Resin vs FDM: Which 3D printing technology should you choose?

3D printing encompasses several technologies, the two main ones being FDM (fused deposition modeling) and resin (SLA/DLP). The choice depends primarily on the end use.

FDM: robust and economical

FDM involves extruding a plastic filament layer by layer.

Benefits :

• Low cost

• Wide selection of materials (PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon…)

• Good mechanical resistance

Boundaries :

• Less precision

• More rustic finish

Resin: precision and detail

The resin uses a laser or a screen to solidify a photosensitive liquid.

Benefits :

• Very high precision

• Smooth finish

• Ideal for detailed parts

Boundaries :

• Less durable (depending on the resin)

• Post-treatment required

• Higher cost

What choice should be made?

• Functional prototypes → FDM

• Aesthetic or miniature pieces → Resin

• Detailed technical specifications → Technical resin

Conclusion

The two technologies are complementary. The right choice always depends on the final purpose of the part.