Resin vs Filament 3D Printing: Which one is best for your 3D figurine?

Resin vs Filament 3D Printing

Resin 3D Printing

What is resin 3D printing?

Resin 3D printing uses liquid resin that solidifies when exposed to light. This method is also known as SLA (Stereolithography) or DLP (Digital Light Processing). It is widely used for creating detailed and smooth 3D figurines. The process ensures high precision and captures intricate designs with ease. Resin printing is especially suitable for custom figurines, miniatures, and projects requiring exceptional detail and a professional finish.

What factors impact resin 3D printing?

Material

• Shape of Resin: Resin comes in liquid form, making it ideal for precise and intricate designs. Its smooth consistency ensures uniform layer formation.
• Price of Resin: Resin materials can vary in cost depending on quality and type. Standard resin costs around $35 to $50 per liter. Specialty resins, like durable or flexible types, can range from $70 to $150 per liter. High-quality resin offers better results but comes at a higher price.

Equipment

• Devices: Resin 3D printing requires several tools. These include the SLA or DLP printer for creating the object, a cleaning station for removing excess resin, and a UV curing light for hardening the print. Additionally, gloves, isopropyl alcohol, and containers are necessary for handling and cleaning the resin. This makes the process more complex compared to filament printing.
• Build Volume: Resin printers usually have smaller build volumes compared to filament printers. This makes them better for small, detailed objects like 3D figurines rather than large models.
• Printing Speed: Resin printers can be slower due to the layer curing process. However, advanced DLP printers may offer faster speeds by curing an entire layer at once.

Process

1. 3D Model Preparation: Create or download a 3D model using CAD software. Ensure the model is optimized for resin printing by checking for errors and hollowing areas to save resin.
2. Resin Printer Setup: Prepare the printer by adding resin to the tank and leveling the build plate. Adjust settings like layer height and exposure time based on the resin type.
3. Resin 3D Printing Process: Start the printing process. The printer builds the object layer by layer, curing each layer with light.
4. Cleaning: After printing, remove the model and clean it using isopropyl alcohol to wash away uncured resin. Use a brush or ultrasonic cleaner for better results.
5. Curing: Place the cleaned model under a UV light or in a curing station to fully harden it. Proper curing ensures durability and strength.
6. Finishing Work: Sand, paint, or polish the model as needed for a smooth and finished appearance. Additional details can be added during this stage.

Print Quality

Resin 3D printing offers high print quality, influenced by factors like printer resolution, resin type, and layer height. Higher resolution and finer layers create more detailed, smoother prints. The resin type affects the surface finish, with some producing glossy or matte results. Proper curing is also important for achieving the best quality.

Filament 3D Printing

What is filament 3D printing?

Filament 3D printing, also known as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), uses a spool of plastic filament. The filament is heated and extruded through a nozzle to build a model layer by layer. It’s popular for creating 3D figurines due to its affordability and variety of materials, like PLA and ABS. While it may not capture as much detail as resin printing, it produces durable, functional figurines with a matte finish.

What factors impact filament 3D printing?

Material

• Shape of Filament: Filament comes in different shapes, most commonly 1.75mm and 2.85mm in diameter. The choice of diameter affects the printing speed and precision. Thinner filament (1.75mm) works well for fine details, while thicker filament (2.85mm) may be used for faster prints with stronger results.
• Price of Filament: The price of filament varies depending on the material. On average, PLA filament costs between $20 and $30 per kilogram. ABS tends to be slightly more expensive, ranging from $25 to $40 per kilogram. Specialty filaments like PETG or flexible materials can range from $30 to $50 per kilogram, with some high-end filaments reaching even higher prices. The cost can also vary by brand and quality, with premium filaments often priced higher.

