3D Printing Resin Comparison — Types, Properties & Buying Guide

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3D Printing Resin Types Compared

Not all resins are created equal. This table compares the nine main resin categories by their mechanical properties, cleaning requirements, and ideal use cases.

Resin Type	Tensile Strength	Elongation	Hardness	Heat Deflection	Viscosity	Wash Method	Price / kg	Best For
Standard	35–55 MPa	5–15%	75–85 Shore D	45–60 °C	150–350 mPa·s	IPA	$18–$35	Miniatures, prototypes, display models
ABS-Like	40–60 MPa	15–35%	75–85 Shore D	50–70 °C	150–400 mPa·s	IPA	$25–$42	Functional parts, handled figures
Tough / Durable	45–70 MPa	20–60%	70–85 Shore D	55–80 °C	350–900 mPa·s	IPA	$30–$65	Jigs, brackets, mechanical parts
Flexible	5–25 MPa	60–160%+	40–80 Shore A/D	35–55 °C	500–1500 mPa·s	IPA	$45–$90	Gaskets, grips, hinges
High-Temp	40–75 MPa	2–10%	80–90 Shore D	100–220 °C	250–1000 mPa·s	IPA	$55–$120	Molds, heat-exposed fixtures
Castable	20–40 MPa	3–10%	70–80 Shore D	45–65 °C	200–600 mPa·s	IPA	$45–$150	Jewelry, investment casting
Dental / Medical	Certified workflow	Certified workflow	Varies	Varies	Varies	Validated	$100–$300+/L	Dental models, surgical guides
Water-Washable	30–55 MPa	5–20%	75–85 Shore D	45–65 °C	150–400 mPa·s	Water	$20–$40	Beginners, easy cleanup
Ceramic / Filled	25–50 MPa	2–8%	85–95 Shore D	60–80 °C	400–1200 mPa·s	IPA	$60–$180	Art objects, high-stiffness parts

Best 3D Printing Resins by Brand — Head-to-Head Comparison

We tested and compared the most popular resin brands across key properties. Here are the products that deliver the best results for each resin category.

Standard Resin — Brand Comparison

Product	Tensile Strength	Elongation	Hardness	HDT	Viscosity	Bottle Size	Price	Buy
Anycubic Standard Resin	35–55 MPa	5–15%	75–85 Shore D	45–60 °C	150–350 mPa·s	1000 ml	$20–$35	Check Price
Elegoo Standard Resin	35–55 MPa	5–15%	75–85 Shore D	45–60 °C	150–350 mPa·s	1000 ml	$22–$38	Check Price
SUNLU Standard Resin	30–50 MPa	5–12%	72–83 Shore D	42–55 °C	150–300 mPa·s	1000 ml	$18–$30	Check Price

ABS-Like Resin — Brand Comparison

Product	Tensile Strength	Elongation	Hardness	HDT	Bottle Size	Price	Buy
Elegoo ABS-Like Resin	40–60 MPa	15–35%	75–85 Shore D	50–70 °C	1000 ml	$25–$42	Check Price
Anycubic ABS-Like Resin	40–58 MPa	15–30%	75–85 Shore D	50–68 °C	1000 ml	$25–$40	Check Price

Tough / Durable Resin — Brand Comparison

Product	Tensile Strength	Elongation	Hardness	HDT	Bottle Size	Price	Buy
Siraya Tech Blu	45–70 MPa	20–60%	70–85 Shore D	55–80 °C	500 ml	$35–$55	Check Price
Elegoo Tough Resin	42–65 MPa	15–40%	72–85 Shore D	55–75 °C	1000 ml	$30–$50	Check Price

Flexible Resin — Brand Comparison

Product	Tensile Strength	Elongation	Hardness	Bottle Size	Price	Buy
Siraya Tech Tenacious	5–25 MPa	60–160%+	40–80 Shore A/D	500 ml	$45–$90	Check Price

Water-Washable Resin — Brand Comparison

Product	Tensile Strength	Elongation	Hardness	Low Odor	Bottle Size	Price	Buy
Elegoo Water Washable Resin	30–50 MPa	5–18%	74–85 Shore D	Yes	1000 ml	$22–$40	Check Price
Anycubic Water Washable Resin	32–52 MPa	5–16%	75–85 Shore D	Yes	1000 ml	$22–$38	Check Price
SUNLU Water Washable Resin	30–55 MPa	5–20%	75–85 Shore D	No	1000 ml	$20–$38	Check Price

High-Temperature & Castable Resin — Brand Comparison

Product	Type	Tensile Strength	HDT	Bottle Size	Price	Buy
Phrozen TR300	High-Temp	40–75 MPa	100–220 °C	1000 ml	$55–$100	Check Price
Siraya Tech Cast	Castable	20–40 MPa	45–65 °C	500 ml	$50–$90	Check Price
Phrozen Ceramic Resin	Ceramic-Filled	25–50 MPa	60–80 °C	1000 ml	$60–$120	Check Price

Understanding 3D Printing Resin Types

Resin 3D printing (SLA/DLP/MSLA) uses UV light to cure liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer, producing parts with incredible detail and smooth surface finishes that FDM printers cannot match. But choosing the right resin is critical — the wrong resin means failed prints, wasted money, or parts that don’t perform as needed.

