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FDM printers melt plastic filament; resin printers cure liquid resin with UV light.
Last updated: October 31, 2026.
FDM
Cheaper, larger prints, less mess. See best 3D printers.
Resin
Finer detail but needs gloves, ventilation and cleanup. See resin printers.
Which to Choose
FDM for most users and functional parts; resin for miniatures and fine detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper?
FDM.
Which is safer?
FDM is simpler.
Which has more detail?
Resin.
Bottom Line
Choose FDM for general use and resin only if you need fine detail and can handle the mess.
