3D printing technologies
Every method suits a different part
From FDM to metal laser fusion; compare how each technology works, how precise it is and what it is good for, in one place.
At a glance
Technology comparison
| Technology | Family | Typical tolerance | Layer | Min. wall thickness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDM | Material extrusion | ±0.5% (lower limit ±0.5 mm); industrial ±0.3% | 100 – 300 µm | 0.8 mm |
| SLA | Vat photopolymerization | ±0.15 – 0.5% (lower limit ±0.1 mm) | 25 – 100 µm | 0.5 mm (supported) / 1 mm |
| DLP / LCD | Vat photopolymerization | ±0.2 – 0.5% (lower limit ±0.1 mm) | 25 – 100 µm | 0.5 – 1 mm |
| SLS | Powder bed fusion | ±0.3% (lower limit ±0.3 mm) | 100 – 120 µm | 0.7 – 1 mm |
| MJF | Powder bed fusion | ±0.3% (lower limit ±0.2 mm) | 80 µm | 0.5 – 1 mm |
| PolyJet | Material jetting | ±0.1 mm | 16 – 32 µm | 1 mm |
| SLM / DMLS | Powder bed fusion | ±0.1 – 0.2 mm | 20 – 60 µm | 0.4 – 1 mm |
| Lost-Wax Casting | Hybrid (3D printing + casting) | ±0.1 – 0.2 mm (small parts) | 25 – 50 µm | 0.6 – 1 mm |
| CNC | Subtractive manufacturing | ±0.1 – 0.2 mm (ISO 2768-m, depending on size); precision ±0.025 mm | — | 0.8 – 1.5 mm |
Technologies
Explore how they work
- Material extrusionFDMFused Deposition ModelingThe world's most common 3D printing technology, building parts by depositing molten thermoplastic filament layer by layer through a nozzle.How it works →
- Vat photopolymerizationSLAStereolithographyCures light-sensitive liquid resin layer by layer with a laser to produce very finely detailed, smooth parts.How it works →
- Vat photopolymerizationDLP / LCDDigital Light Processing and Masked StereolithographyResin printing methods that cure an entire layer at once with light; faster than SLA.How it works →
- Powder bed fusionSLSSelective Laser SinteringA technology that fuses nylon powder layer by layer with a laser, producing durable functional parts without supports.How it works →
- Powder bed fusionMJFMulti Jet FusionA fast, accurate powder bed technology that fuses powder with jetted agents and heating lamps instead of a laser.How it works →
- Material jettingPolyJetMaterial JettingA technology that jets photopolymer droplets from inkjet heads and cures them instantly; capable of full-color and multi-material printing.How it works →
- Powder bed fusionSLM / DMLSLaser Powder Bed Fusion (Metal LPBF)A technology that fully melts metal powder with a high-power laser to produce dense, strong and complex metal parts.How it works →
- Hybrid (3D printing + casting)Lost-Wax CastingPrecision casting from 3D printed patterns (Lost Wax Casting)Jewelry and precision metal parts made by burning out a pattern printed in castable resin or wax inside a plaster mold and pouring metal in its place.How it works →
- Subtractive manufacturingCNCCNC Machining (for comparison)The traditional method of making parts by removing material from a block with cutting tools; included for comparison with 3D printing.How it works →
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
What is the most common 3D printing technology?
By installed machines, the most common technology is FDM. Thanks to its low cost, wide material range and large build sizes, it is used from prototyping to production.
What is the most precise 3D printing technology?
Among polymers, resin-based technologies such as SLA, DLP and PolyJet give the finest detail; smooth surfaces are achieved with layer thicknesses of 16 – 100 µm.
Is there a 3D printing technology that needs no supports?
Yes. In powder bed technologies such as SLS, MJF and SAF, the unfused powder supports the part, so no separate support structure is needed.
How is metal 3D printing done?
The most common method is laser powder bed fusion (SLM/DMLS): metal powder is melted by a laser in an inert gas atmosphere. There are also binder jetting and FDM with metal-filled filaments followed by sintering.
3D printing or CNC?
3D printing suits complex internal geometry, rapid prototypes and small quantities; CNC suits series parts that need very tight tolerances and real engineering metals. Many projects use both.
Which technology suits you?
Tell us your part's size, operating conditions and quantity; let's choose the best method together.