Choosing between resin and filament (FDM) 3D printing depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both types of 3D printing technologies have their own advantages and limitations. Let’s break it down:
Resin 3D Printing
Advantages:
- High Detail and Precision: Resin printers offer exceptional detail and smooth finishes, making them ideal for intricate models, miniatures, and figurines.
- Surface Quality: The prints have a smooth surface that often requires less post-processing.
- Versatility in Materials: Various resins are available, including flexible, durable, and transparent options.
Limitations:
- Messy and Smelly: Handling liquid resin can be messy, and the fumes can be unpleasant without proper ventilation.
- Post-Processing Required: Prints need to be washed in isopropyl alcohol and cured under UV light.
- Cost: Resin and the required maintenance materials can be more expensive than filament.
Our choices
Anycubic Photon Mono 4: Features a 7″ 10K Mono LCD screen, stable LighTurbo light source, and fast printing at 70mm/h. Print volume is 6.04″ x 3.42″ x 6.49″1.
Elegoo Mars 4 Pro: A fully enclosed resin printer with advanced UV lighting for faster cure times and an activated charcoal filter to reduce odors.
Anycubic Kobra 2 Neo: Offers upgraded printing speed up to 250mm/s with a new integrated extruder. It includes LeviQ 2.0 Auto-Leveling1.
Elegoo Saturn S 4K Mono: Known for its high resolution and fast printing capabilities, making it ideal for detailed figurines.
Creality Ender 3: While primarily an FDM printer, it’s a popular choice for beginners and offers a great price-to-performance ratio.
Filament (FDM) 3D Printing
Advantages:
- Ease of Use: FDM printers are generally more user-friendly, with straightforward setup and operation.
- Affordability: Filaments like PLA and ABS are relatively inexpensive, and FDM printers are often more budget-friendly.
- Variety of Materials: A wide range of filaments are available, including PLA, ABS, PETG, and flexible TPU.
Limitations:
- Lower Detail: FDM prints typically have visible layer lines, which might not be ideal for highly detailed models.
- Post-Processing: While less intensive than resin, some finishing work like sanding and painting may be required.
- Stringing and Warping: Common issues that may require tweaking printer settings to resolve.
Our choices
Creality Ender 3: Known for its excellent price-to-performance ratio, this printer is a favorite among beginners and hobbyists.
Anycubic Mega S: Offers easy assembly, a sturdy structure, and essential features for hobbyists.
Elegoo Mars 2 Pro Mono: A fully enclosed printer with advanced UV lighting for faster cure times.
Anycubic Photon Mono: Features a 7″ 10K Mono LCD screen and stable LighTurbo light source for fast printing.
Flashforge Adventurer 3: A popular choice for its auto-leveling feature and user-friendly design.
Elegoo Saturn: offers high resolution and fast printing capabilities, ideal for detailed prints.
Anycubic Mono X: provides high resolution and a large build volume for detailed and large-scale prints.
Which Is Best for You?
- Choose Resin Printing If:
- You need high detail and smooth surfaces for intricate models.
- You’re willing to handle the mess and spend extra time on post-processing.
- You don’t mind the additional cost for materials and maintenance.
- Choose Filament (FDM) Printing If:
- You’re looking for a more affordable and user-friendly option.
- You want to print larger, functional parts with a variety of materials.
- You prefer simpler post-processing and maintenance.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific needs and priorities. Evaluate the pros and cons of each technology to decide which one aligns best with your 3D printing goals. Happy printing!
