Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) vs Stereolithography (SLA) Printing: Which Is Better?

If you are looking for the best 3D printing technology for your projects, chances are that you have come across the terms Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA). While both offer impressive results, they work based on different principles, and understanding these differences is necessary to make an informed decision. In this post, we'll compare the two technologies and help you decide which is the right one for you.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a 3D printing technology that works by melting and extruding thermoplastic filaments through a nozzle. These filaments are melted, and the melted material is deposited layer by layer to create the final part. FDM is a popular technology because it's affordable, easy to use, and produces parts with good accuracy.

Pros of FDM Printing:

• Affordable
• Easy to use
• Large build volume
• A wide variety of materials available

Cons of FDM Printing:

• Limited resolution
• Less precise than other technologies
• Poor tolerance for intricate details

Stereolithography (SLA)

Stereolithography (SLA) is a 3D printing technology that works by curing photopolymers with UV light. The UV light hardens the resin, and the excess resin is washed away, leaving only the solid part. SLA is a highly precise and accurate technology that can produce parts with intricate details and smooth surface finishes.

Pros of SLA Printing:

• High accuracy and resolution
• Excellent surface finish
• Ideal for intricate details

Cons of SLA Printing:

• Expensive
• Requires special handling and training
• Limited build volume
• Limited material options

Which One Is Better?

The answer to this question is subjective and depends on your specific needs. If you are looking for an affordable, easy-to-use technology that can produce parts with good accuracy, FDM is the way to go. On the other hand, if you need parts with intricate details and smooth surface finishes, SLA is the better choice.

It's worth noting that both technologies have their strengths and weaknesses, and your choice should depend only on what you need for your specific projects.

References

• Rachid, T., & Mohamed, E. H. (2019). 3D Printing Technologies: A Short Overview. 2019 9th International Conference on Modeling, Simulation, and Applied Optimization (ICMSAO). doi:10.1109/icmsao.2019.8880059
• Khalid, W., & Khan, S. A. (2019). Comparative study of 3D printing technologies: FDM vs SLA vs SLS. 2019 Sixth International Conference on Advances in Computing, Communication and Information Technology (CCIT). doi:10.1109/ccit47760.2019.9067605