ELEGOO or NOVA3D? 3D Printer Resins Compared in 2026
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When evaluating ELEGOO vs NOVA3D 3d printer resin, you face two distinct options for SLA printing. Both brands offer 1000g bottles designed for 405nm LCD, DLP, and SLA machines. They share a focus on low odor and high precision. The main difference lies in their chemical formulation and post-processing needs. ELEGOO provides a standard, color-rich resin requiring alcohol for cleaning. NOVA3D offers a tough, water-washable alternative that prioritizes flexibility and impact resistance for detailed models.
Key differences
| Aspect | ELEGOO Standard Maroon Resin 1000g | NOVA3D Water Washable ABS-Like Tough Resin 1kg |
|---|---|---|
| Resin Type | Standard | Water Washable ABS-Like Tough |
| Cleaning Method | Not listed | Water |
| Color Options | Maroon, Grey, Beige, Clear Red, Translucent, Clear Green, Pure Black, Grey 2.0 | Grey, White |
| Key Feature | Low shrinkage, high precision, bright colors | High toughness, impact resistance, matte finish |
| Wavelength | Not listed | 405nm |
Which one should you choose?
Choose ELEGOO Standard Maroon Resin 1000g if
- You need a wide variety of vibrant colors for artistic models
- You prefer a standard resin known for high precision and smooth finishes
- You are comfortable using IPA for post-cleaning
Choose NOVA3D Water Washable ABS-Like Tough Resin 1kg if
- You print miniatures or tabletop figures requiring high durability
- You want to avoid using IPA and clean with water instead
- You need a matte finish that reduces the plastic look
Verdict: Choose ELEGOO if you prioritize color variety and standard precision for general printing. Select NOVA3D if you need tough, flexible parts and want the convenience of water washability. Your choice depends on whether you value aesthetic range or mechanical durability.
ELEGOO vs NOVA3D Resin Specs
Resin Type
ELEGOO offers Standard resin, which prioritizes low shrinkage and high precision for smooth finishes. It is designed to prevent deformation or cracking over time. NOVA3D provides a Water Washable ABS-Like Tough resin. This material focuses on impact resistance and flexibility, making it suitable for delicate parts like miniatures or game models. The NOVA3D formula aims to keep creations durable without snapping. You must choose between general-purpose precision with ELEGOO or specialized toughness with NOVA3D, depending on your model requirements.
Cleaning Method
The ELEGOO Standard Maroon Resin does not list a specific cleaning method in the provided data, implying standard IPA washing is likely required for typical standard resins. In contrast, NOVA3D explicitly supports water washing. You can simply rinse the printed model with water, which saves money on isopropyl alcohol and reduces environmental impact. This feature simplifies post-processing significantly. If you prefer an easier cleanup process without handling harsh chemicals, the NOVA3D option is clearly superior. The ELEGOO product lacks this specific water-washable specification in its details.
Color Options
ELEGOO provides a wide variety of color choices for its Standard resin line. You can select from Maroon, Grey, Beige, Clear Red, Translucent, Clear Green, Pure Black, and Grey 2.0. This variety allows for high-quality pigments to create stunning, artwork-like effects with pure colors. NOVA3D lists only Grey and White options for its 1000g size. If you need specific colors for detailed miniatures or aesthetic projects, ELEGOO offers more flexibility. The NOVA3D range is limited in color diversity compared to the extensive palette available from ELEGOO.
Print Speed
NOVA3D specifies a 405nm UV fast cure wavelength, indicating optimized speed for standard resin printers. It also recommends a post-curing time of 30–60 seconds for best results. ELEGOO highlights low viscosity and good fluidity, which helps the resin quickly reflow between the model and release film. This improves printing success rates and reduces overall printing time. While ELEGOO focuses on fluidity to aid speed, NOVA3D explicitly mentions fast curing. Both aim for efficiency, but NOVA3D provides more specific curing time guidance for users.
