Top Resin Printing Services of 2025: Geschwindigkeit, Qualität, and Value Compared

Resin 3D printing creates incredibly detailed objects that other printing methods simply can’t match. It captures tiny features with a perfectly smooth finish. This makes it the top choice for engineers, Designer, and creators who need exact precision. But finding the right online resin printing service can be tricky. With dozens of companies all claiming to offer the best quality and speed, picking the right one for your project can feel like guessing.

That’s where we help. We’ve looked past the marketing claims to give you a clear, fact-based comparison of the best companies in the business. We ordered the same test part from each service and judged them on what really matters: how easy they are to use, print quality, how fast they work, and overall value. This guide will help you confidently pick the perfect partner for your needs, whether you’re making a detailed miniature or a working engineering prototype. We’ll review Craftcloud, PCBWay, JLCPCB, Formbahnen, and Xometry.

What Is Resin Printing?

To make the best choice, it helps to understand how the technology works. Resin printing, officially called vat photopolymerization, builds objects layer by layer from liquid plastic resin. A light source hardens specific areas of the resin against a build plate, which slowly lifts the model out of the liquid tank. The result is a completely solid object with amazing detail.

How Resin Printing Works

While the basic idea is the same, there are three main ways to harden the resin. The technology a service uses affects speed, kosten, and how detailed the final print will be.

• SLA (Stereolithikromographie): The original method. It uses a precise laser to trace each layer’s pattern onto the resin. This gives outstanding accuracy but can be slower for large or solid parts.
• DLP (Digitale Lichtverarbeitung): This technology uses a digital light projector to flash an entire layer’s image at once. It’s much faster than SLA for full layers, making it great for production.
• MSLA (Masked Stereolithography): The most common technology today. It uses a powerful UV LED array that shines through an LCD screen, which acts as a mask to create the layer’s pattern. MSLA offers an excellent balance of high speed, great detail, and lower operating costs.

Key Service Benefits

Why use a resin printing service instead of buying your own machine? For professionals and serious hobbyists, the benefits often outweigh the cost and learning curve of owning equipment.

• Amazing Detail and Smooth Surfaces: Services use professional machines set up for incredibly fine detail – so klein wie 25-50 Mikrometer. This creates parts with almost invisible layer lines, perfect for display models, jewelry masters, and miniatures.
• Hohe Genauigkeit: For engineers creating parts that need to fit together perfectly or precise mechanical components, the exact measurements of professionally printed resin parts are critical. Services guarantee a level of precision that can be hard to achieve on home printers.
• Special Materials: Getting access to many different materials is a huge advantage. You can order parts in tough, engineering-grade resins, flexible resins, castable wax for jewelry, or even safe dental resins without needing to buy and store them yourself.
• No Mess: Owning a resin printer involves a messy process. You have to handle toxic chemicals, manage fumes with proper ventilation, and do multiple cleaning and curing steps. A service handles all of this for you, delivering a finished part ready to use.

Leading Services Reviewed

The heart of our analysis is a direct, hands-on comparison. We tested the top online resin printing services to see how they perform in real situations.

Our Testing Method

To ensure a fair and direct comparison, we created a consistent testing approach. We designed a benchmark model—a 65mm tall, highly detailed sci-fi miniature with delicate antennae and complex surface textures. This model tests a service’s ability to handle fine features, manage supports effectively, and deliver a clean final product.

We uploaded this same file to each service and ordered a print in standard, Allzweckharz. Our evaluation was based on five key areas:

• Website & Benutzererfahrung: How easy is the file upload and pricing process?
• Material & Technology Options: What range of resins and print technologies are available?
• Quoted Price & Umdrehen: What was the cost and estimated production time for our benchmark model?
• Final Print Quality: A hands-on assessment of the received part’s detail, Genauigkeit, und Oberfläche.
• Versand & Verpackung: How quickly did the part arrive, and was it properly protected against damage?

Service #1: Craftcloud by All3DP

• Überblick: Craftcloud isn’t a direct manufacturer. It’s a marketplace that connects you to a large network of 3D printing partners around the world. Its strength lies in its ability to instantly compare prices, Materialien, and lead times from multiple suppliers in one place.
• Our Experience: The pricing tool was fast and comprehensive. After uploading our benchmark STL, we immediately saw over a dozen options for standard resin, ranging in price and delivery speed. We selected a partner that offered a good balance of cost and a stated 4-day production time. The part arrived well-packaged. The print quality was excellent, capturing the fine details of our miniature perfectly. There were some minor, well-placed support marks on the underside, which is normal and acceptable for this type of print.
• Am besten für: Users who want to find the absolute best price or a specific material without having to shop around on multiple sites. It’s an ideal all-around choice for hobbyists and professionals alike.

