Guide
Resin or filament: which 3D printing for a miniature?
There are two main families of 3D printers: those that print with liquid resin, and those that melt a plastic wire (the "filament"). For a figure, the choice makes a big difference. Here are the differences, in plain words.
How it works, in two sentences
Resin: light cures liquid resin layer by layer, with very thin layers (35 to 50 microns in our workshop, i.e. 0.035 to 0.05 mm).
Filament (also called FDM): a heated nozzle lays down melted plastic, usually with 0.1 to 0.3 mm layers, so they are thicker and more visible.
| Criterion | Resin | Filament (FDM) |
|---|---|---|
| Fine detail (faces, fingers, engravings) | Excellent | Limited at small sizes |
| Surface | Smooth, layers almost invisible | Visible layer lines, needs sanding |
| Strength | More brittle in standard resin; "ABS-like" or "Tough" resins are sturdier | Fairly strong and flexible (PLA, PETG) |
| Large pieces | Smaller build volume: large pieces in several parts | Often a larger build volume, cheaper material |
| After printing | Washing, UV curing, support removal | Support removal, sanding if needed |
| Best for | Figures, miniatures, busts, jewelry, small precise parts | Gaming terrain, cosplay props, large prototypes |
Why resin for a figure?
On a 28 to 75 mm figure, it's all about the small details: facial expression, fingers, the folds of clothing. With layers a few hundredths of a millimeter thick, resin reproduces them sharply, and the smooth surface is ready to paint without long sanding. That's why Prism Forge prints in resin.
What about strength?
Standard resin is more brittle than filament plastic: a very thin sword can break if the figure falls. For parts that need to hold up (small technical parts, thin elements), the workshop also uses ABS-like and Tough resins, which are sturdier. The right choice depends on the use: display, gaming, or a piece handled often.
When filament is the better fit
For a very large piece where detail matters less (a cosplay prop, large gaming terrain, a big prototype), filament is often cheaper and faster. Resin is still possible by splitting the piece into several assembled parts, but the price rises with volume.
Is a resin figure safe?
Liquid resin requires precautions in the workshop (gloves, ventilation). Once the piece is properly cleaned and UV-cured, it can be handled normally. Like any collectible figure, it isn't meant for food contact or young children (small parts).
Where to start?
Have a 3D file? See print a miniature from an STL file. Unsure about size? The scale guide helps you choose. For a budget, the price estimator gives you a range in seconds.
Have a project in mind?Describe it in the quote form: size, finish, quantity and a link to your files. We'll reply by email.
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