Not sure whether to go FDM or resin? PLA or PETG? This guide covers what matters so you come in with a clearer picture — or just send us your project and we'll recommend the right approach.
FDM is the workhorse of 3D printing. A spool of plastic filament is melted through a heated nozzle and deposited layer by layer. It's fast, affordable, and produces strong functional parts. Layer lines are visible but can be sanded or primed away.
Resin printing uses a UV light source to cure liquid photopolymer resin into solid layers. The resolution is dramatically finer than FDM — surface detail that filament simply cannot achieve. Parts require washing and UV curing post-print.
| Property | FDM / Filament | Resin / SLA |
|---|---|---|
| Detail level | ||
| Strength | ||
| Build size | ||
| Surface finish | ||
| Cost per cm³ | Lower | Higher |
| Speed | Faster (large parts) | Slower per volume |
| Post-processing | Minimal | Wash + cure required |
| Flexible materials | Yes (TPU) | Limited |
| Best use case | Functional + large | Detail + display |
The most common FDM material. Easy to print, low warp, great detail for filament. Biodegradable and available in the widest color range. Not heat-resistant — avoid prolonged direct sunlight or car interiors.
Stronger and more impact resistant than PLA, with better temperature tolerance. Slight flexibility helps with snap-fits and assemblies. Our go-to for functional parts that need durability without the difficulty of ABS.
A flexible, rubber-like filament that stretches and rebounds. Excellent impact and abrasion resistance. Prints slower but opens up use cases no rigid material can cover — gaskets, grips, wearables, and bumpers.
High heat resistance and impact strength. ABS has been the engineering standard for years. ASA adds UV resistance, making it better for outdoor use. Both require an enclosure to print well and have slight fumes.
The most common resin type — high detail, smooth surface, and reasonable toughness. Not as brittle as older resins. Excellent for display pieces, cosplay detail parts, and anything where surface quality matters most.
An upgraded resin formula with improved impact resistance and reduced brittleness. Noticeably tougher in thin-walled or fine-feature prints where standard resin might snap. Better for handled or worn pieces.
Printed on an 8K mono LCD — the finest resolution we offer. Individual layer lines are nearly invisible to the naked eye. Reserved for pieces where every surface detail matters: portrait faces, jewelry, collector figurines.
Need something specific — carbon fiber-filled, glow-in-the-dark, wood-fill, or a particular color match? Ask us. We source specialty filaments for projects that need them and will advise on printability and tradeoffs.
Use the estimator for a ballpark price, or send your project details and we'll recommend the right material and approach.
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