Choose the Right 3D Printing Technology for Your Application
Whether you’re new to 3D printing or an experienced user exploring a new application, selecting the right 3D printing technology is crucial for achieving optimal results. With various technologies now available, including FDM/FFF, SLA, DLP, SLS, MJF, and more, how do you determine what’s best suited for your specific needs?
Our 3D printing experts at 3DPrintJunction have helped thousands of customers successfully navigate this decision. In this guide, we’ll overview key 3D printing technologies, discuss their respective advantages, and provide recommendations on choosing the right fit for your application based on factors like materials, accuracy, speed, cost, build size and more.
If you have any additional questions on determining the best 3D printing process for your projects, please contact us or submit your inquiry through our website’s contact page. Our team is always happy to provide personalized 3D printing consultations.
Table of contents
· FDM/FFF 3D Printing
· Stereolithography (SLA)
· Digital Light Processing (DLP)
· Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
· Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
· How To Choose The Right Technology
FDM/FFF 3D Printing
A vivid showcase of 3D printing methods, including FDM, SLA, SLS, DLP, and Polyjet, each illustrated with dynamic visuals and descriptive labels.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), also known as FFF (Fused Filament Fabrication), is the most common and cost-effective 3D printing technology. A thermoplastic filament, available in various materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, PC and more, is melted and precisely extruded layer-by-layer to print the part.
Key advantages of FDM/FFF technology:
- Low cost for both printers and materials
- Variety of material choices
- Minimal waste compared to other processes
- Large build volumes available
Ideal for conceptual models, prototypes, jigs and fixtures, tooling applications, education, and hobbyist printing.
Limitations: Average-to-low accuracy and print resolution compared to other processes. Weaker mechanical performance for production end-use parts.
Best for: Design validation, visual models, form/fit testing, molds & casting patterns.
Stereolithography (SLA)
SLA 3D printing utilizes a UV laser to selectively cure and solidify liquid photopolymer resin layer-by-layer to construct a part. It is valued for its smooth surface finish and ability to create highly detailed prints at accuracy levels rivaling injection molding.
Key advantages of SLA printing:
- Exceptionally high accuracy and print resolution
- Smooth surfaces without visible layer lines
- Variety of engineering-grade resin materials
- Support for multi-material printing
Ideal for detailed prototypes, end-use parts production, dental and medical applications.
Limitations: Smaller build volumes, longer print times for large parts, material limitations compared to other processes. Some post-processing like support removal and UV curing required.
Best for: Detailed prototypes, manufacturing tools, high precision & low volume end parts, dental, medical.
Digital Light Processing (DLP)
DLP 3D printing also utilizes photopolymerization technology like SLA, but a UV projector screen flashes entire layers at once to cure resin as opposed to tracing with a laser. This allows very fast print speeds, though build volumes tend to be smaller.
Key advantages of DLP printing:
- Extremely fast print speeds
- High accuracy and print resolution
- Smooth surface finishes without layer lines
- Variety of resin material options
Limitations: Small build volumes, material limitations compared to other processes. Requires support removal and UV post curing.
Best for: High detail prototypes, manufacturing tools, jewelry, medical applications.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Exploring the Spectrum of 3D Printing: From FDM to Polyjet, the Future is Layered.
SLS uses a high power laser to fuse and sinter powdered material, layer by layer, to build a part inside the printer chamber without need for supports. A wide range of plastics, metals, ceramics and composites can be printed.
Key advantages of SLS printing technology:
- No need for support structures
- Both plastic and metal materials
- Mechanical properties rival traditionally manufactured parts
- Complex, enclosed internal features can be built
Limitations: Rough surface finish requiring hand polishing. Limited plastic material choice compared to other processes. Small metal 3D printers have very high costs.
Best for: End-use thermoplastic & metal parts, production applications, complex enclosed mechanisms.
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Multi Jet Fusion printing also utilizes powder bed fusion technology, but fuses material with an inkjet printhead depositing fusing agent. This unlocks greater speed along with the ability to precisely control part density and mechanical properties.
Key advantages of MJF printing:
- Very fast print speeds rivaling injection molding
- Excellent, repeatable mechanical performance
- Control over the accuracy, detail and porosity
- Wide material selection including polymers & composites
Limitations: Small build volumes. High printer costs makes it less accessible for smaller budgets.
Best for: End-use parts production, functional prototypes, lightweight parts with complex geometries.
How To Choose The Right Technology
Consider the following key factors when deciding on a 3D printing process:
- Materials — What material does your application require? Temperature or chemical resistance needed?
- Accuracy & Details — Dimensional accuracy required? Fine details and resolution needed?
- Mechanical Performance — Part strength and function important?
- Surface Finish — Does the surface quality matter for appearance, fit or fluid flow?
- Build Size — Maximum outer dimensions of the printed part?
- Budget — What’s your total budget for the printer and ongoing material costs?
For assistance identifying the best 3D printing technology for your specific application, or submit your inquiry through our contact page. We’re always happy to provide personalized 3D printing consultations.
This post is originally published at 3dprintjunction.com
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