Difference between Resin and filament

As spoken about in previous posts we now are aware of two types of 3D printers which are
resin ( Dark Light Projection/ Stereolithography ) and filament ( Fused Deposition Modelling )
printers. In this post I will be differentiating and comparing them in order to give a better
understanding as to which would be ideal for whatever project or print you may be working on.
In terms of price there is not much difference as the price of any kind of printer depends on the
quality and efficiency you may desire. According to (Grames, 2020) These 3D Printers can cost
anything from around £250 - £10,000 but the price between resin (DLP/SLA) and filament
(FDM) is generally standard between the two.
According to (Bricknell,2021) Filament (Fused Deposition Modelling) printers are the more
common type and basically how it works is where it uses a spoil of plastic string which is melted
and then designed using layers in order to create the desired shape. This means it is ideal for
larger more basic projects. This type of printer is known for being very reliable and easy to
learn. Filament (Fused Deposition Modelling) printers are ideal if someone wanted to crate
large and quite basic things such as toys, hats , prototype projects, etc. Although this type of
printer is simple and reliable the down side to this type is that it is not able to create small
detailed projects and it is not able to add any tiny details to a larger piece.
Also (Bricknell,2021) says Resin ( Dark Light Projection/ Stereolithography ) are not as common
as filament printers as they tend to be more difficult to use and maintain. Similar to the
filament printer they use a layering method but in this case the printer uses resin that is liquid
and then uses light to cure that resin in order to design the desired shape and once again it is
built up in layers. These printers are much more complex and not as easy to learn how to use it
but the benefit is the quality of the finished project is much better than a project from a
filament printer. Resin printers are more well known for creating precise and really detailed
projects. The projects created from Resin printers are remarkably more detailed than any
project form a filament printer. the disadvantage of resin printers is that they are small bit
slower than Filament printers and they are unable make larger projects due to the small
printing bed which is needed to create finer details.
In conclusion a beginner would be much better suited to a filament ( Fused Deposition
Modelling ) rather than a resin ( Dark Light Projection/ Stereolithography ) printer as they are
more basic and are generally easier to use. For someone who has taken a greater interest in 3D
printing , a Resin printer would allow the person to take there projects to another level as it
allows you to create a project with much more detail.
Bibliography
All3dp (2020) , 3D printer price : How much does a 3d printer cost , Available at :
https://all3dp.com/2/how-much-does-a-3d-printer-cost/ [Accessed 4 march 2021]
Windows Central (2021) , Resin or filament 3d printing: which is best for you, Available at :
https://www.windowscentral.com/resin-or-filament-3d-printing-which-best-you [ accessed at 4
March 2021]