Technology · 6 min read
FDM vs resin: which technology fits your project?
Two fundamentally different processes, and the actual tradeoffs that matter once you get past the marketing.
FDM builds parts by extruding melted filament layer by layer. Resin builds parts by curing liquid photopolymer with light, layer by layer, in a very different way.
FDM wins on part strength, material variety, and running cost per part. Most engineering and functional prints are still FDM for good reason.
Resin wins on surface finish and fine detail — text, small features, and smooth curves that would show visible layer lines on an FDM machine.
Post-processing is the part beginners underestimate with resin: isopropyl alcohol washing, UV curing, and careful handling of uncured resin are real, ongoing steps, not one-time setup.
A working shop often ends up with both: FDM for functional parts and enclosures, resin for detail parts and masters.