The Best 3D Printer Resin Material
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The 8 Best Resins for High Quality Resin Printing

Best overall
  • Excellent toughness
  • Wide compatibility
  • Great user experience
Best on a budget
  • Lots of color options
  • Easy to clean
  • Budget pricing
Best resin for miniatures
  • Strong and precise resin
  • Easy to post-process
  • Great for functional parts

Resin 3D printing is increasing in popularity, and many are exploring its possibilities. And while resin 3D printers are getting more advanced and rich with features, it is important to keep in mind that a good resin material is equally important in getting high-quality prints.

Today you can find many varieties of resin, each catering to different consumer-level needs. Some examples are tough resin, plant-based resin, and ABS-like resin. And with these many choices, it can get confusing to choose a good material.

To ease your decision-making and to match you with the best resin in the market, we’ve gathered a list of the best resins for 3D printing currently available. After reading this article, you will know what to look for when buying 3D printer resin, and how to choose the best one for your needs.

SUMMARY
3D Printer ResinWavelengthColorsQtyPriceBest Offer
Siraya Tech Fast405 nm71 kg$36
ELEGOO ABS-Like Resin385 - 410 nm7500 g, 1 kg$19
Phrozen Onyx Rigid Pro 410410 nm11 kg$79
ELEGOO Water Washable Resin385 - 410 nm7500 g, 1 kg$35
ANYCUBIC Plant-Based Resin355 - 410 nm4500 g, 1 kg$35
NOVA3D Printer Resin395 - 415 nm7500 g, 1 kg$36
Siraya Tech Blu Resin405 nm41 kg$49
Monocure 3D CMYK Pigment SetN/A100 g$29
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What is 3D Printer Resin?

Like in filament 3D printing, where we use plastic materials, a photo-sensitive liquid-like material is used in resin printing, known as 3D printing resin. It cures when exposed to a light source of a particular wavelength, resulting in a solid 3D print. Liquid resin is a mixture of various chemicals and additives that enhance the resin’s mechanical and chemical properties.

Previously, 3D printer resin was not easily accessible to individuals and was limited only for industrial purposes. However, with the rise of the consumer resin 3D printers, many such resins from different brands are widely available for various purposes. You can find standard, dental, engineering, ceramic, and other liquid resin types, tailored for specific use case scenarios.

3D printer resin that is available in the consumer resin printing market cures when exposed to UV light. These resins are formulated to work on various DLP, SLA, and MSLA printers and have excellent properties, making them useful for many applications.

Why Use the Right Resin for 3D Printing?

Any 3D printer is only as good as the material you use with it. In resin 3D printing, the resin dictates the print quality and the properties of the finished product. You will get poor print quality if you use a low-quality resin, even with the most premium resin 3D printer.

Similarly, if your resin does not match your application, you will get poor performance in your end result. For example, if you use a standard resin with low mechanical strength and more brittleness in a functional application that requires high strength, the end component is bound to fail. This leads to wasting money and time on a failed product.

Therefore, it is important to select the right UV resin, keeping in mind your  3D printer, end application, and your budget. It will help you get the best resin 3D printing experience and benefits you the most in the long run.

The Best 3D Printer Resins in 2024

Best overall
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Siraya Tech Fast ABS-Like resin is developed to 3D print your models and clean them quickly. Its ABS plastic-like properties make it wear-resistant, more rigid, easy to post-process, and less brittle than other resins in the market.

It is available in seven colors and comes in a 1 kg bottle, making it suitable for various applications. It gives dimensionally accurate prints, and the slightly flexible nature provides a bit with more elasticity than other resins. The resin sticks well to the build plate and is compatible with the majority of resin printers.

Siraya Tech Fast ABS-Like Resin Demo
A print with Siraya Tech Fast ABS-like resin

It is excellent for printing minis, mechanical components, and highly detailed pieces that need precision and good surface quality. The fast printing nature, broad printer compatibility, flexibility, and reasonable price, make the Siraya Tech Fast the best overall 3D printing UV resin you can buy for resin prints.

