Basic Printer Selection: FDM vs. Resin

This article educates beginners on the basics of 3D Printing and recommends starting with FDM Printers instead of Resin Printers for simplicity.

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that builds three-dimensional objects from digital models. The process begins by creating a digital 3D model using Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software. This model is then sliced into thin horizontal layers by slicing software. The 3D printer reads these sliced layers and proceeds to print them one by one.

When starting out, there are two main kinds of printers to choose from

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Printers

Are the most common type of consumer 3D printer. A spool of plastic filament is fed into an Extruder (A metal nozzle can heat up). The filament is heated to its melting point and then pushed through the Extruder onto the print bed in layers following the specific pattern defined in the print. The nozzle moves in the X, Y, and Z axes, and each layer of the object is built on top of the previous one until the entire model is complete.

FDM Printing Source: Shawn Gano on Youtube

Stereolithography (SLA/LCD/DLP) Printers

Commonly referred to as Resin Printers, use a special liquid resin that can harden when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light. This technology originated as a Single Laser (SLA) but now use Liquid Crystal Displays (LCD) or Digital Light Projection (DLP) for entry level printers which are much faster.

The print bed is lowered into a container of this resin, and the UV LCD is programmed to light up and trigger a reaction in the resin, forming each thin layer. As the platform moves down, this repeats, forming the complete object. Other forms of this technology LCD

Resin Printing Source: Zortrax on Youtube)

Resin Printing vs. FDM Printing

SLA Printing:

✅ High Precision: Resin printers produce highly detailed and smooth objects with intricate features and fine surfaces. This makes them ideal for creating jewelry, miniatures, dental models, and other small, high-detail items.
✅ Printing Speed: Resin printers that use LCD/DLP generally print much faster than FDM as they are forming entire layers at a time rather than dot by dot. This advantage varies and will be more obvious with larger/flatter objects and less noticable with long, thin objects.
❌ Limited Print Size: Resin printers generally have a smaller build volume compared to FDM printers. This restriction means you can print smaller objects but may struggle with larger items.
❌ Toxicity and Post-Processing: Most resin prints are toxic to humans and animals, requiring additional processing after they are printed to make them safe for use. Your ideal setup includes a well ventilated room along with lab gloves, goggles and a mask when handling resin. Each print will need to be washed in high-grade rubbing alcohol and cured in UV light to harden the material's final properties.
❌ Price: The prices for entry level Resin and FDM printers are very similar, however these don't factor in additional costs of protective equipment, print washes and curing equipment.

FDM Printing:

❌ Lower Precision: FDM prints may exhibit visible layer lines on the surface, which can affect the aesthetics of the final object. These imperfects are more noticable in smaller objects. Generally the resolution is not a problem for functional parts such as office accessories and toy parts.
❌ Printing Speed: FDM printers build objects by extruding lines of filament. This is generally slower than Resin printers as filling in a layer line by line will take longer than curing the entire layer.
✅ Larger Build Volume: FDM printers at the same price range as Resin printers are available with larger build volumes, making them suitable for printing bigger objects in a single piece.
✅ Safety and Simplicity: FDM printers are easier to setup and safer to operate. There is less to learn and less that can go wrong, especially if you are limited in space and time. The process involves fewer complexities with more resources to help you troubleshoot compared to resin printing, making it more beginner-friendly.
✅ Price: While prices for entry level Printers and material are similar, the difference in material availability, printing and maintenance over time make FDM printers much cheaper.

Resin Prints vs. FDM Prints Source: 3dtech on gcreate.com

Resin	FDM
✅ Better Detail and Resolution	Lower Detail and Resolution
✅ Faster Print Speeds	Slower Print Speeds
More expensive to operate	✅ Cheaper to operate
Requires Use of Toxic Chemicals	✅ Less Messy and Safer
Higher Learning Curve and Time	✅ Easier Setup and Operation
Smaller Print Volume	✅ Larger Prints Sizes

Best Way To Start: Budget-Friendly FDM Printer

For beginners interested in exploring the world of 3D printing affordably and easily, the Ender 3 series offers a great price point to learn and be able to print some cool stuff.

There are several Ender 3 models and a few differences among them. Check out the Start Printing with $300 article for a more detailed comparison and recommendation.

No Budget Constraints: A higher grade FDM Printer

If price and budget are not a concern, consider that a more expensive printer will save you more time, waste less material and provide a more smooth printing experience. Check out The Best 3D Printer for each purpose to find which printer will suit your needs the best.

Start with PLA: the most common 3D Printing Material Type

Most people will start with PLA Plastic, known to be the most common material type for FDM 3D Printers, available in the most colors and prints easier than higher temperature material types.

Overture filament offers many colors at a competitively low price point. We also favor them as their spool holders are made from biodegradable and recyclable material

Overture PLA Filament on Amazon

If you really want a Resin Printer

If your goal with 3D Printing is to create small figurines (miniatures) or items that require high quality and precision, a Resin printer may be better for you. However, we believe that FDM printers are more valuable to beginners as it provides ability to create functional items while being easier to get started and use regularly. More articles will be added on later for Resin printers.

Tag - Printer selection