Versatility
ELEGOO Standard resin is a general-purpose material suitable for various models requiring high precision and smooth finishes. It is not specified for specialized mechanical properties. NOVA3D is marketed specifically for miniatures and tabletop game models due to its ABS-like toughness. It offers excellent strength and flexibility, preventing breaks when dropped. This makes NOVA3D more versatile for functional or delicate parts. If you print rigid, detailed objects, ELEGOO is fine. For durable, flexible items, NOVA3D is the better choice for your specific needs.
Choose ELEGOO or NOVA3D Resin
Users needing smooth, detailed static models
ELEGOO Standard Maroon Resin delivers high precision with low shrinkage, ensuring prints remain stable and do not crack over time. Its low viscosity allows for quick reflow, improving success rates. The formulation features bright pigments for stunning colors and low odor, making it ideal for detailed figurines where surface finish and dimensional accuracy matter most.
Printers wanting easy water cleanup
NOVA3D Water Washable Resin eliminates the need for IPA, allowing you to rinse prints directly with water. This simplifies post-processing and reduces chemical handling. The ABS-like toughness provides impact resistance, preventing thin parts from snapping. It cures fast at 405nm and maintains low odor, offering a cleaner and more convenient workflow for daily use.
Creators of durable tabletop miniatures
NOVA3D Tough Resin is engineered for impact resistance, making it suitable for miniatures and game models that face physical stress. The ABS-like material retains flexibility after post-curing, reducing breakage of delicate parts like swords. With high precision and a matte finish, it produces durable, detailed models that withstand handling while maintaining structural integrity.
The products compared
ELEGOO Standard Maroon Resin 1000g
Best for: general-purpose high-precision resin printing
- Resin Type
- Standard
- Curing Wavelength
- 405nm
- Compatible Technology
- MSLA, DLP, LCD
- Net Weight
- 1000g
- Printing Technology
- Resin
- Dimensions
- 5.91 × 3.15 × 7.87 inches
View on Amazon: ELEGOO Standard Maroon Resin 1000g Affiliate link
This ELEGOO Standard 3D Printer Resin comes in a 1000g Maroon bottle. It is a standard photopolymer resin designed for low shrinkage and high precision. The formula offers low viscosity for good fluidity, which helps improve printing success rates. It also features low odor and bright, stable colors. You will get smooth finishes with minimal deformation after post-curing. It suits users who need reliable, everyday prints with vivid maroon tones.
Pros
- 1000g net weight for standard usage
- Low shrinkage reduces model deformation
- Low viscosity improves fluidity and success rate
- Low odor for a fresher printing environment
Cons
- Standard resin lacks specialized toughness or flexibility
- Single 1000g size may require frequent reordering
- Limited to standard curing without advanced engineering properties
Good fit if
- You need high-precision models with smooth finishes
- You prefer standard resins for general-purpose printing
- You want low-odor resin for indoor use
Skip if
- You require high-toughness or ABS-like durability
- You need specialized engineering or flexible materials
- You prefer larger bulk sizes to reduce ordering frequency
Verdict: ELEGOO Standard Resin 1000g Maroon delivers precise, low-shrinkage prints with vivid color stability. It is the right fit for you if you prioritize accuracy and smooth surface finishes over specialized mechanical properties.
NOVA3D Water Washable ABS-Like Tough Resin 1kg
Best for: Water-washable durable miniatures and models
- Resin Type
- Water Washable ABS-Like Tough
- Curing Wavelength
- 405nm
- Compatible Technology
- LCD, DLP, SLA
- Net Weight
- 1kg
- Cleaning Method
- Water
- Application
- Miniatures, tabletop game models
View on Amazon: NOVA3D Water Washable ABS-Like Tough Resin 1kg Affiliate link
This NOVA3D resin is a water-washable, ABS-like tough photopolymer designed for 405nm LCD, DLP, and SLA printers. It delivers high precision with a matte finish, reducing the typical plastic look. The low-viscosity formula ensures fast curing and minimal odor. You get a 1kg net weight container, ideal for printing detailed miniatures and tabletop game models that require durability and impact resistance.