Standout Features

  • High precision and low shrinkage
  • Fast curing times
  • Low odor

Technical Details

Available colors Creamy, Green, Grey, Mecha White, Navy Grey, Smoky Black, White
Wavelength 405 nm
Quantities 1 kg

What We Like

  • Excellent toughness
  • Wide compatibility
  • Great user experience

Could Be Better

  • Limited bottle sizes
Best on a budget
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ELEGOO ABS-Like resin is one of the budget resins available, with a 500-gram bottle costing just under $20.00. You have the option to choose from seven different colors covering a wide range of applications.

ELEGOO claims that the resin has very low shrinkage while curing, resulting in dimensionally accurate prints each time. Due to its ABS-like properties, the resin is non-brittle and tough, making it helpful in printing mechanical or functional components. Because it cures between 385 and 410 nm, it is compatible with a wide variety of resin printers.

Considering its low price and rich properties, ELEGOO ABS-Like resin is the best budget resin, suitable for beginners and hobbyists who need 3D printer resin without breaking the bank. 3D printing with this resin is a great way to get high-quality prints at a fraction of the typical price.

Standout Features

  • Bright colors
  • Consistent quality
  • Light odor

Technical Details

Available colors Clear Blue, Clear Red, Gray, Mint Green, Smoky Black, Translucent, White,
Wavelength 385 nm - 410 nm
Quantities 500 g, 1 kg

What We Like

  • Lots of color options
  • Easy to clean
  • Budget pricing

Could Be Better

  • Color shifting in translucent shades
Best resin for miniatures
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Developed in partnership with Henkel, Phrozen Onyx Rigid Pro 410 is an industrial-grade UV resin formulated for use in a wide variety of applications. It has excellent mechanical properties and is highly precise, letting you reproduce the finest details when 3D printing miniatures.

You can print durable and long-lasting minis with this resin and its high toughness ensures that you won’t have to worry about breaking your minis after a minor fall.

However, its mechanical strength also makes it suitable for printing household items such as hangers, hooks, shelves, and even laptop stands.

Onyx Rigid Pro 410 Resin Demo Print
A hanger made with Siraya Tech Fast ABS-like resin

The Onyx Rigid Pro 410 is an excellent Prosumer resin meant to print essential components for daily use. If you can justify the slightly higher printing cost, the Pro 410 is an excellent resin with high strength that is a superb choice for almost anything you make with it.

Standout Features

  • High holding strength
  • Rigid and precise
  • Heat and wear-resistant

Technical Details

Available colors Black
Wavelength 410 nm
Quantities 1 kg

What We Like

  • Strong and precise resin
  • Easy to post-process
  • Great for functional parts

Could Be Better

  • Strong odor
  • Slightly expensive
  • Single color option
Best water washable resin
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Resin post-processing is an expensive and tedious activity to carry out. Aside from the time required, it requires many consumables as well. Elegoo’s water washable resin aims to make it easy by letting you clean the resin residue using only water instead of Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA).

Aside from being water washable, the resin has a low shrinkage rate and reproduces fine details with great clarity. It is well-suited for printing minis, display pieces, and high resolution models printed on 4k+ resin 3D printers. And the lack of any pungent odor makes it easy to use indoors. The drawback, however, is its brittle nature and weak mechanical properties.

3D Printed Miniatures made with ELEGOO Water Washable Resin
Miniatures made with ELEGOO’s water washable resin

Nonetheless, the ease of use and the reduced consumable costs make Elegoo water washable resin a good choice for beginners and hobbyist resin 3D printer users that want to get into resin 3D printing without all the hassle that tends to come with it.

Standout Features

  • Water washable
  • High viscosity
  • Fast curing times

Technical Details

Available colors Clear Blue, Clear Red, Gray, Mint Green, Smoky Black, Translucent, White
Wavelength 385 nm - 410 nm
Quantities 500 g, 1 kg

What We Like

  • No need for expensive cleaning agents
  • Easy to post-process
  • Lots of color options

Could Be Better

  • Brittle
  • Strong smell
Most eco-friendly resin
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3D printer resins are typically a mix of toxic chemicals that are neither human nor environmentally friendly. It makes using them a potential eco hazard, and you need to take extra precautions while using and disposing of the resin.

The Anycubic’s plant-based resin is an ideal solution for this issue, as it is derived from Soybean oil extracts and can be decomposed easily. It emits no harmful VOCs or toxic 3D printer fumes and is completely BPA-free. It has excellent mechanical properties, less curing time, and is optimized to offer superb printing quality on the Anycubic Photon series resin printers.