Standard Resin

The workhorse of resin printing. Standard resin is affordable, prints reliably, and produces excellent detail. It’s perfect for miniatures, display models, and basic prototypes. Most standard resins cure at 405nm wavelength and wash in IPA (91%+). Best for: Beginners, hobbyists, anyone printing decorative or display pieces. Shop standard resin on Amazon →

ABS-Like Resin

A tougher formulation designed to mimic the mechanical properties of ABS filament. ABS-like resins offer better impact resistance and elongation than standard resin, making them suitable for parts that need some durability. The trade-off is slightly higher viscosity and often longer post-cure times. Best for: Functional prototypes, snap-fit parts, figures that will be handled. Shop ABS-like resin on Amazon →

Tough / Durable Resin

Engineered for mechanical applications. Tough resins like Siraya Tech Blu offer significantly higher impact strength, elongation, and heat resistance. They’re more expensive and sometimes harder to print, but they produce parts that can actually bear loads and survive impacts. Best for: Jigs, fixtures, brackets, mechanical prototypes. Shop tough resin on Amazon →

Flexible Resin

Produces rubber-like, bendable parts with very high elongation (60–160%+) but lower tensile strength. Flexible resins like Siraya Tech Tenacious require careful printing — they’re high-viscosity and need precise exposure calibration. Best for: Gaskets, grips, wearables, cushioning elements. Shop flexible resin on Amazon →

High-Temperature Resin

Designed for applications where heat resistance matters. After proper post-curing, these resins can withstand temperatures of 100–220°C — enough for vulcanizing molds, hot-air fixtures, and temperature-exposed prototypes. Best for: Molds, hot-air fixtures, prototypes exposed to heat. Shop high-temp resin on Amazon →

Castable Resin

Burns out cleanly in investment casting, leaving minimal ash residue. Used primarily in jewelry making and small metal casting. Requires precise burnout schedules — follow manufacturer instructions exactly. Best for: Jewelry masters, dental casting patterns, small metal casting. Shop castable resin on Amazon →

Water-Washable Resin

Can be cleaned with water instead of isopropyl alcohol (IPA). More convenient and safer for home use, though the resin still requires proper PPE and ventilation. Slightly different mechanical properties than standard resin — often a bit more brittle. Best for: Beginners, home setups without IPA access, easy-cleanup workflows. Shop water-washable resin on Amazon →

Resin Wash and Cure — Best Practices & Equipment

Proper washing and curing is essential for strong, safe resin prints. Here’s the recommended workflow.

Washing Your Resin Prints

1. Remove supports before washing when possible — it’s easier and reduces IPA contamination of support marks.
2. First wash: Submerge in IPA (91%+ recommended) for 2–3 minutes, agitating gently. A dedicated wash station makes this much easier and less messy.
3. Second wash: Use fresh IPA for 1–2 minutes to remove any remaining uncured resin.
4. Air dry for 10–15 minutes or use compressed air to remove IPA from crevices.
5. Water-washable resins: Follow the same process but use warm water instead of IPA. Dry thoroughly before curing.

UV Curing Your Resin Prints

1. UV curing station recommended — provides consistent, even curing. Shop curing stations on Amazon →
2. Typical cure time: 3–10 minutes depending on resin type and part size.
3. Rotate parts during curing for even exposure.
4. Don’t over-cure — extended curing can make parts brittle, especially standard resins.
5. Tough/High-temp resins may require longer post-cure schedules. Follow manufacturer recommendations.

Resin 3D Printing Safety Guide

Choosing the Right Resin for Your Project

If you want…	Use this resin	Why
Tabletop miniatures & display models	Standard or ABS-Like	Fine detail, affordable, ABS-like for durability
Functional brackets & jigs	Tough / Durable	Impact resistance, load-bearing
Jewelry & casting patterns	Castable	Clean burnout, high detail
Rubber gaskets & grips	Flexible	High elongation, rubber-like
First-time resin printer	Water-Washable	No IPA needed, easy cleanup
Heat molds & fixtures	High-Temp	Withstands 100°C+ after curing

3D Printing Resin FAQ

Is resin printing safe?

Resin printing is safe when proper precautions are followed: wear nitrile gloves, use adequate ventilation, wear eye protection, and never handle uncured resin with bare hands. Always cure resin fully before handling prints without gloves.

Can I mix different resin types?

Some resins can be mixed (e.g., Siraya Tech recommends mixing Tenacious with other resins for added toughness), but always check manufacturer compatibility. Mixing incompatible resins can cause separation, poor curing, or weak prints.

How should I store resin?

Store in the original opaque bottle, tightly sealed, in a cool dark place (15–25°C). Resin has a typical shelf life of 12–24 months. Don’t pour used resin back into a fresh bottle — strain it first to remove cured particles.

Water-washable vs IPA: which is better?

IPA cleaning is more thorough and produces slightly stronger parts. Water-washable resin is more convenient and safer for home use but may have slightly different mechanical properties. For beginners, water-washable is a great starting point.

How do I dispose of resin waste?

Cure all liquid resin waste by exposing it to UV light or strong sunlight until fully solid. Once cured, it can typically be disposed of as regular waste (check local regulations). Never pour uncured resin down any drain.

What’s the difference between SLA, DLP, and MSLA?

SLA uses a laser to trace each layer. DLP uses a projector to cure an entire layer at once. MSLA (most consumer printers) uses an LCD screen to mask a UV LED array — it’s the most affordable and common type today. All three use similar resins.

Related Resources

• 3D Printer Comparison Tool — Compare FDM and resin printers side by side
• Filament Settings Database — Find FDM print settings for your printer and filament
• Materials & Filaments Guide — Understanding 3D printing materials