FDM vs SLA: What is the Difference Between FDM and SLA?
We compare FDM and SLA technologies, which are among the most used desktop 3D printer technologies in the world. However, there is no winner in this comparison because the advantages of both technologies vary depending on the production area and the model to be produced. Before looking at where exactly the difference between FDM and SLA emerges, let's simply examine both technologies.
FDM 3D Printer Technology
FDM, or Fused Deposition Modeling 3D printers, are 3D printers that use thermoplastic filaments as materials. In the working principle of FDM 3D printers, thermoplastic filament is fed through a hot extruder, where the plastic softens enough to be precisely placed by the print head. The molten filament is then deposited layer by layer on the printing area to form the workpiece.
FDM printers have a wide range of models, from very affordable options to options that can process advanced materials.
SLA 3D Printer Technology
SLA, or Stereolithography 3D printers, are 3D printers that use resin as a material. The light coming from the laser light source in the SLA 3D Printer cures the photosensitive resin poured into the printing chamber of the printer by connecting the molecular chains of the resin and a 3D model is formed by the hardening of the resin.
Key Difference: Printing Material
Since the printing materials processed by both 3D printers are different, the color and feature of 3D print you will get from both 3D printers will depend on these printing materials.
When printing on FDM 3D printers, your color options will be wider and you will encounter a wider variety of materials with different features. Especially since most 3D printers allow the use of third-party filaments, you can print with as many different filaments as supported by the 3D printer from different brands.
The color range of resins used in SLA 3D printers is not wide. They are mostly available in basic colors such as black, grey, white or transparent resins. Most SLA 3D printers do not allow the use of third-party resins and only allow the use of their own brand of proprietary resins.
Key Difference: Printing Sensitivity
After printing on FDM printers, the question that usually comes to mind is "How can we print without these layer lines?" In the answer to the question, the most important difference between FDM and SLA emerges. For prints that require a higher quality surface resolution and no layer image, production should be done with an SLA 3D printer.
Since the printing resolution in SLA 3D printers is determined by the optical spot size of the light source, SLA 3D printing technology is the technology with which you can get the highest surface quality among 3D printer technologies. If the most important thing for the model to be printed is that its surface is smooth, the 3D printer to be used is SLA 3D printer technology.
Post-Printing Process
What you will do after printing on FDM 3D printers is to clean the support materials, if any, on your 3D model and perform surface treatments such as painting and sanding.
In SLA 3D printers, the model removed from the printer should be cleaned in an isopropyl alcohol bath before cleaning the support materials after printing. Support materials, if any, should be cleaned and then placed in UV light to harden and become more stable. Gloves should be worn while performing all these procedures.
Although the post-printing process in SLA 3D printers seems more laborious than FDM 3D printers, it is not as laborious as it seems and is more subtle than FDM 3D printers.
3D Printing Cost
In FDM 3D printers, you will need to spend money on nozzle and filament as printing materials. Nozzle prices will vary depending on the printer you use, but since you can use 3rd party filament, you can choose filament at any price you want.
Since SLA 3D printers use only proprietary resins as printing materials, resin and printing tank prices will vary depending on the SLA 3D printer.
As a result, the cost of printing with an SLA 3D printer is higher than printing with an FDM 3D printer.
When to Use FDM?
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rapid prototyping
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Creating low-cost models
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By hobbyists and makers
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When precision and surface quality are not important
When to Use SLA?
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When complex details and/or a very smooth surface quality are very important
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When the strength and durability of the model is not important (models made of resin may be damaged by prolonged exposure to the sun)
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To create casting molds to facilitate mass production (e.g. by jewelery or toy manufacturers)
If you have a model that requires high surface resolution or is complex and you do not have enough budget for an SLA 3D printer, you can produce your model without having an SLA 3D printer with KARAKALEM EVİ 3D Printing Service. Just contact us.