Resin 3D printing has grown massively, and today there are many different types of resin available each designed for a specific purpose, level of detail, durability, or special performance. Whether you’re using SLA, MSLA, or DLP printers, understanding the types of resin helps you choose the right material for your project.

In this complete guide, we break down 3D print resin types, their properties, pros/cons, and resin types and uses so you know exactly which one fits your needs.

Different Types of Resin

If you’re wondering “are there different types of resin?”  the answer is yes, and each is engineered for unique characteristics.

At a high level, here are the main 3d printing resin types:

• Standard Resin

• Tough & Durable Resin

• ABS-Like Resin

• Flexible Resin

• High-Temperature Resin

• Clear Resin

• Dental Resin

• Castable Resin

• Bio-Compatible Resin

• Ceramic-Filled Resin

• Water-Washable Resin

• Engineering Resin

• High-Detail Resin

Below, each type is explained in detail with use cases.

Standard Resin

Standard resin is the baseline option among 3D print resin types, offering excellent detail quality and smooth finishes.

Properties

• Smooth surface finish

• High detail accuracy

• Easy to print

• Brittle if used for functional parts

Uses

• Miniatures

• Figurines

• Prototypes

• Concept models

If you’re new to resin printing, this is the best starting point.

Tough Resin

Tough resin is designed to handle impact, making it ideal for functional models that require strength and flexibility.

Properties

• Impact-resistant

• Less brittle

• Better for functional parts

• Slightly flexible

Uses

• Enclosures

• Tools

• Functional prototypes

• Mechanical parts

ABS-Like Resin

ABS-like resin mimics the qualities of ABS plastic while maintaining high-resolution surface detail. This resin type is perfect for prototyping functional parts that require toughness, stability, and better impact resistance than standard resin

Properties

• High impact resistance

• Better durability

• Moderate flexibility

• Smooth finish

Uses

• Prototypes

• Hinges

• Functional engineering parts

Flexible Resin

Flexible resin bends, compresses, and rebounds, making it excellent for rubber-like components. It’s one of the most versatile types of 3D resin used in wearables, soft-touch parts, seals, and vibration-dampening models.

Properties

• Soft and bendable

• High elasticity

• Excellent shock absorption

Uses

• Grips

• Seals

• Wearables

• Prototyping rubber-like parts

High-Temperature Resin

High-temperature resin is engineered to withstand extreme thermal conditions without warping.

Properties

• Heat resistance up to 210–280°C (varies by brand)

• High rigidity

• Low deformation

Uses

• Molds

• Casting

• Thermal testing

• Industrial manufacturing tools

Clear Resin

Clear resin delivers near-glass transparency when sanded and polished. Among all different types of resin, clear resin is the go-to choice for optical prototypes, fluid flow models, and aesthetic display parts

Properties

• Optical clarity

• Can become glass-like with polishing

• UV stable in upgraded formulas

Uses

• Lenses

• Light covers

• Transparent prototypes

• Display models

Dental Resin

Dental resin offers medical-grade accuracy and biocompatibility for professional dental workflows.

Properties

• Certified biocompatibility

• High precision

• Safe for temporary dental appliances

Uses

• Crowns

• Surgical guides

• Dental models

• Aligners

Castable Resin

Castable resin burns out cleanly, making it perfect for metal casting without leaving residue.

Properties

• Burns clean with zero ash

• High-detail accuracy

• Designed for lost-wax casting

Uses

• Jewelry

• Dental casting

• Metal prototypes

Bio-Compatible Resin

Bio-compatible resin is safe for temporary or long-term skin contact and can be sterilized. Among all different resin types, this one is essential for medical, dental, and wearable applications requiring safety certifications.

Properties

• Biocompatible (Class I or II)

• Skin-safe

• Sterilization-friendly

Uses

• Surgical tools

• Custom medical devices

• Wearables

Ceramic-Filled Resin

Ceramic resin contains fine ceramic particles that enhance surface hardness and stiffness.

Properties

• Exceptional hardness

• High rigidity

• Can be fired for ceramic-like finish

Uses

• Art pieces

• Decorative items

• High-strength prototypes

Water-Washable Resin

Water-washable resin can be cleaned with plain water, making it beginner-friendly and convenient. It’s one of the easiest 3D resin types for new users, offering reduced odor and simpler post-processing while maintaining good print quality.

Properties

• Can be cleaned with water

• Lower odor

• Slightly less durable than regular resin

Uses

• Miniatures

• Simple prototypes

• Household models

Engineering Resin

Engineering resin is built for maximum strength, precision, and long-term durability.

• High durability

• Dimensional stability

• Chemical resistance

Uses

• Industrial parts

• Engineering prototypes

• Tooling

High-Detail Resin

High-detail resin is designed for extremely fine resolution and crisp surface quality.

Properties

• Ultra-precise

• Extremely fine layer resolution

• Very smooth surface finish

Uses

• Jewelry molds

• Collectible miniatures

• Dental models

Comparison of Resin Types

FAQs

Are there different types of resin for 3D printing?

Yes, there are many different types of resin for 3D printing technology , including standard, tough, ABS-like, flexible, clear, castable, dental, and engineering resins. Each resin type offers unique strengths depending on whether you need durability, flexibility, clarity, or heat resistance.

How many types of resins are there?

There are roughly 10–15 major 3D printing resin types, ranging from beginner-friendly standard resin to advanced options like high-temperature, ceramic-filled, and biocompatible resins. The exact number varies because new specialty resins keep being introduced.

Which resin type is best for miniatures?

For miniatures, standard resin or high-detail resin works best because they offer crisp details, smooth surfaces, and sharp edges. These resin types deliver the fine resolution needed for figurines, models, and artistic prints.

What resin type is best for functional parts?

For strong, load-bearing, or mechanical components, tough resin, ABS-like resin, and engineering resin are ideal. These types of resins offer higher impact resistance, better durability, and improved long-term performance.

What resin should beginners use?

Beginners should start with water-washable resin, as it is easier to clean, less messy, and doesn’t require alcohol for rinsing. It provides good quality while being one of the simplest resin types to handle.

Understanding the types of resin helps you choose the right 3D printing material for every project whether you’re printing miniatures, prototypes, medical devices, or jewelry. With dozens of 3D printing resin types available, each offers unique properties, strengths, and specialized uses.

From tough engineering resins to flexible rubber-like materials, the world of 3D resin types is diverse, powerful, and continuously evolving.

For 3D printing projects, quotes and more information visit KAD 3D