You’re not sure whether to choose a resin 3D printer or a filament 3D printer, and you need help making your decision? At Imprimy.com, we’re here to guide you based on what best suits your needs.
To choose a 3D printer, you should know that resin models offer high precision, ideal for fine details, while filament models are more versatile, durable, and better suited for functional parts.
Understanding the different 3D printing technologies
To understand the different 3D printing technologies, you need to distinguish between FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) and SLA/DLP (resin photopolymerization), each with its own advantages, materials, and specific uses.
What is the definition of 3D printing?
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by adding material layer by layer, starting from a digital model. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that remove material, 3D printing allows the production of complex shapes with great precision, using various materials such as plastic, resin, metal, or even biological materials.
This technology is widely used for rapid prototyping, the production of customized parts, and the manufacturing of complex components in various sectors, including aerospace, medicine, and automotive.
What are the main 3D printing technologies?
The main 3D printing technologies include FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), which uses a molten plastic filament to create objects layer by layer, and SLA (Stereolithography), which employs a liquid resin hardened by a UV laser to produce high-precision prints.
Another notable technology is SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), which uses a laser to fuse powder particles, often made of metal or plastic, to form solid objects. These technologies differ in terms of the materials used, cost, precision, and applications, offering great flexibility for various manufacturing needs.
Filament 3D printers (FDM)
FDM 3D printers work by depositing molten material, are the most common, affordable, and are suitable for creating solid and functional parts using a wide range of plastic materials.
How does a FDM 3D printer work?
A FDM 3D printer works by extruding a molten plastic filament through a heated nozzle, which deposits the material layer by layer onto a printing platform. The process begins with the creation of a 3D digital model, which is then sliced into thin layers by slicing software. The printer follows these instructions to build the object from the bottom up, moving the nozzle along the X, Y, and Z axes.
The filament, often made of PLA or ABS, is pushed through the nozzle by a feed mechanism, where it is heated to its melting temperature before being extruded. Once each layer is deposited, it quickly solidifies, allowing the next layer to adhere. This process repeats until the entire object is formed, offering an accessible and versatile method for rapid prototyping and the production of functional parts.
What is the cost of an FDM 3D printer?
The cost of an FDM 3D printer varies greatly depending on the brand, features, and build quality. Entry-level models can start around 200 to 300 euros, offering basic features suitable for beginners and educational projects.
Mid-range printers, with enhanced features such as better precision and larger print volumes, typically range between 500 and 1,500 euros.
For professional users or businesses requiring advanced capabilities, high-end models can cost several thousand euros, offering increased reliability, higher-quality materials, and customization options.
In addition to the initial cost, it’s important to consider ongoing expenses related to filaments, maintenance, and potential upgrades.
What is the range of materials available for FDM 3D printers?
FDM 3D printers offer a wide range of materials, each with specific properties suited for different applications. The most commonly used materials include:
- PLA (polylactic acid), valued for its ease of printing and biodegradable nature,
- ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene), known for its durability and shock resistance,
- PETG, which combines the durability of ABS with the ease of printing of PLA,
- TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), used for its flexible and resistant properties.
For specialized applications, advanced filaments such as nylon, PC (polycarbonate), and even composite materials reinforced with carbon fibers or wood are available, offering improved strength and mechanical characteristics.
This variety allows users to choose the material best suited to their specific needs, whether for prototyping, functional part manufacturing, or creating decorative objects.
Are FDM 3D printers easy to use and maintain?
FDM 3D printers are generally considered easy to use and maintain, making them a popular choice for beginners and hobbyists. Their printing process is relatively intuitive, mainly involving the loading of filament and starting the print through a slicing software. Many models are equipped with user-friendly features such as touchscreens and clear user interfaces, making it easy to set up and control prints.
Regarding maintenance, FDM printers require regular but simple tasks, such as cleaning the nozzle to prevent clogs and occasionally adjusting the print bed to ensure good adhesion. Worn parts, like nozzles and print beds, can be easily replaced, and many online resources provide guides and tutorials to help users troubleshoot common issues. This accessibility contributes to the popularity of FDM printers in educational environments and rapid prototyping.
