SLA and FDM are the two most widely used 3D printing technologies, but they do not do the same thing. Which one you choose depends on your part: how big it is, how accurate it needs to be and how much it has to withstand. At 3D-SOLUTIONS we work with both, so we pick the technology that fits.
What is SLA?
With SLA (stereolithography), liquid resin is cured layer by layer under light. The result is a very accurate part with fine details and a smooth surface, without visible print layers.
What is FDM?
With FDM, plastic filament is melted and built up layer by layer. FDM offers a wide choice of materials, from PLA to engineering plastics such as PA-CF and PEEK, and can handle large parts: at our workshop up to 1000 × 1000 × 1000 mm in one piece.
Choose SLA if
- your part is small and has fine details
- you need a smooth surface, without visible layers
- you want a transparent part, in clear resin
- you need an accurate prototype, a mould or a miniature
Choose FDM if
- your part is large, up to 1 m³
- it is mechanically loaded and needs a strong material such as PA-CF or PEEK
- you need functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures or small series
- the part has to withstand heat or chemicals, for example in PC or PEEK
Our SLA printer: the Formlabs Form 4L
For SLA we use the Formlabs Form 4L, a large-format SLA printer. That lets us print larger resin parts or more parts per print. We work exclusively with original Formlabs resins, for consistent quality.
An example from practice
For a Belgian company we printed a protective cap for a button in clear resin, after scanning and remodelling the part. It could no longer be bought anywhere. Read the full case about this replacement part.
Not sure which technology fits?
Send us your 3D file or a sketch and we will advise you without obligation. Take a look at our SLA / resin service and our FDM services, or get in touch directly through the contact form.