The short version
FDM is the workhorse for tough, large or low-cost engineering parts. SLA wins on surface finish, fine detail and dimensional accuracy.
FDM — Fused Deposition Modeling
Melts a thermoplastic filament and deposits it layer by layer. The cheapest per gram, with the widest material range (PETG, ABS, PC, TPU, PA-CF). Tolerances around ±0.3 mm at 200 mm.
SLA — Stereolithography
Cures liquid resin with a UV light source. Smooth, near-injection-moulded surface finish. Tolerances down to ±0.06 mm on small features.
How to choose, fast
Need a part that just has to look right, or intricate and high-detail? SLA. Need a tough, functional part you will actually use, or something big? FDM. Send us the file and we will confirm in the quote.
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Plain-English guides on choosing the right 3D printing technology, material selection and design for additive manufacturing.