SLA or FDM? Some of you may have come across this question when you approached a 3D Printing service Dubai and wondered what these are and why are they important. Well, this blog is about the same once you’ve finished reading the blog, you’ll be able to understand the different types, and their characteristics, and will be able to choose the one that best suits your project.
The Most popular technology used in 3D Printing is
Fused Deposition Model FDM
FDM Printing the most common 3D printing process is FDM. The process begins with the melting of a plastic filament, which is then deposited over the platform, one layer at a time, in accordance with the 3D data supplied to the printer. Each layer perfectly binds over the previous layers to produce the desired output. The main advantage of using the FDM process is the material’s quality and sustainability and the mechanical properties of the materials are also lasting for a long time.
Stereolithography SLA
Stereolithography SLA Printing to form a precise solid surface, the photopolymer resins interact with the laser. According to the 3D data, the laser beam is directed in the X-Y axis on the surface of the resin, here resin solidifies in the laser-hit areas. Once each layer is completed there is a fraction of a drop in the platform within the vat (Z-axis). This process will be repeated till the entire object is made and the platform can be raised out of the vat for removal. The process involves cleaning and curing the final products. Curing is the process of fully hardening the resin by heating the part with intense light in an oven-like structure.
SLA process is mainly used to produce parts with a smooth finish and which have details in them.
You may have come across the terms FDM and SLA and is unsure which one to use
Well, we will help you out with it.
Usually, the technology used for 3D Printing is decided by the following factors
1 Indoor/Outdoor
The first factor Depend upon the place where you want to install the model, if the model is installed outdoors, due to the changing weather condition, it’s very important that you opt for a technology that is best suitable for outdoors, which can withstand high temperature or rain, and the model lasts longer without any damage.
SLA is most suitable for outdoor models since Resin is the material used in stereolithography; Resin 3D/ stereolithography printer is a liquid polymer material that is converted from its aqueous state to a solid shape in 3D printing via a series of reactions, and model which is printed using resin can withstand 150-300-degree Fahrenheit, and also it’s waterproof. Due to its versatile nature, it is best used for functional prototyping, patterns, molds, and tooling.
If the model is installed indoors, you can go for a fused deposition model Fused deposition model (FDM) 3D printing, also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF), material extrusion is used in the additive manufacturing process. FDM uses thermoplastic polymers that come in the form of filaments. Due to its low heat resistance, it’s not suitable for outdoor.
2 Complexity in the model
When your model has a complex geometry, SLA is the way to go. Because FDM Printing prints layer by layer, it requires a support structure as the model grows taller, and building complex 3D printing is not possible, whereas SLA laser cures photopolymer resin, which does not require a complicated support structure.
3 Cost Efficiency
If you’re looking for cost efficiency and a simple prototype, FDM is a better option than SLA because the material used in FDM Photopolymer composite is less expensive.
4 Quality
If you are a person who does not compromise on quality, FDM is not for you because of its low resolution and low accuracy, for the highest resolution and accuracy and fine details you can go with SLA.
The difference Between SLA and FDM
Fused Deposition Model
- Melts and Extracts Thermoplastic Filament
- Bests suitable for indoor
- Lowest resolution and accuracy
- Lowest price per material
- Lowest price per material
Stereolithography
- Laser cures photopolymer resin
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor
- Highest resolution and accuracy
- best used for functional prototyping patterns mold and tooling
Final thoughts
If you’re looking for a cost-efficient indoor model with simple prototyping you can go for FDM
If you’re looking for a high-quality outdoor model with the finest details you can go with SLA
