3D Printing Technologies – Compare Processes & Materials

Browse our range of additive manufacturing technologies. Use the chatbot in the bottom-right corner to ask questions about resolution, material compatibility, post-processing, safety, and more.

The Printing Technologies

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Material Extrusion

Extrusion-based 3D printing using thermoplastic filaments.

Age: Mature – Hobbyist to Industrial

  • Lowest entry cost among 3D printing technologies
  • Supports multiple materials including flexible and composite
  • Large build volume options available

Ask the chatbot for more details about “Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)”.

Stereolithography (SLA)

Vat Photopolymerization

Laser-based vat photopolymerization for high-resolution parts.

Age: Mature – Professional & Industrial

  • High resolution – up to 25 microns layer height
  • Smooth surface finish requiring minimal post-processing
  • Wide range of functional and specialty resins

Ask the chatbot for more details about “Stereolithography (SLA)”.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Powder Bed Fusion

Powder bed fusion using a laser to sinter nylon powders.

Age: Mature – Industrial & Production

  • No support structures needed due to powder bed
  • High mechanical strength and durability
  • Excellent for complex assemblies and undercuts

Ask the chatbot for more details about “Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)”.

Digital Light Processing (DLP)

Vat Photopolymerization

Vat polymerization using a digital projector screen.

Age: Mature – Professional & Light Industrial

  • Faster print speeds than SLA for multi-part batches
  • High dimensional accuracy and surface quality
  • Pixel-based masking enables fine details

Ask the chatbot for more details about “Digital Light Processing (DLP)”.