Resin or Filament: Six Factors for Choosing a 3D Printer

The choice between resin and filament 3D printers hinges on six key factors.

1. Print Quality

Resin printers often produce superior results. They use liquid resin that hardens layer by layer, yielding detailed, smooth finishes. Filament printers melt and extrude thermoplastic, sometimes leaving visible layer lines. For high precision, resin printers have the edge.

2. Material Costs

Filament is typically cheaper than resin. A 2.2-pound (1 kg) spool of filament costs $20 to $50, while a quart (1 liter) of resin ranges from $50 to $100. For budget-conscious buyers or those planning frequent use, filament printers offer savings.

3. Print Speed

Filament printers generally work faster, especially for large objects. Resin printers, while producing finer details, take longer due to their meticulous layer-by-layer process.

4. User-Friendliness

Filament printers are usually simpler to set up and operate, suiting beginners. Resin printers demand more preparation and post-processing, including handling liquid resin, cleaning prints and curing them under UV light.

5. Safety and Maintenance

Filament printers use relatively safe plastic filaments. Resin printers employ potentially toxic liquid resin and require more upkeep, such as regular cleaning of the resin tank and FEP film replacement.

6. Versatility

Filament printers accommodate a wide range of materials, including PLA, ABS, PETG and flexible filaments. Resin printers, while excellent for detailed work, are limited to specific resins.

An Interesting Development

Some advanced filament printers can use metal-infused filaments, allowing hobbyists and professionals to create durable, metal-like parts without industrial-grade equipment.

In Sum

The choice between resin and filament printers depends on individual priorities. Resin printers excel in detail but require more maintenance. Filament printers offer ease of use, cost-efficiency and versatility. Weighing these factors against specific needs will guide buyers to the most suitable option.