Pixel pitch matters, but exposure, optical uniformity, resin temperature, release mechanics, working-curve behaviour, post-cure and material ageing can dominate the dimensional and mechanical result. The engineering question is whether the complete process is controlled well enough for the part.
High detail is only the obvious benefit. Resin becomes genuinely valuable when it resolves small functional geometry, fine channels, textured surfaces or complex support situations that are awkward for material-extrusion printing.
Fine radii, text, small bores and surface texture can be reproduced with less staircase effect than a typical FDM process, provided exposure and optical calibration are under control.
Rigid, tough, high-temperature, flexible and filled resins behave very differently. “ABS-like” and “PC-like” are marketing shorthand, not material equivalence.
Washing, solvent management, post-curing, PPE and waste handling are part of the process. They belong in the equipment decision and in the cost-per-part calculation.
Ignore the “K” number until you have compared optical pitch, resin control, build size, release system and workflow repeatability.
Read the printer guide →Use modulus, elongation, HDT, creep, impact response, chemical resistance and post-cure data rather than the product name.
Read the material guide →Exposure, cure depth, shrinkage, support deformation and post-cure all move dimensions. Build a controlled compensation workflow instead of editing CAD blindly.
Read the accuracy guide →A materials-and-mechanics comparison rather than a surface-finish argument.
Compare the processes →Large housings, sustained load, impact, outdoor exposure and shop-floor fixtures often point to another process.
Read the decision guide →Uncured photopolymer and wash solvents need an SDS-led risk assessment, suitable gloves, controlled handling and ventilation appropriate to the products and tasks.
See handling considerations →A resin system earns its place when its geometry, material behaviour and post-processing burden match the job better than FDM, SLS, machining or moulding.
