FDM is usually faster for printing large or simple parts because it lays down thicker layers quickly.
Resin printing (SLA/DLP) is slower per layer but gives higher detail and precision.
Overall speed depends on part size and resolution requirements.

Which is faster: FDM or Resin (SLA/DLP)?

FDM is generally faster for larger or simple parts
Resin (SLA/DLP) is faster for small, highly detailed parts

Definition:

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)

Melts plastic filament
Deposits material line by line and layer by layer
Builds the part using a moving nozzle

Resin Printing (SLA/DLP)

Uses liquid photopolymer resin
Cures entire layers using UV laser (SLA) or projector (DLP)
Each layer is hardened at once (especially DLP)

Speed Comparison

1. Printing Mechanism Speed

FDM

Prints only one nozzle path at a time
Moves back and forth depositing lines

👉 Slower deposition process per layer

Resin (SLA/DLP)

Entire layer is cured at once (especially DLP)
Nozzle movement is not required

👉 Faster layer curing process

2. Small Parts vs Large Parts

Resin (Faster for small parts)

Entire layer is exposed to UV light at once
Time does NOT depend heavily on complexity of layer

👉 Many small models print quickly together

FDM (Faster for large/simple parts)

Print time increases with:
- size
- infill
- complexity

👉 Better for big objects like brackets, housings

3. Layer Time Comparison

Feature	FDM	Resin (SLA/DLP)
Layer formation	Line-by-line	Whole layer at once
Speed per layer	Slower	Faster
Effect of complexity	High impact	Low impact

4. Build Volume Effect

FDM

Speed decreases gradually with size
Large prints still manageable

Resin

Build plate size limits speed efficiency
Large prints take long time due to layer height stacking

5. Real-World Speed Summary

FDM is faster when:

Printing large parts
Low detail prototypes
Functional engineering components

Resin is faster when:

Printing many small objects
High-detail models (miniatures, dental models)
Thin layers with fine features

Final Comparison Table

Factor	FDM	Resin (SLA/DLP)
Small detailed parts	Slower	Faster
Large parts	Faster	Slower
Layer process	Sequential	Whole layer
Overall speed use case	Functional printing	Precision printing

Summary:

FDM = faster for big functional objects
Resin = faster for small, detailed objects

Conclusion:

FDM is generally faster for large and simple parts because of continuous filament extrusion, whereas resin printing (SLA/DLP) is faster for small and detailed parts because it cures entire layers at once using light. Therefore, speed depends on application and part size.