Resin vs Filament 3D Printing: Key Differences!

3D printing is a popular additive manufacturing process. It has replaced many old methods that used to take more time and were less precise. There are many types of 3D printing, including resin and filament painting. These two types are very popular but are different from each other. Their differences ignite a debate on resin vs filament 3D printing.

 

If you’re new to 3D printing, you might consider these types the same. However, the purpose, workings, and overall structure of each 3D printing technology are different. I will discuss all their key distinctions in this article, ensuring you understand them well. It will help you know which 3D printing type is best suited for you. So, let’s have a crack at it!

 

What is Filament 3D Printing?

Before comparing these two technologies, let’s first understand filament 3d printing.

 

It is a manufacturing process that uses thin plastic filaments to make 3D objects. It involves the 3D filament printer, which melts the thin filaments. After melting, these molten filaments are put layer by layer to make the final product. Those layers are generally not very smooth and can be obvious at times. 

 

This type of 3D printing is also called Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). The filament 3D printing is very straightforward and requires no advanced skills. The printer used in this type comes with an extruder. It takes the plastic filament from the pool to the hot end (nozzle of the printer. This is the part where the filament undergoes a melting process.

 

The thermistor present inside machines helps detect the temperature. Once the filament melts, it is sent through the tiny hole at the nozzle. The molten material is poured layer by layer on the print bed to make the final product. You might wonder how the molten filament goes in the layers’ right spot. 

 

Well, that’s where the advancement of technology has its role. The operator gives G-coded instructions to the 3D printer. As a result, the nozzles move as per computerized instructions. The movement is generally in 3 axes: X, Y, and Z. In this way, the nozzles move and make the 3D object layer by layer.

 

What is Resin 3D Printing?

It is different from filament 3d printing and doesn’t have plastic filament.

 

Resin 3D printing uses liquid resin instead of plastic filament. This resin is sensitive to light and undergoes curing when face lighting. As a result of curing, the resin dries and solidifies in layers, making the final 3D object. This 3D printing is costly but offers excellent details and high resolution.

 

The resin used in this process is photosensitive, making it solid when exposed to light. This 3D printing method works by exposing the resin to light or lasers. First, the liquid resin is poured into the resin container. Above the resin, a build plate remains where layers are made. When the process starts, the build plate moves slightly. 

 

As a result of the movement, the build plate slightly touches the liquid resin. Then, this liquid resin on the build plate is exposed to light. As a result, the resin dries, becomes solid, and makes the first layer on the build plate. After the build moves slightly, get resin for the second layer. This resin is then exposed to light to dry and make the second layer.

 

This process continues to make the final 3D product. Remember, the movement of the build plate is as per the G-coded instructions. So, the final product has no chance of error or imperfection. There are two further subtypes of this method, which are as follows:

 

• Stereolithography (SLA)
• Digital Light Processing (DLP)

 

Both of these technologies differ in terms of curing the resin. In SLA, the resin is exposed to lasers for curing and hardening. On the other hand, the DLP method exposes the resin to light at once and makes the resin harden very quickly. Both of these technologies produce the final 3D product with excellent details.

 

What Are the Differences Between Resin & Filament 3D Printing?

I discussed how these two 3D printing methods work in the above portion. However, that doesn’t help you decide which method is best. Let’s compare both methods head to head and discuss their key differences. This will allow you to understand which method is suitable for your needs. So, let’s get started!

 

1- Material Form

 

Resin 3D printing uses liquid resin, which is very sensitive to light and cuts when exposed. On the other hand, 3D printing uses plastic filaments, which melt at very high temperatures. 

 

Moreover, three popular thermoplastics are generally used in these methods. Depending on the nature of the product, those include PLA, ABS, and PETG. PLA is used when manufacturers need products quickly and easily. On the other hand, ABS is preferred when products’ durability and overall strength matter.

 

2- Printing Process & Print Speed

 

The resin 3D printing is a relatively slower process and consumes more time. The liquid resin undergoes curing to make the layer of 3D product. Each layer has to undergo curing, which takes more time and attention. On the flip side, the filament 3D printing is entirely different. 

 

The reason is that it uses plastic filaments and then melts them. After that, the molten material comes out of the hole present at the nozzle of the printer. The nozzle ejects the material in layers and makes the final 3D product. There is no curing of layers involved in this process. Due to this, filament 3D printing is a relatively quicker and more efficient process.

