Resin vs Filament 3D Printing: Which One Should You Choose?

Getting into 3D printing can feel a little like opening a toolbox without knowing what half the tools do. If you’ve ever stood between a resin printer and a filament printer, scratching your head, wondering which one’s for you, you’re not alone.

Resin vs filament 3D printing is one of the most common beginner dilemmas. Each has its pros, cons, quirks, and learning curves. And choosing the right one can make all the difference in how enjoyable and successful your 3D printing journey becomes.

In this guide, we’ll break it down clearly: what sets resin and filament printers apart, what materials they use, how difficult they are to handle, and which one makes sense based on what you want to create. We’ll also share some beginner-friendly tips, and by the end, you’ll feel confident choosing the printer that fits your goals (and your patience level).

What is Filament 3D Printing?

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Let’s start with the most common type: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), also called filament 3D printing. This method works a bit like a high-tech hot glue gun. It heats plastic filament, usually PLA 3D printing material, and lays it down layer by layer to build up your model.

PLA is the go-to choice for most beginners. It's affordable, widely available, and forgiving to print with. Other popular filaments include PETG and ABS, but those tend to come with steeper learning curves.

FDM printers are often cheaper to buy, easier to maintain, and ideal for printing functional parts like brackets, hooks, organizers, and even toys. If you’ve read our blog on 15 Useful 3D Print Ideas That Make Life Easier, you’ll notice most of those items were made with filament.

Best for: Functional prints, home items, low-detail prototypes, and quick results.

What is Resin 3D Printing?

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Resin 3D printing (SLA, LCD, or DLP technology) uses a vat of liquid resin that hardens when exposed to UV light. Instead of extruding melted plastic, a resin printer cures each layer with incredible precision.

This method is famous for its detail. If you’re printing miniatures, dental models, jewelry, or any item where precision matters, resin delivers. But that detail comes at a cost: resin printing is messier, slower, and often involves more post-processing.

You’ll need gloves, isopropyl alcohol, and curing equipment to clean and finish your prints. The resins themselves can also be more expensive than filament. However, nothing beats the crisp surface quality and fine features resin can achieve.

Best for: High-detail models, miniatures, figurines, and artistic designs.

Print Quality: Detail vs Durability

When comparing resin vs filament, print quality is where the differences really show.

● Filament prints tend to show visible layer lines, especially on curved surfaces. You can smooth them with sanding or chemical treatments, but they won’t look as refined out of the printer.

● Resin prints are nearly flawless in terms of detail and surface smoothness. You can print a tiny figurine with facial expressions clearly visible.

However, filament prints are more durable and resistant to impact. Resin prints can be brittle, especially if not properly cured. Some special engineering resins can overcome this, but at a higher cost.

If you're not ready to commit to buying a printer, or just want professional results, you can always let us handle it. JLC3DP offers Online 3D Printing Instant Quote - JLC3DP in both resin and PLA 3D printing materials, perfect for everything from prototypes to miniatures to replacement parts. Just upload your file, choose your finish, and we’ll handle the rest.

Ease of Use for Beginners

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If you’re new to 3D printing, ease of use is critical. Here’s how they stack up:

● Filament 3D printing wins in terms of ease. Set up your printer, load the filament, slice the model, and go. With a bit of patience, most beginners can be printing successfully within a day or two.

● Resin 3D printing requires more setup, safety precautions, and cleanup. You'll need to handle potentially hazardous materials, clean parts with alcohol, and cure them under UV light.

While there are beginner-friendly resin printers on the market, they still require more attention and care than their FDM counterparts.

Looking for beginner-friendly 3D printing tips? Check out our blog on How to Solve Common 3D Printing Problems to learn how to fine-tune settings and avoid common issues.

Materials & Cost: PLA vs Resin

One of the big factors in resin vs filament 3D printing is the cost, not just of the printer, but the materials and maintenance.

● PLA 3D printing material is cheap, comes in a wide range of colors, and is biodegradable. A 1kg roll can cost as little as $15-$25.

● Resin costs more per volume and has a shorter shelf life once opened. Some resins are also quite smelly, so ventilation is a must.

Resin printing also requires extra gear (wash stations, curing machines), so the startup cost is higher.

If you’re on a tight budget, PLA 3D printing gives you more prints per dollar. For hobbyists or those printing useful items around the house, it's a no-brainer.

Safety & Maintenance

● Filament printers are relatively safe, just be mindful of the heated nozzle and bed.

● Resin printers require gloves, masks, and well-ventilated spaces. Spills and skin contact can lead to irritation, and uncured resin is toxic.

Maintenance also differs. FDM printers need occasional nozzle cleaning and bed leveling. Resin printers require more frequent cleaning, resin filtering, and care of the FEP film.

Which One Should You Choose?

If you want to print practical items, don’t want to deal with chemicals, and prefer a lower learning curve, filament 3D printing (especially with PLA) is a great starting point.

If you're artistically inclined, want ultra-detailed prints, and don’t mind the extra cleanup, resin 3D printing offers unbeatable surface quality.

You can always start with an affordable FDM printer and outsource high-detail projects to a professional 3D printing service like ours. We offer both resin and filament printing options, so whether you need a durable tool holder or a polished prototype, we’ve got you covered.