Not sure whether to look at resin or filament? Visit our Ultimate Guide to Buying: 3D Printer Edition to find out which fits your style!
First off
Filaments
Filament is the material used in FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printers, where it's melted and layered to create objects. For instance, PLA (Polylactic Acid), a biodegradable plastic, is great for decorative items and prototypes, while ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene), a durable and heat-resistant material, is commonly used in everyday items like phone cases and car parts. Filament comes in a variety of types, each with unique properties suited for specific applications. Let’s break down the most common options to help you choose the right material for your project.
PLA
An eco-friendly, beginner filament, ideal for prototypes, decorative items, and educational models. Its low cost and ease of use make it the most popular choice for FDM 3D printing.
Features
Biodegradable and derived from renewable resources (e.g., cornstarch). Low heat resistance (softens at ~60°C). High dimensional accuracy and minimal warping. Not suitable for outdoor use due to poor UV resistance.
ABS
A durable and heat-resistant filament often used for functional parts like phone cases, car components, and toys. It’s strong and versatile but requires careful handling due to warping and fumes during printing.
Features
High heat resistance (softens at ~100°C). Durable and impact-resistant, ideal for mechanical parts. Moderate warping; requires a heated bed and proper ventilation. Emits fumes during printing, so use in a well-ventilated space or with an enclosure.
PETG
Combines the strength of ABS with the ease of use of PLA, making it a versatile choice for durable, weather-resistant prints. It’s ideal for outdoor tools, mechanical parts, and food-safe containers.
Features
High impact resistance and flexibility. Good weather resistance and UV stability for outdoor use. Prints easily with minimal warping, but may require a heated bed. Slightly glossy finish with excellent layer adhesion.
TPU
A flexible filament known for its durability and elasticity, making it perfect for creating parts like gaskets, phone cases, and wearable items. Its stretchiness and impact resistance set it apart from more rigid filaments.
Features
High elasticity and tear resistance, ideal for flexible prints. Excellent impact resistance and durability. Requires slower printing speeds for optimal results. Moderate heat resistance (softens at ~80°C).
Nylon
A strong, durable filament with excellent flexibility, making it ideal for industrial and functional parts like gears, hinges, and mechanical components. It’s highly resistant to wear and impact, perfect for demanding applications.
Features
High impact and abrasion resistance. Hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), so it must be stored in a dry environment. Moderate heat resistance (softens at ~90-100°C). Often requires a heated bed or enclosure.
PC
An extremely strong and heat-resistant filament, ideal for high-performance applications like engineering prototypes, light diffusers, and automotive parts. Its toughness and clarity make it a premium choice for advanced users.
Features
Exceptional strength and impact resistance, even at elevated temperatures. High heat resistance (softens at ~110-120°C). Naturally transparent, making it suitable for optical and lighting applications. Requires high printing temperatures and an enclosure to prevent warping.
We also have
Resins
Resin is the material used in SLA (Stereolithography) and DLP (Digital Light Processing) 3D printers, where liquid resin is cured layer by layer using UV light to create highly detailed objects. For instance, Standard Resin is perfect for prototypes and intricate designs, while Tough Resin offers durability for functional parts, and Flexible Resin mimics rubber-like properties for specialized applications. Resins provide unmatched precision and smooth finishes, making them ideal for industries like dentistry, jewelry, and engineering. Let’s explore the most common resin types to help you choose the right one for your project.
Standard Resins
Standard resin is the most widely used material in SLA and DLP 3D printing, valued for its precision and smooth surface finish. With layer resolutions typically ranging from 25 to 100 microns, it allows for remarkable detail, making it ideal for intricate models, prototypes, and artistic pieces. Its affordability—often priced around $30 to $50 per liter—makes it accessible for hobbyists, while its wide compatibility ensures it works seamlessly with most desktop resin printers. Despite its popularity, standard resin is best suited for aesthetic or low-stress applications, as its tensile strength typically falls in the range of 30-50 MPa, and it lacks the durability of more specialized resins. However, its low viscosity makes it easy to handle and clean, and it cures quickly under UV light, allowing users to achieve reliable results with minimal post-processing. For those looking to balance cost, quality, and ease of use, standard resin remains the go-to material for hobbyist 3D printing.
Specialty Resins
Specialty resins cater to advanced applications, offering unique properties beyond standard resin. Tough resins provide superior impact resistance, ideal for functional parts, while flexible resins mimic rubber-like materials for gaskets or wearables. Castable resins are perfect for intricate molds in jewelry and metal casting, and high-temperature resins handle demanding environments with excellent heat resistance. Dental and biocompatible resins address medical needs, such as creating custom dental implants and surgical guides. While some specialty resins, like tough and flexible options, are affordable enough for hobbyists (typically $50-$100 per liter), others, such as ceramic-filled or dental resins, are more costly and often used in professional settings. These materials allow hobbyists to explore durable, elastic, or highly detailed prints, offering versatility for unique and specialized projects.
Finally
Where are the deals
Now that you have a general understanding of what each filament/resin excels at, you should have a good idea of what you're looking for. The issue now is that there are so many brands with the same type of filament. Which should you buy from? Why might you buy from BambuLabs instead of ESun on amazon when it is 30% cheaper? Let's dig in!
Batch/Bulk Buying
If you have a larger project, want a larger array of colors and features, or are thinking of starting a small business, batch/bulk buying may be for you. Many companies offer batch buying where if you buy a certain quantity of 1kg rolls, you will receive up to 50% off.
Entry-Level
Creality Ender 3 V2
4.7 out of 5 stars
Pros:
- ✔ Good Build Volume
- ✔ Quiet Operation
- ✔ Incredible Community Support
Cons:
- ✘ Manual Bed-Leveling
- ✘ Not Great For Flexible Filament
Mid-Range
Printer Name Here
4.7 out of 5 stars
Pros:
- ✔ High print quality
- ✔ Easy to assemble
- ✔ Affordable
Cons:
- ✘ Limited build volume
- ✘ Can be noisy
Pro-Grade
Printer Name Here
4.7 out of 5 stars
Pros:
- ✔ High print quality
- ✔ Easy to assemble
- ✔ Affordable
Cons:
- ✘ Limited build volume
- ✘ Can be noisy
Our Favorite Resin Printers
Entry-Level
Printer Name Here
4.7 out of 5 stars
Pros:
- ✔ High print quality
- ✔ Easy to assemble
- ✔ Affordable
Cons:
- ✘ Limited build volume
- ✘ Can be noisy
Mid-Range
Printer Name Here
4.7 out of 5 stars
Pros:
- ✔ High print quality
- ✔ Easy to assemble
- ✔ Affordable
Cons:
- ✘ Limited build volume
- ✘ Can be noisy
Pro-Grade
Printer Name Here
4.7 out of 5 stars
Pros:
- ✔ High print quality
- ✔ Easy to assemble
- ✔ Affordable
Cons:
- ✘ Limited build volume
- ✘ Can be noisy