How to choose a 3D printer
Decide between FDM and resin, then focus on criteria that matter: use case, materials, volume, reliability, ecosystem.
Introduction
The right question isn't “what's the best printer”, but “what machine fits the intended use with minimal friction.” Two consumer technologies dominate: filament extrusion (FDM) and resin photopolymerization (MSLA, SLA, DLP). They cover different needs.
Decide between these families first, then look at brands and the criteria that really matter.
Quick decision
For useful parts—sometimes large—with varied materials at reasonable cost, choose FDM.
For very fine detail and near-perfect surface on small-to-medium parts, choose resin with a wash & cure station.
FDM: prefer an enclosed machine if you plan to use ASA, ABS, PA or PC.
Resin: check screen resolution, Z-axis rigidity and how you'll organize post-processing.
The two families
FDM (filament)
A thermoplastic filament is melted and deposited layer by layer.
Pros: numerous affordable materials (PLA, PETG, ASA, PA, PC, TPU), large build volumes, simpler multi-color, limited post-processing.
Watchpoints: thermal control, bed adhesion, frame rigidity. Engineering polymers benefit from an enclosure and stable warm air.
Resin (MSLA, SLA, DLP)
Liquid resin cures under light.
Pros: high precision, sharp edges, very smooth surfaces; ideal for miniatures, molding masters, dental prototyping, small technical parts and some optics.
Watchpoints: gloves & ventilation, IPA or similar for washing, UV curing, higher per-part cost, brittleness varies with formulation.
Brands to know
FDM
- Bambu Lab: high useful speed, advanced automation, ready profiles, multi-color (AMS), strong repeatability.
- Prusa: reliability, great docs, robust profiles, active community; open ecosystem, long-term support.
- Creality: large entry/mid-range catalog; good build volume/price; check software maturity per series.
- Anycubic / Elegoo (FDM): accessible for beginners; check spares availability and firmware support.
- Qidi / Flashforge: prosumer segment, enclosed machines, more turnkey experience, higher price but stabilized process.
- Voron / CoreXY DIY: kits/self-build for advanced users; excellent performance if assembly and tuning are done seriously. Also Raise3D, Ultimaker (pro/education).
Resin
- Elegoo, Anycubic, Phrozen: consumer to prosumer references; high-res screens, compact to large, dedicated post-processing stations.
- Creality, Peopoly: also cover large volumes or specific use cases.
- Pro/education: Formlabs as a benchmark for ecosystem and support.
Key criteria
- Use & materials — FDM: PLA/PETG for most; ASA for outdoor/UV; PA/PC for mechanical/thermal demands; CF composites (PLA-CF, PETG-CF, PA-CF, PC-CF) → hardened nozzle.
- Resin: formulation dictates behavior (standard, tough, flexible, high-temp…).
- Build volume — Real usable volume < spec (orientation, supports, margins).
- Quality & useful speed — Volumetric flow, acceleration without ringing, rigidity, part cooling, slicer strategies.
- Reliability — Solid auto-leveling, power-loss recovery, filament runout, consistent plate, strong official profiles.
- Ecosystem & support — Maintained slicer, up-to-date profiles, community, spares, service.
- Environment & safety — Technical FDM: enclosure + filtration; Resin: clean/ventilated area, wash & cure, proper cured-waste handling.
- Total cost of ownership — Machine, accessories (nozzles, plates, drybox, wash/UV), consumables, maintenance, time.
Typical scenarios
Home all-rounder
Enclosed FDM with auto-leveling and PEI plate. Start with PLA/PETG; move to ASA for outdoor.
Miniatures & fine detail
Compact resin with high-res screen and wash/UV station; exposure calibration and supports are decisive.
Technical parts & heat
Rigid FDM with enclosure, hotend/bed for high temps, drybox; hardened nozzle for composites.
Throughput & productivity
FDM tuned for flow and repeatability: rigid frame, adequate cooling, stable profiles, network monitoring; optionally multi-color.
Advanced user
High-performance CoreXY/DIY (e.g., Voron). Investment in assembly/tuning for high speed and quality.
Best practices
- Start with vendor stock profiles (printer/slicer).
- Print a few tests unchanged, then apply small targeted tweaks (temperature, speed, retraction).
- Save custom profiles in the slicer.
- Store filaments in a drybox; dry PA, PC, PETG, TPU when needed.
- For resin: filter regularly, keep a clean/ventilated area, manage cured waste properly.
- Expect normal wear: nozzles, PTFE, belts, bearings; resin: screen and vat film.
Conclusion
Align use case, materials and environment; prioritize reliability and ecosystem over raw speed. For evolving utilitarian work, a well-maintained enclosed FDM is a safe choice. For fine detail, a resin setup with clean post-processing is unbeatable. The right machine is the one that repeats the expected result at the required cadence with the materials you truly plan to use.