What is the difference between plastic and resin?

Resin and plastic are two common materials used for creating models, but they have distinct characteristics and differences:

Resin

1. Composition:

   • Resin is a synthetic material, often composed of polyester, epoxy, or polyurethane.

2. Detail:

   • Resin can capture high levels of detail, making it ideal for intricate and finely detailed models.

3. Casting Process:

   • Models made from resin are usually produced in smaller batches through a casting process. The moulds are often made of silicone, which can capture fine details from the master model.

4. Weight and Texture:

   • Resin models are typically heavier and have a smoother surface compared to plastic models.

5. Cost:

   • Resin is generally more expensive than plastic due to its detailed casting process and smaller production batches.

6. Workability:

   • Resin can be more brittle and prone to breakage compared to plastic. However, it can be sanded, carved and modified more easily in some aspects.

7. Health and Safety:

   • Working with resin requires precautions, as the dust produced when sanding or cutting can be harmful if inhaled. Proper ventilation and protective equipment are necessary.

Plastic

1. Composition:

   • Plastic used in modeling is usually polystyrene or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).

2. Detail:

   • While plastic can achieve a good level of detail, it typically does not reach the same level of fine detail as resin. However, advancements in plastic moulding technology have significantly closed this gap.

3. Injection Molding Process:

   • Plastic models are produced in larger quantities through injection molding, where molten plastic is injected into metal moulds under high pressure.

4. Weight and Texture:

   • Plastic models are lighter and often have a slightly textured surface.

5. Cost:

   • Plastic is generally cheaper than resin, benefiting from economies of scale in mass production.

6. Workability:

   • Plastic is more flexible and less brittle than resin, making it less prone to breakage. It can be easily cut, glued and painted.

7. Health and Safety:

   • Plastic is generally safer to work with compared to resin, with less harmful dust and fumes. However, proper ventilation is still recommended when cutting or gluing.

Summary

• Resin is chosen for its high level of detail and smooth finish, often used for limited-run, high-quality models. It requires careful handling and health precautions due to its brittleness and harmful dust.
• Plastic is preferred for mass-produced models due to its cost-effectiveness, durability, and ease of handling. It is more flexible and safer to work with but may not capture the same level of fine detail as resin.