If you are new to 3D printing or looking to upgrade your printing setup, you might be wondering: Which is better, resin or filament 3D printing? Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and the choice depends on what you want to print. In this guide, we will compare resin and filament 3D printing in terms of quality, cost, ease of use, durability, and more to help you decide which one suits your needs best.
What Are Resin and Filament 3D Printing?
Before diving into comparisons, let’s understand the basics of both resin and filament 3D printing technologies.
Filament 3D Printing (FDM)
Filament-based 3D printing, also known as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), is the most common type of 3D printing. It works by melting a plastic filament and extruding it layer by layer to build an object.
- Popular Filaments: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU
- Best for: Prototyping, functional parts, hobbyist projects
Resin 3D Printing (SLA/DLP/MSLA)
Resin 3D printing uses liquid resin, which is cured (hardened) by UV light to form solid layers. The main technologies are Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), and Masked SLA (MSLA).
- Popular Resins: Standard, tough, flexible, castable
- Best for: High-detail prints, miniatures, jewelry, dental models
Resin vs. Filament: A Detailed Comparison
1. Print Quality & Detail
- Resin Printing: Produces highly detailed, smooth prints with fine features. Ideal for small objects like miniatures, jewelry, and dental models.
- Filament Printing: Prints are stronger but have visible layer lines. Best for larger, functional parts where smooth detail is less important.
- Winner: Resin (better detail and smooth finish)
2. Strength & Durability
- Filament: Stronger overall, especially materials like ABS, PETG, and nylon, which are great for mechanical parts.
- Resin: Brittle unless using specialized tough or flexible resins.
- Winner: Filament (better for durable and functional parts)
3. Ease of Use
- Filament: Easier to use, with fewer safety concerns. Requires minimal post-processing.
- Resin: Messy and requires post-processing (washing & curing), along with protective gear.
- Winner: Filament (beginner-friendly and hassle-free)
4. Cost Comparison
- Filament: Cheaper, with spools costing $20–$40 for 1kg.
- Resin: More expensive, with bottles costing $30–$60 for 1 liter, plus extra costs for cleaning solutions and UV curing stations.
- Winner: Filament (lower overall cost)
5. Speed of Printing
- Filament: Slower but does not require extra curing time.
- Resin: Prints layers faster, but post-processing (washing & curing) takes extra time.
- Winner: Depends (Resin prints faster but requires extra finishing time)
6. Safety & Environmental Concerns
- Filament: Safer to use, especially PLA, which is biodegradable and non-toxic.
- Resin: Toxic fumes and liquid exposure risks. Requires gloves and proper ventilation.
- Winner: Filament (safer and more environmentally friendly)
7. Maintenance & Cleaning
- Filament: Minimal maintenance. Only occasional nozzle cleaning is required.
- Resin: Requires resin handling, cleaning solutions, and frequent printer maintenance.
- Winner: Filament (easier to maintain)
8. Best Use Cases
| Feature | Filament (FDM) | Resin (SLA/DLP) |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Functional parts, large prints | Miniatures, high-detail prints |
| Strength | High (especially PETG, ABS) | Brittle (unless tough resin used) |
| Ease of Use | Easy, beginner-friendly | Requires careful handling |
| Cost | Cheaper overall | More expensive (resin + cleaning) |
| Print Speed | Slower, no curing needed | Faster, but curing required |
| Safety | Safer, non-toxic | Toxic fumes, requires protection |
| Post-processing | Minimal | Requires washing & UV curing |
FAQs
1. Which is better for beginners, resin or filament 3D printing?
Filament (FDM) is better for beginners because it is easier to use, safer, and more affordable.
2. Which type of 3D printing is best for miniatures and detailed models?
Resin printing (SLA/DLP/MSLA) is the best choice for miniatures, jewelry, and highly detailed models.
3. Can I print strong mechanical parts with resin?
Standard resin is brittle, but tough resin or reinforced resin can be used for stronger prints. However, filament materials like PETG, ABS, and Nylon are generally better for strength.
4. Is resin printing more expensive than filament printing?
Yes, resin printing is more expensive due to the cost of resin, cleaning supplies, and post-processing equipment.
5. Do resin printers smell?
Yes, resin printers release fumes that can be unpleasant and harmful. Proper ventilation and a well-ventilated workspace are essential.
6. Which printer type is faster, resin or filament?
Resin printers build layers faster, but post-processing takes extra time. Filament prints slower but is ready to use once printed.
7. Can I mix resin and filament printing?
Yes! Many professionals combine both: using filament for functional parts and resin for detailed components.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between resin and filament 3D printing depends on your needs:
- Choose Filament (FDM) if you want strong, cost-effective, and easy-to-use prints for functional parts and large models.
- Choose Resin (SLA/DLP) if you need high-detail, smooth prints for miniatures, dental models, or artistic projects.
If you’re a beginner, FDM (filament) printers are the best starting point. However, if you want ultra-detailed prints and are willing to handle the extra work, resin printers are a great choice.
By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of both technologies, you can choose the best option for your projects and enjoy 3D printing to its fullest!