Which material is typically used in more advanced 3D printers?

In more advanced 3D printers, particularly those utilizing stereolithography (SLA) or digital light processing (DLP), resin is the primary material used. Resin is a photopolymer that cures when exposed to light, allowing for very high precision and smooth finishes that are often desired in advanced modeling, prototyping, and even some production applications. The use of resin caters to detailed layer resolutions and provides the capability to create intricate designs that might be challenging with other materials.

In contrast, while filament is extensively used in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) printers, it does not match the level of detail achievable with resin printers. Liquid plastic, although similar to resin in that it can be used in SLA, is not the correct term or material designation commonly understood in the industry. Thermoplastic encompasses a wide range of materials including filaments but does not specifically describe the advanced abilities and characteristics associated with resin printing technologies. Thus, resin stands out as the material typically associated with more sophisticated and high-resolution 3D printing processes.