FDM vs Industrial SLA — two paths to large-format 3D printing.
Both FDM and Industrial SLA can produce parts larger than desktop printers allow, but they serve different needs. FDM offers the largest build volume in our standard fleet (360 x 360 x 360mm) at the lowest cost per part. Industrial SLA prints up to 1000 x 1000 x 600mm with presentation-quality surface finish (5 Ra μm). The choice depends on whether your large part needs to look perfect or just work.
Specifications
Head-to-head comparison
| Spec | FDM | Industrial SLA |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerances | ±0.5mm | ±0.2mm |
| Layer height | 0.1-0.3mm | 0.05-0.15mm |
| Min wall thickness | 1.2mm | 1.0mm |
| Max build size | 360 x 360 x 360mm | 1000 x 1000 x 600mm |
| Lead time | From 1 business day | From 7 business days |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, TPU, ASA, PC CF | ABS-Like Resin, Optical Clear PMMA, Frosted PMMA |
| Best for | Jigs & fixtures, Functional prototypes, Concept models, Large-format parts, Cost-sensitive runs | Large enclosures, Architectural models, Trade show builds, Industrial prototypes, Tooling |
Our recommendation
Choose FDM for large functional parts where cost and speed matter more than surface finish — jigs, fixtures, internal brackets. Choose Industrial SLA when your large part needs presentation-quality surfaces — architectural models, display pieces, and client-facing prototypes.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How big can Industrial SLA print?
Industrial SLA at Makelab builds up to 1000×1000×600mm in a single piece — nearly 3x the build volume of FDM (360×360×360mm). This is the largest resin build volume in our catalog.
Is Industrial SLA more expensive than FDM?
Yes, significantly. Industrial SLA resin costs more per cubic inch and build times are longer. However, for presentation-quality large parts (architectural models, trade show pieces), the surface finish at 5 Ra μm justifies the premium over FDM at 15 Ra μm.
What materials are available on Industrial SLA?
Industrial SLA at Makelab offers 3 resins: ABS-Like Resin (tough, impact resistant), Optical Clear PMMA (90% light transmission), and Frosted PMMA (60% light transmission, diffused). FDM offers 5 thermoplastics.
What is the lead time for Industrial SLA vs FDM?
FDM parts ship from 1 business day. Industrial SLA parts ship from 7 business days due to longer build times and mandatory post-processing. Plan accordingly for large-format resin projects.
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