Pros
- Water-washable cleaning method eliminates need for IPA
- ABS-like tough material offers high impact resistance
- 405nm curing wavelength compatible with standard resin printers
- Matte finish reduces plastic appearance on prints
Cons
- Available only in Grey color
- Requires immediate post-curing for 30–60 seconds
- Limited to 1kg and 2kg size options
Good fit if
- You print detailed miniatures or tabletop models
- You want to avoid using IPA for cleaning
- You need durable parts with high impact resistance
Skip if
- You require a wide variety of color options
- You prefer standard resins that do not need toughening
- You want to wash prints with solvents instead of water
Verdict: NOVA3D Water Washable ABS-Like Resin 1kg is a practical option for hobbyists who value ease of cleaning and durable prints. It fits users making detailed miniatures who want to skip IPA without sacrificing strength.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ELEGOO Standard Maroon Resin 1000g | NOVA3D Water Washable ABS-Like Tough Resin 1kg |
|---|---|---|
| Resin Type | Standard | Water Washable ABS-Like Tough |
| Curing Wavelength | 405nm | 405nm |
| Compatible Technology | MSLA, DLP, LCD | LCD, DLP, SLA |
| Net Weight | 1000g | 1kg |
| Cleaning Method | not stated | Water |
| Application | not stated | Miniatures, tabletop game models |
| Printing Technology | Resin | Resin |
| Compatible Material | not stated | ABS |
| Features | not stated | Low Odor, Fast Curing |
| Size | M-1000g | 1KG |
| Resolution | not stated | 12K, 14K |
| Dimensions | 5.91 × 3.15 × 7.87 inches | 3.94 × 3.94 × 7 inches |
| Weight | 2 pounds | 2.2 pounds |
| Color | Maroon | Grey1kg |
| Model | Vermelho 1KG | 2002-015-0002-3-USFBA |
Frequently asked questions
Is ELEGOO Standard Resin safe for general home use?
Yes, it is designed for general-purpose high-precision printing. The 1000g maroon bottle offers vivid color stability and low shrinkage. This formulation helps prevent deformation or cracking over time. You get smooth surface finishes suitable for detailed models. It is a reliable choice for static displays rather than flexible parts.
Can I wash NOVA3D resin without using IPA?
Yes, NOVA3D offers a water-washable option. This specific resin allows you to skip isopropyl alcohol during the cleaning process. It is ideal for hobbyists who value ease of cleaning. The grey 1kg bottle provides durable prints with ABS-like toughness. You can maintain print strength while simplifying your post-processing workflow.
Which resin is better for making durable miniatures?
NOVA3D Water Washable ABS-Like Tough Resin is the better fit. It focuses on impact resistance and durability. The material mimics the strength of ABS plastic. This makes it suitable for detailed miniatures that need to withstand handling. ELEGOO Standard Resin prioritizes precision and smoothness over mechanical strength.
Do these resins work with 405nm printers?
Yes, both products are compatible with 405nm machines. NOVA3D explicitly lists a curing wavelength of 405nm. ELEGOO Standard Resin is also designed for standard SLA, DLP, and LCD printers using this wavelength. You can use either bottle in your existing 405nm setup without hardware changes.
What is the bottle size for these resins?
Both brands offer 1000g bottles. ELEGOO Standard Resin comes in a 1000g container with maroon coloring. NOVA3D Tough Resin also provides a 1kg grey bottle. This standard volume ensures you have enough material for multiple projects. The packaging dimensions are compact for easy storage on your print desk.
Does ELEGOO resin prevent prints from cracking?
The formulation is designed to prevent deformation or cracking. It features low shrinkage properties that help maintain print integrity. This is particularly useful for high-precision models where detail retention is key. You get stable prints that hold their shape over time without the structural issues common in lower-quality resins.
Is NOVA3D resin suitable for flexible parts?
No, it is not designed for high flexibility. It offers ABS-like toughness and impact resistance instead. The material is rigid but durable. If you need flexible parts, this specific NOVA3D product is not the right choice. It is best for static models and miniatures that require strength rather than bendability.