Resin Types Explained – Standard, Tough, ABS-Like, Water Washable, Castable
IntroductionChoosing the right resin can drastically affect your print’s quality, flexibility, and post-processing needs. Here’s a breakdown of common resin types and their best use cases.
1. Standard Resin
Affordable and easy to print
Best for miniatures, decorative parts, prototypes
Slightly brittle, not ideal for functional stress parts
2. Tough Resin
Designed to resist impact and stress
Ideal for engineering parts, brackets, enclosures
Slightly rubbery feel
3. ABS-Like Resin
Combines strength with slight flexibility
Mimics the durability of ABS plastic
Great for functional prototypes and mechanical parts
4. Water Washable Resin
Easier cleanup using plain water (no IPA)
Ideal for home users and beginners
Slightly lower mechanical strength than standard
5. Castable Resin
Designed for burnout casting in jewelry and dental
Leaves minimal ash residue
Requires precise curing and burnout protocols
Conclusion: Choose based on your application. For everyday models, go with standard or water-washable. For stronger functional prints, ABS-like or tough is best. For precision jewelry or dental work, use castable resin.