Service #2: PCBWay

• Überblick: Mainly known for printed circuit board manufacturing, PCBWay has aggressively expanded into 3D printing, offering very competitive pricing. Their platform is designed for rapid pricing and ordering, targeting engineers and makers who need parts quickly.
• Our Experience: The website is geared toward technical users but is straightforward. The instant quote for our benchmark model was the lowest of the group, and the production time was an impressive 2 Tage. The part was shipped quickly and arrived in simple but effective packaging. The quality was very good for the price; all major details were present, though the finish wasn’t quite as crisp as the more expensive options. Für schnelle Prototypen, the value is undeniable.
• Am besten für: Engineers and hobbyists who need fast, low-cost prototypes where top-tier surface finish is less important than speed and price.

Service #3: JLCPCB

• Überblick: Much like PCBWay, JLCPCB is another electronics manufacturing giant that has used its massive production capabilities to offer low-cost 3D printing. Their service is built for volume and efficiency, making them a strong choice for budget-conscious users.
• Our Experience: The ordering process was very similar to PCBWay’s, with a focus on speed and simplicity. The quote for our model was nearly identical to PCBWay’s, cementing its position as a low-cost leader. The quoted production time was 3 Tage. The final part was of good quality, comparable to what we received from PCBWay. It’s a solid choice for testing designs, where you might print multiple versions of a part to test. The quality is more than sufficient for fit checks and general-purpose models.
• Am besten für: Schnell, affordable prototyping and batch orders where cost-effectiveness is the primary concern.

Service #4: Formbahnen

• Überblick: Shapeways has been a major player in the 3D printing service industry for years. They position themselves as a premium provider, offering a massive catalog of materials, including precious metals and high-performance polymers, alongside their resin options. Their focus is on final-product quality.
• Our Experience: The Shapeways website feels more like a high-end boutique than a factory floor. The pricing process was smooth, though the price for our benchmark model was significantly higher than the budget options. The quoted turnaround was also the longest at 6 Tage. Jedoch, the final product reflected this premium positioning. The part arrived in professional, branded packaging. The print quality was flawless, with an exceptionally smooth surface and no visible support marks. This is the quality you would expect for a customer-facing product.
• Am besten für: Final products, high-value display models, Schmuck, and anyone who requires the absolute best surface finish and is willing to pay extra for it.

Service #5: Xometrie

• Überblick: Xometry is an industrial-grade manufacturing marketplace aimed squarely at engineers and enterprise clients. They offer a vast array of manufacturing processes, including CNC machining and injection molding, with 3D printing being a key offering. They provide certifications and rigorous quality control.
• Our Experience: Xometry’s online pricing tool is arguably the most powerful and detailed of the group, providing instant DFM (Design für die Herstellung) feedback. The experience feels professional and robust. The price for our benchmark part was the highest, but this included their industrial-grade processes and quality assurance. The part arrived impeccably packaged with a quality inspection report. The dimensional accuracy was outstanding, and the part felt robust. This is the service you use when a part absolutely must meet engineering specifications.
• Am besten für: Professional engineers and businesses that require functional prototypes, end-use parts with specific material properties, and guaranteed dimensional accuracy.

Comparison Summary

To simplify your decision, we’ve consolidated our findings from the benchmark test into a single table.

Price vs. Precision Analysis

Choosing a service isn’t just about finding the lowest price. It’s about finding the best value for your specific project. Overpaying for precision you don’t need is wasteful, but under-investing in quality for a critical part can be even more costly.

What Affects Print Cost?

Several factors contribute to the final price of a resin-printed part. Understanding them helps you optimize your design for cost-effectiveness.

• Part Volume & Bounding Box: This is the primary cost driver. The more resin your part uses (Volumen) and the more space it takes up in the printer (bounding box), the more it will cost.
• Harztyp: Standard resins are the most affordable, with prices often ranging from $0.50 Zu $2.00 für cm³. Specialized materials like tough, castable, or high-temperature resins can be significantly more expensive due to their advanced properties.
• Auflösung & Schichthöhe: While higher resolution (Z.B., 25 microns vs. 50 Mikrometer) doesn’t always directly increase the price on instant quoters, it can increase print time, which may be factored into the cost by some services.
• Nachbearbeitung: The labor involved in removing supports, Waschen, and curing the part is built into the service’s price. Complex parts with intricate supports require more manual labor, increasing the cost.

The Value Matrix

To help you make the right choice, we’ve developed a simple framework. Identify which category your project falls into to quickly narrow down the best type of service.

• For Quick, Testing Prototypes: Your priority is speed and low cost. You need to get a physical part in your hands quickly to check form and fit, and you plan to make changes. The surface finish is not critical. In this category, services like PCBWay and JLCPCB excel. Their rapid turnaround and aggressive pricing allow you to print multiple design versions without breaking your budget.
• Für Anzeigemodelle & Miniatures: Hier, your priority is maximum precision and a flawless surface finish. You are creating an aesthetic object where every detail matters. Layer lines and support marks are unacceptable. For these projects, look for services that specialize in high-resolution printing. Shapeways is a top contender, delivering a final product that’s ready for display or painting. You can also find specialized, high-quality suppliers through Craftcloud.
• For Functional/Mechanical Parts: In diesem Fall, material properties and dimensional accuracy are most important. You’re building a part that needs to withstand stress, fit perfectly with other components, or possess specific characteristics like heat resistance. The service’s industrial credibility matters. Xometry is the clear choice here, with its focus on engineering-grade materials, enge Toleranzen, and quality certifications.
• For General All-Rounders: Your project needs a good balance of quality, Geschwindigkeit, und Kosten. It’s not a rough prototype, but it’s also not a high-end final product. You want a great-looking part without paying extra. This is where a marketplace like Craftcloud shines. It allows you to sort through various suppliers to find the perfect sweet spot that meets your project’s unique balance of needs.

