 72 x 180 mm
• Min. layer height: 10 microns
• Technology: LCD
• Light source: Linear ProjectionLED Module

 

Phrozen Sonic Mighty Series

Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K

The Phrozen Sonic Mighty 4K is a resin 3D printer that is equipped with a monochrome LCD screen with a 4K resolution and 9.3" diagonal, which is 1.5 times larger compared to its counterpart, the Sonic Mini 4K. The massive build volume allows creating large scale models, while the proprietary ParaLED matrix and dual Z-axis guides provide the stability and high precision of printing.

Another feature inherited from the Mini model is an outstanding print speed due to the high intensity of UV light. Similar to other company’s products, the device boasts quality build and user-friendly controls. Thanks to its highlights, the Sonic Mighty 4K is a perfect tool for both personal and professional applications, such as jewelry, dental models, prototypes, tabletop miniatures, and much more.

Credit: @revampedgame / Instagram

Phrozen Sonic Mighty 8K

The Sonic Mighty 8K combines the highest resolution with maximized performance. The anticipated device provides a perfect balance of compact design and improved productivity. With this advanced machine, it is possible to mass-produce 3D models with ultra-high 8K resolution and brand fast speed. Plus, the intuitive controls of the Sonic Mighty 8K will make it suitable for any level user.

Credit: @Phrozen3D / Twitter

Specifications:

• Connectivity: USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi
• Display: 5" in Large Touch Panel
• Operating system(s): Windows, Mac
• Outer dimensions: 337 x 337 x 516 mm
• Max. print speed: 70 mm/ h
• Printable material(s): UV-sensitive resins
• Slicing: CHITUBOX
• Weight: 14.3 kg
• XY resolution: 28 µm
• Build volume: 218 x 123 x 235 mm
• Min. layer height: 10 microns
• Technology: LCD
• Light Source: Linear ProjectionLED Module

 

Phrozen Sonic Mega Series

Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K

The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K is an industrial-grade mono-LCD 3D printer with a long-life monochrome LCD screen and ultra-high 8K definition. This professional machine is able to create remarkably detailed models. Due to its massive build volume, the printer allows producing multiple batches of 3D parts at really short times.

The Mega 8K model features a pre-calibrated build plate, stable dual linear rail, full metal frame, and effective multi-fan cooling system. The machine is designed for a wide range of professional and industrial applications with high quality demands.

Credit: @unclejessy4real / Instagram

 

Add-on equipment

Post-curing chamber

Phrozen Cure

The Phrozen Cure V2 is an easy-to-use desktop UV curing machine designed to give your resin 3D prints a more refined and smooth outlook as well as certain durability. With an outstanding inner capacity and powerful UV lights, the post processing becomes really fast and efficient.

The device is engineered with a reliable power supply and a dual-fan cooling system. Moreover, the Phrozen Cure is equipped with a 360° rotating table that enables automated operation. 

The Phrozen Cure and its further versions are ideal for post-treatment of tabletop miniatures, jewelry, dental impressions, and other photopolymer resin 3D prints.

Phrozen Cure Luna

The Phrozen Cure Luna is a professional UV curing station for post processing of models printed in photopolymer resins. Due to the large capacity, virtually any object printed on a desktop device can be cured in the Luna model. 

The machine is equipped with an UV lamp (405nm) that provides about 40,000 hours of continuous operation. The 360° rotating platform ensures uniform light distribution. With the Phrozen Cure Luna, the curing process is rapid and fully automated.

Phrozen Cure XL

The Phrozen Cure XL is designed with great capacity and effective mechanism. It uses 365nm, 385nm, and 405nm UV-LEDs to cure different layers of printouts. The process is fully automated, fast, and even thanks to the 360° rotating platform. 

The device comes with a stable power supply and cooling system which makes it perfect for long-term use.

Phrozen Cure Mega

The Phrozen Cure Mega is a proper solution for larger prints. With the increased chamber size, it allows curing a single big or several smaller models in one session (an hour or less). Due to the 360° rotating platform, the process leaves no blind spots. The full metal frame makes the device sustainable for long-term usage.

Phrozen Cure Beam

The Phrozen Cure Beam is a handheld curing device for 3D models that have to be assembled seamlessly. It also effectively cures the insides of 3D prints to make them more durable.

Due to the compact design, the Phrozen Cure Beam is extremely easy to store, carry, and use.

Specifications:

• Content: Controller, 2 UV Pens, Power Adapter, Safety Glasses
• LED specification: 405nm
• Weight: 500 g
• Output: DC 7.5V 700mA
• Input: 100-240V

Phrozen Ultra-Sonic Cleaner

The Phrozen Ultra-Sonic Cleaner is a post-processing cleaning device for SLA/DLP 3D printed models. It allows removing supports and uncured resin in an effective and completely safe way. The cleaner has a double fuse power system, reliable heat control system (20–80 °C), and digital timer with a range of 1 to 30 minutes.

The process is fully automated. The machine uses high-frequency sound waves to agitate a liquid (Phrozen Wash: Resin Cleaner). The produced cavitation bubbles remove all the residues and supports from the print surfaces.

Apart from the standard Phrozen Ultra-Sonic Cleaner, two more versions are available: 10L and 30L.

 

Materials

4K and 8K resins

The company offers special materials for their 4K and 8K machines. The unique formula guarantees top quality for high resolution models with fine details. The light color will serve as a perfect base for figurines.

The list includes:

• Aqua-Gray
• Aqua-Ivory

Resins for hobbyists

Phrozen 3D printers are widely used for hobby, such as customizing, cosplay, and figurines production. The company offers resins with nice colors, low shrinkage, high precision, and increased durability for accurate complex models, sturdy functional parts, and prototypes.

