Additive manufacturing or 3D printing can help you lower production costs, cut the leads time of production, and increase the efficiency processes for product development. Moreover, the concept models and functional prototypes in rapid prototyping for making jigs & fixtures, or even end-use parts in manufacturing. 3D printing technologies offer versatile solutions in a wide variety of applications.
Over the years 3D printers capable of printing high resoulutions have been launched in the market at even more affordable prices. Easier to use and more stable as a result, this technology is now more accessible in many busimesses.However, choosing the right 3D printing technology for you and your business is not easy.
In this article, we’ll identify at the three most established technologies for 3D printing plastics that are FDM, SLA, and SLS.
Let's see! 3 main technology of 3D Printing
- FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
- SLA (Stereolithography)
- SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
FDM or Fused Deposition Modeling
First technology is Fused Deposition Modeling is the most widely used form of 3D printing at the consumer level, fueled by the emergence of hobbyist 3D printers. FDM 3D printers build parts by melting and extruding thermoplastic filament, which a print nozzle deposits layer by layer in the build area or print plate.
It works with a range of standard thermoplastics such as ABS, PLA, and their various blends. The technique is well-suited for basic proof-of-concept models, as well as quick and low-cost prototyping of simple parts. For example, parts that might typically be machined.



This technology have visible layer lines and might show inaccuracies around complex design.
It has the lowest resolution and accuracy when compared to SLA or SLS and it is not the best option for printing complex designs or parts with intricate features. Higher-quality finishes may be obtained through chemical and mechanical polishing processes. Industrial FDM 3D printers use soluble supports to get rid some of these issues and offer a wider range of engineering thermoplastics but it might have higher in price.
SLA or Stereolithography
It was the world’s first 3D printing technology, invented in the 1980s, and is still one of the most popular technologies for professionals. SLA uses a laser to cure liquid resin into hardened plastic in a process called photopolymerization.
SLA parts have the highest resolution and accuracy, clearest details, and the smoothest surface finish of all plastic 3D printing technologies. The main benefit of SLA lies in its versatility. Material manufacturers have created innovative SLA resin formulations with a wide range of optical, mechanical, and thermal properties to match those engineering, and industrial thermoplastics ‘s standard.



Prints are from SLA, the tip is sharp. The surface will be smooth. Only a few thin lines will be seen. The sample image above is a printed piece from a Formlabs Form 2 3D printer using SLA technology.
Besides, it is a great option for highly detailed prototypes requiring strong and smooth surfaces, such as molds, patterns, and functional parts. SLA is widely used in a range of industries from engineering and product design to manufacturing, dentistry, jewelry, model making, and education.
SLS or Selective Laser Sintering
In industries, SLS 3D printers use a high-powered laser to fuse tiny bits of polymer powder together. it is the most well-know technology in the additive manufacturing line.
Selective laser sintering is the most common additive manufacturing technology for industrial applications. 3D printers use a high-powered laser to fuse small particles of polymer powder. The unfused powder supports the part during printing and eliminates the need for dedicated support structures. This makes SLS ideal for complex geometries, including interior features, undercuts, thin walls, and negative features. Parts produced with SLS printing have excellent mechanical characteristics, with strength resembling that of injection-molded parts.



The SLS model has a thin, rough texture, but the lines are almost invisible. This sample image is of a product printed on the Fuse 1 desktop 3D printer with SLS technology.
The most popular material used for this technology is Nylon because Nylon is a popular material in the heat resistant plastic engineering group that provide excellent mechannical properties. Nylon is light, strong, flexible but stable, resistant to chemical resistance. Good resistance to UV light, water and dirt.
Integration of low-cost components with mass production and these materials make SLS technology the most popular choice among engineers. to print molds for actual use in additive to reducing costs effectuvely or meaning efficient and suitable use of resources in injection mold making, we can also produce in limited quantities or bridge manufacturing as well.
Compare FDM SLA and SLS
Each and every technology, be it FDM, SLA or SLS, has its strengths, weaknesses and needs. The table below summarizes the key characteristics. and considerations of each 3D printing technology.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) | Stereolithography (SLA) | Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | |
Resolution | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Accuracy | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Surface smoothness | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Throughput | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
The ability to make complex designs | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ |
Easy to use | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Strengths | – fast – low-cost machines and materials |
– Excellent quality – Highly accurate printing – Smooth beautiful surface – used in the functional industry, have a variety |
– Parts have high practical strength – More freedom in design than – No support |
Weakness | – Low printing accuracy – Less details – Some design limitations |
– Moderate print size – will not withstand UV heat for too long |
– Rough surfaced – Less material selection |
Functonality | – Economical – Good and fast gravure of concept models. |
– Molds can be used with real work – Can be used in the dental industry, jewelry and mold casting |
– The mold works well in real life – Short-run, bridge, or customizable later |
Print size | Up to ~200 x 200 x 300 mm. (for desktiop printers) |
Up to 145 x 145 x 175 mm. (for desktop printers) |
Up to 165 x 165 x 320 mm. (for desktop printers) |
Materials | General heat-resistant plastic filaments such as ABS, PLA, etc. | A variety of resins (thermosetting plastics) – General type (Standard), – Engineering type (Engineering) such as resin that is similar to ABS, PP that is flexible Heat-resistant – Moldable – Dental type – Medical type (biocompatible) |
Engineering heat resistant powders such as Nylon 11, Nylon 12 and composite |
Learning before using the machine | Learn the basics of settings to print, the printer operating system. How to behave when printing is complete and maintenance of the machine | Plug in and can use the machine straight away. and must learn the basics of setting up to print. printer operating system How to behave when printing is complete and printer maintenance | Learn practical information about setting up to print. maintenance machine operating system and how to practice when printing is complete |
Space to place the machine | Air conditioned environment choose a well-ventilated area for your desktop printer. | Desktop printers are ideal for use in office environments. | Working environment with enough space to place the machine |
Additional equipment required tools | to support the system, such as tools to unpack workpieces. | Equipment to bake workpieces to clean the work piece and to unpack the workpiece | Post-processing equipment for cleaning workpieces. and bring materials back to use |
Price and payback
When calculating capital or price from only the printer equipment does not include the cost of materials and labor. This also affects the price per piece. However, it depends on the nature of use and the amount you want to produce.
In-depth table by technology
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) | Stereolithography (SLA) | Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | |
Printer cost | Moderate prices start at $2,000, and industrial systems start at $15,000 | A good printer start at $3,500 , while large format industrial machines start at $80,000 | Benchtop systems start at $10,000 , while industrial printers start at $100,000 |
Material cost | Starting price $50-$150/kilo for general materials and for engineering and another $100-200/kilo for support material | Start at $149-$200/liter for general resins and resins for the engineering industry | Price at $100/kilo for Nylon powder because SLS technology does not print support and the powder used can be recycled. making the material cost even lower. |
Wage | Workman’s fee for the etching process the time consuming etching process. it is very important if you want to get beautiful and high quality work pieces. |
Wash and unpack (These two steps can be automated) disassembly for the technology is very simple: simply remove the support | simply clean or remove any excess powder |