FDM or resin: which technology should you choose?
Choose FDM if the part has to work: spare parts, brackets, enclosures, batches. Choose resin if detail matters: figures, miniatures, jewellery, small text. Not sure? Upload the file and we will recommend the best option.
| FDM | Resin |
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| Best for | Functional parts, spare parts, batches | Detail, figures, jewellery |
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| Finish | Visible layers (0.1–0.3 mm) | Smooth (0.025–0.05 mm) |
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| Strength | High (PETG, ASA) | Medium; tough resin: high |
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| Size | Up to ~25 cm | Up to ~20 cm |
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| Price | Most affordable | Slightly more per cm³ |
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FDMFDM printing lays down a thread of molten plastic layer by layer. It is the most affordable option for functional parts, spare parts, brackets and medium-sized prototypes: strong, fast and available in PLA, PETG, ABS/ASA and TPU. A small part costs from €6 and is ready in 24–72 h.
| Maximum size | 250 × 210 × 220 mm |
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| Layer height | 0.1–0.3 mm |
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| Tolerance | ±0.2 mm |
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| Minimum wall | 0.8 mm |
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| Lead time | 24–72 h |
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RESINResin printing (SLA/MSLA) cures liquid resin with light, in 0.05 mm layers. It gives maximum detail and a smooth surface: ideal for figures, miniatures, jewellery, dental models and small precision parts. Typical lead time: 48–96 h.
| Maximum size | 200 × 125 × 220 mm |
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| Layer height | 0.025–0.05 mm |
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| Tolerance | ±0.1 mm |
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| Minimum wall | 0.5 mm |
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| Lead time | 48–96 h |
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