Resin 3D printing is a family of additive manufacturing technologies that create objects by selectively curing a liquid photopolymer resin using a light source. Unlike FDM which deposits material, resin printing solidifies a liquid. The three main types are Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), and Masked Stereolithography (MSLA). All share the same core principle and are renowned for producing parts with exceptional detail, complex geometries, and an incredibly smooth surface finish.
The precision of resin printing makes it indispensable in fields where detail is paramount:
Jewellery & Dentistry: Creating highly detailed casting patterns, dental models, surgical guides, and aligners.
Prototyping: Producing high-fidelity visual prototypes for presentations and product photography.
Miniatures & Entertainment: Manufacturing intricate characters, figurines, and props with fine details.
Engineering: Building complex components with internal channels, microfluidics, and precise geometries.
Exceptional Detail and Resolution: This is the primary strength of resin printing. It can produce features with microscopic accuracy, making it ideal for highly intricate designs.
Smooth Surface Finish: The process creates parts with a smooth, almost injection-moulded quality surface, as the layer lines are often invisible to the naked eye.
Isotropic Strength: Resin parts are generally isotropic, meaning they have nearly equal strength in all directions (X, Y, and Z axes). The chemical bonds between layers are very strong, which is a significant advantage for functional and mechanical parts.
Specialised Material Properties: A vast range of specialty resins is available, including tough (ABS-like), flexible (rubber-like), high-temperature, castable (for jewellery/dentistry), and biocompatible materials.
Required Post-Processing: The mandatory washing and curing steps add time, labour, and equipment to the workflow.
Material Handling and Cost: Liquid resins are more expensive than FDM filaments and require careful handling with gloves and proper ventilation.
Generally Smaller Build Volumes: Compared to FDM printers, resin printers typically offer a smaller build area for a similar cost.
UV Sensitivity: Parts can become brittle and change properties over time if exposed to prolonged direct sunlight.
A highly rigid and strong resin engineered to resist deformation under significant pulling and bending forces.
Price: $90/kg
Yield Strength: High (85 MPa)
Temperature Resistance: Medium (up to 80°C)
Chemical Resistance: Medium
UV Resistance: Low
- Structural brackets and mounting components
- Connectors and housings that are under load
- Static parts requiring high rigidity and strength
- Functional end-use parts not subject to high impact
- Very high stiffness and tensile strength
- Resists bending and deformation under load
- Holds tight tolerances for precise assemblies
- Brittle upon failure; low impact resistance
- Not suitable for parts that need to flex
A professional-grade resin for capturing the finest details with incredible speed and a flawless surface finish.
Price: $80/kg
Yield Strength: Medium (~40-50 MPa)
Temperature Resistance: Low (up to 65°C)
Chemical Resistance: Low
UV Resistance: Low
- Highly detailed miniatures and sculpts
- Architectural and product presentation models
- Jewellery and dental casting patterns
- Prototypes where visual appearance is critical
- Produces exceptionally sharp, crisp details
- Fast curing speeds for rapid production
- Creates a very smooth, professional surface finish
- Relatively brittle; not for functional or mechanical parts
- Low thermal and chemical resistance
A tough, durable resin designed to withstand impacts, drops, and repeated stress, perfect for functional parts.
Price: $110/kg
Yield Strength: High (45 MPa)
Temperature Resistance: Medium (up to 75°C, higher after annealing)
Chemical Resistance: Medium
UV Resistance: Low
- Phone cases
- Functional prototypes that require drop-testing
- Enclosures with snap-fit joints
- Manufacturing jigs and assembly aids
- Parts that simulate the toughness of ABS plastic
- Excellent impact resistance and durability
- Good balance of strength and flexibility
- Ideal for creating robust, functional assemblies
- Lower rigidity and hardness than other resins
A very soft and flexible resin that produces rubber-like parts capable of being repeatedly stretched and compressed.
Price: $90/kg
Yield Strength: Very Low
Temperature Resistance: Low
Chemical Resistance: Medium
UV Resistance: Low
- Extremely flexible and elastic, like soft rubber
- Excellent for creating soft-touch surfaces
- Enables prototyping of complex flexible designs
- Not suitable for structural applications
- Can be challenging to print successfully
- Low temperature resistance
- Seals, gaskets, and soft grommets
- Ergonomic grips, handles, and button pads
- Wearable prototypes (straps, cushioning)
- Shock absorbers and vibration dampeners
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