Is resin printing really a big upgrade from FDM?

[Dark_Chirithy]

I’ve been printing with FDM for a few years now, mostly small mechanical parts and some props, but lately I’ve been thinking about trying resin printing. The print quality looks amazing, but I’m not sure if it’s really worth the switch for how I use my printer. For those of you who’ve made the jump this year, do you think it’s worth it? How big of a learning curve was it when it came to cleanup and post-curing? I’ve got a small workspace here in Idaho, so I’m a little worried about dealing with resin fumes and storage. Curious if resin feels like a major step up or just more hassle for certain kinds of projects.

 

[nedreeas_99]

I tried resin this summer and ended up sticking with FDM for most jobs. Resin fumes are real and the post-processing adds cost and time. If your workspace is tight and you're not chasing ultra-fine detail, FDM might still be the better fit.

 

[ep29030]

I print small parts for small hobby rockets in resin. Its strength is things with detail. Can print thinner parts than filament as well. If you stay with standard resins the post processing is simple. Just a UV light and a IPA wash and a water wash.

For small parts, I put about 100ml of IPA in a quart Ball canning jar. Drop in parts, seal lid and shake 30 seconds. Drain IPA into another jar and remove parts. IPA can be reused several times. Then do it again with another jar with clean IPA to get any residue off. Again, recycle ipa. Then shake parts in ball jar with hot water. Remove them then place under uv light for 15-30 minutes. Heating parts while curing does make them harder. If you want to do it, make a heater+ UV box. Add a heater (see below) and run it at 40C. I made mine from a bucket lined with foil and a wooden lid.

For printing parts, buy small heater on Amazon (youyote brand) and put inside your printer cover. I run at 30C all the time. Makes resin flow easier. Best $50 I spent for printing. Smells: some resins smell more than others. The ones I use don’t bother me. I print in my basement.

 

[Magicniner]

Resin isn't "Better than FDM", it's different.
In an ideal world you'd have both FDM and SLA as each has strengths and weaknesses.
There are tougher, less brittle rigid resins being released all the time which is closing the functionality gap somewhat.