FDM or SLA or SLS Which is Right for You?
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) are the three most common 3D printing methods available in the market. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses, and choosing the right one depends on your specific requirements and preferences. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at these 3D printing methods and help you decide which one is best suited for your project.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
FDM is by far the most common 3D printing technique and is likely to be the first 3D printing process most hobbyists or makers will use. FDM (Fused Deposition modelling) printers are based around applying heat to melt and extrude a theromoplastic filament that is fed through the heated nozzle. The melted filament from the printer is layered deposit to layer deposit in order to form the final 3D object.
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Cost-Effective: Prototyping and low volume production is inexpensive.
Material Variety: A wide range of materials available – (PLA, ABS, PETG, etc.). Ease of Use:
Scalability: Small or large format parts are supported.
Fast Turnaround: Small to medium size components, quick print.
Minimal Post-Processing: Less post processing need is required as compared to resin based technologies.
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Lower Resolution: Inadequate for fine features or complicated geometry.
Visible Layer Lines: This reduces the surface finish, but does not need any post processing.
Limited Mechanical Strength: Lower Zaxis strength because of layer–adhesion.
Warpage Issues: Along with materials like ABS have a tendency to warp.
Supports Needed: This depends, although overhangs may require supports and add to post processing time.
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Functional Prototypes: For form/validation, fit/user test, before going to mass production.
Jigs and Fixtures: Tools and aids for custom manufacturing.
End-Use Parts: Custom, durable parts for low volume production.
Educational Models: For educational purposes models and visual aids.
Architectural Models: Design validation using scale produced quickly.
Low-Cost Prototypes: Great for quick, proof of concept and prototyping.
For more information on FDM, click here.
Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA is a 3D printing technology that employed a laser to area cured a liquid photopolymer resin. With the laser curing the resin, the printer builds the object from layer to layer. Most SLA printers are used to produce high quality, fine detailed parts with a smooth surface finish.
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High Resolution: It produces smooth surfaces and fine detail.
Excellent Accuracy: Great for creating complex geometries and intricate patterns.
Wide Range of Resins: Flexibility, transparency, high strength, and high heat resistance.
Superior Surface Finish: Smooth, detailed parts that need little or no post processing.
Great for Small Parts: Great for creating small components.
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Brittle Parts: Thermoplastics are more impact resistant than most resins.
Limited Material Strength: Not suitable for heavy duty functional part.
Post-Processing Required: But it needs to wash, cure, and sometimes sand. Leading to higher costs.
Expensive Resins: FDM filaments are usually cheaper too.
Size Limitations: Behind FDM and SLS technologies in terms of build volume.
To avoid most of the disadvantages of SLA, explore our SLApro series. Contact us to know more.
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Dental Models & Devices: Orthodontic use and surgical guide precision models.
Jewelry Prototyping: Made intricate patterns and cast moulds.
Medical Models: Anatomical models for surgical planning and surgical training.
Miniatures & Figurines: Detailed features on high resolution figurines and models. Engineering
Prototypes: To test designs with mix shapes and fine details.
Casting Patterns: Master patterns producing for investment casting.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
SLS is a 3D printing process where a laser selectively sintered a powdered material like nylon or polyamide. The laser selectively sinters the powder of the object layer by layer, building the object.
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High Strength and Durability: It can produce strong, functional parts, suitable for end use applications.
Excellent Mechanical Properties: It’s isotropic strength: parts are equally strong in all directions.
Complex Geometries Possible: It can print moving parts, hinges, and interlocking assemblies.
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Rough Surface Finish: It has a slightly grainy texture, but it can be seen as a finished texture.
Higher Cost: Machine and material cost is more expensive in comparison with FDM.
Limited Color Options: Limited to natural or dyed colours.
Slightly Higher Lead Time: The parts needed to cool down after printing, inducing an increase in total print time.
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Functional Prototypes: Can be used for testing parts in actual use.
End-Use Parts: Good for creating low quantities of high quality final products.
Snap-Fit Assemblies: It produces parts which have excellent fit for interlocking mechanisms.
Automotive Components: High strength and lightweight part components.
Aerospace Parts: Lightweight custom components for aerospace applications.
Healthcare Products: Orthotics, prosthetics, and patient specific devices.
Finally, it is important to notice that the wrong 3D printer method comes down to your own requirements and preferences. FDM is a great low cost easy 3D printing method if you are looking for one. SLS if you need a smooth surface finish down to the micrometre range and functionality to it, or SLA if you only need ultra precise parts down to the nanometer range with no functionality.
| Printing Method | Common Materials | Suitable Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) | PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, TPU | Prototyping, models, functional parts, tooling, fixtures, jigs, and low-volume production |
| Stereolithography (SLA) | Resins, such as Standard Resin, Flexible Resin, Tough Resin, and Castable Resin | Jewellery, dentistry, figurines, moulds, and high-detail parts |
| Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | Nylon, TPU, TPE, Polycarbonate, PA11, PA12 | Complex geometries, functional parts, living hinges, and high-temperature applications |
