Choosing between a resin printer and a filament-based 3D printer can be confusing for newcomers and even experienced users. Each type offers unique strengths, and the right choice depends heavily on your needs.
whether you’re printing high-detail models, large functional parts, or quick prototypes. In this guide, we’ll walk through the key differences between resin and filament 3D printing, explore real-world applications, and help you decide whether a filament machine or the best resin 3D printer fits your workflow better.
What Is Resin 3D Printing?
Resin 3D printing, often referred to as SLA (Stereolithography) or DLP (Digital Light Processing), uses liquid photopolymer resin that is cured layer by layer with a light source, typically UV. These printers produce highly detailed parts, making them ideal for jewelry, dental models, miniatures, and prototyping.
Key Features of Resin Printing:
- High precision and smooth surface finish
- Excellent for small, intricate designs
- Requires post-processing (washing, curing)
- Typically emits odor and requires proper ventilation
- Resins come in various formulations: standard, tough, flexible, castable, etc.
What Is Filament 3D Printing?
Filament 3D printing, also known as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), uses thermoplastic filament (like PLA, ABS, or PETG) that is melted and extruded layer by layer to build a part. It’s one of the most widely adopted 3D printing methods for home and industrial use.
Key Features of Filament Printing:
- Easier to use and maintain for beginners
- Suitable for larger builds
- Stronger mechanical properties (depending on the filament)
- Filaments are generally safer and less messy to handle
- Available in many materials: PLA, ABS, TPU, nylon, carbon fiber-infused, etc.
Key Differences Between Resin and Filament Printing
1. 3D Printing Quality
Resin Printer
A resin printer produces high-resolution models with exceptionally smooth surfaces and intricate details. This makes it ideal for applications where fine textures, small fonts, or precise geometries are required.
such as dental models, jewelry prototypes, and tabletop miniatures. If you’re looking for the best resin 3D printer, choose one with a monochrome LCD and high XY resolution to ensure accuracy and durability.
Filament Printer
Filament printers, or FDM machines, offer decent quality for most general uses but struggle with fine details. Layer lines are often visible, especially at lower resolutions.
While quality has improved over the years, FDM is still less suitable for intricate models compared to resin. However, it’s more than adequate for functional prototypes, enclosures, and mechanical parts.
2. Build Volume
Resin Printer
Most consumer-grade resin printers have a smaller build volume. Their compact design focuses on detail rather than scale, which limits the size of individual prints.
Printing large models often requires splitting them into parts and assembling later. That said, some of the best resin 3D printers now offer larger vats, which can handle medium-scale projects with more flexibility.
Filament Printer
FDM printers typically offer a much larger build volume, making them a good choice for printing bigger parts or multiple pieces in one run. This makes them popular in architecture, engineering, and hobbyist spaces where print size matters.
3. Printing Speed
Resin Printer
Despite the detail, resin printers can be relatively slow, especially for taller models. Each layer must be cured precisely, and while modern printers use monochrome screens for faster exposure, post-processing adds time. Cleaning, support removal, and UV curing are necessary steps after printing.
Filament Printer
Filament printers can generally complete prints faster than resin machines, especially when quality is set to “standard” or “draft.”
There’s also less post-processing required—once it’s printed, you can usually use or test the part immediately. This makes filament printing more suitable for rapid prototyping.
4. Ease of Use
Resin Printer
Resin printers demand more care and attention. Working with liquid resin is messy and requires gloves and proper ventilation.
You’ll need to clean parts with alcohol and cure them under UV light after printing. Beginners may find the process more complex, although newer models have become more user-friendly.
Filament Printer
Filament printers are generally easier to handle. Simply load the filament spool, calibrate the bed, and start printing. Post-processing is minimal. This simplicity has made FDM printers the entry point for many hobbyists and educators.
5. Cost
Resin Printer
While entry-level resin printers are now quite affordable, ongoing costs can add up. Resin is more expensive per gram than filament, and you’ll also need to budget for gloves, alcohol, UV curing stations, and cleaning tools. Replacement parts like FEP films and LCD screens can wear out quickly, depending on usage.
Filament Printer
Filament is cheaper and easier to store, making FDM printing more economical in the long run. Maintenance costs are also lower—many filament printers are open-source, so you can easily repair or upgrade components. This makes FDM a more budget-friendly choice for frequent use.
6. Application Scenario
Resin Printer
Choose a resin printer if your focus is on models with complex geometries or cosmetic finishes. It’s particularly well-suited for product design prototypes, miniatures, dental molds, and artistic sculptures. The best resin 3D printer can replicate sharp edges and tiny elements that FDM would struggle with.
Filament Printer
Filament printers are better for functional prints that require strength and size. They’re used in engineering, construction mockups, enclosures, mounts, and mechanical parts. When strength and scale matter more than fine detail, FDM is the better option.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose a resin printer for fine detail and smooth surfaces, or a filament printer for strength and size. It depends on your project goals.
- Durability and Size: Choose filament 3D printing for strong, large-scale parts.
- Detail and Finish: Opt for resin 3D printing for high-detail, smooth-finish projects.
- Cost: Filament printing is generally more affordable for both initial setup and materials.
- Ease of Use: Filament printers are more beginner-friendly with simpler post-processing.
- Applications: Resin printing is ideal for intricate models, jewelry, and dental prototypes, while filament printing is better for functional parts and larger models.
Conclusion
Whether you’re aiming for the best resin 3D printer for precision tasks or a dependable filament model for larger builds, aligning your choice with your practical needs is the best approach.
For most users, the decision comes down to this: accuracy vs durability, cost vs complexity, and detail vs scale. Start by defining your main goal, learn the process behind each technology, and don’t hesitate to test both methods as your skills grow.