3D printing & CAD · Intermediate

Resin printing

Hardening liquid resin with light, layer by layer, for very fine detail

Also called SLA, MSLA

What is resin printing?

Resin printing is a 3D printing method that hardens liquid resin with light, one thin layer at a time. A screen or laser shines each layer’s shape into a vat of resin, and the part is slowly lifted out. It gives very fine detail and smooth surfaces.

Think of it like this

Like a stencil and a flashlight over a pool of syrup that hardens wherever light lands, building the shape one thin sheet at a time.

Where it fits in a 3D project

  1. Create
  2. Surface
  3. Rig
  4. Animate
  5. Render
  6. Export

Export: Saving and sharing the result: file formats, engines and printing.

How resin printing works

  1. 01The build plate lowers into a vat of liquid resin.
  2. 02Light cures one layer’s shape against the vat’s clear floor.
  3. 03The plate lifts slightly, and the next layer cures underneath.
  4. 04You wash the finished part, remove supports and cure it under UV light.

Resin printing vs FDM printing

PropertyResin printingFDM printing
MaterialLiquid resin cured by lightMelted plastic filament
DetailVery fineGood, with visible lines
After printingWash, remove supports, cureRemove supports and it is done
Best forMiniatures, jewelry, dental modelsLarge, tough, functional parts

Choose resin when fine detail matters most, and FDM when size, toughness and easy cleanup matter more.

Where resin printing is used

  • Tabletop miniatures and figurines
  • Jewelry masters and casting patterns
  • Dental and medical models

Beginner tip

Hollow larger models and add drain holes near the bed. Solid resin prints waste material and pull hard on each layer, which makes failed prints more likely.

Terms related to resin printing

Resin printing FAQ

Is resin printing safe?
It is safe with precautions. Uncured resin irritates skin and gives off fumes, so wear nitrile gloves and eye protection, ventilate the room, and keep resin away from food and children. Fully cured prints are much safer to handle.
What is the difference between SLA and MSLA?
Both cure resin with light. SLA traces each layer with a moving laser dot, while MSLA lights a whole layer at once through a screen that masks out the shape. Most home resin printers use MSLA.
Why do resin prints need curing?
Fresh prints are only partly hardened and stay slightly soft and tacky. A final dose of UV light finishes the reaction, making the part harder, stronger and safer to touch.

Updated October 29, 2026 · Browse all 3D terms