resin 3d printing | Geeetech https://blog.geeetech.com Get Your Ideas Into Life Tue, 07 Jan 2025 10:07:02 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 https://blog.geeetech.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/cropped-WechatIMG25-2-copy-32x32.png resin 3d printing | Geeetech https://blog.geeetech.com 32 32 Resin VS Filament: Which Is Better for 3D Printing https://blog.geeetech.com/materials/resin-vs-filament-which-is-better-for-3d-printing/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 07:34:33 +0000 https://www.geeetech.com/blog/?p=12570 For most people, the important thing to know about Resin 3D printing vs filament 3D printing, is concerning the materials used in the printing process. So let us dive deeper into when to use each type of printer and material. Enjoy!

What Is Resin 3D Printing?

Geeetech resin

As the name suggests, this technology uses resin for printing 3D models. The resin is liquid when printed, but will become hardened once the print is finished and subjected to UV lights.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Resin 3d printing works make it possible to achieve very good results when it comes to precision and specific details. This is because each new printed layer will blend well with the previous ones.

However, the technology is not as quick compared to other methods such as plastic or polymer filaments. And the cost for the resin also tends to be higher per weight unit. Some types of resin are also toxic or dangerous to handle without proper care.

What Is Filament 3D Printing?

Geeetech Thunder 3d printer

This is the type of 3D printer material that most people are familiar with. It uses some form of filament, which can be made from a wide variety of different ingredients. For instance, Geeetech filament is biodegradable, safe for coming in contact with food, and suitable for extreme temperatures.

Advantages and Disadvantages

On the positive side, the technology is well developed now, with high production efficiency resulting in effective cost control, so you can find cheap 3D printing filament.

That being said, there are also some possible things to consider, such as the slightly worse precision and details for FDM printing. The surface can sometimes require people to sand or smooth it for a more polished finish.

Comparison of Resin and Filament 3D Printing

Black Myth Wukong Monkey printed by Geeetech washable resin and Christmas tree printed by Geeetech PLA filament.
Left: Black Myth Wukong Monkey printed by Geeetech washable resin ( Model source: Qicamo @MakeWorld )
Right: Christmas tree printed by Geeetech PLA filament ( Model source: Genapart @thingiverse )

Below you can see an overview of both Resin 3D printing and FDM printing. We have compared both methods on a number of different aspects.

AspectResin 3D PrintingFilament 3D Printing (FDM)
CostHigherLower
DetailHighModerate
Surface FinishSmoothVisible layers
MaterialsLimitedWide variety
Ease of UseComplexBeginner-friendly
Post-ProcessingRequired (washing/curing)Minimal (sanding optional)
Build VolumeSmallerLarger
DurabilityBrittleStronger
CleanupMessyClean
Print SpeedModerateFaster
Environmental ImpactHigher (chemical waste)Lower (e.g., biodegradable PLA)
ApplicationsDetailed models, miniaturesPrototypes, functional parts

Print Operation

Step/SettingResin 3D PrintingFilament 3D Printing (FDM)
Material PreparationLiquid resin poured into a vatFilament loaded into extruder
Printing TemperatureNo heating requiredNozzle: 180-260°C, Bed: 50-110°C
Cooling/FanNot neededCooling fan for proper filament cooling
Print SpeedSlow (~20-50 mm/s)Faster (~40-100 mm/s)
Layer ThicknessThin (0.01-0.1 mm)Thicker (0.1-0.3 mm)
Post-ProcessingRequires washing & UV curingMinimal (remove supports, sanding)
Printer MaintenanceClean resin vat & replace FEPClean nozzle, replace filament spool
Safety MeasuresHandle resin with gloves and mask; proper ventingFew precautions, mostly non-toxic PLA

Overall Filament 3D printing is easier for people to use. It does not require a complicated process with the resin vat, UV curing and chemical cleaning.

FDM printers are also easier to maintain over time, and they are less messy since plastic filament is easy to handle compared to liquid resin.

Print Speed

One of the main advantages of FDM printers is their greater speed. In general, 3D printing can be quite slow, especially for larger objects. So, having roughly twice the speed can save users many hours and even days or months over the long run.

Print Quality

FeatureResin 3D PrintingFilament 3D Printing (FDM)
Surface FinishSmooth and polishedLayer lines can be visible depending on settings
DetailExtremely high precision, ideal for intricate designsModerate precision, good for functional parts
GlossNaturally glossy (varies by resin type)Matte or semi-gloss finish
Touch/TextureSmooth, often requiring minimal post-processingSlightly rough without finishing steps
Color OptionsWide variety of resins, often solid or transparentExtensive range of filaments, including color blends
DurabilityBrittle, especially for thin partsStronger and more flexible materials
WeightLighter due to hollow printing optionsHeavier with solid prints
Mechanical StrengthLimited, suitable for aesthetic or detailed partsDurable and functional for mechanical uses
FlexibilitySpecialized resins for flexibilityFlexible filaments like TPU are available
Post-ProcessingSmooth surface after curing; additional polishing optionalMay need sanding, smoothing, or painting

