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3D Printing Technology

There are two leading technologies used in polymer 3D printing; Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA). FDM 3D printing uses thermoplastics and creates your model by laying layers of polymer on each other to create a 3D object. SLA 3D printing utilizes resins that harden under UV light projected by the printer, exposing the resin in layers to create a 3D object.

FDM Printing vs. SLA Printing

  • The precision of SLA is higher due to the size of the pixel being much smaller than the nozzle diameter in FDM
  • The cost of SLA is higher than FDM due to material costs of the UV resins and labor required to clean and cure parts
  • FDM allows for use of traditional industry standard thermoplastics used in conventional production methods for parts
  • SLA resins come in limited varieties and colors and are not equivalent to the material used in mass manufacturing

Material Selection

FDM Printing

  • PLA: Versatile, food-safe material that allows for quality prototyping as well as display models
  • PETG: Weather and chemical-resistant material that will retain its structural properties 
  • ABS/ASA: Durable, impact-resistant material that features high heat resistance
  • TPU: Flexible, soft material ideal for increased traction or compliant applications
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