Is a 3D Resin Printer Right for You? A Real User’s Perspective
When I first got into 3D printing, I started like most beginners—with an FDM printer. It was affordable, easy to understand, and gave me a good foundation. But after a while, I started to notice its limitations. The print quality was decent, sure, but I kept seeing photos of incredibly detailed miniatures, smooth prototypes, and translucent objects that were clearly made with something better. That’s when I started digging into resin printing.
Eventually, I made the leap and bought a 3d resin printer. If you’re on the fence about getting one yourself, here’s what I wish I had known before diving in.
What Makes Resin Printing So Appealing?
The biggest draw of resin printing is the detail. Compared to FDM printers, which use melted plastic filament, resin printers use liquid photopolymer cured by UV light—usually using either LCD or SLA technology. This process allows for much finer resolution and smoother surfaces.
For example, I tried printing a Dungeons & Dragons miniature on both types of printers. The FDM version looked passable, but the resin version had sharp facial details, visible textures on clothing, and an overall polish that felt professional.
Benefits I Noticed Immediately:
Incredible detail – Ideal for miniatures, jewelry, dental models, or any fine-featured designs.
Smooth surfaces – Less post-processing needed.
Less visible layering – Virtually no “zebra stripes” you see with filament prints.
Precision – Better dimensional accuracy.
But Resin Printing Isn’t All Sunshine
Before you hit “buy,” it’s important to know what you’re signing up for. Resin printing comes with its own set of challenges and quirks.
Cleanup Can Be a Chore
Unlike filament printers where prints pop off the bed ready to use, resin prints require cleaning and curing. That means you’ll need:
Isopropyl alcohol (IPA) or a wash station
A UV curing lamp or sunlight
Nitrile gloves (resin is toxic when uncured)
Proper ventilation
Trust me, resin smells bad. I ended up setting up my printer in the garage with a small fan pulling air out the window.
Maintenance Is Higher
Resin printers have more consumables—like FEP films, which need replacement after a few dozen prints, and the resin itself, which has a shelf life. You’ll also need to clean your vat and build plate carefully after each print to avoid failures.
Who Should Buy a 3D Resin Printer?
If you're someone who values precision over size, then a resin printer could be perfect. It really depends on what you're printing.
Ideal Use Cases:
Tabletop miniatures
Figurines and collectibles
Dental and medical models
Jewelry prototyping
Custom small-scale parts
On the other hand, if you're mainly interested in printing larger objects like cosplay props, brackets, or enclosures, resin may not be your best bet. The build volumes are generally smaller and the material cost higher.
Choosing the Right Resin Printer
I spent weeks comparing different models. The most important things I looked for were:
Resolution – Aim for 4K or 8K monochrome LCD screens.
Build Volume – Don’t underestimate how small some of these machines can be.
Ease of maintenance – Features like a hinged lid, easily replaceable FEP sheets, and touchscreens make a difference.
Customer support and firmware updates – Don’t buy from a brand that doesn’t support their products.
Brands like HeyGears, Anycubic, Elegoo, and Phrozen are commonly recommended. I ended up going with a mid-range printer from HeyGears and have zero regrets so far—it was user-friendly and gave great results out of the box.
Is Resin More Expensive?
Short answer: yes. The resin itself costs more per liter than filament does per spool. Plus, you need additional supplies (IPA, gloves, paper towels, filters). But if you're printing objects where quality really matters, the cost is justifiable.
Some tips to cut costs:
Hollow out your models in your slicer
Use supports wisely
Save leftover resin in a dark, sealed container
Avoid overexposing your prints to reduce waste
Post-Processing: The Inevitable Trade-Off
Post-processing is non-negotiable with resin printing. Even if your print comes out flawless, it’s not done until it’s been washed and UV cured. Here’s my simple workflow:
Remove supports while the print is still soft
Wash in IPA using a sealed container or wash station
Air dry completely
Cure under a UV lamp for 5–10 minutes
Final sanding or painting (optional)
It takes time, sure—but it’s also part of the fun for many hobbyists. I enjoy the finishing process, especially when I’m painting miniatures afterward.
My Honest Verdict After Months of Use
After over six months of using a resin printer regularly, I can confidently say: it’s worth it—but only if you really need the quality it offers.
I still use my FDM printer for rough prototypes, large parts, or functional prints. But when I want something that looks like it came from a commercial mold, the resin printer is my go-to.
If you're serious about stepping up your 3D printing game and willing to invest a little more time and care, a 3D resin printer could be one of the best tools you'll add to your workshop.
Final Thoughts: Should You Get One?
Ask yourself:
Do I need high-detail prints?
Am I okay with a little mess and maintenance?
Can I justify the higher running cost?
If you answered yes to these, go for it. Resin printing has opened up new creative possibilities for me—and it might do the same for you.