ABS-Like Resin vs Standard Resin – Which is Better?

Many users have heard of both ABS-like resin and standard resin, but they have no idea how to choose between the two. That’s why I decided to write this article to help people learn the differences and make that informed choice.

ABS-like resin is known to be better than standard resin in terms of impact resistance and tensile strength. The formula has a product that makes it more durable, but this gives it a small added cost. Some users have mentioned that the exposure times are the same or can use a little more exposure.

This is the basic answer, but keep on reading along to learn the differences in more detail so you can choose wisely between these two resins.

ABS-like Resin vs Standard Resin

Here is how ABS-like resin compares to standard resin based on the following factors:

• Impact resistance
• Tensile strength
• Print quality
• UV curing process
• Print application
• Resin cost

Impact Resistance

One factor that we can look at for ABS-like resin and standard resin is impact resistance. This is simply how much the resin print can handle in terms of impact, whether a drop onto the floor or being hit with another object.

ABS-like resin is designed to be tougher and take more impact than standard resin since it has some changes in the formula of the resin.

One user said that ABS-like resin surviving higher stress makes it the best for minis with thin parts that are likely to break off when exposed to a lot of wear or dynamic forces.

Another user said he mixes 5 parts ABS-like resin to 1 part Siraya Tech Tenacious Resin, and the result is a print that handles drops such as those from a desk to concrete. He also complimented how the same print with 5:1 cuts and drills like plastic.

Check out the video below to see how ABS-like resin compares to standard resin in the form of impact resistance.

Tensile Strength

Another factor that can help us differentiate ABS-like resin from standard resin is its tensile strength. This is how flexible the print can bend or elongate without breaking.

ABS-like resin can elongate up to 20-30% of its initial length without breaking, compared to standard resin that can break at just 5-7%.

The formula for ABS-like resin has an addition called Polyurethane Acrylate which gives the resin an excellent tensile and bending strength, along with hardness and toughness.

They’ve run many tests when using this addition and it works very well to offer crack-resistance and more stretching of the models.

One user said if you want a rigid product, print it slightly thicker, with in-fill to boost its durability. Another user said non-rigid resins would creep more under strain, increasing their impact resistance. At the same time, rigid resins can chip off after a fall from waist height.

Check out the video below to see how ABS-like resin compares to standard resin tension/strength-wise.

Print Quality

When we compare the print quality of ABS-like resin and standard resin, many users say that the detail is just as good as each other.

The best way to compare quality is by 3D printing miniatures, since they are small and have a focus on quality. One user said he has 3D printed a few miniatures and found the quality to be very similar. He said he doesn’t see the point to printing with standard.

Another user did mention that ABS-like resin was a little harder to sand and get that perfect finish than standard resin, but other than that, the winner was ABS-like resin.

UV Curing Process

In terms of the differences between standard and ABS-like resin for UV curing, the times are known to be quite similar.

In some cases, ABS-like resin requires a slightly higher exposure time, but this all depends on brand and what 3D printer you are using. Some people think that it requires a doubling of the exposure time but user testing shows that the UV curing times are quite similar and might have a 10-20%, if that.

I always recommend doing your own exposure testing with various exposure tests such as the Resin Validation Matrix or the newer Cones of Calibration Test.

Check out the video below to see how ABS-like resin takes on the UV curing process.

Print Application

Another factor that can help us with ABS-like resin and standard resin is their print application. This is the specific purpose of your 3D printed object, whether it’s a print that needs to withstand high stresses or temperatures.

ABS-like resin is best for tougher objects than standard resin since it has good adhesion and high stiffness. Standard resin is also the best for objects that need detailing finishes than ABS-like resin since it has a high resolution and is available in a wide range of colors.

One user said if you’d want to use your prints, ABS-like resin is the best option if you want to use your prints. But if you have no plans on using them, you’d rather use the standard resin because it’s cheap.

Another user said in their experience, the ABS-like resin is harder to sand, although it has various advantages.

The user experience of ABS-like resin and standard resin are quite similar, but ABS-like resin usually has a lower odor due to the formula.

Resin Cost

Lastly, let’s look at the differences in cost between standard and ABS-like resin. ABS-like resin is known to have a slightly higher cost than standard resin, which makes sense since it has extra properties.

A typical 1KG bottle of Elegoo Standard Resin would cost you around $30, while a 1KG bottle of Elegoo ABS-Like Resin, would go for around $35. The price difference is around 15% so it’s not massive, but it’s something.

You can expect a similar price difference, or even the same prices depending on brand, stock, demand and other factors.

In another case, 2KG of Sunlu ABS-Like Resin goes for around $50 while 2KG of Sunlu Standard Resin is around $45, so a lower difference with bigger bottles.