SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
Just feeling as though the SL1S could use a little resolution update.. These cheaper printers such as the mars 5 ultra seem to check all the boxes that my prusa does. I was hoping that we would see some sort of update now that tech has moved forward a little. I know Prusa is all about keeping their products upgradable, but we are falling behind, man! This is a very expensive printer and is still being sold at a premium.
Isn't it time?
Thoughts?
-Colin
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
i actually bought the sl1 a upgraded it to sls1 and now bought the saturn ultra 16k for almost half the price of the cw1 curing station. The 16k is a gimmick and i dont think that even 12k make a difference. But never the less it has a substantially bigger plate (for a resin printer) and nothing less than the sls in terms of features. Ellegoo's Satellite slicer is inferior to Prusaslicer, which i still use to slice models and pass them to elegoo satellite slicer for just gcode generation. Im not by any means trying to promote Elegoo ( i have/had until now only prusa printers MK3S.mmu2s,sls1,XL), i mentioned it because you mentions mars5, but Prusa doesnt need just a resolution upgrade for the SLS but rather a reality check in my opinion. 2000E for the SLS1 and 750 for the curing station.. No matter what type of lcd you stack to that thing is not going to sell except for hardcore prusa fans. If someone wants to spend those kind of money probably needs it for professional use and better invest in formlabs or something in that category. And Prusa already has a pro version so i guess SLS1 is more a middle ground between a Elegoo or a Anycubic etc and Fromlabs for example. Of course you have to offer something to distinguish against the cheaper brands which Prusa does not.
My opinion in short. It doesn't matter. I wouldn't buy an upgrade kit to lets say 8k since it would probably cost almost as half the cost of my Saturn.
P.S. To be honest and not pass the wrong message. I still use my SLS1 for smaller prints to save resin but is not my primary one. Its a good printer but not for its current price tag.
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
Exactly what I am saying!
And no, I don't endorse the other brands either, in fact, I love my Prusa. I want to keep using it.
I am a goldsmith and don't mind the smaller build plate. I just want to get the really nice crisp details that some of these other printers are offering.
There is a "Prusa Tax" we all know about, but that is a premium price for a premium product that comes with upgradabilty, etc.
I am just hoping that the SL1S gets that treatment again. It's been long enough, and I would rather just keep using it! I love the slicer, I love everything about it. Just.. an upgrade... please :)-- And maybe make it affordable!
Ha!
-Colin
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
I'd like to see a SL1L with a lot bigger printing volume. Preferably something about the size of a Core ONE. I can't print a joystick grip on the SL1S, which is a bit of a disappointment to me.
RE:
Hello,
I’m new to resin 3D printers, and I’ve been browsing the internet for about three-quarters of a year now, looking for my first 3D printer. At the same time, I’d like to share a complete beginner’s perspective on the SL1S, which I came across earlier but only found this discussion in 2026.
I agree that the SL1S is a good 3D printer, but based on what’s available on the market today, it’s already outdated. The market has moved on—and not just a little. In my opinion, the SL1S doesn’t need a hardware update; it needs a completely new 3D printer—the “SL2S”—if it wants to remain relevant in the resin 3D printer market.
The best approach would be to look to Formlabs for inspiration, as they have truly well-designed hardware combined with a plug-and-play software approach from HeyGears—a company I’m seeing and hearing more and more about, as they reportedly have some of the best and easiest-to-remove supports on the market. Both companies have a disadvantage in that they are currently locked-system, which the new "SL2S" wouldn’t even need to be—it would suffice if it were still open-source but with preconfigured profiles for Prusa resins with 100% print success reliability.
I certainly don’t want to bash the SL1S—I still think it’s a good 3D printer, but not for the premium price it’s currently selling for. At the same time, it would be good to start thinking about a successor to the SL1S like "SL2S".
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
’m new to resin 3D printers, and I’ve been browsing the internet for about three-quarters of a year now, looking for my first 3D printer. At the same time, I’d like to share a complete beginner’s perspective on the SL1S, which I came across earlier but only found this discussion in 2026.
I agree that the SL1S is a good 3D printer, but based on what’s available on the market today, it’s already outdated. The market has moved on—and not just a little. In my opinion, the SL1S doesn’t need a hardware update; it needs a completely new 3D printer—the “SL2S”—if it wants to remain relevant in the resin 3D printer market.
The best approach would be to look to Formlabs for inspiration, as they have truly well-designed hardware combined with a plug-and-play software approach from HeyGears—a company I’m seeing and hearing more and more about, as they reportedly have some of the best and easiest-to-remove supports on the market. Both companies have a disadvantage in that they are currently locked-system, which the new "SL2S" wouldn’t even need to be—it would suffice if it were still open-source but with preconfigured profiles for Prusa resins with 100% print success reliability.
