Resin vs FDM Printing: The Tabletop Miniature Battle

When diving into 3D printing for wargames, the first decision is choosing between Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Resin (Stereolithography/SLA). Both have distinct advantages depending on what you wish to print.

Resin (SLA/MSLA): The Detail King

Resin printers excel at sub-millimeter detailing. They cure liquid photo-polymer layer by layer. For 28mm and 32mm scale miniatures, characters, and high-fidelity vehicle details, resin is the gold standard. Support scars are minor and easily cleaned.

FDM (Filament): The Terrain Champion

FDM printers melt plastic filament (PLA, PETG) through a hot nozzle. They are perfect for large, structural pieces like gothic cathedral ruins, trenches, hills, and massive fortifications. FDM prints are stronger, cheaper per gram, and require zero toxic post-processing.

Conclusion

If your primary focus is infantry and vehicles, buy a resin printer (like the Elegoo Mars or Saturn). If you want to build a table full of gothic ruins and scenic wargaming boards, an FDM printer (like a Bambu Lab or Creality Ender) is your best choice.