Best Wall Thickness for Resin 3D Prints

In resin 3D printing, getting the right wall thickness for your 3D prints makes a big difference in how well your parts perform, especially in terms of durability and strength. I decided to write an article looking into the best wall thickness for resin 3D prints.

The recommended wall thickness for resin prints is usually between 1.2-2.5mm. For smaller models like miniatures, you can use a wall thickness of around 1.2mm and above, while for medium and larger models, a wall thickness of 2mm+ is recommended. You can increase the wall thickness if you want a stronger model.

This is the basic answer but keep on reading to learn more about the best wall thickness for resin 3D prints.

Wall thickness is simply the measurement of how wide the external structure of a model is, measured in millimeters. When you hollow your models, you’ll be asked for a wall thickness, which translates to the strength and integrity of the print.

The wall thickness is considered one of the most important aspects of 3D printing because walls that are too thin or thick can cause issues regarding its printing and quality. You don’t want walls too thin because they can break when trying to remove supports amidst other forms of print failures.

While the recommended wall thickness for resin prints is between 1.2-2.5mm, you’ll only be able to find optimal wall thickness after some trial and error.

Walls that are too thick would mean you are using up more resin than you need, so you want to strike a good balance between these two levels. Your slicer usually has default values, but it can be a good idea to test these out.

Also, the wall thickness depends on the nature of the 3D print and its functionalities as it will be different for a supported print as compared to an unsupported print.

Here are some of the factors that determine the wall thickness in resin prints:

Resin type
Object size
Intended use

Resin Type

One factor that determines the wall thickness of resin prints is the type of resin being used, as different types of resins will have different properties, with some being more suitable for thin or thick walls.

For example, some resins are brittle and prone to cracking when printed with thin walls, while others are more flexible and can withstand thinner walls without issue.

It’s important to consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific resin being used, as they will typically guide the ideal wall thickness for optimal results.

One user stated that for a display piece, he uses a wall thickness of 1.5mm, while for prints that would be subject to constant handling, he prefers a wall thickness of 2-2.5mm.

He also said that when using Elegoo water-washable resin, he prefers to maintain a minimum hole size of 1.5mm, and typically goes with 2mm if there is enough space available.

Another user said that he usually uses a 3mm wall thickness, which is a bit thicker than needed. He found out that the added stiffness helped to align the lines properly and close small gaps that are formed when thin walls fall on themselves.

It can also help to simplify the internal structure, making it much easier to cure the internals of the wall under UV light.

Object Size

The size of the object being printed is another important factor to consider when determining the ideal wall thickness. Larger objects typically require thicker walls to ensure sufficient strength and prevent warping or deformation during the printing process.

Smaller objects may be able to use thinner walls without issue, but it’s important to consider the intended use of the final product and adjust the wall thickness accordingly.

One user stated that he sets his wall thickness to 2mm if it’s a figure that is about 2 inches (5.08 cm) tall. He said he has recently printed some 5-inch figures in two parts using a 3mm thickness.

That’s because he wanted to make sure that they didn’t get warped due to the combination of suction and too-thin walls on such a large piece. He also recommends to never go thicker than 3mm.

Another user stated that his go-to value is 2mm, but if it’s a large model, then he uses 2.5mm. He also said that you shouldn’t forget to add at least two holes for proper drainage and cleaning.

Intended Use

The intended use of the final product is another crucial factor to consider when determining the ideal wall thickness.

Objects that will be subjected to stress or pressure, such as functional parts or prototypes, typically require thicker walls to ensure sufficient strength and durability.

Purely decorative objects may be able to use thinner walls without any issue, but it’s still important to consider the overall quality of the print and adjust the wall thickness accordingly.

One user stated that 2mm is a fairly safe bet for most objects and that you could probably go lower and still be fine, the only issue is that durability may be affected.

Another user stated that he’s done HO-scale car bodies and printed at a wall thickness of 1mm. He has also gone as thin as 0.6mm. Just be aware that depending on the resin, you may get some warping on the thin side walls without using adequate support.

He also recommends adding some internal bracing that can be removed after curing to help maintain the shape of the model.

Best Wall Thickness for Resin 3D Prints – Miniatures & More