3D Printing Processes — SLA, SLS, MJF, FDM and Metal Compared

5 production processes are available. Each one is chosen for a different balance of detail, strength, surface finish and cost per part, and the quote names the process it is priced on.

Available 3D printing processes

SLA - Stereolithography	0.05 - 0.1 mm layer height | accuracy +/-0.1 mm | minimum wall 0.8 mm (recommended >= 1.2 mm)
SLS - Selective Laser Sintering	0.1 - 0.12 mm layer height | accuracy +/-0.3% | minimum wall 1.0 mm
MJF - Multi Jet Fusion	0.08 mm layer height | accuracy +/-0.3 mm | minimum wall 1.0 mm
FDM - Fused Deposition Modeling	0.16 - 0.3 mm layer height | accuracy +/-0.2% | minimum wall 1.2 mm
Metal SLM / DMLS	0.02 - 0.05 mm layer height | accuracy +/-0.1 mm | minimum wall 0.5 - 1.0 mm

SLA - Stereolithography

High-detail resin printing with a smooth surface - the standard for figurines, prototypes and consumer parts.

SLA cures liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer with a UV laser, producing the finest detail and smoothest surface of any common printing technology. Ideal for collectibles, master patterns and visual prototypes.

MaterialsStandard Resin, Tough Resin, Transparent Resin, Flexible Resin, Castable Wax Resin, High-Temp ResinLayer height0.05 - 0.1 mmAccuracy+/-0.1 mmMinimum wall thickness0.8 mm (recommended >= 1.2 mm)Surface finishesCoarse Grinding, Sandblasting, Painting, Polishing, UV Coating

SLA - Stereolithography in detail

SLS - Selective Laser Sintering

Durable nylon parts with no supports required - ideal for functional prototypes and batch production.

A laser sinters powdered nylon layer by layer. No support structures are needed, which allows complex internal geometries, living hinges and moving assemblies to be printed in one piece.

MaterialsPA12, PA12-GF (Glass Filled), PA11, TPULayer height0.1 - 0.12 mmAccuracy+/-0.3%Minimum wall thickness1.0 mmSurface finishesSandblasting, Dyeing, Polishing, Painting

SLS - Selective Laser Sintering in detail

MJF - Multi Jet Fusion

Fast, strong nylon printing for functional parts and end-use products.

HP Multi Jet Fusion applies fusing and detailing agents onto a nylon powder bed, delivering fast print speeds, consistent mechanical strength and excellent dimensional stability for end-use parts.

MaterialsPA12, PA12 Glass Bead, TPULayer height0.08 mmAccuracy+/-0.3 mmMinimum wall thickness1.0 mmSurface finishesSandblasting, Dyeing, Painting

MJF - Multi Jet Fusion in detail

FDM - Fused Deposition Modeling

Low-cost, strong and large-format printing with PLA / PETG / ABS / TPU.

FDM melts and extrudes thermoplastic filament layer by layer. It offers the lowest cost per part and the largest build volumes - perfect for samples, jigs, fixtures and functional prototypes.

MaterialsPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU, PA-CFLayer height0.16 - 0.3 mmAccuracy+/-0.2%Minimum wall thickness1.2 mmSurface finishesGrinding, Sanding, Painting, Vapor Smoothing (ABS/ASA)

FDM - Fused Deposition Modeling in detail

Metal SLM / DMLS

Direct metal printing for end-use metal parts in stainless steel, aluminium and titanium.

A high-power laser fuses metal powder (SLM/DMLS) into fully dense metal parts with excellent mechanical properties, ideal for jigs, brackets, tooling and end-use components.

Materials316L Stainless Steel, AlSi10Mg Aluminium, Ti6Al4V Titanium, Tool SteelLayer height0.02 - 0.05 mmAccuracy+/-0.1 mmMinimum wall thickness0.5 - 1.0 mmSurface finishesShot Blasting, CNC Finishing, Polishing, Electroplating

Metal SLM / DMLS in detail

Which process should I choose?

SLA resin is the default when surface detail matters, such as figurines, miniatures and visual prototypes. SLS and MJF nylon are chosen for functional parts and small batches because no support structures are needed. FDM is the lowest cost per part and the best option for large or simple geometry. Metal SLM and DMLS are used for end-use metal components.

How to order custom 3D printing

• Samples start from 1 piece so the print can be approved before a bulk run.
• Bulk pricing tiers start at 10 pieces and step down again at higher quantities.
• A proof is sent for approval before the batch is produced.
• Upload STL, STEP, STP, OBJ, 3MF, GLB or GLTF. Up to 20 files per request, 100 MB per file.
• Keep walls above 1.2 mm and never below 0.8 mm for a reliable, printable part.
• Your files stay confidential and are used only to quote and print your order.
• Printed in our own factory, so no tooling is required and MOQ stays low.
• Shipped worldwide by express courier, air or sea freight with tracking.

Material library · Engineering parameters · Upload a file for a quote