Resin vs Filament 3D Printing: 10 Distinctions

3D printing has changed the way we design and create different parts and products. Two of the most popular types of 3D printing are resin printing and filament printing. There are many differences between these types. Those differences lead to discussions on resin vs filament 3D printing.

Some people believe resin 3D printing is superior, while others believe in its counterpart. Resin printers utilise liquid resin that hardens when exposed to UV light. Filament printers melt plastic filament and layer it to form objects. Are you confused about the differences between these two types of 3D printing? This article presents an analysis of resin and filament 3D printing.

10 Differences Between Resin and Filament 3D Printing

When comparing resin and filament printing, you can’t just look at the final product. The two work in very different ways, and the materials they use are also different. They produce different results. Let’s look at the differences that highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each 3D printing method.

1- Print Quality

Resin printers are known for exceptionally high detail. They create smooth surfaces, sharp edges, and intricate patterns that resemble factory-made parts. This makes them ideal for items such as miniatures, jewelry, dental models, and figurines. You can even print small text and delicate engravings. Resin prints also need less sanding or polishing, which saves time for artists and designers.

Filament printers focus more on strength than detail. The lines are often visible on the surface because they melt and layer the plastic. This works fine for functional parts like brackets, holders, and casings, but it is not ideal for highly detailed models. Still, many people use filament printing for large prototypes and everyday projects.

2- Strength and Durability

Resin prints look great, but they are usually brittle. They may feel solid, yet they can crack or break if dropped or pressed too hard. Some resins are designed to be more rigid or more flexible, but most resin prints work best for display purposes. For example, a resin figurine looks perfect on a shelf, but it won’t last as a hinge or phone holder.

Filament prints are stronger, especially when made with materials like ABS, PETG, or nylon. These plastics can handle bending and stress. That’s why engineers use filament printers for testing mechanical parts or tools. A well-printed filament piece can stay useful for years. It can even replace small parts in real machines if they are made up of the right materials.

3- Printing Speed

Resin printers cure an entire layer at once with UV light. This makes them fast for small, detailed objects. A model that might take hours to print on a filament printer can be finished more quickly on a resin printer. However, resin printing requires additional steps (post-processing). The object must be washed in alcohol and cured under UV light, which can double the total time.

Filament printers work line by line and layer by layer. This is slower for small models. However, for larger objects, filament can be faster since it requires minimal post-processing. Once the print is done, you often just remove the supports and use it right away. Print speed can also be adjusted by changing layer height and nozzle size. Larger nozzles make prints faster but reduce detail.

4- Cost

The cost of resin printing is usually higher. Resin is more expensive than filament, and you also need additional supplies, such as gloves, isopropyl alcohol, and a UV curing station. Even the storage and handling of resin adds to the expense. Budget users often compare PLA vs ABS to find a balance between affordability and strength.

Filament printing is more budget-friendly. Filaments like PLA are inexpensive and readily available. The printers themselves are also less expensive, and the only extra tools you may need are a spatula and some cleaning supplies. For beginners or hobbyists, filament is often the most cost-effective choice. Buying filament in bulk can save even more money over time.

5- Ease of Use

Resin printers are not very beginner-friendly. You’re dealing with liquid chemicals that can spill and irritate your skin. Every print requires careful handling, from pouring resin into the vat to cleaning the finished part. This process can feel overwhelming for first-time users. New users often turn to the online Guide for TPU 3D Printing Filament to handle flexibility challenges.

Filament printers are much easier to use. Most models are designed with beginners in mind. They generally feature a simple setup and plug-and-play printing capabilities. The process is cleaner since you just load the filament, level the bed, and start printing. Because of this, filament printers are often recommended as a first step into 3D printing.

6- Safety

Safety is a big concern with resin. Liquid resin is toxic if it comes into contact with your skin or if fumes are inhaled for an extended period. Gloves, masks, and proper ventilation are essential. This can limit resin printers to dedicated workspaces where safety equipment is available. Even cured resin scraps must be disposed of carefully. For families or shared spaces, resin printing is not always practical.