You can find this plant-based resin in four colors, and each color comes out looking exceptionally well with a porcelain-like surface finish. Overall, Anycubic’s plant-based resin is an eco-friendly alternative to toxic resins and is a great choice for use in educational environments, around children, and for beginners in resin 3D printing.

Standout Features

  • Eco-friendly, plant-based resin
  • Fast curing
  • Wide compatibility

Technical Details

Available colors Black, Clear, Gray, White
Wavelength 355 nm - 410 nm
Quantities 500 g, 1 kg

What We Like

  • Highly precise
  • No VOCs or BPAs
  • Low odor

Could Be Better

  • Can get yellow post-curing
  • Inconsistent results
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Nova3D 3D printer resin is an easy-to-use resin that has little shrinkage and is excellent for printing minis, models, action figures and cosplay props. You can get it in seven different colors and two different bottle sizes, making it accessible for many users.

It is specially formulated to have little odor and high viscosity, making it easy-flowing and reducing the chances of air bubbles. As this resin shrinks less, you can get dimensionally accurate prints without losing any details. The colors too appear bright and do not fade away or turn yellow, unlike with plant-based resin, thus retaining your prints’ shine for a long time.

An example print with NOVA3D Printer Resin
A prop made with NOVA3D’s resin

Nova 3D resin is developed to be suitable with a wide range of 3D printers and delivers exceptional print quality. It is a perfect choice for hobbyists and prosumers looking for a high-quality resin for printing accurate models and miniature pie

Standout Features

  • Smooth print surface
  • Bright colors
  • High precision

Technical Details

Available colors Clear Green, Beige, Black, Clear Blue, Gray, Red, White
Wavelength 395 nm - 415 nm
Quantities 500 g, 1 kg

What We Like

  • Lots of color options
  • Flows easily
  • Affordable

Could Be Better

  • Relatively brittle
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Siraya Tech Blu resin is one of the most popular hobbyist 3D printer resins known for its toughness and ability to imprint fine details while being dimensionally accurate. It strikes a good balance between toughness and hardness and makes an ideal resin for printing interlocking parts and components that require high strength.

It has a high viscosity when printed at or above 25°C, making it easy to flow and free from bubbles. Siraya has formulated the resin to cure quickly, with little exposure time, while still being compatible with many 3D printers. You can use the Tech Blu resin as an additive in other resins and as a metal casting resin too.

Siraya Tech Blu 3D Printer Resin Demo
Siraya Tech Blu’s colour really stands out

Its Emerald Blue color variant shines exceptionally well and is great as a base for models and art pieces. Considering all of its aspects, Siraya Tech Blu 3D printer resin is an optimal choice for hobbyists and prosumers looking for a relatively budget 3D printing resin with good mechanical properties.

Standout Features

  • High toughness
  • Good surface finish
  • Easy to clean

Technical Details

Available colors Clear Blue, Emerald Blue, Nylon Black, Obsidian Black
Wavelength 405 nm
Quantities 1 kg

What We Like

  • It can be used as an additive resin
  • Excellent for printing structural parts
  • Not very brittle

Could Be Better

  • High price
  • Limited color options
Best Pigment Set for Resins
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Compared to 3D printer filament, there is a distinct lack of colors when purchasing 3D printer resins. You are either stuck with the default colors of the resin you want, or you have to switch away from your favorite resin manufacturer to get different colors.

The Monocure Pigment Set solves this problem by letting you create your own custom-colored 3D printer resins. You have to mix them with either clear or white resins to get your color. You get the three primary pigment colors – cyan, magenta, yellow, and black one to create any color combination you’d like.

It is an easy-to-use solution and allows you to customize your resin prints and create unique color combinations for yourself. The Monocure Pigment has high compatibility and works with most ABS-like resin, tough resin, and plant-based resin.

