Prusa SL1S SPEED — All Specs, Features, and Variants in Detail

The Original Prusa SL1S SPEED is an impressive representative of MSLA printing technology, designed specifically for users who seek the highest detail accuracy and quality in their 3D prints. MSLA stands for Masked Stereolithography, a method that uses a monochrome LCD panel along with a UV LED array to precisely cure thin layers of liquid resin. This technique allows for incredibly fine details and a smooth surface quality that is hard to achieve with FDM printers like the Prusa i3.

The SL1S SPEED is a fully assembled printer, meaning you can start printing right out of the box without having to invest time in assembly. This is especially beneficial for those who prefer to focus on designing and fine-tuning their print projects rather than dealing with the setup and calibration of a new device.

The price range for the Prusa SL1S SPEED is between 1979 and 2549 euros, depending on the chosen variant. This investment reflects the advanced technology and high-quality components used in this printer. There are two main variants: the base version and an extended package that includes a curing and washing machine. This package offers additional convenience as it simplifies the post-processing of prints and minimizes the handling of the often sticky and unpleasant resin.

The Prusa SL1S SPEED is aimed at ambitious makers and enthusiasts who are willing to invest in precise and high-quality printing results. It is particularly suitable for applications where fine details are required, such as in model making, jewelry design, or prototype development. So, if you’re looking for a printer that helps bring your creative projects to life with the utmost accuracy, the SL1S SPEED could be just the right tool for you.

Prusa SL1S SPEED - Product View
Image: Prusa Research

Design and Technology

The Prusa SL1S SPEED is a resin 3D printer equipped with a range of thoughtful and advanced features to make life easier for both beginners and experienced makers. The intuitive user interface is the first contact point that simplifies the operation of the printer. Thanks to the guided setup and calibration assistant, which is equipped with photos and illustrations, getting started with the SL1S SPEED becomes a straightforward experience. This is a significant advantage for newcomers to resin printing, as the entry often comes with uncertainties and mistakes. This assistant ensures that the printer is set up quickly and correctly, reducing the likelihood of initial printing errors.

Another standout feature of the SL1S SPEED is its ability to work with a variety of professional and industrial resins. This is particularly interesting for makers who are active not only in the hobby sector but also for professional applications such as jewelry making or in the dental industry. Collaboration with renowned companies like Henkel Loctite underscores the printer's suitability for industrial applications and provides makers with access to high-quality materials specifically designed for 3D printing.

The print quality of the SL1S SPEED is ensured by its 15.14 cm (5.96'') monochrome LCD with a resolution of 2560×1620p. This high resolution allows for extremely sharp and detailed prints, which is especially advantageous in jewelry making and the dental industry, where precision is critical.

Another innovative feature is the tilting mechanism of the resin tank. After each layer is cured, the entire display tilts with the vat. This not only ensures a smoother release of the model from the FEP film but also allows for continuous resin mixing in the vat, significantly increasing print speed. For makers, this means shorter wait times and increased productivity as the overall printing process is accelerated.

The resin calibration function is another highlight that enables makers to efficiently test different resins and quickly find optimal printing settings. This is particularly useful for maximizing print quality and avoiding material waste, as the ideal settings for each resin can be quickly determined.

A practical feature is the resin sensor, which measures the resin level before each print. It provides indications of whether there is enough resin available or if a refill is needed, and prevents possible overflow through warnings. This ensures a smooth printing process and protects the printer from damage caused by overflowing resin.

Finally, the connectivity of the SL1S SPEED via Wi-Fi or Ethernet offers a range of benefits, including automatic firmware updates and the ability to monitor and control the printer remotely. This means more flexibility and control over your printing projects, as you can access the printer from anywhere. These comprehensive features make the SL1S SPEED a powerful tool for makers who are active in both hobby and professional fields.

Prusa SL1S SPEED - Detail View 1
Image: Prusa Research
Prusa SL1S SPEED - Detail View 2
Image: Prusa Research
Prusa SL1S SPEED - Detail View 3
Image: Prusa Research
Prusa SL1S SPEED - Detail View 4
Image: Prusa Research
Prusa SL1S SPEED - Detail View 5
Image: Prusa Research

Material Compatibility — What Can the Prusa SL1S SPEED Print?

The Original Prusa SL1S SPEED is an MSLA 3D printer that stands out for its ability to produce highly precise prints with impressive speed and detail accuracy. Unlike FDM printers that melt filaments, the SL1S uses the curing of liquid resin through a UV LED array and a monochrome LCD panel. This technology brings some advantages but also specific requirements for the materials used.