Maintenance of Resin vs Filament 3D Printer

AspectResin 3D PrinterFilament 3D Printer (FDM)
Cleaning After UseClean the resin vat and build a plate with isopropyl alcoholRemove the filament, clean the nozzle and bed
Material HandlingKeep resin sealed, avoid spillsStore filament in a dry, airtight container
Bed MaintenanceKeep the the platform cleanLevel the bed and clean it regularly
Mechanical PartsPeriodic replacementLubricate linear rails and check belts
ConsumablesReplace FEP film regularlyReplace worn nozzles
Safety MeasuresGloves and proper ventilationAvoid touching the hot nozzle/bed
StorageAvoid exposing resin to sunlightAvoid moisture for filament
Error PreventionCheck for cured resin residuePrevent clogging by cleaning nozzles
Printer CalibrationCheck Z-axis levelingBed calibration and extrusion flow
Maintenance FrequencyOftenRarely

Overall it is easier to maintain an FDM printer due to the less amount of upkeep required, along with lower maintenance costs and not needing to replace mechanical parts over time.

Applications

Resin 3D PrintingFilament 3D Printing (FDM)
1. Miniatures and Figurines1. Custom Cosplay Props
2. Custom Jewelry2. Functional Tools
3. Display Models3. DIY Home Decor
4. Detailed Decorative Pieces for Sale4. Custom Toys and Gadgets
5. Educational Models5. Replacement Parts

Conclusion

To conclude, 3D printing liquid resin models can deliver more precision and detail, at the cost of a more expensive model, slower production and overall more care and maintenance involved. It is still a viable option if you need the best quality possible or want to sell your items for the highest price possible.

Filament 3D printing is the best option when it comes to prototyping your own 3D printed designs and models, giving you quick and cheap results compared to Resin printing. The 3D printing machine types on the market are also cheaper and have fewer replacement parts needed.

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ABS-Like Resin in 3D Printing https://blog.geeetech.com/news/new-arrival/abs-like-resin-in-3d-printing/ Sat, 20 Jan 2024 09:39:19 +0000 https://www.geeetech.com/blog/?p=11364 3D Printer resin is a key material used in a specific type of 3D printing technology called stereolithography (SLA) and digital light processing (DLP). The main technology in them is to cure and form liquid resin into hard models under ultraviolet (UV) light exposure.

3D printing technology first originated in the 1970s, when it was mainly used to create prototypes. In 1983, Chuck Hull from the USA invented stereolithography (SLA) and in 1986 he co-founded the world’s first 3D printing company which was a great process for 3d printing development. Nowadays it is frequently to use resin in 3d printing. Here is the timeline related to resin 3d printing:

What is ABS-Like Resin?

ABS-Like Resin is a photopolymer resin that is widely used for DLP or LCD 3D printers. ABS-Like resin contains high-quality pigments and photoinitiators which empower 3d prints with bright and stunning colors. As its similarity to ABS, it performs well in printing functional or mechanical accessories. It’s a nice choice for printing regular 3d models with smooth and exquisite appearances.

Main features of Geeetech ABS-Like Resin:

  • Compatibility: Our ABS-like resin works seamlessly with various LCD and DLP printers. It is designed for broad market applicability, ensuring it pairs well with LCD and DLP technology printers.
  • Fast Curing & High Efficiency: It boasts a rapid curing time, which significantly boosts the success rate and overall printing efficiency. For optimal results, it is recommended to set the exposure time within the resin printer to either 1.7s or 2s. Moreover, it’s safe, non-toxic, and emits minimal odor.
  • Precision & Quality: It exhibits excellent fluidity and high precision with minimal shrinkage, leading to clear and detailed prints. This makes it ideal for both novices and seasoned 3D printing aficionados.
  • Secure Packaging: It comes in safely and thoughtfully designed packaging, featuring a leak-proof design to prevent spills during transport. 

What are the differences between standard resin and abs-like resin in 3d printing material?

Standard resin and ABS-like resin are two different types of materials used by 3D resin printers each with its own set of properties and characteristics. Here are the key differences between standard resin and ABS-like resin:

Material Composition

  • Standard Resin: typically, standard resin is a photopolymer resin that cures when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light during the 3D printing process. It is well known for its smooth surface finish and high level of detail.
  • ABS-Like Resin: ABS-like resin is formulated to mimic the properties of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a commonly used thermoplastic in traditional manufacturing. ABS-like resin is used for functional prototypes and end-use parts quite a lot.

Flexibility

  • Standard Resin: standard resin is generally less flexible and more rigid. It might not perform well during the 3d printing process which requires a certain level of flexibility or elasticity.
  • ABS-Like Resin: ABS-like resin can exhibit better flexibility and is more resilient to bending and deformation. This makes it a preferred choice for functional prototypes that would bring challenges to some degree of mechanical stress.

Post-Processing

  • Standard Resin: standard resin usually requires less post-processing compared to ABS-like resin. It may not need extra procedures like vapor smoothing or extensive sanding.
  • ABS-Like Resin: ABS-like resin might benefit from post-processing techniques such as vapor smoothing to improve the surface finish and appearance. This is especially relevant for parts that require a more polished look.

When choosing between standard resin and ABS-like resin, it’s essential to consider the specific requirements of your 3D printing project, including mechanical properties, flexibility, and intended applications. Each type of resin has its advantages, and the selection should be based on the desired characteristics of the final printed object.

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