 

3- Print Quality & Surface Finish

 

Resin 3D printing technology offers excellent quality prints. The reason is that it involves the curing of resin in layers. The first layer of resin cures and hardens before starting the second layer. So, there is more focus on each layer, which improves precision. It creates prints with more attention to detail and resolution. 

 

Therefore, manufacturers generally prefer resin 3D printing to make intricate designs on jewellery. You won’t notice any roughness on the surface of the print. On the flip side, the filament 3D printing is slightly compromised. It does not produce evenness on the surface of the print. You’ll notice ridges between the layers on the products.

 

4- Strength & Durability

 

Filament 3D printing creates 3D products with exceptional durability and strength. How? The printer uses molten material to make the layers. This molten material dries and forms strong bonds with each other. This bond does not break, giving the product the required strength. Moreover, the manufacturers use ABS material in filament 3D printing. 

 

This material further enhances the product’s durability. On the other hand, resin 3D printing creates intricate shapes and designs. However, the products made through this method are fragile. They cannot withstand harsh usage and are brittle. So, I consider filament 3D printing a superior option if you need durability.

 

5- Print Size and Volume

 

The filament 3D printing wins the race in terms of print size and volume. Generally, the printer used in this method comes with a large printer bed. So, making a large-sized product is more effortless. Moreover, the movement of the nozzle makes the production process very precise. Furthermore, it does not include the curing duration, which speeds up this process.

 

Manufacturers can use this filament 3D printing method to produce bulk quantities. On the other hand, resin 3D printing is a relatively slower process and only makes small-sized products. However, this method achieves the highest level of quality in those small products, which makes them valuable. Using resin 3D printing for bulk quantities is never a wise decision.

 

6- Cost & Applications

 

Filament 3D printing is a very affordable additive manufacturing method. First, the printer’s initial cost is very low. This machine does not require any additional tools. Moreover, the materials it uses are generally budget-friendly. For example, PLA and ABS are the most used and affordable materials. 

 

On the other hand, resin 3D printers are costly, which is a big drawback.  Moreover, this method uses liquid resins. This material is premium, making this option less suitable for budget-conscious individuals. Here is the table showing key applications of these two 3D printing methods:

 

Filament 3D Printing Applications	Resin 3D Printing Applications
Prototyping for larger models	Small parts, intricate designs
Hobbyist creations (toys, gadgets)	Jewelry and ring creations
Phone cases, tool handles	Dental applications (dentures, crowns, orthodontics)
Gears, brackets, hinges	Miniature models (board games, figurines)
clips, casings, and packaging components.	Medical models (patient-specific models for surgery planning)

 

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

 

There is no one answer for all of these 3D printing types. It depends on your needs and requirements. Resin and filament 3D printing are two entirely different processes. 

 

I recommend choosing resin 3D printing to make a miniature product with an intricate design. This process will help you quickly produce high-quality products. On the other hand, filament 3D printing is only suitable for those with tight budgets. Moreover, this method will compromise on quality to some extent.

 

Remember, using resin 3D printing can be very costly. Moreover, it has some restrictions and limitations. For example, it cannot produce 3D productions of larger sizes. Additionally, bulk production is another problem you can face in this method. Conversely, I consider filament 3D printing suitable for those with budget constraints.

 

Remember, this method is cheap but compromises quality. For example, it will create a product with a rough surface. Moreover, the resolution and details will be missing. However, its inexpensiveness makes it a good starting point for beginners. Furthermore, it helps create larger-sized 3D products, which is a big plus.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Is resin better than filament for 3D printing?

Yes, the resin 3D printing method gives better quality products with excellent details. However, this method is suitable for miniature products. If you want to make a large product, filament 3D printing will suit you. So, which one of these two methods is better depends on users’ needs.

 

What are the downsides of a resin 3D printer?

Despite some good aspects, there are some cons that users can face with a resin 3D printer. Here is their list:

• Make fragile products
• The cost of a psych printer is very high
• Require liquid resin material, which is costly
• Products made are more brittle and less flexible

 

Is resin or filament better for miniatures?

I consider resin 3D printing a superior option for making miniature 3D products. It helps create high-quality products with excellent details. You’ll also see superior surface finishing.

 

Conclusion

 

3D printing is a modern manufacturing process that has many types. Resin and filament 3D printing are subtypes that differ in many aspects. Whether you choose resin for filament or 3D printing depends on your needs. If you want a product with excellent details, I recommend using resin from 3D printing. Conversely, filament 3D printing is suitable for larger-sized products in bulk quantities.