FDM vs SLA — which 3D printing technology is right for your part?
FDM and SLA are the two most common 3D printing technologies. FDM melts thermoplastic filament layer by layer — it is fast, affordable, and available in tough engineering materials. SLA cures liquid resin with a UV laser — it delivers the best surface finish and tightest tolerances in our catalog. The right choice depends on what matters most for your part: cost, surface quality, mechanical properties, or build size.
Specifications
Head-to-head comparison
| Spec | FDM | SLA |
|---|---|---|
| Tolerances | ±0.5mm | ±0.2mm |
| Layer height | 0.1-0.3mm | 0.025-0.1mm |
| Min wall thickness | 1.2mm | 0.8mm |
| Max build size | 360 x 360 x 360mm | 335 x 200 x 300mm |
| Lead time | From 1 business day | From 2 business days |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, TPU, ASA, PC CF | Standard Resin, Grey Pro Resin, Durable Resin, Tough 2K, Tough 1500, Rigid 4K, Rigid 10K, High Temp, Flexible, Elastic, Castable |
| Best for | Jigs & fixtures, Functional prototypes, Concept models, Large-format parts, Cost-sensitive runs | Visual prototypes, Medical models, Casting patterns, High-detail parts, Presentation models |
Our recommendation
Choose FDM when cost and speed matter most, or when you need tough engineering thermoplastics (PETG, ASA, PC CF) at larger build volumes. Choose SLA when surface finish, dimensional accuracy, or fine detail resolution is the priority — visual prototypes, snap-fit validation, and presentation models.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, FDM or SLA 3D printing?
FDM is cheaper per cubic inch in almost every case. FDM uses thermoplastic filament at lower material cost and prints faster, making it the most cost-effective 3D printing technology for functional parts. SLA resin costs 2–3x more per volume and requires longer post-processing.
Which has better surface finish, FDM or SLA?
SLA delivers significantly smoother surfaces at 2 Ra μm compared to 15 Ra μm on FDM. SLA prints at 25-micron layers that are virtually invisible, while FDM layers at 100–300 microns are visible without post-processing.
Can FDM parts be as accurate as SLA?
No. FDM holds ±0.5mm tolerances while SLA holds ±0.2mm. For snap-fit assemblies, PCB fitment, and dimensional validation, SLA is the better choice. FDM is sufficient for functional prototypes where cosmetic precision is secondary.
Which is stronger, FDM or SLA prints?
FDM thermoplastics like PETG, ASA, and PC CF are tougher and more impact-resistant than most SLA resins. FDM parts are better for load-bearing applications. SLA Tough 2K resin is the exception, offering ABS-like toughness with SLA precision.
What build volume does FDM vs SLA offer?
FDM builds up to 360×360×360mm at Makelab, which is larger than desktop SLA at 335×200×300mm. For even larger resin parts, Industrial SLA builds up to 1000×1000×600mm.
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