Resin vs Filament: Which 3D Printer Should You Choose?

If you are looking to buy your first 3D printer, you will quickly face a big decision. Should you get a Filament (FDM) printer or a Resin (SLA) printer?

Both are popular 3D printer types, but they serve very different purposes. Filament printers are like hot glue guns that build models with melted plastic. On the other hand, resin printers use light to turn liquid into solid plastic.

To help you decide, we compare them side-by-side. This guide will cover the differences in quality, ease of use, and cost so you can pick the right one for your needs.

Quick Comparison: Filament vs. Resin

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

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

It works by feeding a string of plastic, called filament, into a hot nozzle. The nozzle melts the plastic and draws the object layer by layer on a build plate. It is very similar to how a hot glue gun works.

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 (SLA) Printing?

SLA stands for Stereolithography. These printers are famous for their incredible precision.

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

• Messy Cleanup: You have to wash the prints in alcohol and cure them under UV light.
• Safety Concerns: Liquid resin is toxic. You must wear gloves and a mask, and need ventilation in your workspace.
• Brittle Parts: If you drop a resin print, it will likely shatter like glass.

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 your main goal is visual perfection, Resin is the clear winner. Because it uses light instead of a nozzle, it can create tiny details that FDM simply cannot match. This makes Resin the standard for printing D&D miniatures, jewelry, or highly detailed model kits.

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

Filament prints are generally much stronger. 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. 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. Also, the LCD screens on resin printers wear out over time and need replacing.

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.

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.

FAQs

Which printer is better for beginners?

Filament (FDM) printers are much better for beginners. They are easier to set up, require less maintenance, and do not involve messy chemicals.

What is the lifespan of a resin print?

Under normal indoor conditions, a standard resin print usually holds up for about three to five years. However, tough or engineering-grade resins are much stronger and may reach a lifespan of ten to fifteen years.

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.