FDM and resin are the two ways we print at our Colombo studio, and each wins at different jobs. Choose FDM for strong, functional or larger parts at the lowest price. Choose resin when fine detail and a smooth surface matter most: figurines, miniatures and display models. Not sure? Send us the file and we'll pick for you.

The quick answer

Choose FDM for: brackets, enclosures, replacement parts, prototypes, drone parts, larger prints, and anything that has to take load, heat or sunlight.
Choose resin for: figurines, miniatures, busts, display models and small detailed parts where the surface finish is the point.

What is FDM printing?

FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) melts plastic filament and lays it down layer by layer through a fine nozzle, building the part from the bottom up. It is the workhorse of 3D printing: tough, economical, and able to print bigger parts in one piece. Oversized models can be split and bonded.

We print FDM in five plastics, so the material can match the job: PLA for indoor models and prototypes, PETG for everyday functional parts, ABS where there is heat, TPU for flexible parts, and ASA for parts that live outdoors in the Sri Lankan sun. Our material guide explains each one.

What is resin (SLA) printing?

Resin printing cures liquid photopolymer with UV light, one very thin layer at a time: around 0.05 mm, roughly four times finer than typical FDM layers. Surfaces come out smooth, so faces, textures and tiny features survive the print.

Every resin part is washed and UV-cured after printing, then its supports are removed. We print in standard, clear and ABS-like resin.

FDM vs resin, side by side

Detail: FDM shows fine layer lines, which is fine for most parts. Resin captures very fine detail with a smooth surface.
Strength: FDM plastics are tough and slightly flexible, so they take load. Standard resin is harder but more brittle; ABS-like resin is tougher.
Size: FDM handles larger parts in one piece. Resin suits small to medium detailed pieces.
Heat and sun: FDM has ABS for heat and ASA for outdoor use. Resin pieces are best kept indoors as display pieces.
Price: FDM prints start from LKR 350. Resin figurines start from LKR 1,500.
Finishing: FDM parts can be sanded, primed and painted. Resin is smooth enough to paint straight away, and we offer painting.

Which is stronger, FDM or resin?

For anything that takes load, FDM. PETG and ABS bend a little before they break, which is what a bracket, clip or housing needs. Standard resin feels harder in the hand but snaps more easily under impact. ABS-like resin closes some of that gap, but we still steer functional, load-bearing parts to FDM and keep resin for detail.

Which is cheaper?

FDM, almost always. Keychains and small FDM parts run LKR 350 to 1,000, medium prints LKR 800 to 3,000, and large functional parts LKR 2,000 to 8,000. Resin chibi and mini figures run LKR 1,500 to 3,000, and full character figurines LKR 4,000 to 10,000 or more, depending on size and finishing. Resin costs more because of the material and the washing, curing and support removal every part needs.

The exact price depends on size, material and finish. Every quote is free and itemised, and you approve it before anything is printed. See the full price guide.

Which process for which job?

Phone stand, cable organiser, enclosure: FDM in PLA or PETG
Replacement part, bracket or clip: FDM in PETG or ABS
Outdoor mount or sign: FDM in ASA
Flexible grip, gasket or case: FDM in TPU
Anime figure, chibi or miniature: resin
Figurine from a photo of a person or pet: resin, see custom figurines
Architectural model: FDM for larger massing models, resin for fine detail, see architectural models
Product prototype: FDM to test fit and function, resin when it has to look like the finished product, see rapid prototyping

How long does each take?

Most prints, FDM or resin, are finished within 24 to 72 hours depending on size and complexity. We then courier island-wide, usually in 1 to 3 working days, with same-day delivery in Colombo on request.

Frequently asked questions

Is resin printing better than FDM?

Neither is better overall. Resin is better for detail and surface finish; FDM is better for strength, size and price. The right one depends on what the part has to do.

Can resin prints be painted?

Yes. Resin's smooth surface takes paint well, and we offer hand painting for figurines.

Do I have to choose the process myself?

No. Tell us what the part needs to do and we'll recommend the process and material with your quote.

What file do I need?

An STL, OBJ, STEP or 3MF file. No file? Send photos or a description and we can quote the modelling too.

Get it printed

Send your file on WhatsApp (+94 70 494 9070) or through our quote form, tell us what the part has to do, and we'll recommend FDM or resin with a free itemised quote within 24 hours. Print Aura LK offers custom 3D printing in Sri Lanka from our studio in Kolonnawa, Colombo, with delivery island-wide.

FDM vs Resin 3D Printing: Which Is Right for You?