Remember those clunky, industrial machines that used to take up entire rooms? Well, luckily,3D printers are no longer so bulkythese days, making them more accessible to hobbyists. Now, you’re able to bring your imagination to life from the comforts of your home. However, for many beginners, a question that is often asked iswhich is better, resin or filament, for printing figures?
Both materials have their pros and cons. Today, we’re jumping into those features to help you find which fitsyour tabletop needsbest.
What Is 3D Resin Printing?
Resin 3D printing, also known as Stereolithography (SLA) or Digital Light Processing (DLP), is a 3D printing technology that uses liquid resin to create objects. Here’s how it works:
After printing, resin figurines require some post-processing steps, like cleaning off uncured resin and curing them completely in a UV curing station. Resin printing offers incredible detail and a smooth surface finish, making it ideal for high-quality figurines.
What Is 3D Filament Printing?
Filament 3D printing, also known as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), is the most common type of 3D printing. It uses a solid plastic filament (think thin wire) to build your figurine layer by layer. Here’s the process:
Filament printing is generally easier to use and requires less maintenance compared to resin printing. However, the layer-by-layer deposition leaves visible lines on the final figurine, and the overall detail might not be as sharp as with resin printing.
Resin Vs. Filament: Which Is Better For You?
Picking the right material boils down to what you want your finished figurines to look and feel like. Let’s delve into some key factors that will influence your decision.
Printing Quality and Detail
As mentioned earlier, resin reigns supreme for capturing intricate details. The layer-by-layer curing with light creates incredibly smooth surfaces, perfect for showcasing fine details like facial expressions, flowing hair, or intricate armor on your figurines.
While filament printing has come a long way, it can’t quite match the smoothness of resin. The melted plastic extrusion process leaves behind visible layer lines, which can be more prominent on smaller figurines. However, some filament printing techniques can minimize these lines, and for larger figures with less intricate details, filament might still produce impressive results.
Printing Size
This is where the tables turn. Filament printers typically boast a larger build volume compared to resin printers. This means you can print much bigger figurines in one go with filament. Imagine printing a towering orc warlord or a colossal griffin - filament lets you tackle these larger-than-life projects.
Resin printers, however, are better suited for smaller to medium-sized figures. While some high-end resin printers offer larger build spaces, they tend to be significantly more expensive than their filament counterparts.
Printing Time
Printing speed can vary depending on the complexity of your figurine and your printer settings. However, as a general rule, filament printing tends to be faster than resin printing. This is because resin printers require curing each layer with light, which adds extra time to the process.
Filament printers, on the other hand, simply melt and extrude the filament, making the printing process itself a bit quicker. So, if you’re looking to churn out a batch of figurines quickly, filament might be the more time-efficient option.
Printing Cost
Generally, printing with resin is more expensive per figurine than with filament. Here’s the breakdown:
Filament printing is generally more budget-friendly. Filament is typically less expensive than resin, and the printing process itself requires fewer additional materials.
The Verdict
When it comes to printing cost and printing time, filament tends to be the more economical and time-efficient option. However, if detail and finish are paramount, resin is the clear winner. Remember, the best choice depends on your specific figurine project. Consider the size, level of detail you desire, and your budget to make an informed decision. Happy printing!
FAQ
What are the disadvantages of resin 3D printers?
Here are some things to consider when using a resin printer:
How long does 3D printer resin last?
The shelf life of 3D printer resin can vary depending on the brand and storage conditions. Most unopened resin has a shelf life of around1-2 years if stored properly in a cool, dark place.
Once opened, the shelf life can decrease to around 6 months.It’s always best to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for specific shelf life information for your chosen resin.
What paintbrush should I use for resin figures?
Since some harsh chemicals can damage regular paint brushes, it’s recommended touse synthetic bristle brushesspecifically designed for resin models. These brushes are often made of nylon or PBT (polybutylene terephthalate) and can withstand the solvents used in paints suitable for resin figures.
