Resin vs. Filament 3D Printer: Key Differences, Pros and Cons

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If you are buying your first 3D printer, this decision matters more than brand or price.

Should you get a Filament (FDM) printer or a Resin (SLA) printer?

Both are popular 3D printer types, but they serve very different purposes.

Resin 3D printers use liquid chemicals and light to create incredibly detailed, smooth models, while filament 3D printers melt plastic strings to build strong, functional parts.

But that is not all. Choosing between these two involves more than just looking at the final print.

In this guide, we will break down the differences in safety, cost, and effort based on your specific needs to help you choose wisely.

Quick Comparison: Filament vs. Resin

Here is a quick look at the main specifications to help you understand the key differences.

Feature	Filament (FDM)	Resin (MSLA)
Printing method	Melted plastic through a nozzle	UV light curing liquid resin
Typical layer height	0.1–0.28 mm	25–50 microns
Material Form	Solid plastic spool (Filament)	Liquid plastic (Resin)
Print Quality	Good, but layer lines are visible	Excellent, extremely smooth and detailed
Strength	High, parts are tough and impact-resistant	Low, parts are often brittle and fragile
Ease of Use	Beginner-friendly, easy cleanup	steeper learning curve, messy cleanup
Post-Processing	Simple (remove supports)	Complex (wash in alcohol + cure with UV light)
Safety	Generally safe, low odor (PLA)	Toxic fumes, requires gloves and ventilation
Best For	Large props, functional parts, prototyping	Miniatures, jewelry, dental models

What is Filament (FDM) Printing?

FDM stands for Fused Deposition Modeling. It is the most common type of 3D printing for hobbyists.

How it Works

A plastic filament is pushed into a heated nozzle, melted, and deposited onto the build plate. Each layer bonds to the one below it until the object is complete. This process is controlled by slicer software, which sets layer height, speed, and infill.

The Pros of Filament Printer

Strong Parts: The prints are durable and can take a beating.
Easy to Use: There are no chemicals to handle. You just load the spool and print.
Large Build Volume: FDM printers can usually print much larger objects than resin printers.

The Cons of Filament Printer

Visible Layers: You can often see the lines where each layer was printed.
Less Detail: It struggles with very tiny details like the face of a miniature soldier.

What Is Resin (MSLA) Printing?

SLA stands for Stereolithography.

Most modern resin printers are technically MSLA printers. They use an LCD screen to mask UV light and cure an entire layer at once.

The term “SLA” is still common, but MSLA is the standard for hobby resin printers in 2026.

How it Works

Resin printers use a tank filled with liquid photosensitive resin. A screen or laser underneath the tank projects UV light in the shape of your layer. The light hardens the liquid instantly. The build plate lifts up, and the process repeats.

The Pros of Resin Printer

Amazing Detail: The resolution is stunning. You cannot see the layer lines with the naked eye.
Smooth Finish: The surface looks professional right out of the printer.

The Cons of Resin Printer

Post-processing is required after every print
Uncured resin is a skin and respiratory hazard
Parts are usually brittle and can shatter when dropped

Detailed Comparison

Now that you know the basics, let's look at how they compare in the real world.

1. Print Quality and Resolution

If you are printing miniatures, resin is the clear winner. With layer heights measured in microns, resin printers capture facial expressions, armor textures, and engraved details that FDM printers cannot reproduce.

This is why resin printing dominates tabletop gaming. Printing ten D&D miniatures takes the same amount of time as printing one.

However, FDM is catching up. A well-tuned FDM printer can produce great results for larger objects like cosplay helmets, vases, or tool holders.

2. Strength and Durability

If you want to build a shelf bracket, a car part, or a phone case, Filament is the better choice.

Materials like PLA and ABS are tough, and finding the best filament ensures your parts can withstand stress. This makes FDM perfect for functional parts like brackets, phone stands, or replacement parts for household items.

Resin prints, while beautiful, are brittle. Over time, they can become even more fragile if exposed to too much sunlight. Therefore, Resin is not recommended for parts that need to hold weight or withstand impact.

3. Ease of Use and Workflow

This is where filament shines. FDM printing is clean. When the print is done, you just pop it off the plate and remove the supports.

Resin printing is a whole process. First, you have to pour the sticky liquid into the tank. After printing, the part is covered in toxic uncured resin. You need to wash it in a chemical bath and then cure it in a UV chamber. It requires a dedicated workspace and a lot of preparation.

4. Workspace and Safety

This is a major concern for most home users.

Filament printers are mostly odorless and can sit on a desk in your home office.

Resin printers require a dedicated workspace.

You must have good airflow (ventilation) to remove chemical fumes, and you must wear nitrile gloves at all times to avoid skin irritation.

5. Cost

FDM printers are generally cheaper to buy and run. A spool of filament lasts a long time and is very affordable. If you are budgeting, it is helpful to check exactly how much a 3D printer costs.

Resin printers have become cheaper recently, but the running costs are higher. You have to buy resin, gloves, paper towels, and isopropyl alcohol for cleaning.

Resin vs Filament: Which Printer Should You Choose?

Choosing between Resin and Filament comes down to what you want to make.

Choose a Filament (FDM) Printer if:

You are a beginner and want an easy, mess-free experience.
You want to make functional parts, large props, or household items.
You do not want to deal with toxic chemicals and fumes.

This is the best choice if you are printing a replacement dishwasher part, a full-sized superhero helmet, or a sturdy wall hook.

Choose a Resin (SLA) Printer if:

You want to print high-detail miniatures, jewelry, or art pieces.
You care more about surface quality than strength.
You have a dedicated workspace with good ventilation.

This is the best choice if you are printing 28mm characters for a board game, a detailed ring for a jewelry mold, or a high-quality display statue.

FAQs about Resin vs Filament

Is resin 3D printing better than filament?

It depends on the goal. Resin is better for extreme detail (miniatures, jewelry, art) and smooth surfaces.

Filament is better for strength, size, and safety (tools, large props, household fixes). Resin is for beauty; Filament is for utility.

Does resin last longer than filament?

No. Filament prints (especially materials like PETG or ASA) are usually tougher and last longer. Standard resin can become brittle and crack if it stays in the sun for too long.

Is it safe to use a resin printer indoors?

Only if you have a window and a fan to move the air outside. You should not sleep or spend all day in a room with an active resin printer.

Which printing method is faster?

It depends on what you are printing. For a single large object, FDM is usually faster. However, resin printers cure the entire layer at once. This means printing ten small miniatures takes the exact same amount of time as printing just one. So, if you are printing batches of small parts, resin is much faster.

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eufyMake Team

We’re the eufyMake Team, Anker’s creative tools division. We’re here to share everything you need for your printing journey — from what to buy to fresh printing ideas.