Guide
FDM vs Resin 3D Printing Cost: Compare the Workflow, Not Just Material Price
A cost framework covering filament/resin, supports, failures, electricity, wash/cure consumables and labor.
Comparing a $/kg filament number with a $/liter resin number is incomplete because the workflows consume different supporting materials and labor.
FDM cost stack
- Filament mass used in the part and supports
- Purge waste for multi-color/material jobs
- Electricity during heat-up and printing
- Nozzles, build surfaces and routine wear
- Failure allowance
Resin cost stack
- Resin volume in the model and supports
- Residual resin losses and failed parts
- Tank/film and build-platform wear
- Wash solvent and replacement frequency
- Post-cure equipment and electricity
- Gloves and other handling consumables
Why Form 4 is not directly comparable to an FDM speed number
Formlabs lists Form 4 at up to 100 mm/hour because MSLA exposes layers differently from a moving FDM toolhead. Cost and throughput should be modeled around complete job time and post-processing, not converted from headline motion speed.
Use the calculators as estimates
Our filament and resin calculators expose the assumptions instead of hiding them in a single “cost per print” number. Add your own local material and electricity prices.
Primary sources
Specifications can change after our source check. Verify time-sensitive compatibility, bundles and regional hardware with the manufacturer before purchase.