Resin vs FDM for minis: when each wins
Both methods print good miniatures. They differ in detail, cost and how much cleanup you get. Here is when each one is the better order.
The comparison
| Resin | FDM | |
|---|---|---|
| Fine detail (faces, chain, text) | Excellent | Fair at 28 mm, good at larger scales |
| Layer lines | Almost invisible | Visible until sanded |
| Per infantry model (USD) | $2.50–6 | $1.50–4 |
| Per monster or vehicle (USD) | $12–60 | $8–40 |
| Strength | Brittle, snaps at thin parts | Tougher, bends before breaking |
| Cleanup | Wash, cure, remove supports | Remove supports, sand |
| Best for | Characters, small scale, display | Terrain, vehicles, large monsters |
Resin wins for characters and small scale
At 28 mm and below, resin holds faces, fingers and weapon edges that FDM smears. If you plan to paint at tabletop+ or display level, start with resin. Painters notice fine detail, and layer lines show through thin paint.
The catch is fragility. Thin swords and spears snap in transit. Ask the printer to pin or thicken weak parts.
FDM wins for big pieces and terrain
Vehicles, buildings and large monsters print faster and cheaper on FDM. Layer lines matter less at that size, and a coat of primer and texture hides most of them. FDM parts also survive shipping and play far better.
Per-file pricing
If you own an STL, you can pay per file instead of per model. The printer sets up supports and orientation, prints it, and cleans it. Say which files you own and whether they are licensed for commission printing.
Painted and printed together
For a full army, order print and paint from one maker or match the two carefully. The painter should see a printed sample before they quote. Printed models need a good primer, and some resins need washing again before paint will stick.
What to say in your post
State the scale, the material you prefer or "maker's choice," and whether you want support marks cleaned off. Photos of your STL renders help printers quote accurately.
Need a quote? Post your files or your brief on The Spool List and printers can quote on either material.