Wash and Cure Station vs UV Curing Lamp: Which One Should You Buy?

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Wash and cure station vs uv curing lamp: what each one does

A wash and curing station is built to do the washing step and the curing step in a combined unit. The model goes into cleaning liquid for washing, then moves to a curing area with UV light. A UV curing lamp, by contrast, provides light for curing only, so washing must happen elsewhere, in a bucket, a container, or a wash unit.

That difference matters for workflow. A station keeps washing and curing in the same unit, with controls for mode and time. A lamp keeps the curing step separate, which can suit a maker who already has a washing setup and only needs light for curing. A bucket alone covers washing only.

Compatibility also differs. Stations in the picks below name specific printer series, such as Photon Mono and Mars, and give washing sizes in millimetres, with the ANYCUBIC stations also stating a curing size. A lamp alone does not wash, so its fit depends on curing size and light wavelength, not on bucket size.

How to choose between a station and a lamp

Start with the size of the models you print. Compare the stated washing size and curing size with the build plate and the model, and check whether the station fits printer series you use. A larger washing bucket helps with larger models, while a smaller unit may suit smaller prints. Compare those figures directly rather than guessing from outer size.

• Washing size: check the washing size against your models and build plate.
• Curing size and light: check the curing size and, where stated, the light wavelength, such as 405nm on the ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0.
• Modes: basket washing and suspension washing hold a model differently during washing.
• Time control: adjustable time ranges, such as 1 to 30 minutes on the ANYCUBIC stations, let you set washing and curing time from the controls.
• Noise and operation: check stated running noise and mode selection by knob or touch-sensitive buttons.

Check printer series before choosing post-processing gear.

The gear picks

The picks below are ordered by the stated sizes, modes and controls in each listing, with the wash-only bucket last. Each pick is described only from its own listing.

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure Machine 3.0 with Twistable Gooseneck Light: This station gives a maximum cleaning volume of 165 x 100 x 180 mm, a cleaning bucket volume of 4L, and a curing size of up to 160 x 180 mm. The gooseneck light design increases the energy value by 30,000uW/cm² within a 1-3 cm irradiation range, and curing uniformity is enhanced by 20% with a new arrangement of light beads and a lens light source. The double-layer PP material cleaning basket has heights at 3.93 inches and 6.5 inches, to fit print platforms from 5.9 inches to 7.3 inches, and the listing names compatibility with Photon Mono 4, Photon Mono 2, Mars 3 series, Mars 4 and Mars 4 Ultra. Time adjusts from 1 to 30 minutes with a rotary knob, and running noise does not exceed 65db. Warranty: Not stated.

ANYCUBIC Wash and Cure 3 with Gooseneck Lights: This station lists a washing size of 165 x 100 x 180 mm and a cleaning bucket volume of 4L. The listing claims a 42% increase in cleaning basket capacity over Wash and Cure 2, and a 20% improvement in curing uniformity over the previous generation 2.0. The gooseneck light design increases the energy value by 30,000uW/cm² within a 1-3 cm irradiation range. The double-layered PP material cleaning basket has adjustable heights at 100mm and 165mm, for printing platforms ranging from 5.9 inches to 7.3 inches, and the listing names LCD printers with a size of 7.3 inches or less, including Photon Mono 4, Photon Mono 4 Ultra and Mars series. Time adjusts from 1 to 30 minutes, with cleaning and curing modes selected with one click. Warranty: 12 months. The stated figures match the pick above on washing size, bucket volume, gooseneck energy value and time range.

ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 Large Wash and Cure Machine: This station has dual functions of cleaning and curing, with a sealed washing container of 180 x 150 x 206 mm. The curing mode uses a double row high-power 405nm lamp board with lamp beads (8+8) and a 360° rotating curing turntable. The cover blocks up to 99.95% of ultraviolet rays with a wavelength of 405nm, and operation suspends automatically when the cover is lifted during curing. Cleaning can use basket washing or suspension washing, with a bracket height that adjusts to the liquid level. Touch-sensitive buttons and a large LED screen are included. The spec table dimension figures do not match the bullet container size, so this guide uses the bullet figure. Warranty: Not stated, as the spec table lists only “1” with no unit.

ELEGOO Washing Bucket for Mercury X/XS Bundle Wash and Cure Station: This is a washing bucket only, not a combined station and not a lamp. It has a bucket size of 183 x 148 x 248 mm and a capacity of 7000ml, with a 7-liter water tank, a rubber sealing design and pulsator washplates. The bucket body is made of PP plastic. It supports basket washing and suspension washing for Mars 2, Mars 3 series, Saturn and Saturn S, with the build plate, or batch cleaning of parts removed from the build plate. The spec table dimension figures differ from the bullet bucket size, so this guide uses the bullet figure. Warranty: 8 year manufacturer.

Mistakes to avoid

• Choosing by outer size instead of the stated washing size and curing size.
• Assuming a bucket alone can complete curing, or a lamp alone can wash.
• Ignoring compatibility with your printer series and build plate.
• Skipping the stated time range and mode controls.
• Using a spec table figure that conflicts with the bullets.

The short version

1. Decide whether you need washing, curing, or washing and curing.
2. Compare the stated washing size and curing size with your models.
3. Check printer series compatibility and the stated modes.
4. Check the stated time range, controls and warranty term.

A station suits washing and curing in a combined unit, a lamp suits curing where washing is handled elsewhere, and a bucket suits washing only.

FAQ: lasers and CNC

Should I buy a wash and cure station or a UV curing lamp?

Buy a station if you need washing and curing in a combined unit, and consider a lamp only if washing is already handled elsewhere. A lamp provides curing light only, so it does not replace a bucket or a wash unit.

What size wash and cure station do I need?

Compare the stated washing size and curing size with your models and build plate. The ANYCUBIC stations in the picks list a washing size of 165 x 100 x 180 mm, while the ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 lists a washing container of 180 x 150 x 206 mm. Use those stated figures, not the outer size of a unit.

Does a washing bucket provide curing for a resin model?

No, a washing bucket covers washing only. The ELEGOO washing bucket in the picks has a capacity of 7000ml and supports basket washing and suspension washing, but curing needs a separate step with UV light after washing.

What does a gooseneck light add to curing?

On the ANYCUBIC stations, the gooseneck light design increases the energy value by 30,000uW/cm² within a 1-3 cm irradiation range, to strengthen curing on subtle areas such as the top of a model. The listings also claim a 20% improvement in curing uniformity over the previous generation, with a new bead arrangement and lens light source.

Do these stations work with any resin printer?

Not every station fits every printer, so check the stated printer series. The ANYCUBIC stations name Photon Mono and Mars series machines, and the ELEGOO Mercury Plus 2.0 names Mars series among LCD, DLP and SLA printers. The ELEGOO bucket names Mars 2, Mars 3 series, Saturn and Saturn S.

Related: the FDM vs Resin 3D Printer comparison, best 3D printer for small business guide and resin 3D printers category. Also see the best entry level resin printer guide.