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.
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