What No One Tells You About 3D Printing Resin vs Filament

When choosing between 3D printing resin vs filament, it may seem like a straightforward decision. In reality, each material comes with unique benefits, trade-offs, and misconceptions that can significantly affect your part quality, cost, and post-processing workload.

Upside Parts - 3D Printing Resin vs Filament

This post explores the differences between resin 3D printing vs filament, helping you make the right choice based on what you actually need, not just surface quality or tech specs.

Understanding What Resin and Filament Actually Are

Filaments are thermoplastic materials used in FDM 3D printers. They are extruded through a heated nozzle, one layer at a time. Common filaments include PLA, ABS, PETG, and TPU. Each of these has distinct characteristics, from flexibility and toughness to heat resistance.

Resins, on the other hand, are liquid photopolymers used in SLA or MSLA printers. They cure under UV light and produce high-detail parts with smooth finishes. Resin types include standard, tough, flexible, ABS-like, and castable, each designed for specific end-use goals.

While resin 3D printing vs filament technologies differ, what really matters to your project is how these materials behave mechanically, chemically, and visually.

Surface Quality and Functional Use

It is true that resin prints generally offer higher resolution and finer surface detail. However, this does not mean they are only for visual models.

• Resin is excellent when fine features, sharp edges, or smooth finishes are required. Some tough and engineering resins also provide strong mechanical performance, making them suitable for certain functional parts, especially when precision or temperature resistance is needed.

  
  

• Filament prints may have more visible layer lines but often provide higher impact resistance and mechanical strength, especially for larger technical parts.

  
  

The key is to align the resin type or filament type with the expected function of the printed part. Both materials are used in professional settings when chosen correctly.

To understand more about the variety of resins, you can review our materials pages on Standard Resin Printing and ABS-like Resin Printing.

Strength, Flexibility, and Durability

Not all resins behave the same way. While standard resin may be brittle, other formulations such as tough or engineering-grade resins are much more robust. The same applies to filament types.

Material Type	Strength	Flexibility	Durability
PLA Filament	Medium	Low	Low to medium
ABS Filament	High	Medium	High
PETG Filament	Medium to high	High	High
Standard Resin	Low to medium	Low	Low
Tough Resin	Medium to high	Medium	Medium
ABS-like Resin	High (for resin)	Medium	Medium

The above shows that both filaments and resins offer options across the strength and durability spectrum. Choosing the right one between resin vs filament 3d printing depends on the properties needed, not just the material family.

Handling and Safety Considerations

Filament is typically easier and safer to work with. You simply store the spool, load it into the printer, and begin printing. For many materials, there is minimal odor and no significant chemical exposure.

Resin, by contrast, requires careful handling. The liquid resin is toxic in its uncured form and requires gloves, proper ventilation, and cleaning tools. After printing, parts need to be washed in alcohol or water and then cured under UV light.

If your setup lacks proper ventilation or if you share the space with others, filament may be the more convenient choice.

Post-Processing Workload for Resin 3D Printing vs Filament

• Filament prints usually require minimal post-processing. Removing support material and smoothing rough areas are the most common steps.

  
  

• Resin prints require more attention. You need to wash the part, cure it fully, and sometimes polish or sand it, especially for clear materials.

  
  

This difference between 3D printing resin vs filament is important when printing larger batches or trying to meet tight deadlines.

Cost Factors to Consider for Resin vs Filament 3D Printing

Resin printers may seem more affordable at first glance. However, when accounting for material price, safety gear, cleaning supplies, and post-curing equipment, costs can add up.

Filament materials are less expensive per gram, and overall workflows are more straightforward. This makes FDM more affordable, particularly for fast design iterations or projects that require material-specific properties.

Misconceptions Worth Addressing

• “Resin cannot be used for functional parts.” This is not true. Many engineering resins are specifically designed for technical applications. The key is to choose the right resin.

  
  

• “Filament produces low-quality prints.” While the surface may be rougher, filament excels in mechanical performance and can meet industrial demands with the right settings.

  
  

• “High resolution means better accuracy.” Surface detail and dimensional accuracy are not the same. You can learn more about this distinction in our post on High Resolution 3D Printing.

  
  

Making the Right Choice between 3D Printing Resin vs Filament

Choosing between resin vs filament 3D printing is not about one material being better than the other. It is about identifying the properties you need most, whether that is visual precision, mechanical strength, or ease of use.

Both types of materials are widely used in professional settings. With the right choice of resin or filament, you can achieve excellent results, whether printing functional parts, prototypes, or visual models.

Our team of specialists offers expert guidance on selecting the right material based on your project’s functionality, timeline, and performance requirements. Whether you need support with 3D printing in Boston or are located elsewhere in the United States, we ship nationwide and are ready to help.