When you dive into the fascinating world of resin 3D printing, one of the most common questions is: How much can I print with 1 litre of resin? The answer depends on several factors, from the type of resin you use to the complexity of your models. In this article, we'll cover everything you need to know to get the most out of your resin and make the most of your projects.
Factors that affect how much you can print with 1 litre of resin
1. Model size and volume
The size of your models is the biggest factor. A small 28mm miniature might use as little as 10–15ml, while a larger figure or functional part could require 100ml or more.
Images by Uncle Jessie on YouTube. link to the video
2. Infill settings
Your infill density also plays a key role. Hollow models use significantly less material than solid ones. Designing your prints with 2–3mm walls and around 10% infill means you can get far more prints per litre.
3. Supports
Supports are essential for many prints, but they also add to your resin consumption. Fine-tuning your support settings to use as little material as possible — without sacrificing print stability — can make a real difference.
4. Resin type
Different resins have different densities and properties. For example, Anycubic Standard and Texture Resin are well known for their efficiency. Find out more about Anycubic resin settings in our dedicated article.
Practical examples: calculating resin usage
Let's put things into perspective:
1. Fantasy Miniatures (28mm)
A standard-sized miniature typically uses between 10 and 20ml of resin. With 1 litre, you could print 50 to 100 miniatures.
2. Large Figures or Functional Parts
A detailed bust or large mechanical part could require between 250 and 600ml. This means 1 litre might yield just 1.5 to 4 large models.
Image and painting by Print and Paint Studio
3. Hollowed-Out Projects
Hollowing out your models is one of the best ways to reduce resin consumption. For example, a hollowed 15cm figure might use as little as 150ml instead of 300ml.
Tools to Calculate Your Resin Usage
Now you know how far 1kg goes. Combine that with electricity, depreciation, and labour to get the true cost per print. Upload your STL or choose a preset. Calculate cost per print →
Slicing Software like Chitubox
Slicers like Chitubox are essential tools for resin 3D printing. They let you estimate resin consumption before you hit print, helping you plan your projects more efficiently and avoid unnecessary waste.
Recommendation
Check out our article on the best websites for free STL files and make sure you're working with resin-optimized designs.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Resin
1. Fine-tune your supports
Only place supports where they're absolutely needed. Use features like anti-aliasing to smooth out details and cut down on support material usage. Check out our article where we go into more detail on how to optimize support contact points
2. Hollow out your models
Design hollow models with drain holes to prevent air bubbles and minimize resin consumption.
3. Clean efficiently
Use isopropyl alcohol to clean your prints without wasting material. Learn more in our complete guide to using isopropyl alcohol for resin 3D printing.
4. Store your resin properly
Keep leftover resin in a cool, dark place. Use a strainer or filter when pouring it back into the bottle to keep it free of debris.
Which Resin Should You Choose for the Best Results?
Anycubic Resins: High Quality and Great Value
We recommend Anycubic resins, well known for their excellent performance and durability. Options like the Standard Resin and the Texture resin deliver outstanding results and great bang for your buck.
Check out our article on Anycubic printers and resins for more information.
So, what can you expect from 1 litre of resin?
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Small miniatures: 50–100 models
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Large figures or hollow parts: 5–10 models
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Functional prints: Will depend on the design and infill
With the right tools, a bit of planning, and good printing practices, a litre of resin can go further than you might think. Time to optimise your prints and bring your ideas to life!
We hope you found this guide useful! If you have any questions or need help, feel free to get in touch or visit our blog for more content. 💪🚀
