Chloe Zhang
When it comes to 3D printing, there are two main options: resin printers and filament printers. Resin printers use liquid photopolymer resins that are cured by UV light to form solid objects, while filament printers use thermoplastic materials that are extruded layer by layer. The choice between the two depends on various factors, including speed, cost, durability, and the desired level of detail and precision. While resin printers can produce more detailed and intricate models, the overall process, including post-processing, can take longer than filament printers. On the other hand, filament printers are generally user-friendly and a good choice for beginners, but they may require regular maintenance and post-processing steps such as snipping off excess plastic. Ultimately, the decision between a resin or filament 3D printer depends on the specific needs and requirements of the user.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use case | Resin printers are ideal for detailed and intricate models, small parts, and miniatures. Filament printers are better for larger parts and functional prototypes. |
| Print quality | Resin printers offer better resolution, smoother surfaces, and finer details. Laser printers, a type of resin printer, offer higher quality prints than DLP printers. |
| Durability | Filament prints are stronger and more durable than resin prints. Resin prints are often weak and brittle. |
| Materials | Resin printers use liquid photopolymer resins that are cured by UV light. Filament printers use thermoplastic materials, such as PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon, and polycarbonate. |
| Build volume | Filament printers typically have larger build plates than resin printers. |
| Speed | DLP printers are the fastest type of 3D printer. Resin printers can be faster for detailed prints as each layer is cured at once. However, the post-processing required for resin prints can make the overall process longer. |
| Ease of use | Filament printers are generally considered easier to use and better for beginners. |
| Cost | Filament printers are more cost-effective for larger parts due to their lower material cost and larger build volume. Resin printers may be more cost-effective for small, detailed parts due to their higher precision and quality. |
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What You'll Learn
DLP printers are faster than SLA printers
SLA printers use a laser to cure the resin, which has to touch every single spot. This results in a longer printing time, especially when printing large or multiple parts. DLP printers, on the other hand, use a projector to cure entire layers at once, which is much faster.
The speed of DLP printers is also due to the amount of light they use, which causes the resin to harden quickly. DLP printers use arc lamps to cure the resin, while SLA printers use a UV-laser beam. The greater amount of light used in DLP printers results in faster curing times.
Additionally, DLP printers are cheaper than SLA printers. A typical SLA printer can cost around $3,750, while an entry-level DLP printer can be purchased for as little as $500. This makes DLP printers a more cost-effective option for those looking for a fast and affordable 3D printing solution.
However, it is important to note that SLA printers produce smoother surfaces than DLP printers, especially on complex curved surfaces. This is because the SLA laser can more closely follow a complex curve, resulting in a smoother finish. Therefore, while DLP printers are faster, SLA printers may be preferred in certain applications where a smooth surface finish is a higher priority than print speed.
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Resin printers are ideal for detailed and intricate models
Resin printers are ideal for creating detailed and intricate models. Resin 3D printing can produce finer details and smoother surfaces than filament 3D printing. This is because resin printing uses a laser to cure liquid resin into layers, allowing for a higher level of precision. The minimum layer height is also much smaller for resin printers, contributing to the overall quality and detail of the print.
Resin printers are particularly well-suited for projects requiring high precision and smooth finishes, such as casting moulds for jewellery, dental prototypes, and other intricate models. The high level of accuracy achieved with resin printing also makes it a popular choice for creating watertight prints. Additionally, resin printers can produce engineering parts and medical-related components with strong adhesion between layers, resulting in stronger products.
While the printing speed of resin printers can be faster for detailed prints, especially with DLP printers, the overall process, including post-processing, can take longer. Resin printers often have smaller build plates, limiting the size of objects that can be printed. The post-processing required for resin prints includes washing, curing, and sanding, which can be time-consuming and messy. Therefore, resin printing may be more suitable for those who prioritise quality and precision over speed and ease of use.
When choosing between a resin or filament printer, it is essential to consider the specific requirements of your projects. Filament printers, such as FDM printers, are generally more user-friendly, affordable, and suitable for larger, functional parts. They are commonly used for printing prototypes, cosplay accessories, and other larger objects. On the other hand, resin printers excel in creating smaller, intricate models with fine details and smooth surfaces.
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FDM printers are more user-friendly and cost-effective
FDM printers are a great choice for those seeking a user-friendly and cost-effective 3D printing option. FDM, or Fused Deposition Modelling, is a widely recognised style of printing that is easy to set up and learn. It is a popular choice for maker spaces due to its affordability and reliability, with a variety of budget-friendly filament options available.
