How to Achieve High-Resolution FDM Prints: A Guide for Singapore Makers

nickpjr
Jul 8, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Dec 9, 2025

Man adjusts tablet controls for a 3D printer on a desk in a warmly lit room. Blinds and shelves add a cozy, modern touch. — Snapmaker J1s - www.snapmaker.com

One of the most common requests we hear at our small 3D print shop in Singapore is: “Can you print this in high resolution?” The answer is yes—but like most things in 3D printing, there are trade-offs. In this post, we’ll break down what high-resolution means in FDM printing, how to achieve it, and when you might want to consider alternatives like SLA printing.

What is High Resolution in FDM Printing?

In FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) printing, resolution refers to how finely the printer can reproduce the details of your design. This is determined by two main factors:

Layer Height (Vertical Resolution): The thickness of each printed layer. Smaller layer heights create smoother surfaces and finer vertical detail.
Nozzle Size (Horizontal Resolution): The width of the nozzle determines the minimum feature size your printer can produce on the X-Y plane.

Fun fact: A standard FDM print uses a 0.4 mm nozzle and 0.2 mm layer height. High-resolution prints often go as low as 0.1 mm layer height with a 0.25 mm nozzle.*

How to Enhance FDM Print Resolution

If you want your part to have crisp details and a smooth surface finish, here’s how we optimise for high resolution:

Note: We also use precise extrusion multiplier settings, premium filament, and carefully tuned bed levelling and Z-offsets to achieve the best results for our customers.

Reduce Layer Height:
Standard: 0.2 mm
High-res: 0.1 mm or finer

Smaller layers mean more layers to build the part, which improves vertical smoothness but also increases print time significantly.

Use a Smaller Nozzle:
Standard: 0.4 mm
High-res: 0.25 mm (or even 0.2 mm)

A smaller nozzle allows for finer horizontal details, but it slows down print speed and can be more prone to clogging.

Tune Print Speed and Cooling: Slower speeds reduce vibrations that blur fine details. Proper cooling helps preserve sharp edges and smooth surfaces.
Material Matters: PLA is a popular choice for high-resolution FDM because of its stiffness and ease of printing at fine settings. PETG or ABS can be used, but require more careful tuning.

The Trade-offs of High-Resolution FDM Printing

High-resolution FDM prints look great, but they take longer to produce. For example:

A 0.2 mm layer height print might take 5 hours.
The same part at 0.1 mm could take 10+ hours.

And while smaller nozzles deliver finer detail, they’re less forgiving. Prints may fail more easily if settings aren’t dialled in, and the parts can be more fragile in thin areas.

Note: Our advice: Use high-res FDM where it makes a visual difference (like display models, miniatures, or custom enclosures), and balance resolution with functional needs. Our shop offers pre-consultations to help customers choose the best resolution for their specific application, so you benefit from expert advice rather than trial and error.

FDM vs SLA: Which is Best for Your High-Detail Project?

Both FDM and SLA (Stereolithography) can produce detailed prints, but they excel in different ways.

Feature	FDM High-Res	SLA
Detail Level	Good (down to 0.1 mm layers)	Excellent (as fine as 0.025 mm layers)
Strength	Stronger for functional parts	Brittle unless engineered resin is used
Cost	More affordable for large parts	Higher cost per print, especially for large models
Post- Processing	Minimal (unless smoothed/painted)	Requires washing, curing, supports removal
Speed	Slower than standard FDM	Often slower overall due to curing + cleanup

Note: Bottom line: FDM is great for larger parts, functional prototypes, or budget-conscious jobs needing decent detail. SLA is better for intricate miniatures, dental models, or jewellery masters where ultra-fine detail matters.

Not Sure Which Technology to Choose?

We’re here to help you achieve the best print quality for your projects. High-resolution prints benefit from professional calibration, high-end equipment, and experience—things our customers can count on from our service. Whether you need a high-res FDM part for a display or are wondering if SLA is worth the extra cost for your project, we’ll guide you to the right solution.