FDM vs Resin Printing: Which One Is Right for Your Project?

Choosing between FDM and resin is one of the biggest decisions in 3D printing. Both are powerful, but they suit different needs. This guide gives you a clear breakdown so you can pick the right method for your project.

What Is FDM Printing?

FDM stands for Fused Deposition Modeling. It uses heated filament and builds your model layer by layer from bottom to top.

Best for:
Prototypes, Mechanical parts, Larger prints, Functional pieces, and Budget friendly builds

Pros of FDM:
• Strong and durable
• Affordable materials
• Great for big prints
• Wide color choices

Cons:
• Layer lines are more visible
• Tiny details may not be as sharp

What Is Resin Printing?

Resin printing uses liquid resin cured by UV light. This method produces extremely smooth, clean, detailed surfaces.

Best for:
Miniature collectibles, Figurines, Jewelry models, Display pieces, and High precision parts

Pros of Resin:
• Very fine detail
• Smooth finish
• Clean curves and textures

Cons:
• More brittle
• Requires post processing
• Smaller build volume

Which One Should You Choose?

It depends on your goal.

Choose FDM if you want:
• Strength
• Functionality
• Lower cost
• Prototyping and testing

Choose resin if you want:
• High detail
• Smooth surfaces
• Premium appearance

If you are not sure, contact us and we can recommend the best option based on your idea.

How Loki Uses Both

Some projects even combine both methods. We might print a large body in FDM and add resin printed details on top. If you want to see examples, check our Gallery page.