The answer depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Resin 3D printers offer higher detail and smoother finishes, but filament 3D printers are faster, cheaper, and more versatile. In this article, we will compare the two types of 3D printers and help you decide which one is right for you.
3D printing is a process of creating physical objects from digital models by depositing layers of material on top of each other. 3D printing can be used for various purposes, such as prototyping, hobby, education, art, and manufacturing. 3D printing can also use different types of materials, such as plastic, metal, resin, wood, and more.
There are many types of 3D printing technologies, but the most common ones are Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA). These are also known as filament and resin 3D printing, respectively. Let’s see how they work and what are their advantages and disadvantages.
What is filament 3D printing?
Filament 3D printing, also known as FDM or FFF, is the most popular and widely used type of 3D printing. It works by melting a plastic filament and extruding it through a nozzle onto a build plate, where it solidifies and forms a layer. The nozzle then moves to the next layer and repeats the process until the object is complete.
Filament 3D printing has several benefits, such as:
It is relatively fast and easy to use, as it does not require much post-processing or curing.
It is affordable, as the filament is cheap and widely available, and the printers are simple and low-maintenance.
It is versatile, as it can print large and complex objects, and use different types of filaments with different properties, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and more.
However, filament 3D printing also has some drawbacks, such as:
It has lower resolution and accuracy, as it can produce visible layer lines, blobs, and stringing, and may struggle with overhangs, bridges, and fine details.
It has limited color options, as it can only print one color at a time, unless you have a dual-extruder printer or a multi-color upgrade.
It has lower strength and durability, as it can be affected by temperature, humidity, and UV light, and may warp, crack, or break over time.
What is resin 3D printing?
Resin 3D printing, also known as SLA or DLP, is a type of 3D printing that uses liquid resin and cures it with light, either from a laser or a projector. It works by dipping a build plate into a resin vat, where the light selectively hardens the resin and forms a layer. The build plate then lifts up and lowers down for the next layer, until the object is complete.
Resin 3D printing has several benefits, such as:
It has higher resolution and accuracy, as it can produce smooth and detailed prints, with no visible layer lines or imperfections.
It has more color options, as it can print transparent, translucent, or opaque prints, and mix different resins to create custom colors.
It has higher strength and durability, as it can print hard and flexible prints, and resist heat, water, and chemicals.
However, resin 3D printing also has some drawbacks, such as:
It is relatively slow and messy, as it requires post-processing, such as washing, curing, and removing supports.
It is expensive, as the resin is costly and has a limited shelf life, and the printers are complex and high-maintenance.
It is less versatile, as it can print smaller and simpler objects, and use fewer types of resins with different properties, such as standard, tough, flexible, and castable.
The choice between resin and filament 3D printing depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. Here are some questions to ask yourself before you decide:
What do you want to print? If you want to print miniatures, jewelry, or other small and detailed objects, resin 3D printing is the best option. If you want to print larger, functional, or mechanical objects, filament 3D printing is the best option.
How much do you want to spend? If you have a tight budget, filament 3D printing is the best option, as it is cheaper to buy and operate. If you have a flexible budget, resin 3D printing is the best option, as it offers higher quality and variety.
How much time and effort do you want to invest? If you want a quick and easy printing experience, filament 3D printing is the best option, as it does not require much setup or cleanup. If you don’t mind a longer and more involved printing process, resin 3D printing is the best option, as it delivers better results and satisfaction.
Conclusion
Resin and filament 3D printers are both great technologies that can create amazing objects. However, they have different strengths and weaknesses, and cater to different users and applications. Therefore, the best 3D printer for you depends on your personal preferences and goals. We hope this article helped you understand the differences between resin and filament 3D printing, and make an informed decision. Happy printing!