Turnaround Times & Versand

When planning your project, it’s crucial to understand the entire timeline, from the moment you upload your file to when the part is in your hands. “Turnaround time” is not the same as “delivery time.”

Production Lead Times

Instant printing is a myth. Even for a small part, the professional production process takes time. A typical lead time of 1-5 business days is standard and includes several steps:

1.  File Check: An engineer or automated system reviews your model for printability.

2.  Print Queue: Your part is scheduled and placed in a queue with other orders.

3.  Drucken: The actual printing process, which can take several hours depending on part height.

4.  Nachbearbeitung: This is the most labor-intensive stage. The part is washed in a solvent to remove excess liquid resin, supports are carefully removed, and the part is cured in a UV chamber to achieve its final strength and stability.

Shipping Speeds and Costs

After production is complete, shipping time is added to the total timeline. Most services offer a choice between economy and express shipping. An economy option from an international supplier might take 5-10 Tage, while a domestic express option could arrive overnight.

For our benchmark part, the estimated total delivery times were:

• PCBWay (Express): 2 days production + 3 days shipping = ~5 days total
• JLCPCB (Wirtschaft): 3 days production + 7 days shipping = ~10 days total
• Craftcloud (Ausgewogen): 4 days production + 4 days shipping = ~8 days total
• Xometrie (Standard): 5 days production + 2 days shipping = ~7 days total
• Formbahnen (Standard): 6 days production + 3 days shipping = ~9 days total

Always factor in both production and shipping time when you have a firm deadline.

Preparing Your 3D Model

The quality of your final print starts with the quality of your digital file. By following a few best practices before you upload, you can prevent print failures, Kosten senken, and achieve a better result.

Pre-Upload Checklist

We recommend running through this checklist before submitting any model to a resin printing service.

• Ensure a Watertight (Manifold) Modell: Your 3D mesh must be a completely sealed, solid object. Any holes or non-manifold geometry will confuse the slicing software and cause print failures. Most 3D modeling software has tools to check for and repair these issues.
• Check Minimum Wall Thickness: Resin parts can be fragile if walls are too thin. They can break during printing or post-processing. A safe minimum wall thickness for most standard resins is between 0.8mm and 1.0mm. For delicate features, try to stay above 0.5mm.
• Hollow Your Model & Add Drain Holes: This is the single best way to save money on resin prints. Hollowing a large model dramatically reduces its volume, and therefore its cost. If you hollow a model, you must add at least two drain holes (minimum 2-3mm diameter). This allows trapped liquid resin to escape and prevents pressure buildup that could crack the part during curing. Place holes in inconspicuous areas, like the underside of the base.
• Unterstützung: Let the Service Handle It (Normalerweise): Placing supports for resin printing is an art form. It requires expertise to orient the part correctly and place supports that provide stability without damaging fine details. Für 99% of users, it is best to upload your model without supports and let the service’s experts handle it. They are responsible for a successful print. Advanced users may pre-support models for very specific needs, but it’s generally not recommended.
• Choose the Right File Format: The STL file is the universal standard, but it’s an old format. If the service accepts it, we recommend using 3MF. The 3MF format is more modern and can contain more information, including units, Farbe, und Materialien, reducing the chance of errors. If 3MF is not an option, a high-resolution STL is the perfect backup.

Making Your Final Choice

By now, you should have a clear picture of the resin printing service landscape. Der “am besten” service is entirely dependent on your project’s goals. By aligning your needs with the right provider, you can guarantee a successful outcome.

Top Recommendations

To make it as simple as possible, here are our final recommendations based on our hands-on testing and analysis:

• For the Best Overall Value & Optionen: Craftcloud is our top pick. Its marketplace model provides the flexibility to find the ideal balance of price, Geschwindigkeit, and quality for almost any project.
• For the Fastest & Most Affordable Prototypes: It’s a tie between PCBWay and JLCPCB. Both offer unbeatable speed and pricing for early-stage models and iterative design checks.
• For Premium Materials & Endprodukte: Shapeways stands out for its superior surface finish and extensive material catalog, making it the go-to for customer-facing parts and high-end display pieces.
• For Industrial-Grade Engineering Parts: Xometry is the undisputed choice for professionals needing guaranteed accuracy, robust material properties, and a certified manufacturing process.

Your Next Great Print

The journey from a digital file to a physical object of incredible detail has never been more accessible. Armed with an understanding of the technology, the strengths of each major service, and how to prepare your model for success, you can now move forward with confidence. Define your priorities—speed, Präzision, or cost—and choose the service that aligns with your vision. Your next great print awaits.