Standout Features

  • Infinite color combinations
  • Wide compatibility
  • Easy to use

Technical Details

Available colors Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black
Viscosity 600 cps @ 25°C
Quantities 100 g

What We Like

  • Mix any color you want
  • Bright colors

Could Be Better

  • Can affect exposure times
  • Only works with white/clear resin

What to Look for When Buying 3D Printer Resin

3D Printer Compatibility

Resin printers cure the resin by emitting a specific wavelength of UV light. With typical budget resin 3D printers, this value is 405 nm. You need to ensure that the resin you’re choosing is formulated in such a way that it cures at this wavelength and has certain flexibility in the range. This is because resin printers might not always emit light strictly at 405 nm

Almost all UV resin in this list cures quickly between 385 nm – 410 nm. Some manufacturers, like Siraya Tech, ensure that its resins are compatible with nearly any 3D printer in the market, irrespective of the resin printer’s brand. This broad compatibility allows you to use a single brand of resin with various 3D printers, ensuring consistent and predictable results.

Shrinkage

The curing of resin using UV lights is an exothermic process and causes temperature differences in the resin part. In the resin photocuring process, it is inevitable that printed parts shrink due to thermal contraction. Most resins are developed to limit this and have a shrinkage rate of around 3%.

While the shrinkage rate is not as dramatic as with ABS in FDM 3D printing, you still need to consider it while designing your parts and buying 3D printer resin. In this list, the Siraya Tech Fast, Elegoo ABS Like, and the Nova 3D printer resins are some of the least shrinking resin and will deliver precise parts with non-minimal shrinkage during resin 3D printing.

Brittleness

Resin is inherently a brittle material. Moreover, it never truly stops curing, and even after printing, long exposures to IPA and UV light will increase its brittleness and result in weak resin prints that snap easily.

If you’re getting a resin primarily for printing prints like display pieces or minis, you wouldn’t want them to break easily with an accidental fall. However, if you’re printing functional components or other prints that need to be tough, this property becomes even more crucial.

Therefore, it is important to purchase tough resins for high-demand applications and correctly dial in the printer settings to prevent the over-curing of your resin part. You can even use resins such as Siraya Tech Blu resin as an additive to other resins to increase their toughness and reduce the inherent brittleness.

Odors

3D printer resins are a mixture of various chemicals. When these are photocured, this mix emits fumes and often foul, pungent resin odors. These fumes are toxic and not human-friendly, and prolonged exposure to these smells will result in headaches, an unpleasant printing experience, and possibly long-term health risks.

While no resin has a pleasant fragrant smell, you can choose to buy one that emits little odor and fumes. This is especially important if you spend lots of time near your resin 3D printer while it is printing.

Anycubic plant-based resin and Elegoo water washable resin smell comparatively less than others and are a good choice when looking to reduce your exposure to resin fumes.

Aside from getting a low odor resin, it is always important to resin 3D print in a well-ventilated area and use a mask to filter out fumes.

Strength

While 3D printer resins are brittle, they can be formulated to have high tensile strength, toughness, and impact strength. These mechanical properties dictate the resin’s possible applications and your use case with it.

For the best results, you need a resin with an outstanding balance between flexibility and hardness. In that regard, Onyx Rigid Pro 410 and Siraya Tech Blu have optimal mechanical properties and are developed with practical applications and load-bearing components in mind.

Curing and Post-Processing

The resin’s curing speed will affect your printing speeds and, subsequently, your resin 3D printing times. A resin that cures quicker and needs less exposure time will decrease your printing time and increase the printer LCD’s lifespan.

Likewise, you need to consider the post-processing aspect of the 3D printer resin too. A water washable resin reduces your IPA costs and removes the safety hazards that come with using alcohol. Elegoo’s water washable resin fits both criteria and dramatically enhances your 3D printing experience.

Fast-curing 3D printing resins also require less time to cure during post-processing. This can be an advantage when using a UV curing station with a limited volume, as you will be able to cure more 3D prints in the same amount of time.

Colors

If you’re looking to print lots of aesthetic items, miniatures, display pieces, you need colors. And the lack of color options in 3D printer resins is evident with many brands. When choosing a resin, besides the properties of the resin, you need to look at the available colors too. Usually, engineering or dental resins lack color options compared to standard use resins.

If you are interested in resin printing with many colors, the best option is to get white or clear resins. You can then mix these with color pigments, like those from the Monocure 3D CMYK Pigment Set, and create your resin colors.