One of the key advantages of FDM printers is their ability to handle large-scale printing. FDM printers build objects layer by layer, starting from the bottom and moving upwards, making them ideal for creating larger functional parts. The size of the build volume is an important consideration when choosing a 3D printer, as larger printers tend to be more expensive. FDM printers offer a cost-effective solution for those seeking to print big objects, as they can accommodate larger build volumes without breaking the bank.
In terms of user-friendliness, FDM printers are generally easier to use than resin printers. They have fewer safety concerns, as resin printers involve handling noxious chemicals. FDM printers also make changing materials a breeze; simply swap out the filament roll. While both types of printers require post-processing, FDM printers might be slightly less cumbersome in this regard. Additionally, FDM printers are known for their low power consumption, making them an energy-efficient choice.
FDM printers are an excellent option for those seeking to create operational prototypes or ready-to-use products. The printed pieces offer excellent mechanical strength and heat resistance, making them suitable for a wide range of applications. With FDM printers, you can use high-performance thermoplastic materials, making them a valuable tool for mechanical engineers and manufacturers. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced user, FDM printers provide a user-friendly and cost-effective solution for your 3D printing needs.
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Resin prints are stronger and have better mechanical properties
While FDM printers are generally stronger and more durable than resin prints, certain resins can have better mechanical properties, such as higher tensile strength. Resins with high tensile and flexural properties can handle significant stresses and are ideal for high-load applications. For instance, Siraya Tech Sculpt has a higher tensile strength compared to PLA and PETG materials.
Resin prints can be more brittle than filament prints, but this can be mitigated by using specialized engineering-grade resins designed for strength. Resin prints are also more prone to degradation over time, as they can yellow when exposed to sunlight. However, this can be prevented with protective coatings.
The viscosity of the resin is another factor that affects the mechanical properties of the print. Lower-viscosity resins are easier to print and wash, while higher-viscosity resins tend to have better mechanical properties. However, high-viscosity resins are more difficult to print with.
Resin 3D printing is ideal for projects that require high precision, intricate details, and smooth finishes, such as miniatures, complex geometry, batch printing, and creating molds. The level of resolution and detail that resin printers can achieve is impressive, making them perfect for applications like dental prototypes and jewelry.
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Filament prints are stronger and more durable
When it comes to durability, filament prints are generally stronger and more durable than resin prints. While resin 3D printing can produce more brittle objects, filament prints, especially those made with materials like ABS, PETG, or nylon, tend to be tougher and more durable. The use of materials such as PETG and ABS with filament printing also adds more durability by exposing them to heat and UV rays.
Filament prints are ideal for functional and mechanical parts due to their strength and durability. The addition of materials like carbon fiber or glass fiber to the filament during printing further enhances the strength and stiffness of the final product. For instance, carbon fiber-infused filament results in high stiffness, while filament blends like PP-CF (polypropylene) can create lightweight, high-strength parts.
Filament printing is also suitable for large prints, cosplay accessories, and prototypes, as it is easy to set up and learn. FDM (fused deposition modeling) printers are commonly used for filament printing and are known for their affordability and reliability. They are widely used in maker spaces and are excellent for practical prints.
While resin prints may be more brittle than filament prints, specialized engineering-grade resins or flexible resins can improve their durability. Resin prints are ideal for intricate models, miniatures, and small detailed parts that require high precision and smooth finishes. Resin 3D printing offers higher resolution and finer details, resulting in almost invisible layer lines.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the type of plastic printer being used for comparison. Digital Light Processing (DLP) is the fastest of all 3D printing methods, including FDM plastic printers. DLP printers use a light source to quickly harden resin, resulting in impressive printing speeds. However, the post-processing required for resin prints can add to the overall time, making the entire process longer than FDM printing.
Resin 3D printing offers a smoother surface finish, higher resolution, and finer details compared to FDM plastic printing. It is also water-resistant and has stronger mechanical properties.
Resin 3D printing has a limited printing size and is generally more expensive than FDM plastic printing. The post-processing required for resin prints can be cumbersome and time-consuming, involving rinsing, curing, and sanding.
A print speed of around 100mm/hour is common for resin printers, but DLP and SLA printers can achieve top speeds of 720 mm/hour when detail is less of a priority.
Yes, there are several kinds of resins available depending on the application. Standard resins are used for general prototyping, while castable resins are used for jewelry. Engineering resins have strong thermal properties, and dental and medical resins have biocompatibility certifications.
