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
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.
| Aspect | Resin 3D Printing | Filament 3D Printing (FDM) |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Detail | High | Moderate |
| Surface Finish | Smooth | Visible layers |
| Materials | Limited | Wide variety |
| Ease of Use | Complex | Beginner-friendly |
| Post-Processing | Required (washing/curing) | Minimal (sanding optional) |
| Build Volume | Smaller | Larger |
| Durability | Brittle | Stronger |
| Cleanup | Messy | Clean |
| Print Speed | Moderate | Faster |
| Environmental Impact | Higher (chemical waste) | Lower (e.g., biodegradable PLA) |
| Applications | Detailed models, miniatures | Prototypes, functional parts |
Print Operation
| Step/Setting | Resin 3D Printing | Filament 3D Printing (FDM) |
| Material Preparation | Liquid resin poured into a vat | Filament loaded into extruder |
| Printing Temperature | No heating required | Nozzle: 180-260°C, Bed: 50-110°C |
| Cooling/Fan | Not needed | Cooling fan for proper filament cooling |
| Print Speed | Slow (~20-50 mm/s) | Faster (~40-100 mm/s) |
| Layer Thickness | Thin (0.01-0.1 mm) | Thicker (0.1-0.3 mm) |
| Post-Processing | Requires washing & UV curing | Minimal (remove supports, sanding) |
| Printer Maintenance | Clean resin vat & replace FEP | Clean nozzle, replace filament spool |
| Safety Measures | Handle resin with gloves and mask; proper venting | Few 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
| Feature | Resin 3D Printing | Filament 3D Printing (FDM) |
| Surface Finish | Smooth and polished | Layer lines can be visible depending on settings |
| Detail | Extremely high precision, ideal for intricate designs | Moderate precision, good for functional parts |
| Gloss | Naturally glossy (varies by resin type) | Matte or semi-gloss finish |
| Touch/Texture | Smooth, often requiring minimal post-processing | Slightly rough without finishing steps |
| Color Options | Wide variety of resins, often solid or transparent | Extensive range of filaments, including color blends |
| Durability | Brittle, especially for thin parts | Stronger and more flexible materials |
| Weight | Lighter due to hollow printing options | Heavier with solid prints |
| Mechanical Strength | Limited, suitable for aesthetic or detailed parts | Durable and functional for mechanical uses |
| Flexibility | Specialized resins for flexibility | Flexible filaments like TPU are available |
| Post-Processing | Smooth surface after curing; additional polishing optional | May need sanding, smoothing, or painting |
Maintenance of Resin vs Filament 3D Printer
| Aspect | Resin 3D Printer | Filament 3D Printer (FDM) |
| Cleaning After Use | Clean the resin vat and build plate with isopropyl alcohol | Remove the filament, clean the nozzle and bed |
| Material Handling | Keep resin sealed, avoid spills | Store filament in a dry, airtight container |
| Bed Maintenance | Keep the platform clean | Level the bed and clean it regularly |
| Mechanical Parts | Periodic replacement | Lubricate linear rails and check belts |
| Consumables | Replace FEP film regularly | Replace worn nozzles |
| Safety Measures | Gloves and proper ventilation | Avoid touching the hot nozzle/bed |
| Storage | Avoid exposing resin to sunlight | Avoid moisture for filament |
| Error Prevention | Check for cured resin residue | Prevent clogging by cleaning nozzles |
| Printer Calibration | Check Z-axis leveling | Bed calibration and extrusion flow |
| Maintenance Frequency | Often | Rarely |
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 Printing | Filament 3D Printing (FDM) |
| 1. Miniatures and Figurines | 1. Custom Cosplay Props |
| 2. Custom Jewelry | 2. Functional Tools |
| 3. Display Models | 3. DIY Home Decor |
| 4. Detailed Decorative Pieces for Sale | 4. Custom Toys and Gadgets |
| 5. Educational Models | 5. 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.