Price

3D printer resins are expensive, and unfortunately, you will waste some volume of them during the resin printing process. You need to carefully evaluate your printing needs and your printer vat’s size and then choose the resin. Standard resin can range from $30 – $40, while engineering resin will cost more than $70 for a single bottle.

A little consideration in the resin’s print cost will help you to decrease your 3D printing costs and extract better value from a resin bottle. If a 1 Kg bottle is too expensive or you think you will need less, you need to consider manufacturers who offer smaller sizes, reducing your upfront costs.

What is the Resin Used in a 3D Printer?

The resin used in a 3D printer is a material that is used to create three-dimensional objects from a digital model. It is a liquid that is placed in a vat and then cured using UV light.

How Much Does 3D Printer Resin Cost?

Standard resin can range from $30 – $40 per kg, while engineering resin will cost more than $70 for a single bottle. A little consideration in the resin’s print cost will help you to decrease your printing costs and extract better value from a resin bottle.

Is 3D Printing Resin Toxic?

The fumes from 3D printing resins can be toxic and harmful to your health. You should always resin print in a well-ventilated area and use a mask to filter out the fumes.

What Kind of Resin is Used for 3D Printing?

The type of resin used for 3D printing can vary depending on the needs of the user. Some resins are better for printing with high strength and toughness, while others are designed for quick curing and post-processing. Additionally, some resins offer a wide range of colors, while others are more limited.

Can You Make 3D Printer Resin?

Making your own very 3D printer resin is very difficult. You can, however, mix different resins and add pigments to get resin with the exact properties you are looking for.

What Resins are Available for 3D Printing?

3D printer resins are available in a variety of types, each with its own unique set of properties. Standard resins are the most common type and are well-suited for a wide range of printing needs. Engineering resins offer increased strength and toughness, making them ideal for more demanding applications.

Is Resin Stronger Than PLA?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific type of resin and PLA that is being compared. However, generally speaking, engineering resins are stronger than standard PLA filaments. This is because they are designed for more demanding applications, such as real-world prototypes and end-use products.

How Long Does 3D Resin Last?

The life of 3D printer resin can vary depending on the type of resin and how it is used. Standard resins typically have a shelf life of 6-12 months, while engineering resins can last up to 2 years. It is important to note that the shelf life of a resin decreases as the UV light curing process becomes less effective.

How Expensive is a Resin Printer?

A resin printer can be expensive, with prices ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars. The more complex the printer, the higher the price. Additionally, the cost of resin printer accessories will also add to the overall cost of owning a resin printer.

What is the Strongest SLA Resin?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific type of resin and SLA printer that is being compared. However, engineering resins are generally stronger than standard SLA filaments. This is because they are designed for more demanding applications, such as real-world prototypes and end-use products.

What Resin is Used for Miniatures?

One of the popular resins for miniatures is Onyx Rigid Pro 410. It has a very low shrinkage rate, so it doesn’t warp the miniature after it’s been cast. It also has a high level of detail and a glossy finish, which makes it perfect for creating realistic-looking miniatures.

Is Water Washable Resin Good for Miniatures?

Yes, water washable resin is a good option for miniatures. However, it is important to note that this type of 3D printing resin does make the miniatures more brittle. So, be sure to handle them with care to avoid any damage.

Conclusion

Choosing the suitable 3D printer resin is crucial for getting the best results and maximum value from your resin 3D printers. And while you have a wide variety of resins available, selecting the right one that suits your needs is of utmost importance.

Siraya Tech Fast is the best 3D printer resin that ticks most of the boxes of an ideal 3D printing resin. It has excellent toughness, smells less, is available in different colors, shrinks less, and has fast curing speeds. It is a superb choice for you to use in a wide variety of applications.

Elegoo Water Washable resin and Onyx Rigid Pro 410 resin are suitable alternatives to it. They are easy to print, wear-resistant, have the same mechanical properties, and are not too difficult to post-process.

Let us know your thoughts on the list, and if you have anything else to add, feel free to comment below.

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Pranav is a skilled content creator specializing in 3D printing, holding a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Sinhgad Institute of Technology. His work stands out for blending technical precision with accessible, clear explanations, making complex topics understandable and encouraging exploration and experimentation with innovative techniques.

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