What are the common applications of FDM 3D printing?
FDM 3D printing has common applications across various industries due to its versatility and accessibility. It is widely used for rapid prototyping, allowing designers and engineers to quickly create physical models to test ideas and concepts.
In the education field, FDM printers are valued for their ability to illustrate complex concepts and promote hands-on learning. FDM 3D printing is also used for the production of functional parts and custom repairs, offering an affordable solution for replacing broken or outdated components.
In the medical industry, it enables the creation of custom devices such as orthotics and prosthetics, tailored to the specific needs of patients. Additionally, artists and designers use FDM 3D printing to create decorative objects and unique works of art, exploring new shapes and textures. This technology is also adopted in the automotive and aerospace industries for the production of lightweight and customized components, contributing to innovation and efficiency in these sectors.
Resin 3D printers
Resin 3D printers use photopolymerization to create objects with extreme precision, making them ideal for detailed models such as in jewelry, dental, or figurines. However, they require more handling and post-processing.
How does a resin 3D printer work?
A resin 3D printer primarily operates using SLA (Stereolithography) or LCD technologies, which use photopolymerization to create three-dimensional objects. The process begins with filling a reservoir with a photosensitive liquid resin. A UV laser (for SLA) or an LCD screen (for LCD) projects light onto the surface of the resin, hardening the exposed areas layer by layer.
The object is built from the bottom up, with the printing platform gradually rising after each hardened layer. Once the print is complete, the object must be cleaned to remove excess resin and then further hardened under UV light to strengthen its structure.
This process allows for high-precision prints with detailed features.
What are the advantages of resin 3D printers?
Resin 3D printers offer several notable advantages that distinguish them from other 3D printing technologies. First, they provide high resolution and fine details, making them ideal for applications requiring great precision, such as jewelry and dentistry. The surface of the printed objects is generally smooth and does not require extensive mechanical post-processing, unlike FDM prints.
Additionally, resin 3D printers are capable of producing parts with complex shapes and intricate details, thanks to the precision of the photopolymerization process. They are also valued for their ability to print isotropic objects, meaning parts with uniform mechanical properties in all directions. These advantages make resin 3D printers a preferred choice for applications requiring high-quality prints and great precision.
What are the main drawbacks of resin 3D printers?
Resin 3D printers have several drawbacks that may limit their use in certain contexts. First, they generally have a higher initial cost and operating costs compared to FDM printers, due to the price of resins and the necessary equipment. The printing process also requires tedious post-processing, including cleaning the printed parts to remove excess resin and additional UV curing to strengthen the structure.
Moreover, the resins used can be toxic and require special handling and storage precautions, which can pose safety issues. Resin 3D printers are also limited by a more restricted range of materials compared to FDM printers, which can limit their potential applications. Finally, the print size is often smaller, which may not be suitable for producing large objects.
These challenges should be taken into account when choosing a resin 3D printer for specific projects.
What are the common applications of resin 3D printing?
Resin 3D printers are particularly well-suited for applications requiring high precision and a smooth surface finish. They are commonly used in jewelry to create high-quality molds and detailed parts.
In the field of dentistry, they enable the production of dental prosthetics, crowns, and precision models. Resin 3D printers are also valued in the high-precision modeling industry, where fine details and shape fidelity are crucial.
They are also applied in medical research to create detailed anatomical models, assisting in surgical planning and education. Furthermore, they are used in the manufacturing of molds for injection molding, allowing the production of complex parts with great fidelity. These applications highlight the ability of resin 3D printers to produce objects with exceptional surface quality and minute details.
A direct comparison between FDM printers and resin printers
The direct comparison between FDM printers and resin printers reveals that FDM printers are more cost-effective, easy to use, and produce robust parts, while resin printers offer better precision, a smoother finish, but require more maintenance and post-processing.
What is the cost difference between a filament 3D printer and a resin 3D printer?
The cost difference between a filament 3D printer (FDM) and a resin 3D printer (SLA/LCD) can vary significantly based on several factors. These factors are related to:
- Initial cost: Filament 3D printers are generally cheaper to purchase, with entry-level models available starting from 200 to 300 euros. In contrast, resin 3D printers are often more expensive, with prices starting around 1,000 euros for basic models due to the more complex photopolymerization technology.
