FDM vs Resin 3D Printer: Which Should You Buy?

Two technologies, two different answers to "what should I print?" Understanding the trade-offs helps you choose correctly the first time.

How FDM Works Fused Deposition Modelling melts plastic filament and deposits it layer by layer. A heated nozzle traces each layer's shape, building up the object. Think of it like a very precise hot glue gun moving in three dimensions.

**How Resin Works** MSLA (masked stereolithography) uses UV light to cure liquid photopolymer resin. An LCD screen masks the light, creating entire layers at once. The build plate rises, and the next layer cures beneath it.

Detail Comparison Resin wins decisively. Typical layer heights: - FDM: 0.1-0.2mm - Resin: 0.01-0.05mm

For miniatures, jewellery, or intricate details, resin delivers visible differences. For functional parts where looks matter less, FDM is sufficient.

Strength Comparison FDM wins. Filament materials like PETG, ABS, and nylon create stronger functional parts. Resin prints are more brittle and degrade in sunlight without post-processing.

For mechanical parts, brackets, enclosures, or anything under stress, FDM is the better choice.

Cost Comparison Initial cost: Similar. Budget FDM and resin printers both start around £170-200.

Running cost: FDM is cheaper. Filament costs £15-25/kg. Resin costs £25-50/L. FDM prints use less material for equivalent volumes due to infill. Resin also requires IPA for cleaning and gloves for handling.

Mess and Safety FDM is cleaner. Filament is dry and non-toxic (PLA is food-safe when properly printed). Printing happens contained on the bed.

Resin is messy. Liquid resin requires careful handling, nitrile gloves, and proper ventilation. Cleanup involves IPA baths and UV curing. Uncured resin is an irritant and potential allergen.

**Beginner-Friendliness** FDM is more forgiving. Failed prints are dry waste. Mistakes teach you about settings and calibration without safety implications.

Resin requires more discipline. Safety protocols are non-negotiable. Failed prints leave uncured resin that needs proper disposal.

Use Case Guide Choose FDM for: Functional parts, large prints, learning 3D printing, household items, prototypes Choose Resin for: Miniatures, tabletop figures, jewellery, dental models, highly detailed display pieces

Can You Have Both? Many makers eventually own both. A budget FDM printer (around £170) plus a budget resin printer (around £200) covers most use cases for under £400 total. Start with FDM to learn fundamentals, add resin when you need its specific capabilities.

Our Recommendation First printer? FDM. Learn the basics without safety complexity. The Ender 3 V3 SE or Bambu Lab A1 Mini are excellent starting points.

Second printer or specific need for detail? Resin. The Elegoo Mars 4 delivers exceptional value.