{"id":165155,"date":"2022-07-12T09:59:18","date_gmt":"2022-07-12T01:59:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/?post_type=kb&p=165155"},"modified":"2022-08-11T14:31:19","modified_gmt":"2022-08-11T06:31:19","slug":"resin-vs-filament-3d-printer-the-differences","status":"publish","type":"kb","link":"https:\/\/facfox.com\/docs\/kb\/resin-vs-filament-3d-printer-the-differences","title":{"rendered":"Resin vs Filament 3D Printer: The Differences"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Easily learn the differences between resin 3D printers and 3D printers using filament, called SLA and FDM technologies.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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FDM \/ Filament 3D Printers<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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The Prusa i3 MK3 is one of the finest consumer 3D printers you can get. It uses FDM technology to get things printed. (Source: ALL3DP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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FDM<\/strong>\u00a0is the abbreviation for\u00a0Fused Deposition Modeling<\/strong>, also known as\u00a0Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)<\/strong>. In FDM, a strand of material (in this case thermoplastic) is deposited in layers to create a 3D printed object. During printing, the plastic filament is fed through a hot extruder where the plastic gets soft enough that it can be precisely placed by the print head. The melted filament is then deposited layer by layer in the print area to build the workpiece.<\/p>\n

There is a broad choice of FDM 3D printers for every budget, starting at a few hundred dollars. Filament spools are relatively inexpensive, starting from as low as $15 per kilo. These factors make FDM printers very popular among makers and home users.<\/p>\n

You can find the best FDM 3D printers here:\u00a0The Best 3D Printers of 2022 \u2013 Buyer’s Guide<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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SLA \/ Resin 3D Printers<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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The Formlabs Form 3, sitting pretty with two resin cartridges in tow (Source: All3DP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n
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SLA<\/strong>\u00a0is the abbreviation for\u00a0Stereolithography Apparatus<\/strong>, or simply stereolithography. Like FDM, SLA is an additive method: Models are built layer by layer. SLA, however, uses a curable photopolymer \u2013 typically a liquid resin \u2013 that is hardened by applying focused light or UV light (this process is called curing). SLA printers usually build the models upside-down, that is, the build platform lifts the model upwards, out of the resin bath.<\/p>\n

The light source is always a laser for proper SLA printing, however, there is a subset of SLA that uses a digital projector instead (this technology is called DLP \u2013 Digital Light Processing). In SLA, the laser \u201cdraws\u201d each layer; in DLP, an entire slice (a two-dimensional layer) of the model is projected at once into the resin bath.<\/p>\n

Laser SLA printers are usually slower than DLP models because of the small surface of the laser beam. In DLP printers, each layer hardens faster as the entire image of one layer is projected onto the resin. However, the printed models still have to undergo the same post-processing either way.<\/p>\n

Overall, there are as many budget-friendly SLA machines as there are FDM 3D printers. Resin printers can also be found in a professional context.<\/p>\n

You can find the best SLA printers here:\u00a0The Best Resin 3D Printers of 2022<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Materials and Colors<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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FDM printers typically use PLA, PETG, or ABS filament. Most FDM printers can also handle some nylons, PVA, TPU, and a variety of PLA blends (mixed with wood, ceramics, metals, carbon fiber, etc.) Filaments are available in various colors. Some manufacturers even offer a service to manufacture RAL colors on-demand.<\/p>\n

Most FDM printers can use standard filament rolls that are available in two standardized diameters (1.75 or 2.85mm) from various sources. A few printers use proprietary filaments or filament cartridges \u2013 these are typically more expensive than standard rolls but (supposedly) deliver better quality.<\/p>\n

Owners of SLA printers have only a more limited pallet of resin materials. Quite often these are proprietary and cannot be exchanged between printers from different makers. The choice of colors is also limited. Formlabs, for example, only offer black, white, grey, and clear resins. On the other hand, they offer more durable or highly specialized materials (i.e. dental, heat-resistant, or flexible resins) for industrial uses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Precision and Smoothness<\/h3>\n
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SLA printers such as the Moonray print with high precision \u2013 you get details you wouldn’t see in an FDM printed object (Source: Sprintray)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In FDM printers, the printer\u2019s resolution is a factor of the nozzle size and the precision of the extruder movements (X\/Y axis). The precision and smoothness of the printed models are also influenced by other factors: As the bonding force between the layers is lower than in SLA printing and as the weight of upper layers may squeeze the layers below, a number of printing problems may ensue (e.g. warping, misalignment or shifting of layers \u2013\u00a0for more details see this article<\/a>). These compromise the precision and surface smoothness.<\/p>\n

SLA printers consistently produce higher-resolution objects and are more accurate than FDM printers. The reason: The resolution is primarily determined by the optical spot size, either of the laser focus or the projector\u2019s pixels \u2013 and that is really small. Moreover, during printing, less force is applied to the model. This way, the surface finish is much smoother. SLA prints usually can show details an FDM printer could never produce.<\/p>\n

In fact, the fine details an SLA printer produces are the main reason why one would consider getting an SLA printer.<\/p>\n

Adhesion and Post-Processing<\/h3>\n
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Some magnetic beds on FDM printers are bendable, making print removal easy (Source: Makezine)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Adhesion to the print bed is a common topic of discussion when using an FDM printer. Printed objects can be relatively easily removed \u2013 if the object sticks to the print bed, a palette knife will do. Some print beds are even flexible for easy print removal.<\/p>\n

In SLA printers, it can be difficult to remove the printed model from the print platform. Often, there is a lot of leftover resin left on the platform that you have to clean off and remove as well \u2013 this takes more effort than on an FDM printer.<\/p>\n

After printing on an FDM printer you need to remove supports (if the model has overhangs) and excess plastic, either with your fingers or a cutting tool. Sanding helps to get smoother surfaces. More on supports here:\u00a03D Printing Supports: 3 Easy Steps to Success<\/a><\/p>\n

Models printed on an SLA printer are covered in sticky leftover resin that has to be removed in a bath of isopropyl alcohol. This is why you get rubber gloves with most SLA printers \u2013 to protect your fingers from the resin and alcohol. Depending on the model, supports may be required, too. These usually have to be carefully cut off the model. Additionally, you will need to cure the part in UV light to achieve full strength after printing.<\/p>\n

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The Costs<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
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The FEP resin vat provided with the Anycubic Photon S (Source: All3DP)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Consumable in FDM printers are nozzles and filament rolls. As already mentioned, most FDM printers use the same standardized filament rolls, prices for filament have been declining in the last years. 1 kg of PLA filament can be bought for as little as $15, specialized filaments cost more. Nozzles don\u2019t tend to degrade quickly and are very cheap to replace on most models of printer, many even come with spares.<\/p>\n

In SLA printers, not only resin is consumed. In SLA printers, the bottom film on the resin tank has to be replaced after 2-3 liters of resin have been printed. The reason is that the tank gets smudged inside over time, so the light source is no longer able to precisely project the image in the resin. Depending on the manufacturer and model, resin tanks (or replacement FEP film) will set you back around $20 to $80.<\/p>\n

The resin is also costly: 1 liter of standard resin will set you back somewhere between $40 to $150.<\/p>\n

Another component that needs replacing from time to time on both systems is the build platform, as it can get marred when the user removes the printed model; a platform can cost up to $100.<\/p>\n

SLA vs FDM: Which One to Use?<\/h3>\n

In a nutshell: If high precision and smooth finish are your top priority, and the cost is of little importance for a print job, use an SLA printer. If the cost does play a role, use an FDM printer.<\/p>\n

When to use FDM<\/strong><\/p>\n