Also called: SLA, MSLA, DLP
Resin printing (SLA, MSLA, or DLP) hardens liquid resin with light, one very thin layer at a time. It produces far finer detail and smoother surfaces than filament printing, which makes it the top choice for miniatures, figurines, and jewellery.
Good for
- Miniatures and figurines
- Jewellery models
- Detailed prototypes and small parts
- Display models
How it works
- You upload your file.
- The shop orients the part and adds tiny supports.
- The part is printed, washed, and cured under UV light.
- Supports are removed and marks cleaned up; optional priming and painting follow.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Incredible detail
- Very smooth surfaces
- Great for painting
Cons
- Parts are usually more brittle
- Best for small to medium sizes
- Usually costs more than filament per size
Questions to ask the shop
- Which resin is best for my part (standard, tough, clear…)?
- Where will support marks be?
- Can you prime or paint it?
Common materials
Standard resin · High-detail / miniature resin · Tough / ABS-like resin · Clear resin · Flexible resin · Castable resin (jewellery)
Common questions
Is resin printing better than FDM? For detail, yes. For strength, size, and cost, FDM usually wins. See Filament vs resin.
Are resin prints safe to handle? Yes, once properly washed and cured. Uncured liquid resin is a skin irritant, which is why shops handle it with care.
Related services
Fine detailing / miniature painting · Priming and painting · FDM printing
Find resin printing near you
Find shops offering resin printing near you, or upload your file for a quote.