In this guide · Part 2 of 7
- 3D printing explained
-
FDM vs resin
- What is the difference between FDM and resin 3D printing?
- FDM vs resin at a glance
- When is a filament (FDM) printer the better choice?
- When is a resin printer the better choice?
- Which type of 3D printer is best for beginners?
- Which 3D printer is best for schools and workplaces?
- Other features worth considering
- Frequently asked questions
- What you need
- Your first print
- Materials
- Fixing problems
- Safety and glossary
Key takeaways
- Choose a filament (FDM) printer for practical, strong or large parts and the easiest learning curve.
- Choose a resin printer for the finest detail and smoothest surfaces on small objects.
- Resin printing involves extra steps (washing and curing) and needs gloves, eye protection and good ventilation.
- For schools and shared spaces, an enclosed filament printer using PLA is usually the simplest choice.
- Many keen makers eventually own one of each, because the two types complement each other.
What is the difference between FDM and resin 3D printing?
A filament (FDM) printer melts a plastic thread, called filament, in a heated nozzle. The nozzle moves around and draws each layer as a series of fine lines, a bit like a very precise hot glue gun.
A resin printer holds liquid resin in a tray called a vat. A UV light source, usually a screen under the vat, shines the shape of each layer into the resin, which hardens instantly. The build plate then lifts slightly and the next layer is cured underneath.
The key difference is that FDM draws each layer with a nozzle, while resin cures a whole layer at once with light. This affects the level of detail, the surface finish, how long prints take and what you need to do once a print finishes.
FDM vs resin at a glance
| Filament (FDM) | Resin (MSLA / SLA) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Melts plastic filament through a heated nozzle | Hardens liquid resin with UV light |
| Typical layer height | About 0.1–0.3mm | About 0.02–0.05mm |
| Detail and finish | Good detail, with layer lines visible up close | Excellent detail and very smooth surfaces |
| Build size | Small to very large | Small to medium |
| Strength | Strong, durable and impact-resistant materials available | Standard resin is more brittle; tough resins are available |
| Material choice | Very wide: rigid, flexible, heat-resistant, speciality finishes | Standard, water-washable, tough and speciality resins |
| Speed | Depends on how much each layer contains | Each layer takes the same time, however full the plate is |
| After printing | Remove supports and it's ready to use | Wash, remove supports and UV-cure every print |
| Handling and safety | Clean and low-odour with PLA | Gloves, eye protection and good ventilation are essential |
| Learning curve | The easiest place to start | Simple to print, with more steps afterwards |
| Running costs | Filament, plus occasional nozzles and build plates | Resin, cleaning fluid, gloves and replacement vat film |
When is a filament (FDM) printer the better choice?
- You want useful, hard-wearing parts such as brackets, enclosures, tools or replacement parts
- You want to print larger objects in one piece
- You'd like the widest choice of materials, colours and finishes, including flexible and heat-resistant plastics
- You want a clean, simple process with no liquid chemicals to handle
- The printer will be used by students, staff or several people in a shared space
Filament printers are the usual choice for households, schools, engineers, product designers and makers who want everyday practical parts. Shop filament printers
When is a resin printer the better choice?
- You need very fine detail, such as faces, textures, small text or tiny mechanisms
- You want smooth surfaces that need little or no sanding before painting
- You mostly make small, high-detail items such as miniatures, figurines, jewellery masters or dental models
- You have a dedicated, well-ventilated space and are comfortable working with gloves and eye protection
Resin printers are popular with tabletop gamers, model makers, jewellers, dental labs and anyone who values detail over size. Shop resin printers
Which type of 3D printer is best for beginners?
For most people, a filament printer using PLA is the best way to start. It's forgiving, versatile and needs no chemical handling, and modern filament printers are easy to set up.
Resin printers are also easy to print with. The extra work comes before and after printing: you'll need to handle liquid resin safely, then wash and cure every part. If miniatures or fine detail are your main interest, starting with resin is perfectly reasonable, as long as you have a suitable space.
Which 3D printer is best for schools and workplaces?
An enclosed filament printer running PLA is usually the simplest and safest choice for classrooms, offices and shared workshops. The enclosure keeps hands away from hot and moving parts, reduces noise and helps contain particles, especially when fitted with a filter.
Resin printers can be used in schools and workplaces too, but they need a controlled area, suitable personal protective equipment (PPE), good ventilation and a risk assessment. See 3D printing safety for more.
Other features worth considering
Enclosed printers
Hold a steady temperature for materials like ABS and ASA, run more quietly, and are a good fit for classrooms and offices.
Multi-colour and multi-material
Print several colours or materials in one job, without painting.
Bundles and refurbished printers
Bundles include materials and extras so you can start straight away. Refurbished printers lower the cost of getting started.
Frequently asked questions
Is resin stronger than filament?
Generally, no. Standard resin prints are hard but more brittle than most filament prints. For functional parts that need to take knocks, filaments such as PETG, ASA or nylon are usually tougher. Tough and ABS-like resins close the gap when you need resin-level detail and better durability.
Are resin prints more detailed than FDM prints?
Yes. Resin printers use much thinner layers and a very fine light source, so they capture small details and produce smoother surfaces than filament printers.
Which is cheaper to run, FDM or resin?
Filament printing is usually cheaper per part, especially for larger objects. Resin costs more per gram, and you also need cleaning fluid, gloves and replacement vat film.
Can a resin printer use filament, or a filament printer use resin?
No. They are completely different technologies, and each type only works with its own material.
Do resin 3D printers smell?
Yes, liquid resin has a noticeable odour. Low-odour resins are available, but you should always use a resin printer in a well-ventilated room, ideally with an air purifier or extraction.
Still deciding?
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