I certainly don’t want to bash the SL1S—I still think it’s a good 3D printer, but not for the premium price it’s currently selling for. At the same time, it would be good to start thinking about a successor to the SL1S like "SL2S".
I agree with you since personally for the first time went with another company as i said in my previous post and honestly... i can find less reasons now to even think of SLS1. Im not sure though if "opensource" is applicable in the SLS line. SL1 was slightly upgradable... a better lcd and uv led with slight increase in platform size but i wouldnt put and sell the "opesource/upgradable" label on their resin printer line. And even when i bought mine, back when it was just the sl1 -without the S- , i already thought it was overpriced. Even if i got it on a black friday deal with reduced price and free shipping. It wasnt a bad printer. It didnt justify though its price difference.
Prusa has to decide what their SL? printer is. Is it for hobbyist, consumer .., even for ppl that would pay a small premium or for professionals? Resin printers are more "common" between brands in their tech that FDM printers and thus in their quality. Prusa has to either get to the Formalb wagon, as you said, or if it for consumers sell it lower than 1k. That thing they sell now is by no means a 2k worth of a printer and definitely not a 750E worth of curing station. I dont know how many they sell but it doesnt make sense.
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
I already hinted to wanting a larger printer, but it all depends on the price. However, if Prusa were to develop a "SL2" printer for the prosumer market, so in the price range going up to €2500, then I'd expect everything the SL1S has, and plus the following:
- An automatic vat refill ability. both to ensure that prints can continue uninterrupted as well as to remove the annoying vat overfill problems that the SL1 suffers from. There are markings on the vat of the SL1S, but they have no contrast and are not well positioned, making it hard to see if the vat is level enough and if the markings are actually valid.
- A more practical way to recover resin and clean the printer, perhaps automated.
- A heated chamber that can go up to at least 60°C, as this is required for some resins relevant to making end use parts.
- Build plate which makes it easy to remove prints, but stiff enough to prevent warping.
- Build volume similar to Core ONE.
- A "good enough" resolution to make sense for a larger printer.
A CW2 should then:
- Be able to match the SL2 print volume.
- Be able to heat up to 100°C, as some resins relevant to making end use parts need this.
- Be able to stir this much liquid. (I'm not sure if the magnetic coupling used now would suffice)
A nice bonus for the CW2 would be if it could also be used to heat and stir liquids for dissolving soluble filaments, including those which require a lye based solution, perhaps using a 2nd vat.
But I have to say though that I'm definitely leaning towards the more prosumer side when it comes to resin. I want to use it to make detailed end use functional parts. Unfortunately the SL1S falls short in this category, as the build volume and lack of heating makes this almost impossible.
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
I partly agree, but I’d probably make two versions: a smaller “SL2S,” perhaps the same size as the current SL1S or slightly larger, and a larger one, like you mentioned, the “SL2XL,” for example. Both would have everything you mentioned.
I’d just add that prosumer 3D printers don’t necessarily have to be priced high. For example, HeyGears makes 3D printers that are relatively inexpensive or priced more in the mid-range, but they still include those prosumer worry/hassle-free features found in Formlabs and others—features that even as a hobbyist, I’ve found myself preferring because I value my time and don’t want to waste it on the hassle of setup.
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
I partly agree, but I’d probably make two versions: a smaller “SL2S,” perhaps the same size as the current SL1S or slightly larger, and a larger one,
Personally i would rather go the direction Anycubic Photon P1 is taking. Im not sure how well it works but is a dual vat system. Meaning that you have additionally a separate vat that is split in half , with the according plate of course. This enables for the printer to behave as a smaller one and not needed to fill a larger vat just to print something small. And also you can print with 2 different resins at the same time. If that makes sense to anyone. And even then this think costs 550E.
And about the CW2. I agree with the heated option since some resins need the added temp to cure properly. But if Prusa doesnt get a bit of reality check im afraid that the cost is going to be high, keeping in mind that for a rather plain cw1 it asks 750E.
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
I partly agree, but I’d probably make two versions: a smaller “SL2S,” perhaps the same size as the current SL1S or slightly larger, and a larger one,
Personally i would rather go the direction Anycubic Photon P1 is taking. Im not sure how well it works but is a dual vat system. Meaning that you have additionally a separate vat that is split in half , with the according plate of course. This enables for the printer to behave as a smaller one and not needed to fill a larger vat just to print something small. And also you can print with 2 different resins at the same time. If that makes sense to anyone. And even then this think costs 550E.
And about the CW2. I agree with the heated option since some resins need the added temp to cure properly. But if Prusa doesnt get a bit of reality check im afraid that the cost is going to be high, keeping in mind that for a rather plain cw1 it asks 750E.
