FDM vs SLA 3D Printing: Which One Is Right For Your Project?

FDM: Fused Deposition Modelling

FDM is a form of additive manufacturing in which a thermoplastic filament is heated to a semi-liquid state and extruded through a nozzle to build parts layer by layer. As each layer is extruded, it solidifies and bonds to the previous one, gradually forming the final model.

This process results in visible layer lines unless post-processed

FDM uses a range of materials such as PLA, ABS, PETG and TPU. All of which offering varying levels of strength, heat resistance, and flexibility depending on application needs.

  • Cost Effective - Lower material costs make it ideal for budget concious projects

  • Durable Materials - ABS, PETG, TPU and Nylon cover qualities required by most projects

  • Larger Build Volumes - Suitable for printing bigger parts without splitting models

  • Lower Resolution - Typically visible layer lines depending on material and less detail compared to SLA

  • Mechanical Toughness - Strong mechanical layers, less brittle

SLA Resin Comparison: Print Detail, Strength & Material Properties

Property Standard Resin Tough Resin Flexible Resin High-Temperature Resin Engineering Resin
Print Detail ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★
Impact Strength ★★☆☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★★☆
Dimensional Accuracy ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★★
Post-Processing Ease ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆
UV & Moisture Resistance ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆

Compare standard, tough, flexible, high-temperature, and engineering grade SLA resins by performance factors like detail, strength, and durability. Use this chart to choose the best resin for mechanical prototypes, cosmetic models, or heat tolerant functional parts.

SLA - Stereolithography

SLA is a process in which liquid resin is cured by a focused UV laser to form solid layers.

The build platform lowers incrementally into a resin tank, with individual pixels selectively cured to form solid layer upon layer.

Many resins are available, all offering differing qualities. From standard resins for smooth finishes and high quality, to engineering resins for high impact, durability and flexibility.

  • Exceptional Detail & Accuracy - Produces fine extremely fine features down to 30 microns!

  • Superior Surface Finish - Parts are smooth, matte finish typically requiring nil-minimal sanding

  • Material Options - Resin options from rigid to flexible, high-temp to biocompatible

  • Material Brittleness - Many resins are more brittle than FDM options

  • Additional Post-Processing Works - All parts require IPA baths and UV curing

How To Choose The Right SLA Resin For Your Project

  • Tough Resin
    Ideal for functional parts or mechanical assemblies that might get dropped or flexed slightly. Great balance between impact resistance and print detail.

  • Flexible Resin
    Use this when your part needs to bend or compress slightly without snapping, like gaskets, grips, or vibration dampeners. Not as stretchy as TPU, but useful in select cases.

  • High-Temperature Resin
    Perfect for molds, fixtures, or housings that need to withstand heat. Especially in short-run production or castings. Brittle, but heat-tolerant.

  • Engineering Resin
    A premium option that’s optimized for durability, precision, and resistance across the board. Best choice for high-performance parts, especially when tolerances and surface finish matter.

  • Standard Resin
    Best for visual prototypes and display models where sharp detail matters more than toughness. Think miniatures, art pieces, or shells that don’t need mechanical strength.

If you have any questions on FDM vs SLA or how JB Prints can help you with your next project, get in touch now

FDM Filament Comparison by Cost, Strength, and Print Quality

Property PLA (Polylactic Acid) ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) Nylon (Polyamide)
Cost Efficiency ★★★★★ ★★★★☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★☆☆☆
Tensile Strength ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★
Flexibility / Elasticity ★☆☆☆☆ ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★★ ★★★★☆
Surface Finish (Layer Visibility) ★★☆☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★☆☆ ★★★★☆ ★★★★★

Looking for the right filament for your project? Use this table to compare materials like PLA, ABS, TPU, and Nylon by price, strength, flexibility, and finish quality and find the perfect fit for functional parts, prototypes, or flexible components.

How To Choose The Right FDM Filament For Your 3D Prints

  • PLA
    Best for prototypes and simple parts. It’s affordable, prints easily, and looks clean. Ideal for visual models, cosplay pieces, and general-use prints that won’t see mechanical stress

  • PETG
    A great middle ground. PETG offers good strength and flexibility without the printability issues of ABS. Ideal for mechanical components, brackets, and light-duty outdoor parts.

  • TPU
    This flexible filament is perfect for soft or elastic prints like gaskets, vibration dampeners, or phone cases.

  • Nylon
    The go to for strength and flexibility. Nylon is best for engineering grade parts where wear resistance, durability, or slight give is needed. Great for bushings, gears, and rugged jigs

  • ABS
    A step up in durability. Use ABS for functional parts, enclosures, and tools that need to handle higher temperatures or moderate impact.