Resin 3D Printing vs. Filament 3D Printing—Which Is Best for You?

At Xometry, we offer a number of resin-based processes, such as SLA, PolyJet, and more. Likewise, we offer fused deposition modeling (FDM), which uses materials in the form of filaments. Although all these processes can be used to create custom 3D printed parts for our customers, there are some key differences between 3D printing with resin and filament-based processes and materials.

Both of these methods have their pros and cons, and the best one for you will depend on the type of project you’re doing. You’ll also have to factor in your budget and any tight deadlines. Let’s have a closer look at the differences between resin and filament 3D printing, their strengths and weaknesses, and how they can best be used.

What is Resin 3D Printing?

Resin 3D printing uses liquid photopolymer resin materials that are cured, layer by layer, using some type of UV source that’s inside the printer itself, like a laser or a projector. Some types of resin 3D printing are stereolithography (SLA) or digital light processing (DLP). Although they both use resin, these have their differences. SLA uses a UV laser to trace the shape of the item onto the resin’s surface, while DLP projects a UV light pattern onto the entire resin layer, curing it all simultaneously. As it prints, the build platform lowers to allow room for subsequent layers, and the process repeats until the print is complete. Once done, post-processing typically involves the print being washed and cured, with any extra resin being removed.

How Does Resin 3D Printing Work?

The process of resin 3D printing, also referred to as stereolithography (SLA) or digital light processing (DLP), involves layer-by-layer curing of a liquid photopolymer resin using UV light. While a projector in DLP projects a UV light pattern onto the entire layer of resin, curing it all at once, SLA selectively solidifies the resin by tracing the shape of the object onto the resin's surface. The build platform is lowered after each layer has dried and the process is repeated until the entire object is finished. The final product is then post-processed to remove extra resin and harden the material, which involves washing and curing.

What Are the Advantages of Resin 3D Printing?

3D printing with resin is popular thanks to its many perks. It is considered the go-to 3D printing method for those who want their complex designs made into detailed and high-resolution prints with smooth surfaces. There is a wide range of resins, including flexible, engineering-grade, and even dental composite resins. 

Unlike plastics or powdered materials, resin is water resistant, and continues to be after its hardened. It won’t absorb moisture, making it an excellent choice for creating watertight prints. Another benefit of resin 3D printing is that its surface finish is typically smoother out of the machine due to the high level of accuracy that can be achieved with the UV curing methods commonly used in resin printing. Our PolyJet and SLA processes can all easily achieve layer heights of 50 microns or below.

What Are the Disadvantages of Resin 3D Printing?

There are a few disadvantages to resin 3D printing, including a limited printing size, which is typically smaller than that of filament printers, and its lengthy process. It takes a lot of time and effort to wash, cure, and sand support knubs from the print, and it can also get quite messy. When 3D printing with resin, it’s important to have good ventilation as this method produces toxic fumes that shouldn’t be breathed in. Resin has a limited shelf life with a best-before date. If you use an expired resin, the prints may be compromised. Finally, resin prints are easily prone to degradation from UV, environmental and other factors. 

What Software Is Used for Resin 3D Printers?

Chitubox, Lychee Slicer, Formlabs PreForm, and Autodesk® Meshmixer are just some of the popular software options for resin 3D printing. These programs allow you to prepare, slice, and send 3D models to printers, as well as make any modifications and adjustments to the print-quality settings, such as the layer height, exposure time, and support structures. Not all software is compatible with all 3D printer models, so check the manufacturer’s recommendations to make sure you get the right one for your needs.

Is Resin 3D Printing Better Than Filament 3D Printing?

No, 3D printing with resin is not inherently superior to 3D printing with filament. Depending on the specific use case, both technologies have benefits and drawbacks. While filament 3D printing offers a wider variety of materials, a larger build volume, and a lower entry cost, resin 3D printing offers a higher resolution and a smoother surface finish. The choice ultimately comes down to the application in mind and the resources that are accessible.

Are Resin 3D Prints Brittle?

Yes, 3D prints made of resin can be fragile. This is because resin prints use a particular kind of polymer that may be more brittle than materials like ABS or PLA. In addition, the resin curing procedure can occasionally cause stress fractures or other types of damage that increase the likelihood of the print breaking.

What is Filament 3D Printing?

Filament 3D printing, also known as fused deposition modeling (FDM), is another 3D printing method that allows users to create 3D objects by extruding a continuous flow of filament or thermoplastic material, one layer at a time, to build a part. This is a widely used type of 3D printing thanks to its adaptability and availability from the hobbyist market up to the industrial level.

How Does Filament 3D Printing Work?

A filament 3D printer works by feeding a large piece of plastic filament from a spool into a nozzle. This is heated, melted, and liquefied before it passes through the extruder and nozzle, and released onto the build plate or subseqeuent layers. The nozzle extrudes the filament as it moves in a pre-set pattern one layer at a time until it’s finished printing the object. As the printed layers are deposited, the filament will start to cool and solidify. Since FDM is a relatively straightforward process it can easily be scaled up, allowing for very large pieces to be printed. For example, our machines at Xometry have a build volume of up to 36x”36”24”!

What Are the Advantages of Filament 3D Printing?

Filament 3D printing has many advantages which make it an incredibly versatile and accessible 3D printing method. This type of printing is beginner-friendly—much easier than printing with resin—but is also suitable for professional services like Xometry, as it can make durable, strong, and wear-resistant pieces.