That’s also a really good idea—I’d completely forgotten about it. It’s funny to see that even Anycubic, let’s say, was inspired a bit by Formlabs (if we put the Form 4 next to the P1) and is slowly heading in that direction, but I’d rather do it as an add-on than base an entire marketing campaign on it, like Anycubic did.
My point was more about the overall size—a smaller version for people with limited space (like an apartment), and a larger version for those with plenty of space. Actually, Anycubic has also announced a larger version of the P1.
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
Well, my angle on this is a bit different.
I am thinking about those who already own the SL1S and are getting fomo watching all these cheap-0 printers coming out with much better specs. I think that the SL1S could use a little... refreshing. Historically, Prusa has been all about keep their stuff top-notch and upgradable. It just seems as though they put the SL1S out in the cold... Thing is, it's way more expensive than even their Core One.
I know Prusa has mostly focused on their FDM printers, but if they are offering this one still at a premium, it would be nice to see some sort of effort beyond software tweaking to keep it relevant.
I own two of these suckers and I am starting to feel like a dunce.
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
Well, my angle on this is a bit different.
I am thinking about those who already own the SL1S and are getting fomo watching all these cheap-0 printers coming out with much better specs. I think that the SL1S could use a little... refreshing. Historically, Prusa has been all about keep their stuff top-notch and upgradable. It just seems as though they put the SL1S out in the cold... Thing is, it's way more expensive than even their Core One.
I know Prusa has mostly focused on their FDM printers, but if they are offering this one still at a premium, it would be nice to see some sort of effort beyond software tweaking to keep it relevant.
I own two of these suckers and I am starting to feel like a dunce.
i understand what you mean, i have one along with a recent elegoo saturn ultra. First of all i dont consider the 400E saturn cheap-o. Is a very good build at a far better price than the oldie sls. But do you think that more resolution on the SLS1 will make that much of a difference? Im not sure what else can be updated in this printer. SLS was already hard to upgrade from the beginning. They manage to squeeze a few mm with a new screen but i think that was the limit.
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
I use my printer for jewellery, and for the most part it does a great job. The size has never really been an issue since I can print quite a few rings on the build plate at a time. However, there are some things that I just can't print, such as small writing inside a ring, small details like bead work and such that just... Don't quite make it. I've seen the same things being printed on some of these newer printers with insane detail. To me, the detail and accuracy is way more important to me than speed/size.
Obviously, size and speed are very important for other users. But I think that size would need a new printer all together.
Having a build in heater would be a nice touch. I use Bluecast which is a wax based resin for casting... Their newest X-Wax is 80% wax.. super weird stuff. I have been blasting a tiny U-line space heater on the machine during the prints to make sure it stays thin enough. Mostly out of paranoid thoughts of it hardening before it's done.
Though, something like the Mars 5 ultra is the cost of a single bottle of resin. I guess it's a strange value proposition.
I would love to hear someone from Prusa chime in to justify the massive price tag on the Prusa. Maybe there is something I just don't understand.
People see that price and assume it's a top-notch modern printer.
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
As I follow this discussion, I hope the Prusa team will at least take notice, or is that just wishful thinking?
In any case, I’m currently setting up a space in my apartment (ventilation, safety etc.) and I’ve already decided to buy a HeyGears in Q3, because out of all the printers, it best meets my need for very high micron resolution, easily removable supports, since my hobby is creating very small models and dioramas that will require a high level of detail, combined with “plug-and-play” solution for the simplest possible setup, because I don’t want to deal with and waste time configuring individual resins (maybe later), which also carries a high risk of failure. At one point, I was set on Formlabs, but I found them overpriced. What really put me off, though, was the mere 50-micron resolution at a very high price, and generally the idea that it’s not for detailed models but for functional parts. I can’t deny that Fauxhammer and other reviewers have had a significant influence on my decision.
I’m still scouring the internet to see if anything catches my eye. I’m still focused on Prusa and waiting, since it’s a company from my home country, but unfortunately, it doesn’t offer what I need. Unfortunately, for my needs only the outdated SL1S. In a Reddit discussion that isn’t too old, I came across rumors that an “SL1X” might be in development, but that’s just speculation for now. The major 3D printing event Rapid + TCT 2026 is just around the corner, and Prusa will be there, so we’ll see.
RE: SL1S in 2026 needs a hardware update!
I’d like to add to my previous comment that if this is true and Prusa is indeed developing the “SL1X” model—which I hope will be unveiled as soon as possible, likely at an event dedicated to 3D printing (perhaps at the Formnext 2026)—it could be largely derived from or inspired by their Prusa SLX Pro model, which would be great because it would be, I hope, an affordable version of the professional Prusa SLX Pro model for the average prosumer/consumer. But again that's just speculation or wishful thinking.