3D printing builds a physical object one thin layer at a time from a digital model. A slicer cuts the 3D file into hundreds of horizontal slices, then the printer reproduces each slice in sequence, fusing it to the layer below. The two main methods are FDM (melted plastic filament) and resin (liquid hardened by light). Everything else is detail.
At 3DCentral, that “detail” is our day job. We run a 200+ printer farm in Laval, Quebec, shipping 200+ orders a day. This guide explains how the process actually works, the trade-offs between methods, and why a farm gets your figurine done faster than a single machine on a kitchen table.
What actually happens during a 3D print?
Every print follows the same four-step path, no matter the machine:
- Model. You start with a 3D file (STL, OBJ or 3MF). It can be a designer’s sculpt, an original 3DCentral design, or an AI-assisted model generated from your photo and finished by a human artist.
- Slice. Software “slices” the model into horizontal layers, often 0.1–0.3 mm thick, and writes a tool path telling the printer where to move.
- Print. The machine lays down material layer by layer. Thinner layers mean finer detail and longer print times.
- Finish. Supports are removed, surfaces are cleaned, and on full-colour pieces, paint or dye brings the model to life.
What is the difference between FDM and resin printing?
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) melts a plastic filament and squeezes it through a hot nozzle, drawing each layer like a hot glue gun on autopilot. Resin printing (SLA/MSLA) uses ultraviolet light to harden liquid resin one layer at a time. According to manufacturers like Formlabs and Xometry, resin reaches far finer detail, while FDM produces tougher, less brittle parts with more material choices.
| Feature | FDM (filament) | Resin (SLA/MSLA) |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Melted plastic, layer by layer | Liquid cured by UV light |
| Fine detail | Good (0.1–0.3 mm layers) | Excellent (down to ~0.1 mm features) |
| Strength / durability | Tough, impact-resistant | More brittle |
| Full colour | Yes (multi-colour systems) | Usually painted by hand |
| Material choice | Wide (PLA, PETG, more) | Narrower resin range |
| Best for | Durable collectibles, large pieces, articulated toys | Tiny miniatures, ultra-fine display busts |
| Mess / handling | Clean, low odour | Sticky resin, needs washing & curing |
What materials are used, and is PLA food-safe?
The three workhorse materials cover almost every collectible:
- PLA — plant-based, easy to print, vivid colours. The default for figurines and display pieces.
- PETG — tougher and more heat- and moisture-resistant. Good for functional or outdoor-leaning decor.
- Resin — for the finest miniatures and crisp small details, at the cost of some brittleness.
Here is how the everyday FDM materials compare on the traits buyers actually feel in their hands:
How does full-colour 3D printing work?
Most hobby FDM printers use a single colour per print. Modern multi-material systems change that: the printer swaps between several filament spools mid-print, so a single figure can come off the bed already wearing its colours instead of needing hand-painting. Combined with careful design, this is how a duck gets an orange bill and a fox gets a white-tipped tail in one pass. For the very finest pieces, our artists still hand-finish and paint to gallery standard.
Why does a print farm make figurines faster?
A single home printer makes one object at a time, and a detailed figure can take many hours. If a machine jams at hour six, you start over. A farm removes that bottleneck: with 200+ printers running in parallel, your order doesn’t wait in a queue behind everyone else’s, and a single failed plate doesn’t blow up your timeline. That parallel capacity is how we ship 200+ orders a day from Laval.
Where to go from here
Now that you know how the process works, the fun part is choosing what to make. Browse ready-to-ship originals and curated community-artist designs, or turn your own photo into a keepsake. Start with our custom 3D printing hub to see what’s possible, or upload a file and get an instant quote on the on-demand printing page. A quick note on rights: 3DCentral’s Commercial License covers our original designs only — for community-artist models, contact the artist directly.
Frequently asked questions
How does 3D printing work in simple terms?
A computer slices a 3D model into hundreds of thin horizontal layers, then a printer recreates each layer in order, fusing it to the one below until the object is complete. FDM does this with melted plastic filament; resin printing uses UV light to harden liquid resin.
What is the difference between FDM and resin 3D printing?
FDM melts plastic filament and builds layer by layer, producing tough, durable, full-colour parts with many material options. Resin (SLA/MSLA) cures liquid with UV light for the finest detail, but the parts are more brittle. We run both and match the method to your piece.
Is a 3D-printed PLA item food-safe?
No, not as printed. The microscopic layer lines trap moisture and bacteria that cleaning can’t fully reach, filament additives aren’t always food-safe, and standard brass nozzles can shed trace metals. Treat 3D-printed pieces as collectibles and decor, not dishware.
How long does it take to 3D print a figurine?
A single detailed figure can take many hours on one machine. Because 3DCentral runs a 200+ printer farm in Laval printing in parallel, your order doesn’t wait in a long queue, which is how we ship 200+ orders a day.
Can you 3D print in full colour?
Yes. Modern multi-material FDM systems swap between several filament colours mid-print, so a figure comes off the bed already coloured. For the very finest pieces, our artists also hand-finish and paint to gallery standard.
Can you turn a photo into a custom 3D-printed figurine?
Yes. Our custom figurines use a dual AI engine (Tripo + Rodin) to turn your photo or concept into a 3D model, which a human artist then refines and finishes — it’s AI-assisted, never fully automated, and always built from your idea. You approve a preview before we print. Note that 3DCentral’s commercial license covers our original designs only.
