Two distinct 3D printing technologies dominate the collectible market: FDM (fused deposition modelling) using PLA filament, and SLA/MSLA (stereolithography) using liquid resin. Each produces fundamentally different results, and understanding their trade-offs helps collectors make informed purchasing decisions. At 3DCentral, we use FDM technology exclusively across our 200+ industrial printers in Laval, Quebec, and this guide explains why while giving an honest comparison of both approaches.
How Each Technology Works
FDM with PLA
FDM melts a solid plastic filament and deposits it layer by layer to build an object. PLA (polylactic acid) is the most common filament, offering excellent colour range, good detail, and plant-based origins. Layer heights typically range from 0.1mm to 0.3mm, with each layer visible as a horizontal line on the finished surface.
Resin (SLA/MSLA)
Resin printing uses a vat of liquid photopolymer resin that is cured (hardened) by UV light, one layer at a time. The process produces extremely fine layers (0.025mm to 0.05mm), resulting in surfaces that appear nearly smooth to the naked eye. The cured resin is rigid but more brittle than PLA.
Detail and Surface Quality
Resin Wins on Raw Detail
At the same scale, resin prints show finer surface detail because their layer heights are 4 to 8 times thinner than typical FDM layers. For miniatures at 28mm tabletop scale, the difference is noticeable: facial features, armour textures, and small decorative elements resolve more clearly in resin.
FDM Excels at Larger Scales
At display scales of 10 centimetres and above, the detail gap narrows significantly. FDM prints at 0.12mm to 0.16mm layer heights produce excellent detail that is more than sufficient for decorative display. The layer texture that is visible on FDM prints is considered by many collectors to be part of the aesthetic, giving pieces a distinctive craftsman-made quality.
Colour and Material Options
PLA Wins Decisively
PLA filament is available in hundreds of colours and finishes: matte, gloss, silk metallic, translucent, glow-in-the-dark, colour-changing, wood-fill, marble-fill, and more. This enormous palette means PLA collectibles can be produced in virtually any colour or finish without painting.
Resin colours are more limited. While the range is expanding, resin primarily comes in standard colours, grey, clear, and a smaller selection of speciality options. Most resin miniatures are designed to be painted after printing, adding a significant post-processing step.
Durability and Handling
PLA Wins
PLA is tough and impact-resistant. A PLA figurine dropped from desk height onto a hard floor will usually survive with minimal or no damage. Cured resin is harder but significantly more brittle. A resin figurine in the same scenario is much more likely to chip, crack, or shatter. For collectibles that will be handled, posed (in the case of articulated designs), or displayed in high-traffic areas, PLA’s durability is a meaningful advantage.
Production Scale and Cost
FDM Wins for Volume Production
FDM printers are faster and cheaper to operate at scale than resin printers. PLA filament costs less per kilogramme than liquid resin. FDM requires minimal post-processing (support removal and inspection), while resin printing requires washing in solvent, UV curing, and more careful support removal. At 3DCentral’s scale of 200+ printers producing thousands of units, FDM’s production efficiency is a decisive factor.
Resin printing also involves handling liquid chemicals, requiring ventilation, gloves, and proper waste disposal. FDM with PLA has minimal environmental and health considerations during production.
Print-in-Place Capability
FDM Wins Exclusively
Print-in-place articulated designs are essentially an FDM-only capability. Resin printing cannot produce pre-assembled mechanisms because the liquid resin fills any gaps designed between moving parts. This means the entire category of articulated figurines, articulated dragons from Cinderwing3D, flexi designs from Flexi Factory, and poseable animals, exists exclusively in FDM.
Sustainability
PLA Wins
PLA is derived from renewable plant sources (corn starch, sugarcane). Cured resin is petroleum-based and cannot be recycled. Uncured resin is classified as hazardous waste and requires proper disposal. For environmentally conscious collectors, PLA collectibles have a meaningfully lower environmental impact.
Which Is Better for Your Collection?
For highly detailed miniatures at 28mm tabletop scale intended to be painted, resin prints offer finer detail. For everything else, including display-scale figurines, articulated designs, colourful collectibles, durable handling pieces, and any piece valued for its colour rather than its painted finish, FDM with PLA is the superior choice.
This is why 3DCentral uses FDM exclusively. Our catalogue of 4,300+ designs prioritises colour variety, design innovation, articulation, and durability: all areas where FDM excels. Browse our collections including ducks, gnomes, fantasy, and figurines.
For Print Farm Operators
FDM is the preferred technology for print farm businesses producing collectibles at scale. Lower material costs, faster production, easier post-processing, and the ability to produce print-in-place designs make FDM the clear choice. The 3DCentral Commercial License provides access to our full catalogue of original FDM-optimised designs. See our print farm guide for business details. For material specifics, see our PLA vs PETG guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is resin better than PLA for figurines?
Resin produces finer surface detail at small scales but is more brittle, offers fewer colour options, and cannot produce articulated designs. PLA is more durable, available in vastly more colours, and supports print-in-place articulation. For display-scale collectibles, PLA is the better all-round choice.
Can you tell the difference between resin and PLA prints?
Yes. PLA prints have visible layer lines that create a horizontal texture. Resin prints appear nearly smooth. At larger display scales, the visual difference diminishes significantly.
Is resin printing safer than FDM?
FDM with PLA is safer. PLA printing produces minimal fumes and no hazardous chemicals. Resin printing involves liquid chemicals that require ventilation, gloves, and careful handling. Uncured resin is classified as hazardous waste.
