While some SLA materials are engineered to perform better in some scenarios, it’s almost impossible to replicate the same mechanical properties of ABS, nylon, and other FDM filaments. What SLA gains in beauty it loses in strength. If you require a highly aesthetic part, you may want to consider SLA. Laser technology creates pinpoint accuracy which allows for higher tolerance parts with improved resolution compared to alternative technologies. Similar to FDM, there is a range of SLA printers available in the market with different sizes, material capabilities and price ranges. Photopolymers are thermoset materials, meaning they react differently than thermoplastics. This unique printing process enables higher resolution parts that have isotropic and watertight properties. Instead of an extrusion nozzle, SLA uses a laser to cure a liquid resin into a physical piece through a process called photopolymerization. Instead of filament SLA 3D printers operate with photopolymers, which is a light-sensitive material that changes physical properties when exposed to light. Stereolithography (SLA) was introduced to the market during the 1980’s and was quickly adopted by many service manufacturers and consumer product companies. Compared to other 3D printing technologies, FDM may leave layer lines or slight build blemishes due to the heating and cooling of materials. Printing with thermoplastic materials through extrusion nozzles leads to tolerance and resolution challenges. In addition, post processing with FDM is simple and most of the time, non-hazardous. StrengthsįDM is relatively inexpensive compared to alternate 3D printing methods and tends to yield the most consistent results when it comes to repeatability and strength. Materials may include plastics such as ABS, ASA, PLA and more advanced 3D printers are beginning to offer carbon filled and nylon materials that are stronger and longer lasting. FDM printers come in a variety of sizes and material compatibilities, and can range from $5,000 to $500,000. The materials simultaneously cool and adhere to another to create a 3-dimensional part. The filament is loaded into the machine via material spool, melted and deposited onto a heated build platform following a predetermined guide path. Typically, FDM 3D printers operate with singular or dual extruders that are compatible with thermoplastic filaments. After that, it’s possible to determine which technology may make sense for your business and application.įused Deposition Modeling (FDM), alternatively referred to as fused filament fabrication (FFF), is the most common 3D printing technology available on the market. While this may be complicated, our job is to simplify it and begin by explaining the basic differences between FDM and SLA. Similar to the automobile industry comparing a truck to a sedan, there are numerous providers and options available to compare. It’s important to note that there are multiple manufacturers and suppliers that offer different versions of FDM or SLA technology, and each is unique in its own way. Originally introduced during the 1980’s, these pioneering technologies have adapted with enhanced materials, speed, size and resolution capabilities. The most commonly used 3D printing technologies are stereolithography (SLA) and fused deposition modeling (FDM). Which begs the question for entrepreneurs investing in their own business, researchers implementing new technologies for their institutes, or engineers tasked with improving the product development lifecycle: Which 3D printing technology is right for me? While many of these options are real, some are science fiction and others are just bizarre. You may have heard about the concrete 3D printers that are building homes, or the chocolate dispensing 3D printer or maybe even about the bioprinter capable of recreating organs. Countless 3D printing technologies and materials are available in the marketplace.
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