Resin (SLA/MSLA)

Resin printing, whether SLA using a laser or MSLA using a masked LCD light, builds parts from a vat of liquid photopolymer resin instead of solid filament. A light source cures a thin layer of resin against a build plate or through a film, the plate lifts slightly, and the process repeats until the model is finished submerged in liquid.

The main appeal is detail. Resin printers can reproduce tiny text, sharp edges and smooth curved surfaces that FDM struggles with, which is why miniatures, jewelry patterns and dental or medical models are usually printed this way. The tradeoff is handling: uncured resin is sticky, can irritate skin, and prints need washing in isopropyl alcohol and further curing under light before they are fully solid and safe to handle.

Before buying a resin printer, plan for ventilation, gloves, a wash and cure station, and somewhere to store used resin and dirty alcohol safely. Common mistakes include skipping gloves, pouring leftover resin down a drain, and not draining the vat before moving the printer, which spills resin everywhere. FDM is usually the easier and less messy starting point for a first printer.