Should I buy an FDM or a resin printer?
Most beginners should start with FDM. Resin suits small, finely detailed models if you can handle the extra care.
For most beginners, start with FDM, the kind that prints melted filament. Choose resin if you mainly want small, finely detailed models such as miniatures and are ready for the extra handling.
FDM: filament printing
- Prints larger parts and functional objects
- Materials are easy to store and handle
- Little post-processing beyond removing supports
- Visible layer lines, less fine detail
Resin printing
- Very fine detail and smooth surfaces
- Smaller build area on many machines
- Prints must be washed and cured after printing
- Liquid resin needs gloves, ventilation and careful cleanup
A simple test
List the first five things you want to print. Brackets, organisers, replacement parts and prototypes point to FDM. Figures, jewellery models and dental-style detail point to resin.
You can have both
Many hobbyists start on FDM and add resin later. The slicer ideas carry over even if the materials don’t.
This is Lesson 1 in the course. Next: PLA or PETG.