- Material cost: Filaments for FDM printers, such as PLA or ABS, are relatively affordable, with prices ranging from 20 to 50 euros per kilogram. Resins for SLA/LCD printers are typically more expensive, costing between 50 and 150 euros per liter, depending on quality and specific properties.
- Maintenance and operating cost: Resin 3D printers often require more rigorous maintenance and additional costs for post-processing, including cleaning and UV curing. While FDM printers also require regular maintenance, they generally have lower operating costs.
- Replacement part cost: Components of resin 3D printers, such as resin tanks and LCD screens, can be more expensive to replace compared to the nozzles and print beds of FDM printers.
These cost differences should be considered when choosing between a filament 3D printer and a resin 3D printer, based on your available budget and the specific needs of your project.
What is the difference in print quality between a resin 3D printer and an FDM 3D printer?
The print quality between a resin 3D printer and an FDM 3D printer presents notable differences, each with its advantages and disadvantages based on specific needs, particularly in terms of:
- Resolution and Precision: Resin 3D printers generally offer higher resolution and greater precision compared to FDM printers. They can produce very fine details and smooth surfaces, making them ideal for applications requiring high finishing, such as jewelry and dentistry. On the other hand, FDM printers may show visible layer lines and a less smooth finish, especially for small objects or those with intricate details.
- Surface Finish: Objects printed with resin typically have a smooth and uniform surface, requiring little mechanical post-processing. In contrast, FDM prints might show striation lines or surface imperfections, often necessitating sanding or additional treatment to achieve a smooth finish.
- Complexity of Shapes: Resin printers excel at creating complex shapes and intricate details due to the precision of the photopolymerization process. FDM printers can struggle with highly complex shapes or fine details because of the limitations of the filament extrusion process.
- Isotropy: Resin prints are usually isotropic, meaning they have uniform mechanical properties in all directions. In contrast, FDM prints can be anisotropic, with varying resistance depending on the layer orientation, which can affect the durability of parts in some applications.
These differences in print quality influence the choice of technology depending on the specific requirements of the project, whether it’s for rapid prototyping, functional part production, or the creation of decorative objects.
What is the difference in 3D printing speed between resin 3D printing and FDM printing?
The printing speed between resin 3D printing and FDM 3D printing varies depending on several factors, including the complexity of the object, the desired resolution, and the specific settings of the printer. Printing speeds generally differ as follows:
- For FDM 3D printing: These machines are typically faster for printing larger objects or those requiring moderate resolution. The filament extrusion process allows for rapid deposition of material layers, which can reduce the total printing time for larger objects or functional prototypes.
- For resin 3D printing: These printers, especially those using SLA or LCD technology, may be slower for larger objects due to the time required to cure each layer of resin. However, for smaller objects or those requiring high resolution, resin printers can be faster because they can cure an entire layer in a single light exposure, regardless of the layer’s complexity.
- Post-processing: Resin prints require more extensive post-processing, including cleaning and UV curing, which can add time to the overall process. FDM prints can often be used immediately after printing, although additional finishing may be required to improve the surface quality.
Therefore, FDM printers are generally faster for large prints or those needing moderate resolution, while resin printers may be more efficient for small objects or those requiring high precision, despite the additional time required for post-processing.
Which type of 3D printer offers the best ease of use between FDM 3D printer and resin?
In terms of ease of use, FDM 3D printers are generally considered more accessible and user-friendly, especially for beginners and occasional users. The reasons behind this conclusion are related to:
- Printing process: FDM printers use a filament extrusion process that is relatively simple to understand and implement. Loading the filament and starting prints are often intuitive, with clear user interfaces and easy-to-use slicing software.
- Maintenance: FDM printers require regular but simple maintenance, such as cleaning the nozzle and adjusting the print bed. Worn-out parts, like nozzles, are easily replaceable, and many online resources provide guides to solve common issues.
- Materials: The filaments used in FDM printers, such as PLA and ABS, are generally non-toxic and easy to handle, requiring no special precautions.
