Are you looking to get into 3D printing? Perhaps you stumbled upon #3DPrintTok or are drawn to the idea of transforming your creative ideas into tangible objects. If you feel overwhelmed by the abundance of technical terms, various materials, and printer options, you’re not alone. Whether you are an aspiring maker or an artist seeking a new skill, in this beginner guide to FDM vs. SLA 3D printing, I aim to break down the key differences between two popular 3D printing processes to help you answer the most important question: Which printer is right for me?
What the heck is FDM printing?
FDM, or Fused Deposition Modeling, is the process of extruding melted thermoplastic filament in individual layers to create an object. If you’ve ever seen a 3D printing pen, you’ve witnessed the most basic form of FDM printing. Using a single thread of flexible material called filament and pushing it through a heated nozzle, similar to a hot glue gun, you’re able to build up layers of plastic into any shape that you choose.
One of the most noticeable features of an object printed using an FDM printer are layer lines. This can be a downside for those seeking smooth, high resolution 3D prints. Although layer lines can be removed with manual sanding, it adds extra time to your project and may not be ideal for everyone.
FDM Printers
FDM printers have become the popular choice among beginners and the 3D printing community because of their ease of use and affordability. There are a wide variety of brands to choose from, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. However, due to their accessibility, you can find a range of machines from a quality entry-level FDM printer for as low as $160 all the way up to premium printers above $1,500.
Below are three popular beginner-friendly FDM printer choices:
Common Items to Print with FDM Printers:
FDM printers are often the go-to for functional, large, and simple parts and prototypes. Cosplayers often use this method of printing for replicating prop weapons and armor. I’m sure at this point in your 3D printing research journey, you’ve also seen a slew of quirky 3D printed objects you can make from fidget toys to battery dispensers and croc spurs.
FDM Compatible Materials:
The most common filament type for FDM printers is PLA. What is PLA? Polylactic Acid is a renewable thermoplastic often derived from cornstarch or sugarcane. There are an assortment of colors to choose from when picking a filament.
Pros of PLA:
- Environmentally friendly.
- Easy to print with, ideal for beginners.
- Minimal warping during printing.
Cons of PLA:
- Not suitable for high-temperature applications.
- Lower strength compared to other materials.
Other common materials an FDM printer can support are ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) and PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol-Modified). These are both stronger alternatives to PLA filament, but come with their own benefits and drawbacks. ABS, although stronger and good for mechanical parts or objects that need to withstand high stress, are brittle and can’t stand high impact. PETG on the other hand, while not as strong as ABS, is much more flexible.
FDM Printer Highlights
- Affordable beginner machines
- Low-Cost, easy to print material options
- Ability to print larger objects
- Lower resolution prints
- Timely post-printing sanding process
What is SLA Printing?
SLA, or Stereolithography, is a 3D printing process that involves curing or hardening liquid resin in layers using ultraviolet (UV) light. Instead of feeding a spool of filament into an extruder nozzle, like an FDM printer, the SLA process requires that you fill a resin tank called a vat with liquid resin. The build plate of the machine then lowers into the vat, where the UV light below the liquid flashes curing an individual layer at a time on the build plate. There is a series of continuous lowering and lifting of the build plate and flashing of light until the print is complete.
The difference in this process gives SLA printers the upper hand in creating high resolution and detailed 3D prints because of their ability to cure very thin layers. With SLA printers, there really isn’t a need for sanding, like FDM printers, because the final prints are already smooth.
SLA Printers
Although SLA printers are often overlooked as beginner-level machines, there are quite a few brands that have produced excellent options in recent years that are equally as affordable and easy to use as FDM printers. With SLA printers you have the option to choose a machine with a higher resolution quality. Currently, SLA 3D printers have 4K-12K options. Entry-level SLA printers can be found for for less than $200 with higher-end models in the $1,500 range.
Below are three beginner-friendly SLA printer:
Common Items to Print with SLA Printers:
SLA printers are often used to print mechanical parts, figurines, and models. Fans of D&D often use resin 3D printing for making miniatures and toy designers can bring their sketches to life. I personally use my SLA printer to make objects that I can use for molding and casting epoxy resin.
SLA Compatible Materials:
SLA printers, often referred to as resin printers get the name because they use just that, resin. However, there are many types of resin available, depending on your needs. Similar to filament, resin has various options that have their own unique properties. From different color options such as clear, black, white, and grey to more flexible and durable resins like ABS-Like Resin. There are even resins that are less harsh like eco-friendly.
- Pros of Resin:
- High level of detail
- Good for small and intricate designs
- Smooth finish without the need for sanding
- Cons of Resin:
- Requires well-ventilated area and protective gear
- Limited color options
An important thing to note when working with SLA printers is that they do require the need to work with harsh chemicals. When a resin object is done printing it needs to be washed to remove excess resin and cured. The washing process may require the use of Isopropyl Alcohol, which can produce strong fumes and pose a flammability risk. There are options for making this process easier such as purchasing a wash and cure station, which alleviates the need to handle the chemicals directly. Another option is working with Water-Washable Resin, which has a lower odor and can be cleaned using tap water.
SLA Printer Highlights
- High resolution prints
- Easy plug and play machines
- Pricier material cost
- Smaller printing volume
- Post-process cleaning and curing
What Next?
Choosing between FDM and SLA printers really depends on what you intend to create with your 3d printer. Are you looking for smooth and high quality prints or are you more interested in larger projects?
For next steps on your 3D printer purchasing journey, I highly recommend the following:
- Decide whether FDM or SLA printing aligns better with your ideal projects and environment.
- Research different beginner-friendly 3D printers that are within your ideal budget. Consider things like print volume, resolution, and ease of use. The last thing you want is to spend more time tinkering than 3D printing!
- Start getting your 3D printing setup in order. Be sure to order the proper materials and tools compatible with your 3D printer. Think about add-ons such as wash and cure stations or multiple sized nozzles.
Taking the time to research your first 3D printer prepares you for all of the continuous researching that comes with understanding your machine, learning 3D printing and slicing software, and tips for improving the quality of your future prints. Now that you’re well equipped with the key differences between the two 3D printing options, the next step should be much easier knowing what to look for and what to avoid.