The list includes:

• Aqua
• Water-washable
• SC-801 Clear
• Beige-Flex
• ABS-Like
• Mud-Like

Dental resins

One more category of resins from Phrozen is recommended for dental professionals. These materials are specifically engineered for fast and reliable casting. They provide good thermal resistance, great mechanical strength, low shrinkage, high precision, and consistent results.

The list includes:

• Castable Dental
• TR250LV High Temp
• Beige Low-Irritation
• Water-Washable Dental Model

Jewelry resins

The company develops resins specifically for jewelry making. They possess great thermal resistance, high mechanical strength, low shrinkage, high precision, and a certain durability, which make them ideal for jewelry and dental casting.

The list includes:

• Castable Jewelry
• TR250 Deep Gray
• TR300 Ultra-High Temp
• Castable W40 Orange
• Castable W20 Green

Functional resins

Phrozen also provides materials with great engineering qualities, such as increased strength, reliability, and resistance. They can be applied for dental thermoforming, industrial mock-ups, everyday crafting, and efficient prototyping.

The list includes:

• Nylon-Green Tough
• Rock-Black Stiff
• TR300 Ultra High Temp
• Onyx Rigid Pro410
• BASF Protowhite

 

Software

Phrozen Slicer

The Phrozen Slicer is a dedicated professional software compatible with all the company’s 3D printers. The program features a simple interface and a number of advanced functions.

With the slicer, one can easily build supports, hollow models, modify dimensions of various 3D files as well as slice them. Among other functions, there is a direct upload via WiFi, XY dimensions optimization, adding floor structures and light masks, etc.

The program runs on Windows 7+. A single license can be used on two devices simultaneously.

Phrozen DS Slicer

The Phrozen Dental Synergy Slicer offers an intuitive user interface that ensures fast and easy operation with a short learning curve. The program allows printing quality dental models in just a few clicks.

The software boasts flexible parameter settings and automated support generation, which will reduce print failures as well as save the user’s time. You can also manually adjust and customize dental models with a set of professional tools.

 

Applications and modifications

Phrozen Shuffle XL, reviewed by James Bricknell

Credit: windowscentral.com

James Brickell uses Shuffle XL for his hobby. He creates 3D miniatures of various characters and model parts.

James writes: “The biggest draw to the Shuffle XL is the build area though, it allows you to create far larger models than ever before. Phrozen Shuffle XL offers the same detail you get from these smaller printers but with a build area that is nearly double the usable space. You can use that space to print a lot of fantastic stuff, from full-size mechanical pieces to extra large models and sculptures. I was able to fit a full-face mask — 5.5 inches x 8 inches — on to the build plate”.

Credit: windowscentral.com

“The Phrozen uses something called a "ParaLED Optical Engine," which helps to keep the resolution high, and you can tell in every print that it far exceeds expectations. When you look at the Cheerful Pilot it's hard to know that the model is 3D printed, it could easily pass for an injection-molded piece. The mini Avengers by Wekster do show some layer lines, but I printed them at 50 percent their standard size at 0.5mm layer height, so it was inevitable. The layer lines are still almost invisible, regardless of the size of the model. It’s very impressive”.

Credit: windowscentral.com

“I have had a lot of fun with the Phrozen Shuffle XL, trying to push the limits of what I thought I could do with resin. I have been able to print huge amounts of models all in one go — all those Avengers minis were printed at the same time — as well as much larger models. The cheerful pilot model may be my favorite from now on, and you can see in the pictures that all of the details are pin sharp. It doesn’t matter that I printed her at 240 percent; she still looks immaculate”.

Credit: windowscentral.com

 

Phrozen Sonic Mini 4K, reviewed by Eddito2.0

Eddito prints fantasy figurines as a hobby. 

Credit: youtube.com

With the Sonic Mini 4K, he is able to create high resolution miniatures with nice qualities.

Credit: youtube.com

Credit: youtube.com

However, he highlights several design flaws affecting print quality. For example, Eddito recommends removing the original tape gasket around the screen and using a regular tape instead to get more detailed outputs.

Credit: youtube.com

 

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K, reviewed by Adam Savage’s Tested

Norman Chen from the Adam Savage’s Tested channel team reviews the recent Sonic Mini 8K model. To demonstrate the printer’s capabilities, he creates several high-resolution figurines.

Credit: youtube.com

Credit: youtube.com

Moreover, he compares the printouts with those by the Elegoo Mars 3 (35 µm resolution). However, Norman claims that he cannot see a major difference in terms of quality.

Credit: youtube.com

Credit: youtube.com

He also notes that in some cases breaking off supports may damage finely detailed parts of some models.

Credit: youtube.com

Overall, Norman thinks that the Sonic Mini 8K is definitely not an entry-level printer since the models require a lot of post processing. Plus, he considers that one might get more benefit out of a larger bed printer.

 

Bottom line

Credit: all3dp.com

A glance at the Phrozen ever-expanding product line is enough to appreciate the company’s progress since their first steps on Kickstarter.  The popular brand continues exploring new technologies by providing 8K printers with large prospects while remaining affordable against its competitors in terms of technical characteristics.

Credit: all3dp.com

Despite certain disadvantages of some models, such as questionable interface, the lack of ready-made profiles for third-party materials, or a high level of noise during the printing process, users are willing to put up with these drawbacks for the sake of highly detailed 3D models. 

With more printers, add-ons, and materials coming, it’s safe to say that Phrozen always has something to interest both hobbyists and professionals. The superior quality of printouts compared to the more common FDM printing is already enough to draw the attention of potential customers.