So, you’re thinking about getting a 3D printer, and that is pretty exciting! But now comes the big and most important questions: Should you get a resin printer or an FDM printer? There isn’t really a right or a wrong answer, because both have their individual strengths and quirks.
The right choice, for you, will depend on what you want to print, how much space you have, and how comfortable you are with a little bit of tinkering.
So, let’s break it down.
What's the Difference?
There are a lot of things that differentiate FDM from Resin printers, but the general basics are:
- FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printers work by melting plastic filament and layering it to create a model. This is similar in method to applying icing to a cake.
- Resin Printers use UV light to cure liquid resin, building up your model layer-by-layer in a vat of good (yes good is definitely the technical term!)
When to choose an FDM printer?
FDM printers are a great choice, if you want to print bigger things, such as cosplay masks and helmets, terrain for tabletop gaming, or practical part.
PLA (Plastic) is the most widely used filament used in FDM printing, which is generally incredibly affordable. However, there is also the option to experiment with more interesting materials.
One of the biggest complaints that we often see regarding FDM printed pieces is layer lines. In the majority of cases, layer lines are inevitable because of the way the machines work. However, there are methods that you can learnt to reduce them or sand and priming can also be a huge help.
Some people find that the details aren’t as sharp as they would like, or as they would get from a resin printer.
FDM prints are easier to maintain once they are finished printing. You may need to wait for the plate to cool down before removing the piece, and you may have to remove supports which can be fiddly and take a little time to clean up, however they are generally easy to remove.
When to Choose a Resin Printer
If your project needs super fine details, then you might decide that a resin printer is the better option for you. For example, if you are working with something that has an intricate design such as jewellery or tabletop gaming miniatures.
However, it’s important to understand that resin is not recommended for beginners.
Not only is it expensive, Resin takes a lot of work to post-process:
- Wash the pieces to remove any excess resin;
- Supports need to be removed (this is still important, because the intricate designs often mean that pieces are small with fine detailing);
- Curing the piece ensure that it is strong and reliable.
One of the biggest complaints about resin printing is how toxic it is. It has a very distinct odour that will mean you will need to keep your room very well-ventilated (we definitely don’t recommend keeping it in a room that you spend a lot of your time, for example a bedroom).
What about Maintenance?
It goes without saying that both resin and FDM printers require some upkeep.
FDM printers have nozzles that need to be cleaned, the bed will need levelling and occasionally parts will need replacing due to general wear-and-tear.
Resin printers require regular cleaning, and you’ll need to replace worn out FEP sheets fairly regularly.
Have a 3D printer but unsure how to use it?
If you have already made the leap and bought a 3D printer, but are stuck with how to use it, or worried that you’re not getting the best out of it, why not book a workshop with us. We have both resin and FDM printers on hand to guide you.