PLA and resin are not simply cheap and premium. Fused-filament PLA is affordable, warps relatively little, and works well for larger silhouettes, bases, and objects where layer texture can be part of the character. Prusa lists models, statues, and prototypes among common uses while clearly noting limited heat, UV, and impact resistance.
Photopolymer resin is better suited to fine scales, narrow lines, and small facial features, but a finished print is not a finished object. Washing and material-specific post-curing affect strength and stability. Formlabs also notes that excessive curing can introduce brittleness or warping. Ask whether the part was properly post-cured, not only how high the printer resolution was.
Choose from the setting. PLA works for larger, budget-conscious objects in ordinary indoor temperatures. A mature resin workflow suits dense pattern and smoother small forms. A desk object moved often needs a stable base and impact awareness. A sunny shelf needs UV consideration. An object touched frequently needs a coating that tolerates skin oils and gentle cleaning.
The material card should state boundaries. Desk art is not automatically tableware, a child's toy, or a load-bearing component. Plant-derived PLA does not simply disappear in home compost, and a smooth resin surface does not establish food safety. Honest guidance tells the owner where the object belongs, how to care for it, and what not to ask it to do.