Old Android smartphones or tablets can be used as core components for a simple MSLA resin 3D printer. The approach aims to reuse existing LCDs and thus reduce the entry costs for resin-based additive manufacturing. The design comes from Electronoobs, a maker and YouTuber who has developed a revised version of his MSLA printer based on previous experience.
The design is based on the principle of masked stereolithography apparatus. An LCD display selectively exposes each layer of a model to UV light. Instead of special industrial panels, discarded smartphone or tablet screens are used, which achieve a resolution of around 2K. This allows fine structures to be reproduced, provided that the optical alignment and exposure times are correct.
A key challenge lies in the preparation of the print data. The 3D model must be broken down into individual layers, which are available as graphics. These layer images are displayed one after the other on the display while the resin layer hardens. The developer describes this step as particularly challenging, as the rendering must be precisely synchronized with the mechanics of the printer. The solution used converts the slices directly into image data that can be displayed on the screen.
Data transfer to the display device is equally complex. In the setup shown, a self-developed Android app performs this task. It communicates with a web application running on an ESP32 microcontroller that controls the printing. A USB OTG connection serves as a return channel to enable bidirectional communication. According to Electronoobs, there are alternative ways to achieve this connection, but the concept shown meets the basic requirements.
The setup shows that MSLA technology can be implemented on a manageable budget if existing hardware is used. Limitations arise from the service life and UV permeability of the displays, as well as from the additional development effort required for software and control.
