Comparison between resin (SLA/DLP) and filament (FDM) 3D printers

Here's a detailed comparison between resin (SLA/DLP) and filament (FDM) 3D printers, highlighting key differences, advantages, and disadvantages:

Technology

Resin 3D Printers (SLA/DLP):

• Method: Uses a laser (SLA) or a digital light projector (DLP) to cure liquid resin layer by layer.
• Resolution: High resolution with fine details and smooth surface finish.
• Materials: Uses photopolymer resins which are available in various properties like standard, tough, flexible, and castable.

Filament 3D Printers (FDM):

• Method: Melts and extrudes thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle, depositing it layer by layer.
• Resolution: Lower resolution compared to resin printers, with visible layer lines.
• Materials: Uses a wide range of thermoplastics like PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and others.

Cost

Resin Printers:

• Printer Cost: Typically higher, ranging from $200 for entry-level models to $3000+ for professional models.
• Material Cost: Resins are more expensive, around $50 to $200 per liter.
• Operational Cost: Higher due to resin cost and additional expenses for isopropyl alcohol (IPA) for cleaning prints.

Filament Printers:

• Printer Cost: Generally more affordable, starting from $150 for basic models to $3000 for high-end models.
• Material Cost: Filaments are cheaper, costing around $20 to $50 per kilogram.
• Operational Cost: Lower, with minimal additional expenses.

Print Quality and Detail

Resin Printers:

• Quality: Superior detail and smooth surface finish, ideal for detailed models like miniatures, dental models, and jewelry.
• Accuracy: High accuracy, typically around 0.025 to 0.1 mm layer height.

Filament Printers:

• Quality: Decent for larger models and functional parts but with visible layer lines.
• Accuracy: Moderate accuracy, typically around 0.1 to 0.3 mm layer height.

Speed

Resin Printers:

• Print Speed: Generally slower due to the curing process, but some high-speed models are available.
• Post-Processing: Requires post-curing and cleaning, adding time to the overall process.

Filament Printers:

• Print Speed: Can be faster for larger prints, but speed varies greatly depending on the model and settings.
• Post-Processing: Minimal post-processing required, usually just removing support structures.

Strength and Durability

Resin Printers:

• Strength: Resin prints are generally more brittle and less suited for functional parts that require strength and flexibility.
• Durability: Less durable under stress, but special resins can improve toughness.

Filament Printers:

• Strength: FDM prints are generally stronger and more suitable for functional parts and mechanical components.
• Durability: More durable and impact-resistant, especially when using materials like ABS or PETG.

Ease of Use

Resin Printers:

• Setup and Maintenance: More complex setup and maintenance due to the handling of liquid resin and cleaning requirements.
• Safety: Requires careful handling due to toxic resins and the need for good ventilation.

Filament Printers:

• Setup and Maintenance: Easier to set up and maintain, with straightforward material handling.
• Safety: Generally safer and easier to use, with less stringent safety requirements.

Application

Resin Printers:

• Best For: High-detail applications like jewelry, dental models, miniatures, and prototypes requiring smooth surfaces and fine details.

Filament Printers:

• Best For: Larger models, functional parts, mechanical components, and applications where strength and durability are crucial.

Example Models

Resin Printers:

1. Anycubic Photon Mono X: High-resolution, large build volume, around $600.
2. Formlabs Form 3: Professional-grade, excellent quality, around $3500.

Filament Printers:

1. Creality Ender 3 V2: Affordable, reliable, around $250.
2. Prusa i3 MK3S+: High-quality, versatile, around $750.

Conclusion

Choosing between resin and filament 3D printers depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize high detail and smooth surfaces, resin printers are the way to go. If you need durable, functional parts with a lower cost of operation, filament printers are more suitable. Each technology has its strengths and best use cases, so understanding your requirements is key to making the right choice.