In terms of material compatibility, the SL1S SPEED is compatible with a variety of photopolymer resins suitable for different applications. The MSLA technology does not require high nozzle temperatures or heated bed temperatures, as is the case with FDM printers. Instead, the critical factor is the wavelength and intensity of the UV light responsible for curing the resin. The SL1S is designed to work with standard 405 nm UV resins, which are widely available and offer a wide range of mechanical properties, from hard and impact-resistant to flexible and rubber-like materials.

This variety of materials allows the printer to be used for a wide range of applications, whether for prototyping, jewelry design, dentistry, or miniatures. A key advantage of MSLA technology is the high detail accuracy achieved through the fine layers formed by the curing of the resin. This is particularly important for applications where precision and fidelity to detail are crucial.

However, there are also limitations: resins can generally be more expensive than filaments, and handling requires caution, as they are liquid and potentially harmful to health before curing. Additionally, it is important to pay close attention to the curing parameters, as not all resins cure optimally under the same conditions. An additional step in the process is post-curing the prints to achieve their final mechanical properties, which often requires a specialized curing unit.

Overall, the Prusa SL1S SPEED offers an excellent platform for resin printing with a wide range of material options, as long as the specific handling and curing requirements are observed.

Variants Comparison — Which Version is Right for You?

The Original Prusa SL1S SPEED is a highly developed SLA 3D printer known for its impressive speed and precision. It comes in two variants: as a standalone unit and in a bundle with the CW1S post-processing station. Both variants have their specific advantages and cater to different user groups.

The standalone variant of the SL1S SPEED costs 1979 euros and is aimed at users who already have a post-processing station or wish to purchase one separately. The printer itself offers high printing speed and detail accuracy enabled by the use of resin and SLA technology. The SL1S SPEED features a monochrome LCD screen that exposes curing layers faster than colored screens, significantly increasing print speed. This variant is ideal for users who already have experience with SLA printers and want to handle the post-processing processes independently or use their existing devices.

The bundle, consisting of the SL1S SPEED and the CW1S post-processing station, costs 2549 euros and offers a comprehensive solution for users who want to cover the entire SLA printing workflow. The CW1S is a multifunctional device that handles washing, drying, and curing of printed parts. This post-processing station can significantly simplify and accelerate the entire post-processing process. Especially for users who seek high print quality while maintaining an efficient workflow, this bundle is a smart investment. It saves time and reduces the effort typically required for manual post-processing.

So, which variant is worth it for whom? If you already have a post-processing station or want to handle the post-processing process manually, the standalone variant of the SL1S SPEED might be sufficient. It offers all the printing advantages of the SL1S at a lower price. However, if you value a seamless and time-saving workflow and are willing to invest in a comprehensive solution, the bundle with the CW1S is the better choice. It is aimed at professional users or ambitious hobbyists who print frequently and place a high value on efficiency and quality.

All Variants and Prices

VariantPriceAvailabilityLink
Original Prusa SL1S SPEED 3D printer + CW1S BUNDLE 2,549 EUR ✓ Available (1-3 working days. Please note that other items in the order may affect the total delivery time.) Go to Shop →
Original Prusa SL1S SPEED 3D printer 1,979 EUR ✓ Available (1-3 working days. Please note that other items in the order may affect the total delivery time.) Go to Shop →

Original Prusa SL1S SPEED 3D printer + CW1S BUNDLE Original Prusa SL1S SPEED 3D printer

Who is the Prusa SL1S SPEED Suitable For?

The Prusa SL1S SPEED is an MSLA printer, which means it uses Masked Stereolithography Apparatus technology. This technology utilizes a high-resolution LCD display to project UV light onto the resin, creating precise layers. The print volume of the SL1S SPEED is 127 × 80 × 150 mm, making it ideal for printing smaller to medium-sized objects. If you want to create miniatures, jewelry, or detailed prototypes, this volume provides enough space to realize your creative projects.

With a price range of 1979 to 2549 EUR, the SL1S SPEED is positioned in the upper price segment. This investment is aimed at enthusiasts who are willing to pay for quality and speed. The price difference may be due to various configurations or additional options such as a better resin vat or extra print platforms. The SL1S SPEED is particularly suitable for those who value fast print times, as MSLA printers generally offer higher speeds in curing layers compared to FDM printers.

Some of the features that distinguish the SL1S SPEED include ease of use and maintenance, making it suitable for both advanced beginners and experienced makers. The high resolution and speed make it especially attractive for use cases where details are crucial, such as in dentistry or model making. So, if you have a project that requires high detail accuracy and you are ready to make the corresponding investment, the SL1S SPEED is an excellent choice.