Resin VS Filament: Which Is Better for 3D Printing

For most people, the important thing to know about Resin 3D printing vs filament 3D printing, is concerning the materials used in the printing process. So let us dive deeper into when to use each type of printer and material. Enjoy!

What Is Resin 3D Printing?

Geeetech resin

As the name suggests, this technology uses resin for printing 3D models. The resin is liquid when printed, but will become hardened once the print is finished and subjected to UV lights.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Resin 3d printing works make it possible to achieve very good results when it comes to precision and specific details. This is because each new printed layer will blend well with the previous ones.

However, the technology is not as quick compared to other methods such as plastic or polymer filaments. And the cost for the resin also tends to be higher per weight unit. Some types of resin are also toxic or dangerous to handle without proper care.

What Is Filament 3D Printing?

Geeetech Thunder 3d printer

This is the type of 3D printer material that most people are familiar with. It uses some form of filament, which can be made from a wide variety of different ingredients. For instance, Geeetech filament is biodegradable, safe for coming in contact with food, and suitable for extreme temperatures.

Advantages and Disadvantages

On the positive side, the technology is well developed now, with high production efficiency resulting in effective cost control, so you can find cheap 3D printing filament.

That being said, there are also some possible things to consider, such as the slightly worse precision and details for FDM printing. The surface can sometimes require people to sand or smooth it for a more polished finish.

Comparison of Resin and Filament 3D Printing

Black Myth Wukong Monkey printed by Geeetech washable resin and Christmas tree printed by Geeetech PLA filament.
Left: Black Myth Wukong Monkey printed by Geeetech washable resin ( Model source: Qicamo @MakeWorld )
Right: Christmas tree printed by Geeetech PLA filament ( Model source: Genapart @thingiverse )

Below you can see an overview of both Resin 3D printing and FDM printing. We have compared both methods on a number of different aspects.

AspectResin 3D PrintingFilament 3D Printing (FDM)
CostHigherLower
DetailHighModerate
Surface FinishSmoothVisible layers
MaterialsLimitedWide variety
Ease of UseComplexBeginner-friendly
Post-ProcessingRequired (washing/curing)Minimal (sanding optional)
Build VolumeSmallerLarger
DurabilityBrittleStronger
CleanupMessyClean
Print SpeedModerateFaster
Environmental ImpactHigher (chemical waste)Lower (e.g., biodegradable PLA)
ApplicationsDetailed models, miniaturesPrototypes, functional parts

Print Operation

Step/SettingResin 3D PrintingFilament 3D Printing (FDM)
Material PreparationLiquid resin poured into a vatFilament loaded into extruder
Printing TemperatureNo heating requiredNozzle: 180-260°C, Bed: 50-110°C
Cooling/FanNot neededCooling fan for proper filament cooling
Print SpeedSlow (~20-50 mm/s)Faster (~40-100 mm/s)
Layer ThicknessThin (0.01-0.1 mm)Thicker (0.1-0.3 mm)
Post-ProcessingRequires washing & UV curingMinimal (remove supports, sanding)
Printer MaintenanceClean resin vat & replace FEPClean nozzle, replace filament spool
Safety MeasuresHandle resin with gloves and mask; proper ventingFew precautions, mostly non-toxic PLA

Overall Filament 3D printing is easier for people to use. It does not require a complicated process with the resin vat, UV curing and chemical cleaning.

FDM printers are also easier to maintain over time, and they are less messy since plastic filament is easy to handle compared to liquid resin.

Print Speed

One of the main advantages of FDM printers is their greater speed. In general, 3D printing can be quite slow, especially for larger objects. So, having roughly twice the speed can save users many hours and even days or months over the long run.

Print Quality

FeatureResin 3D PrintingFilament 3D Printing (FDM)
Surface FinishSmooth and polishedLayer lines can be visible depending on settings
DetailExtremely high precision, ideal for intricate designsModerate precision, good for functional parts
GlossNaturally glossy (varies by resin type)Matte or semi-gloss finish
Touch/TextureSmooth, often requiring minimal post-processingSlightly rough without finishing steps
Color OptionsWide variety of resins, often solid or transparentExtensive range of filaments, including color blends
DurabilityBrittle, especially for thin partsStronger and more flexible materials
WeightLighter due to hollow printing optionsHeavier with solid prints
Mechanical StrengthLimited, suitable for aesthetic or detailed partsDurable and functional for mechanical uses
FlexibilitySpecialized resins for flexibilityFlexible filaments like TPU are available
Post-ProcessingSmooth surface after curing; additional polishing optionalMay need sanding, smoothing, or painting

Maintenance of Resin vs Filament 3D Printer

AspectResin 3D PrinterFilament 3D Printer (FDM)
Cleaning After UseClean the resin vat and build a plate with isopropyl alcoholRemove the filament, clean the nozzle and bed
Material HandlingKeep resin sealed, avoid spillsStore filament in a dry, airtight container
Bed MaintenanceKeep the the platform cleanLevel the bed and clean it regularly
Mechanical PartsPeriodic replacementLubricate linear rails and check belts
ConsumablesReplace FEP film regularlyReplace worn nozzles
Safety MeasuresGloves and proper ventilationAvoid touching the hot nozzle/bed
StorageAvoid exposing resin to sunlightAvoid moisture for filament
Error PreventionCheck for cured resin residuePrevent clogging by cleaning nozzles
Printer CalibrationCheck Z-axis levelingBed calibration and extrusion flow
Maintenance FrequencyOftenRarely

Overall it is easier to maintain an FDM printer due to the less amount of upkeep required, along with lower maintenance costs and not needing to replace mechanical parts over time.

Applications

Resin 3D PrintingFilament 3D Printing (FDM)
1. Miniatures and Figurines1. Custom Cosplay Props
2. Custom Jewelry2. Functional Tools
3. Display Models3. DIY Home Decor
4. Detailed Decorative Pieces for Sale4. Custom Toys and Gadgets
5. Educational Models5. Replacement Parts

Conclusion

To conclude, 3D printing liquid resin models can deliver more precision and detail, at the cost of a more expensive model, slower production and overall more care and maintenance involved. It is still a viable option if you need the best quality possible or want to sell your items for the highest price possible.

Filament 3D printing is the best option when it comes to prototyping your own 3D printed designs and models, giving you quick and cheap results compared to Resin printing. The 3D printing machine types on the market are also cheaper and have fewer replacement parts needed.

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