FDM vs LCD Resin 3D Printing: Key Advantages, Limitations, and How to Choose the Right Material for Your Project

FDM and LCD resin 3D printing complement each other rather than directly replacing one another: FDM materials are better for low‑cost, functional, and larger parts, while LCD resins excel at high detail and smooth surfaces for smaller, visual or precision models.

Basic process difference

• FDM melts thermoplastic filament (PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.) and extrudes it layer by layer through a nozzle, which cools and solidifies to form the part.

• LCD resin printing uses a vat of liquid photopolymer; an LCD screen masks UV/LED light to cure an entire layer of resin at once, gradually building the part upside down from a build plate.

Pros of FDM materials

• Relatively low machine and material cost; filament is generally cheaper than UV resin and is available in many common plastics like PLA, ABS, PETG, and nylon.

• Suitable for large models and functional parts, with good toughness and heat resistance depending on filament choice; FDM can deliver strong parts for prototypes and end‑use fixtures.

• Easier, cleaner workflow: no chemical washing; post‑processing usually limited to support removal and light sanding.

Cons of FDM materials

• Noticeable layer lines and rougher surfaces, often requiring sanding, filler, or coating for cosmetic models; quality tends to drop on very large prints.

• Dimensional issues such as warping, shrinkage, and layer adhesion problems, especially with ABS or large parts; mechanical strength is anisotropic and weaker between layers.

• Very fine features and micro‑details are difficult; small text or miniature‑scale features may not reproduce cleanly compared with resin.

Pros of LCD resin printing

• Very high resolution and smooth surface finish, ideal for miniatures, dental models, jewelry prototypes, and parts with fine textures or small text.

• Fast layer exposure across the whole build area, allowing multiple small parts to be printed at once with similar build times.

• Wide range of specialty resins (rigid, flexible, high‑temperature, dental, castable), enabling precise tuning of properties for specific applications.

Cons of LCD resin printing

• Messy and more hazardous workflow: parts must be washed in solvent and post‑cured under UV; uncured resin and used solvent require careful handling and disposal.

• Higher running cost: resin is more expensive per unit volume than common filaments, and LCD panels are consumables with limited lifespan.

• Many standard resins are more brittle than typical FDM engineering filaments, and build volumes are usually smaller, limiting large functional parts.

When to choose which