Two technologies, different strengths
FDM printers melt PLA filament layer by layer. SLA printers cure liquid resin with UV light. Both produce architectural models, but with different tradeoffs.
Head-to-head comparison
| Factor | PLA (FDM) | Resin (SLA) |
|---|---|---|
| Detail | Good (0.1–0.2mm layers) | Excellent (0.025–0.05mm) |
| Cost per model | $2–5 | $5–15 |
| Print time | 2–12 hours | 1–6 hours |
| Post-processing | Remove supports, optional sand | Wash, cure, remove supports |
| Durability | Strong, slightly flexible | Hard, brittle |
| Best scale | 1:50 to 1:200 | 1:100 to 1:500 |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly | Moderate (resin handling) |
When to use PLA
PLA is the default choice for most architectural models. It is cheap, easy to print, and produces clean results at standard scales.
Choose PLA when:
- Your model is 1:100 or larger
- You want a quick study model for internal review
- Budget matters (filament costs 1/3 of resin)
- You are new to 3D printing
- The model will be displayed indoors
White PLA gives the classic architectural model look. Sand lightly and spray with matte primer for a professional finish.
When to use resin
Resin excels at small scales where FDM resolution falls short. Window frames, thin walls, and fine details print crisp on resin.
Choose resin when:
- Your model is 1:200 or smaller (keychain, desk display)
- Surface finish matters for client presentations
- You need to print details smaller than 0.5mm
- You are making a closing gift where appearance is everything
The tradeoff: resin requires washing in IPA, UV curing, and careful handling of uncured resin. It is more work per print.
Our recommendation
Start with PLA. It handles 80% of architectural model use cases. Switch to resin only when you need detail at small scales or presentation-grade surface finish.
Both methods work with STL files from Ritn3D. Upload a floor plan, download the STL, and print on whichever machine you have. Get started free.