FDM vs MJF — cost-effective prototyping vs production-grade nylon.
FDM is the most affordable 3D printing technology — ideal for prototypes, concept models, and functional parts where surface finish is secondary. MJF (HP Multi Jet Fusion) produces parts in production-grade Nylon PA12 and PA11 with consistent mechanical properties across batch runs. The choice comes down to whether you need low-cost iteration speed (FDM) or production-grade consistency and strength (MJF).
Specifications
Head-to-head comparison
| Spec | FDM | MJF |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerances | ±0.5mm | ±0.3mm |
| Layer height | 0.1-0.3mm | 0.08mm |
| Min wall thickness | 1.2mm | 0.7mm |
| Max build size | 360 x 360 x 360mm | 380 x 284 x 380mm |
| Lead time | From 1 business day | From 5 business days |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, TPU, ASA, PC CF | Nylon PA12, Nylon PA11, Nylon PA12 Glass Filled |
| Best for | Jigs & fixtures, Functional prototypes, Concept models, Large-format parts, Cost-sensitive runs | End-use production parts, Production runs, Complex geometries, Automotive components, Aerospace hardware |
Our recommendation
Choose FDM for early prototyping, concept models, and large parts where cost matters more than surface finish. Choose MJF when you need production-grade mechanical properties, batch consistency, and parts that can ship to end customers.
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