Resin 3D Printing vs. Filament 3D Printing—Which Is Best for You?

3D printing technology is revolutionizing the way many industries create products, from medical devices to art. One of the biggest decisions that any new 3D printer user has to make is which type of 3D printing technology to use: filament 3D printing or resin 3D printing. Both of these technologies have their own advantages and disadvantages, but which one is best for your needs? In this article, we’ll compare filament 3D printing and resin 3D printing to help you decide which technology is right for you.

What Is Filament 3D Printing?

Filament 3D printing is the most common type of 3D printing technology. In filament 3D printing, a spool of plastic filament is unwound and melted inside of the 3D printer. The melted plastic is then extruded onto the build plate in layers according to the 3D model. After the 3D print is finished, it must be post-processed to remove any supports and smooth the surfaces.

The most popular type of filament 3D printing is Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF). In FFF 3D printing, the plastic filament is usually made of plastic, such as ABS or PLA. FFF 3D printers are also known as “fused deposition modeling” (FDM) 3D printers.

What Is Resin 3D Printing?

Resin 3D printing is a newer type of 3D printing technology that is becoming increasingly popular. Instead of using plastic filament, resin 3D printing uses liquid photopolymer resin that is cured with ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light is directed on the surface of the resin by a digital light projector (DLP) or a laser.

The resin is then cured layer by layer, building up the 3D model from the bottom up. Once the 3D print is finished, it is post-processed to remove any leftover resin and smooth the surfaces. Resin 3D prints can also be painted or used as is for many applications.

Comparing Filament 3D Printing and Resin 3D Printing

Now that we’ve covered the basics of filament 3D printing and resin 3D printing, let’s compare the two technologies side-by-side to see which one is best for you.

Cost

One of the main differences between filament 3D printing and resin 3D printing is cost. Filament 3D printers are generally cheaper than resin 3D printers. However, filament 3D printing is more expensive in the long run since you need to buy new filament spools for every 3D print. On the other hand, resin 3D printing is more expensive upfront, but the cost of resin is much lower than filament in the long run.

Material Options

When it comes to material options, filament 3D printing has a wider selection than resin 3D printing. Filament 3D printers can print with a variety of plastics, including ABS, PLA, PET, and nylon. On the other hand, resin 3D printers are limited to just a few types of resin, such as ABS-like resin and flexible resin.

Print Quality

In terms of print quality, resin 3D printing is the clear winner. Resin 3D printing has been shown to produce higher-resolution prints with smoother surfaces and better detail than filament 3D printing. This is due to the fact that resin 3D prints are cured with UV light, which produces very fine details that cannot be achieved with filament 3D printing.

Post-Processing

Both filament 3D printing and resin 3D printing require post-processing to finish the 3D print. Filament 3D prints must be sanded, smoothed, and painted, while resin 3D prints may require more extensive post-processing such as curing and painting. However, resin 3D prints typically require less post-processing than filament 3D prints.

Speed

When it comes to 3D printing speed, filament 3D printing is faster than resin 3D printing. Filament 3D printers can print large objects quickly, while resin 3D printers take a longer time to print due to the curing process. In addition, resin 3D printers typically have a smaller build volume than filament 3D printers, so they cannot print large objects as quickly.

Conclusion

Filament 3D printing and resin 3D printing are both excellent 3D printing technologies that have their own advantages and disadvantages. Filament 3D printing is cheaper and faster, but resin 3D printing produces higher-resolution prints with smoother surfaces. Ultimately, the decision of which 3D printing technology to use depends on your budget, material needs, and desired print quality.

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