Equipment

• Devices: Filament 3D printing uses a printer with a heated nozzle to melt and extrude plastic. It often has a heated bed to avoid warping. Unlike resin printers, filament printers don’t need a resin vat or UV light for curing. They’re simpler, cleaner, and generally more affordable.
• Build Volume: Filament 3D printers usually have larger build volumes, allowing for bigger 3D figurines or multiple smaller ones to be printed at once. This is ideal for printing larger or more complex figurines. In contrast, resin printers have smaller build volumes, which limits the size of prints but enables finer details in smaller 3D figurines.
• Printing Speed: Printing speed is affected by several factors. Thicker layers print faster, but with less detail. Higher resolution takes more time. PLA prints faster than ABS. Printer settings, like extrusion speed and temperature, also affect speed. Larger nozzles extrude more filament, speeding up the print. Smaller nozzles slow it down but provide more detail.

Process

1. Design and Slice the 3D Model: First, the 3D model is designed using software. Then, it is sliced into layers with slicing software to prepare it for printing.
2. Set up the Filament 3D Printer: Next, the filament is loaded into the printer, and the print bed is prepared. The nozzle is cleaned, and the correct temperature is set for the filament.
3. Filament 3D Printing Process: Once ready, the printer heats the filament and extrudes it layer by layer onto the print bed, following the sliced design to build the model.
4. Remove the Filament Print: After printing, the model is carefully removed from the print bed, usually after it has cooled down.
5. Finishing Work: Finally, finishing work is done, such as removing support structures, sanding rough edges, or painting the model for a smoother finish.

Print Quality

The quality of a filament 3D print depends on several factors. The type of filament affects the finish, with some materials smoother than others. Thinner layers create more detail, but they take longer to print. Printer settings like temperature and speed influence how well layers bond. A clean nozzle and well-calibrated printer help improve accuracy and detail. 

Which is better for printing 3D figurine?

Small and High Details Figurine - Resin 3D Printing

Resin 3D printing is ideal for small figurines with intricate details. It produces smooth surfaces and sharp features with minimal layer lines. Resin printers are perfect for creating miniatures, collectibles, or highly detailed models. The high resolution of resin materials makes it the best choice for precision-focused designs.

Large Volume 3D Model - Filament 3D Printing

Filament 3D printing is better for large figurines or models. It is cost-effective and suitable for creating durable, lightweight parts. Filament printers can handle larger build volumes, making them ideal for printing bigger designs in a single piece. While not as detailed as resin prints, they work well for larger, less intricate models.

FAQ about Resin vs Filament 3D Printing

1. Is resin or filament better for miniatures?

Resin is better for miniatures because it offers exceptional detail and smooth surfaces. It’s ideal for creating intricate designs and small-scale models with precision, which filament printers can struggle to match.

2. Is resin 3d printing or filament 3d printing faster?

Filament 3D printing is usually faster, especially for larger models. Resin printing takes more time due to the high resolution and the need to cure each layer. However, the exact speed depends on the model size and the printer’s settings.

3. Is resin cheaper than 3D printing?

No, resin is typically more expensive than filament. Resin materials cost more, and the need for additional items like cleaning solutions and curing equipment adds to the overall expense.

4. Can you melt 3D printer resin in a cast?

No, 3D printer resin cannot be melted once it has cured. It becomes a solid, thermoset material that cannot return to a liquid state. For casting, other materials like wax are recommended.

5. Why are resin miniatures so expensive?

Resin miniatures are expensive due to the higher cost of materials and the detailed, time-intensive printing process. Additional post-processing steps like washing, curing, and sanding also add to the production cost.

6. Can I use filament in a resin 3D printer?

No, filament cannot be used in a resin printer. Resin printers use liquid resin and UV light to solidify layers, while filament printers use melted plastic to build models layer by layer.

7. How to reuse cured resin for 3D prints?

Cured resin cannot be reused for printing since it’s already hardened. However, it can be recycled or repurposed for other creative projects, such as decorative pieces or prototypes.

8. Why is nothing appearing in resin 3D printer?

This issue may result from incorrect printer settings, a dirty or blocked LCD screen, or a poorly leveled build plate. Ensure the resin is properly mixed, and double-check that the design is correctly sliced before printing.