Filament printers are much safer, especially when using PLA. PLA is biodegradable and does not release strong fumes. As the production of 3D printing materials grows, safety standards are improving. Despite that, resin still requires more caution than filament. For homes, schools, and beginners, filament is clearly the safer choice.

7- Post Processing

Resin printing requires additional effort after the print is finished. You need to wash the object in isopropyl alcohol to remove extra resin, then cure it under UV light. Supports also need to be removed carefully, which can sometimes damage delicate models. The cleanup process can be messy and time-consuming. This is why resin printing often feels less beginner-friendly.

Filament prints usually require less work. You may need to remove supports or sand rough edges, but otherwise, they’re ready to use almost immediately. For functional parts or quick prototypes, this makes filament printing more practical. Painting or smoothing is optional, not required. For many users, this easier cleanup makes filament the faster choice overall.

8- Print Size

Most resin printers have small build volumes. This is fine for miniatures or jewelry, but not suitable for large projects. Printing oversized items would require splitting them into multiple parts. After that, those parts will undergo gluing, a time-consuming process. Larger resin printers do exist, but they are much more expensive. Because of this, resin is best for detailed small to medium prints.

Filament printers often come with larger build volumes. This makes them better suited for printing large objects, such as helmets, furniture parts, or large prototypes. For creators working on large-scale projects, filament is more convenient. Many budget printers already offer big print sizes. This makes filament the go-to choice for printing large models in one piece.

9- Material Options

Resin printing offers fewer material choices, but the resins available are highly specialized. You can find tough resin, flexible resin, castable resin for jewelry, and even dental resin approved for medical use. This specialization makes resin valuable in industries where detail and material properties matter. However, each resin type can be costly compared to filament. Most resins also have shorter shelf lives, so careful storage is required.

Filament printers offer a wide variety of materials. PLA is great for beginners, while ABS is durable. PETG is strong and heat-resistant, while TPU is flexible. Composites, such as carbon fiber or wood, add unique qualities. This wide range of materials makes filament printing highly versatile for different needs. Comparisons like PLA vs PETG in 3D Printing help people choose the right filament for their needs.

10- Difference in Applications

Resin printers excel in industries that require precision and aesthetic appeal. Dentists use them for dental molds, jewelers for prototypes, and model makers for detailed figurines. Resin is also popular among hobbyists who want flawless miniatures for board games or collectibles. However, resin applications are often limited to small or decorative items.

Filament printers shine in practical applications. Engineers use them for mechanical prototypes, and hobbyists to create functional parts. Filament printing prioritizes utility and strength over visual perfection. They are perfect for larger designs where toughness takes precedence over detail. This makes filament printers valuable across industries from education to engineering.

Frequently Asked Questions

** Do resin 3D prints last? **

Yes. Resin 3D prints can last for several years, especially when properly cared for. However, these prints are not for heavy-duty use. You should expect their life if you keep them under care, and use them for decorative purposes only.

**Can resin 3D printers make large objects? **

No. Resin 3D printers are limited to creating small or miniature objects. They are ideal when you need a small object with perfect finishing and detailing. I recommend choosing filament 3D printing for large objects or products.

** Which is stronger: resin or filament 3D printing? **

Filament 3D printing is more durable and stronger than resin printing. However, these prints are simple and lack details. On the other hand, resin printing offers fragile prints but with excellent details.

** What are the disadvantages of resin 3D printers? **

Resin 3D printers have the following disadvantages:

They make parts with lesser durability They lag when it comes to making large parts and products Resin 3D printers are costly. Due to this, they are less suitable for beginners.

Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose, Resin or Filament 3D Printing?

There is no clear winner when it comes to resin vs filament 3D printing. Both of these production methods have a unique value proposition. So, their selection should be based on individual production needs.

I recommend choosing filament 3D printing. The reason is that this process produces durable objects with excellent strength. Additionally, this type of 3D printing is inexpensive and beginner-friendly. You can use it to make even large-sized objects with decent quality. However, those objects will lack fine details.

Do you require fine details and small objects? If so, consider resin 3D printing. However, this method has many drawbacks. First, parts made with resin 3D printing require post-processing. Additionally, this is a costly process, which can be a big issue for budget-conscious individuals. In short, both of these 3D printing have their unique offerings. You should select them based on your product requirements.