As a long-time enthusiast in the 3D printing world, I’ve navigated both Resin (SLA/DLP) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technologies. My journey began with resin printing, drawn by the allure of incredible detail, before expanding into the versatility of FDM. The strengths of FDM, particularly print stability and the exciting advancements in multi-material and multi-color printing, led me to explore machines like those from Bambu Lab. While resin prints excel in intricate details, their inherent fragility and limited build volume can be drawbacks compared to FDM. However, dismissing resin entirely would be a mistake. I recall a resin print enduring submerged conditions and sun exposure for two years, a feat that eluded PLA prints, which degraded within weeks, and PETG, which failed due to layer adhesion issues. The ideal choice truly depends on the intended application.
Resin printing does demand a different workflow. Cleaning prints and the printer itself with Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) is a necessary step. Yet, in my experience, this isn’t excessively burdensome, especially when weighed against the maintenance often associated with FDM. Think of the time spent drying filaments, respooling for Automatic Material Systems (AMS), clearing nozzle clogs, or swapping nozzles – these are largely non-issues in resin printing.
Smell is a valid concern with resin, generally more noticeable than with PLA. However, advancements in resin formulations suggest newer options might mitigate this, potentially being less pungent than materials like ABS (though ABS smell is based on reports, as I haven’t personally printed with it yet). For anyone venturing into resin printing, I strongly recommend choosing a printer equipped with carbon filters to minimize odor. Perhaps the most significant source of odor comes from the IPA used for post-printing cleaning, rather than the printing process itself.
When it comes to intricate details, resin printing stands unchallenged. Even with the finest nozzles, FDM printers simply cannot replicate the level of detail achievable with resin technology. This precision opens doors for applications demanding high fidelity, a space where resin printers truly shine.
Considering Bambu Lab’s innovative approach in the FDM market with features like the AMS, it sparks thoughts about potential differentiation in resin printing. Just as Bambu Lab revolutionized FDM with user-friendly automation, similar innovative systems could transform resin printing. Imagine resin printers drawing directly from bottles and automatically returning unused resin, or even a multi-resin system for color or material blending through vat swapping or similar mechanisms. Furthermore, groundbreaking research, like the ventilation-assisted high-speed resin printing showcased in a TED Talk, hints at the possibility of dramatically faster resin printing speeds, potentially printing layers in one swift motion, eliminating the layer-by-layer lift-and-lower process. There’s clearly vast untapped potential for innovation in resin printing technology.
While brands like Creality, Anycubic, and Prusa are established players in both FDM and resin printing, Bambu Lab’s current focus on FDM is understandable. The two technologies are fundamentally different, perhaps limiting knowledge transfer between development teams. However, the question remains: could Bambu Lab bring its user-centric innovation and potentially bridge these technology gaps to revolutionize the resin printing landscape?
It’s often stated that resin printing is inherently slow, a generalization I disagree with. For tall, thin models, FDM might have a speed advantage. However, for larger, flatter objects, resin printers can be significantly faster. In my experience, my Elegoo Mars 2 Pro isn’t necessarily slower than my Bambu Lab X1 Carbon on average. For example, printing the same lithophane on both printers simultaneously, the resin print finished in 6 hours, while the X1 Carbon (with a 0.2mm nozzle) took 9 hours. Crucially, the resin print retained superior detail.
One of the most appealing aspects of resin printing is its efficient use of materials for color variation. With just black, white, and clear resins, and a set of resin color pigments, a vast spectrum of colors becomes achievable through mixing. In contrast, my collection of filament spools has expanded rapidly to encompass a range of colors, and yet, there are still shades on my wishlist. This pigment mixing capability offers a significant advantage in resin printing for users seeking diverse color palettes without the storage demands of numerous filament spools.
In conclusion, while FDM printing currently holds prominence for many applications, resin printing retains unique strengths, particularly in detail and potential material versatility. The innovative spirit of companies like Bambu Lab could be transformative if applied to resin technology, potentially addressing current limitations and unlocking new possibilities. The future of 3D printing is likely to be a diverse landscape, with both FDM and resin playing crucial, evolving roles.
