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Comparing Resin 3D Printing Miniatures vs FDM Miniatures - Which Is Better?

Dwight Mitchell • Nov 30, 2022

Comparing Resin 3D Printing Miniatures vs FDM Miniatures - Which Is Better?

The debate between resin 3D printing miniatures and FDM miniatures has been raging for years amongst hobbyists. Both offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, so it can be hard to choose between the two.

With resin 3D printing miniatures, you get detailed and intricate designs, but the cost and post-processing can be a turn-off. On the other hand, FDM miniatures offer low costs, quick prints, and quick post-processing, but you might be sacrificing detail and accuracy.

In this article, we'll compare resin 3D printing miniatures versus FDM miniatures so you can make an informed decision about which is better for your needs.

We'll look at the advantages and disadvantages of each, and discuss the cost, print time, post-processing, and accuracy of the finished product. By the end, you'll have the information you need to make the best decision for you and your projects.

Overview of Resin 3D Printing Miniatures

Resin 3D printing is a form of SLA (stereolithography) printing, which uses light to cure resins and create models. Resin 3D printing is ideal for creating large and small models that have intricate details and features such as small wires and screws.

You can use resin 3D printing to create miniatures for tabletop games, such as Warhammer and Magic: The Gathering. You can also use resin 3D printing to create jewelry, collectibles, ornaments, decorations, gifts, and more. Resin 3D printing is ideal for creating intricate designs and small details because of the level of control the software has over the process.

The software can be programmed to print features as thin as 0.02 inches. Res Resin 3D printing isn't designed for speed; it's designed to create high-quality prints.

If you're looking for fast prints, resin 3D printing isn't a good option. If you're looking for detailed and intricate designs, though, resin 3D printing is a great option.

Overview of FDM 3D Printing Miniatures

FDM 3D printing uses a hot plastic that is extruded from a nozzle to create models. FDM 3D printing is ideal for creating large and small models that have simple details and features such as geometric shapes and rectangles.

You can use FDM 3D printing to create miniatures for tabletop games, such as Warhammer and Magic: The Gathering. You can also use FDM 3D printing to create gift cards, toys, prototypes, and more. FDM 3D printing is ideal for speed; it's designed to create prints quickly.

If you're looking for detailed prints, FDM 3D printing isn't a good option. If you're looking for quick prints, though, FDM 3D printing is a great option. FDM 3D printing can be done at home or in a variety of public libraries.

You can also print small batches of models whenever you want, as opposed to having to print an entire spool of filament at one time. FDM 3D printing is great for those with a budget, as the materials are low-cost and the printers are affordable.

Comparing Resin 3D Printing Miniatures vs FDM Miniatures

Resin 3D printing miniatures has a higher up-front cost, but the quality of the end result is higher than FDM miniatures. Resin 3D printing miniatures have intricate designs and small details. They have a realistic look and feel, as well as a high level of accuracy.

FDM miniatures have a lower up-front cost, but the quality of the end result is lower than resin miniatures. FDM miniatures have simple designs and simple details. They have a cartoonish look and feel, as well as a low level of accuracy. Resin 3D printing miniatures win in cost, print time, post-processing, and accuracy. FDM miniatures win in cost and print time.

For your needs, you'll want to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each type of miniature. With resin 3D printing, you can create large batches of miniatures that are intricate and detailed.

With FDM 3D printing, you can create large batches of miniatures that are simple and quick. You can choose which miniatures are better for your needs.

a. Cost

Resin 3D printing miniatures are more expensive than FDM miniatures at the outset. However, you need to consider that you'll need to make large batches of FDM miniatures to make up the cost of the materials.

Resin 3D printing miniatures are easier to scale up and down, so you only have to make what you need. You also don't need to worry about over- or under-buying materials.

Resin 3D printing miniatures are a better choice for larger projects with a high volume of miniatures because it's less expensive to produce a large batch of miniatures compared to FDM miniatures.

b. Print Time

Resin 3D printing miniatures take longer to print than FDM miniatures.

Resin 3D printing can take anywhere between a few hours and many days, depending on the size and complexity of the model.

FDM miniatures take less than an hour, on average.

Resin 3D printing miniatures are better for large projects with many miniatures, as they can be printed all at once.

FDM miniatures are better for smaller projects with a few miniatures, as they can be printed as you need them.

c. Post-Processing

Resin 3D printing miniatures need to go through a post-processing step after printing. You'll have to remove the miniature from the printing tray, clean the miniature, and paint the miniature.

Some people choose to build their miniatures from scratch after cleaning the printed miniature.

FDM miniatures don't require any post-processing. You can print the miniature as it is, without any additional cleaning or post-processing.

Resin 3D printing miniatures have a realistic look and feel.
FDM miniatures have a cartoonish look and feel.
Resin 3D printing miniatures are better for large projects, as the level of detail and accuracy is higher.
FDM miniatures are better for smaller projects, as they are simple and quick.

d. Accuracy

Resin 3D printing miniatures have a higher level of accuracy than FDM miniatures.
Resin 3D printing miniatures are more accurate because they can print incredibly thin features, and the software has a higher level of control over the printing process.
With FDM miniatures, the software has a lower level of control over the printing process, so the accuracy is lower.
Resin 3D printing miniatures are better for large projects, as the accuracy is higher.
FDM miniatures are better for smaller projects, as the level of accuracy is lower.

Conclusion

When it comes to comparing resin 3D printing miniatures vs FDM miniatures, you need to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Resin 3D printing miniatures have a higher up-front cost, but the quality of the end result is higher than FDM miniatures.
Resin 3D printing miniatures take longer to print than FDM miniatures.
Resin 3D printing miniatures need to go through a post-processing step after printing.
Resin 3D printing miniatures have a higher level of accuracy than FDM miniatures.
Resin 3D printing miniatures are better for large projects with a high volume of miniatures.
FDM miniatures are better for smaller projects with a few miniatures.