With this method, you can print with a wide variety of thermoplastic materials. Xometry, for example, can print in materials like PLA, ABS, nylon, polycarbonate, ULTEM, and more. These materials have a wide range of characteristics and properties that can be chosen to fit your project's specific needs. Industrial FDM printers like the ones we use at Xometry are very reliable and can print very large parts in a single build, making them advantageous for creating life-size prototypes like prosthetics.

What Are the Disadvantages of Filament 3D Printing?

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to filament 3D printing. For starters, FDM prints often have prominent layer lines which can be unsightly. Although it does not require as many post-processing steps as resin-based processes like SLA, it can still be a slow building process, especially for large parts.

It’s also worth noting that support structures will need to be printed alongside the main model to keep it intact. You’ll have to then remove and throw away the supports, making the whole process longer, and also a bit wasteful. Perhaps the most frustrating thing, however, is its tendency for parts to warp while printing unless you have all the correct settings and conditions dialed in, which will likely take some trial and error to get just right. This is why Xometry uses industrial FDM platforms which are optimized for printing a wide range of materials with high reliability and quality.

What Software Is Used for Filament 3D Printers?

A filament 3D printer uses slicer software. Using a 3D model as a starting point, slicer software generates a toolpath that the printer can follow layer by layer. Simplify3D, PrusaSlicer, and Cura are a few examples of slicer software. Users of these software programs can alter settings like layer height, infill density, and print speed to get the outcomes they want.

Is Filament 3D Printing Cheaper Than Resin 3D Printing?

Yes, filament 3D printing is generally cheaper than resin 3D printing due to the lower cost of purchasing filament compared to resin. Resin can cost between $15 and $80 for 500 ml to 1 liter, while a 1 kg spool of PLA, ABS, or PETG filament typically costs around $20. Resin printing also entails extra expenses, such as replacing the resin tank, buying isopropyl alcohol, safety gear, and a UV curing lamp, which can add up and make resin printing more expensive over time.

Is Filament Stronger Than Resin 3D Prints?

Yes, generally speaking, filaments used for FDM 3D printing are more durable than regular resins used for resin 3D printing. This is because materials like ABS, PLA, PETG, nylon, and polycarbonate—which are often employed in FDM printing—have higher tensile strengths and impact resistance. The exception to this is tough resin, which is stronger than PETG, ABS, and nylon.

Which Are Faster: Resin 3D Printers or Filament 3D Printers?

SLA resin printing usually runs slower than FDM due to the small surface area of the lasers used. Projector and LCD-based printing, on the other hand, can be quicker than FDM because they can cure entire layers at once. Giving a clear-cut answer as to which method is faster is challenging because the speed of each method depends on some variables, including the settings, materials, and build heights used. The intended use case should ultimately guide the decision rather than speed alone when deciding between resin and FDM.

Which Creates the Smoothest Surfaces: Resin 3D Printers or Filament 3D Printers?

Compared to filament 3D printers, resin 3D printers are known for their smoother surfaces. This is because resin printing can produce images with a high degree of detail and resolution. Resin printers produce incredibly fine details and smooth surfaces by curing a liquid photopolymer with light. In contrast, filament printers construct the model layer by layer by extruding melted plastic, which can lead to a slightly rougher surface finish.

Which Are Most Cost Effective: Resin 3D Printers or Filament 3D Printers?

In most cases, filament 3D printers are more economical than resin 3D printers because they can use a wider variety of filaments and have less expensive materials. Specialized liquid photopolymers are necessary for resin printing, and the post-processing procedures usually call for additional tools and materials. Additionally, compared to filament printers, resin printers typically have a higher upfront cost.

Which Makes the Strongest Prints: Resin 3D Printers or Filament 3D Printers?

The prints made by filament 3D printers are typically thought to be more durable than those made by resin 3D printers. This is because a variety of thermoplastics, including ABS and PETG, which have excellent strength characteristics, can be used with filament printers. On the other hand, photopolymer resins, which can be delicate and have low impact resistance, are typically used in resin printers. Despite this, resin printing is preferred for creating intricate and highly detailed models that might be difficult to create using filament printers.

Which Resin 3D Printer and Filament 3D Printer is the Best Starter 3D Printer?

The user's preferences and the printer's intended use will determine which 3D printer is the best entry-level model. The recommendation is to start with a filament 3D printer due to its lower cost and simplicity of use if deciding between a resin 3D printer and a filament 3D printer. The Original Prusa MK3S+ offers a more luxurious experience for those willing to spend more money, while the Creality Ender-3 V2 and Voxelab Aquila are both great low-cost options. The Elegoo Mars 3 is a reliable option with high-resolution and user-friendly features for resin printing.

Copyright and Trademark Notices

1. Autodesk® is a registered trademark of Autodesk, Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates, in the United States.

Disclaimer

The content appearing on this webpage is for informational purposes only. Xometry makes no representation or warranty of any kind, be it expressed or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or validity of the information. Any performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, quality and types of materials, or processes should not be inferred to represent what will be delivered by third-party suppliers or manufacturers through Xometry’s network. Buyers seeking quotes for parts are responsible for defining the specific requirements for those parts. Please refer to our terms and conditions for more information.