Question 1

What is resin 3D printing?

Accepted Answer

Resin 3D printing (SLA and DLP) cures liquid photopolymer with a laser or projected light, layer by layer. It produces the smoothest surfaces and the finest detail of the common additive processes, which makes it ideal for cosmetic parts, master patterns, and precise small components.

Question 2

SLA vs DLP: what is the difference?

Accepted Answer

Both cure photopolymer resin with light. SLA traces each layer with a laser point, while DLP flashes a whole layer at once with a projector, which is usually faster. Both hit similar detail and finish; the resin choice matters more than the machine for most parts.

Question 3

What resins are available?

Accepted Answer

Standard for cosmetic models, tough (ABS-like) for snap-fits and housings, durable (PP-like) for wear parts, high-temp for heat-resistant fixtures and mold masters, rigid (glass-filled) for stiff thin-wall parts, flexible for grips and cushioning, and castable for investment-casting patterns.

Question 4

What tolerance can resin printing hold?

Accepted Answer

Typical resin tolerance is about +/- 0.2% of the dimension, with a minimum near +/- 0.15 mm. It is tighter than FDM and holds fine features well; call out critical dimensions so the shop can confirm and orient the part accordingly.

Question 5

Are resin parts durable?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the resin. Standard resin is rigid but brittle and can degrade under prolonged UV, while tough and durable resins behave more like ABS or polypropylene. For load-bearing functional parts, name the loads and the environment so the shop recommends the right resin, or consider SLS or MJF nylon.

Design rule	Typical spec	Why
Typical tolerance	+/- 0.2% (min +/- 0.15 mm)	Post-cured; fine on small parts, drifts on large ones.
Min wall thickness	0.4 to 0.6 mm	Thinner walls flex, warp, or peel during the build.
Min feature / detail	0.2 to 0.3 mm	Resin holds the crispest embossed and engraved detail.
Support material	required	Overhangs and islands need supports that leave small witness marks.
Drain / vent holes (hollow parts)	>= 3.5 mm	Let uncured resin drain out of enclosed volumes.
Clearance for fits	0.3 to 0.5 mm	Tighter gaps bond mating parts during cure.

Process	Best for	Typical volume	Choose it over Resin 3D Printing when
FDM / FFF	Cheap, rugged, large parts	Prototype to low volume	You want the lowest cost or a large part and can accept visible layer lines.
SLS	Strong nylon parts, no supports	Low-volume production	You need tough, near-isotropic functional parts rather than fine cosmetic detail.
MJF	Production nylon, fine features	Low-volume production	You want durable production nylon parts with good detail and faster batches.
CNC Machining	Tight tolerance, engineering materials	Prototype to production	You need tighter tolerances or full engineering-grade material properties.

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