Different Types of 3D Printer Consumables: Resin vs FDM

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) and resin 3D printing are two of the most popular types of printing in the 3D world. Both of these methods have their own set of advantages, disadvantages, use cases, and limitations. 

So, if you are confused about whether you need to buy an FDM printer or a  resin 3D printer, this is the right guide for you. In this guide, let's explore the differences between FDM and resin 3D printers to pick the perfect solution.

What Are 3D Printer Consumables and Why Do They Matter?

3D printer consumables are a comprehensive term used to refer to the materials, accessories, and parts that are used during the 3D printing process. Such consumables include printing materials like filament for FDM and resin for resin 3D printers. Other replacement parts, like scrapers and nozzles, are also included.

• 3D printer consumables are important because:
• The quality of the material has a direct impact on printing quality.
• The material used determines the overall finish and properties of the final printed product.
• Being familiar with the right material type is important to ensure you are using the right equipment and software.
• You can modify the strength and flexibility of the final product by varying the material.

Common Types of 3D Printer Consumables

There is a large variety of 3D printer consumables available in the market. These materials can be divided into two major categories:

1. FDM 3D Printer Consumables

Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is a highly popular form of 3D printing. It is normally used to create prototypes and simple objects. Numerous types of filaments are available for FDM 3D printing, including:

PLA (Polylactic Acid): Commonly used FDM material to print strong and biodegradable objects.

ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): It is a strong and durable material with significant heat resistance.

PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol): Suitable for quick printing with less temperature. Its composition makes it safe for food-related printing as well.

Nylon: Nylon is the perfect filament for strong and durable objects. However, these filaments are quite hard to print on using FDM.

PVA (Polyvinyl Alcohol): It is a unique printing consumable that can dissolve in water.

2. Resin 3D Printer Consumables

A versatile collection of printer consumables is available for resin 3D printers in the form of different types of resins :

•  Abs-like Resin:  Perfect for materials that require high impact resistance and have strong mechanical properties with maximum accuracy.
•  High Precision Resin:  The high-precision resin is meant for small objects and miniatures that require delicate details and sharpness.
•  Transparent Resin:  The acrylic-like clarity in the transparent resin makes your final products appealing. It also has anti-yellowing properties to ensure a stable color for a long period.
•  Water Washable Resin:  It is a low-odor material that makes the cleaning process quicker and easier by eliminating the need to use heavy solvents.
•  Flexible Resin:  It offers durability and flexibility that is often not available in FDM printing. It has strong anti-aging properties and offers excellent sharpness.
• Heat Resistant Resin:  It is the perfect printer consumable for products requiring high heat resistance.

Resin 3D Printer vs. FDM Printer: Consumables Comparison

Now that you are familiar with the major types of printer consumables for both FDM and resin 3D printers, let’s summarize their differences:

How to Choose a 3D Printer Based on Consumables?

You can choose the best resin 3D printer  or FDM based on consumables by considering these factors:

Analyze Your Printing Goals

 If you want a highly detailed product with a smooth finish, you should choose a resin 3D printer. For larger prints, you should go for FDM.

Consider Material Type

Evaluate the printing consumables available for FDM and resin 3D printers to ensure you are choosing the right one as per your goals.

Measure Cost

Your budget and the cost of the printing consumables are also important to consider to picking the right printer.

Speed & Quality

Consider the speed and quality you need in your product.

Other Factors That Affect Material Choices

While material type, cost, and print quality are crucial, several additional factors also play a significant role in determining which 3D printer consumables best suit your needs

• Assess Post-Processing Needs: Resins often require washing and UV curing.  while FDM needs manual removal and sanding.
• Maintenance: Resin printers often need regular cleaning as they print intricate details and have complex machinery. FDM printers, on the other hand, often require nozzle cleaning, but not a complete clean-up.
• Compatibility: Different types of resins are available, so you can easily find the one that suits your printing needs. FDM printers often have filament compatibility issues.

Conclusion

The bottom line is that both FDM and resin 3D printers have their own printing consumables that provide varying advantages and disadvantages. Generally, if you want a low-cost, large print, you will find FDM printing to be useful.

However, for more intricate details and better quality, resin 3D printers lead the way. So, now that you know the differences between FDM and resin 3D printers, you can easily choose the perfect material as per your specific needs. 

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