3D printer resin – how does it differ from filament, and how do you work with it?

You can feel the difference between the resin and the filament whilst working. Find out how they differ in practice.

What is 3D printer resin?

Resin is a liquid material that the printer cures with UV light layer by layer until the entire model is formed. This is a completely different process to that used with filament, which is heated and extruded through a nozzle – hence the different hardware requirements, but also different operating procedures for the user.

What types of resins are there?

The most versatile one is standard resin, suitable for most initial print runs. Hard resin (tough) copes better with impacts and heavier loads, whilst flexible material is used where the model is intended to bend slightly. A separate group consists of water-washable resins, which make it easier to clean the model after printing – more on this in the next section.

What should you be careful of when working with resin?

Uncured resin is irritating to the skin, and it is best not to inhale its vapours – It’s worth wearing gloves whilst working and in a well-ventilated room. Do not pour any leftover resin directly down the sink – it is better to cure it with UV light and dispose of it as normal waste. This is one of the main differences compared to filament, which does not require such precautions.

What should you do with the model after printing it with resin?

Once removed from the printer, the model must be washed – usually in isopropanol, although water is sufficient for water-soluble resins. The model then needs to be cured under UV light; only after this stage is it ready and stable. These are additional steps that you won’t find when working with filament, where the model is ready almost immediately after being removed from the printer.

How should resin be stored?

The resin has a limited shelf life and it is best to keep it in a cool, dark place – light and high temperatures may cause it to harden prematurely or impair its properties.

What is resin better suited for, and what is filament better suited for?

Resin allows capture far more detail, which is why it’s ideal for miniatures, jewellery or models with small parts. The filament performs better with larger, functional parts that need to be durable for everyday use. If you’re wondering which filament to choose for your first prints, read: 3D printer filaments – which one should you use for your first prints?.

Where can I buy resin and accessories for it?

As well as the resin itself, it’s worth thinking about gloves, a model cleaner and a UV curing lamp. By Halsky, shopping assistant available on the InPost Mobile app, can help you choose the right resin and accessories for what you’re planning to print – just describe what you’re looking for. You can collect your purchases conveniently from a Paczkomat parcel locker or via a courier, and if you need a moment to think it over – you can save your suggestions to your favourites and come back to them later.

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3D printer resin – frequently asked questions

Is resin safe for children?

Uncured resin is irritating and harmful on contact, so care must be taken when handling it, and it is not suitable for children without adult supervision.

Can resin be stored alongside filament?

Yes, but each material has its own requirements – The resin must be stored in a cool, dark place, and the filament must be protected from moisture.

Is resin printing more expensive than filament printing?

Resin usually costs more than filament per print, and on top of that there are accessories for washing and curing the models.