- Post-processing: FDM-printed objects can often be used immediately after printing, although additional finishing may be needed to improve the surface quality. In contrast, resin prints require more complex post-processing, including cleaning and UV curing.
In summary, FDM 3D printers offer better ease of use due to their simplicity of operation, accessible maintenance, and easy-to-handle materials, making them ideal for beginners and users seeking a practical and efficient solution.
Our purchase recommendations
We recommend opting for an FDM printer if you are a beginner, have a small budget, or are looking to create functional parts, and choosing a resin printer if you aim for high precision, fine details, and a professional finish.
What are our purchase recommendations for beginners?
For beginners in 3D printing, we recommend opting for an FDM 3D printer due to its ease of use, affordable cost, and the availability of many learning resources. Here are some specific recommendations:
- Choose an entry-level FDM printer: Entry-level models, available between 200 and 300 euros, provide an excellent starting point for learning the basics of 3D printing without a high initial investment.
- Opt for common filaments: Start with easy-to-use materials like PLA, which is biodegradable and doesn’t require high temperature conditions for printing. PLA is also less prone to warping compared to other materials.
- Use accessible software: Choose intuitive, well-documented slicing software which offer preset settings for common FDM printers.
- Join online communities: Participate in forums and groups dedicated to 3D printing to get advice, share experiences, and solve common issues.
- Follow tutorials and guides: Use the many online resources, such as YouTube videos and blog articles, to learn the basics of 3D printing, printer maintenance, and post-processing techniques.
- Start with simple projects: Begin with simple 3D models to understand the printing process before moving on to more complex projects.
By following these recommendations, beginners can acquire the necessary skills to fully benefit from 3D printing while minimizing frustrations and initial costs.
What are our purchase recommendations for professionals?
For professionals looking to integrate 3D printing into their workflows, purchase recommendations vary depending on specific needs and target applications. Here are some tips tailored for professionals:
- Assess opportunities based on your specific needs: Determine the requirements in terms of precision, materials, and production volume to choose the most appropriate 3D printing technology.
- Invest in a resin 3D printer for high precision: If your work requires fine details and a smooth surface finish, such as in jewelry or dentistry, a resin 3D printer (SLA/LCD) is recommended despite its higher initial cost.
- Opt for a high-end FDM printer for production: For applications requiring functional, durable parts or large prototypes, a professional-grade FDM printer offers a good balance between cost and performance.
- Consider industrial 3D printers: For large-scale production needs or specific materials, consider industrial 3D printers capable of handling large volumes and offering advanced features like temperature control and enclosed environments.
- Invest in professional software: Use advanced design and slicing software that provides features suited to professional needs, such as batch printing management and support optimization.
- Get trained and seek technical support: Ensure that the printer you choose comes with adequate training and technical support to minimize downtime and maximize efficiency.
- Choose specialized materials: Explore advanced materials, such as reinforced composites or technical resins, to meet specific requirements in terms of strength or durability.
By following these recommendations, professionals can select the 3D printing equipment best suited to their needs, thereby optimizing the quality and efficiency of their production processes.
Conclusion: Choosing a 3D printer: resin or filament?
When deciding between a resin and a filament 3D printer, it’s important to consider the specific needs of your projects:
- FDM (filament) printers are generally better suited for those who prioritize ease of use, affordable pricing, and the ability to produce functional parts. They are ideal for beginners or those looking for larger prints with less detail.
- Resin printers, on the other hand, offer high precision, fine details, and a smooth surface finish, making them perfect for applications requiring fine craftsmanship, such as jewelry or dentistry. However, they come with a higher initial cost and require more complex post-processing.
Ultimately, the choice between resin and filament depends on your budget, the level of detail you need, and the type of objects you plan to print. Both technologies have their strengths, so it’s essential to evaluate your goals before making a decision.
Picture by Freepik.
The articles published on Imprimy.com are for informational purposes only. They are intended to provide general advice and information related to 3D printing. Imprimy.com cannot be held responsible for the results obtained or the consequences arising from the application of the shared information. We recommend always checking the specific instructions for your hardware and materials before use.
