Detail versus toughness
SLA resin is the detail champion: 25-100 micron layers, 0.2 mm text, a surface so smooth that a painted part looks moulded. Standard resin is brittle, tough resin is closer to ABS, and castable resin burns out cleanly for lost-wax casting. None of them like heat above 60-80 C or long UV exposure.
PA12 nylon is the toughness champion. It is printed in a powder bed, so it has no layer-direction weakness, survives being dropped and flexed, and takes living hinges and snap-fits that resin would crack on. Detail is coarser and the surface is matte and slightly grainy.
Polymer comparison
| Parameter | Capability |
|---|---|
| SLA resin - detail | 25-100 um layers, Ra 1.6 um, 0.2 mm text |
| SLA resin - strength | 50-80 MPa flexural, brittle unless tough resin is specified |
| SLA resin - heat | HDT 60-80 C |
| PA12 - detail | 0.1 mm features, matte grainy surface |
| PA12 - strength | 45-50 MPa, 15-25% elongation, no layer-direction weakness |
| PA12 - heat | HDT 80-90 C |
| PA12 - best for | Snap-fits, living hinges, ducts, wear pads, functional prototypes |
| Lead time | 2-4 days resin, 4-6 days PA12 |
Pick by what the part has to survive
- ✓Appearance models and client presentation pieces
- ✓Silicone mould masters and vacuum casting patterns
- ✓Jewellery masters for lost-wax casting
- ✓Snap-fit housings and living hinges (PA12)
- ✓Ducts and manifolds for airflow testing (PA12)
- ✓Fit-check prototypes before metal production
For workshop jigs and fixtures in large format, see FDM printing.
Frequently asked questions
Which one should I use for a snap-fit?
PA12. Resin is brittle in bending and a snap arm will crack after a few cycles. PA12 flexes and recovers, which is what a snap-fit needs.
Can resin parts be painted?
Yes - we sand, prime and paint, and a painted SLA part is the closest thing to an injection moulded surface you can get without tooling.
Is PA12 available in white only?
Standard PA12 prints grey-white and can be dyed black or colours. For a specific colour match, painting gives a better result than dyeing.
Get your quote within 48 hours
Upload a 3D file (STL, STEP, OBJ, 3MF) or just a photo / drawing. An engineer checks printability, flags anything that will not print, and replies with a clear price breakdown within 48 hours. From one prototype to 1,000+ pieces.
Prefer email? dimension3dHAN@gmail.com