Best resins available for resin printing (ranking)
One of the most important factors in achieving high-quality prints is the choice of resin. There are a wide variety of resins available on the market, each with their own unique properties and price points. In this blog post, we will be ranking the best available resins for resin 3D printing, from cheapest to most expensive, to help you make an informed decision when it comes to your next 3D printing project. We will also be pointing out the pros and cons of each product, to make it easier for you to find the perfect resin for your specific needs.
What kinds of liquid resin are there?
There are several types of liquid resin available for 3D printing, each with different properties and uses. Some of the most common types include:
- Standard Resin: This is the most basic type of resin used in SLA printing. It is typically a clear or translucent material with a low viscosity. It is suitable for general-purpose printing and is often used for creating prototypes and small objects.
- Flexible Resin: This type of resin is designed to be flexible and bendable, making it ideal for printing objects that need to be flexible or bendable, such as gears, or flexible parts of miniature figurines.
- Castable Resin: This type of resin is formulated to be castable, meaning it can be poured into a mold and used for casting metal parts. It is commonly used for creating jewelry, figurines, and other small objects.
- High Temp Resin: This type of resin is designed to withstand high temperatures and is suitable for printing objects that will be used in high-temperature environments, such as engine parts.
- Ceramic Resin: This type of resin is formulated to mimic the properties of ceramic materials and is suitable for printing objects that will be used in high-temperature environments, such as engine parts.
- Dental Resin: This type of resin is specifically formulated for dental applications and is suitable for creating dental models and molds.
- Metal-filled Resin: This type of resin is mixed with metal particles, giving the printed parts a metallic look and added weight.
For tabletop wargaming needs we will focus on "Standard Resin" and prepared a ranking of the best and most popular resin brands available:
- Elegoo ABS-Like Resin - This resin is one of the most affordable on the market and is great for printing miniatures with a high level of detail. It is also known for its fast curing time and good surface finish. However, it does have a strong smell and may require post-curing. Price: around $20/liter
- Anycubic Photon S Resin - This resin is a bit more expensive than the Elegoo resin, but it is known for its high resolution and low odor. It also has a wide range of colors available. However, it may require more post-curing and has a longer curing time than some other resins. Price: around $35/liter
- Formlabs Standard Resin - This is a premium resin known for its high resolution and excellent surface finish. It also has a wide range of colors available. However, it is one of the more expensive resins on the market and may require more post-curing. Price: around $149/liter
- Monocure Rapid Resin - This resin is known for its fast curing time and low odor, making it a good choice for larger prints. It also has a good surface finish and a wide range of colors available. However, it is a bit more expensive than some other resins and may require more post-curing. Price: around $55/liter
- Peopoly Phenom Resin - This resin is known for its high resolution and excellent surface finish. It also has a wide range of colors available. However, it is one of the more expensive resins on the market and may require more post-curing. Price: around $165/liter
It's important to note that resin prices and availability can vary by location, and new resins and brands may have come out after my knowledge cutoff date. Additionally, the best resin for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences. It's recommended to try different resins and find the one that works best for you and your printer.
