FDM vs SLA — Which 3D Printing Technology Should You Choose?

FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is a 3D printing technology that melts thermoplastic filament and deposits it layer by layer through a heated nozzle. It is the most widespread technology on the market, from hobbyist printers to professional systems. At Send3DSend we use the Bambu Lab X1C — a professional FDM printer with a build volume of 256 × 256 × 256 mm, automatic calibration, an enclosed chamber, and an automatic material feeding system. FDM offers a broad material selection: PLA for simple projects, PETG for functional parts, ABS and ASA for heat resistance, TPU for flexible parts, and carbon-fibre filaments (PA6-CF, PAHT-CF) for industrial-grade strength. Our catalogue includes over 40 filaments.

SLA (Stereolithography) uses a UV laser to selectively cure liquid photopolymer resin. Each layer can be as thin as 25 μm (0.025 mm), delivering precision and surface smoothness that FDM cannot achieve. We use the Formlabs Form 3L (build volume 335 × 300 × 200 mm) and Form 4 — professional SLA printers with over 30 resin types. SLA resins cover a wide range of applications: Standard resins for visual prototypes, Tough resins for mechanical loads, Flexible and Elastic for bendable parts, High Temp for heat-resistant components, and Dental and Biocompatible resins certified for medical use.

FDM is generally faster for larger models with less detail. At a layer height of 0.2 mm and speeds up to 500 mm/s on the Bambu Lab X1C, a medium-sized model can be completed in 2–4 hours. SLA printing is slower because the laser processes each layer pixel by pixel, and after printing, washing and UV curing add 45–60 minutes. In terms of cost, FDM is more affordable — PLA prints start from €5, while SLA starts from €15. The difference comes from resin costs (higher than filaments), consumables (resin tank, build platform), and longer processing times. For both technologies, you can see the exact price instantly in our online calculator.

SLA surpasses FDM in surface quality and precision. Layer resolution of 25–100 μm for SLA versus 100–300 μm for FDM results in virtually invisible layer lines and sharper edges. For miniatures, jewellery, dental models, and any application where visual detail is paramount, SLA is the clear winner. On the other hand, FDM offers a wider range of materials with more diverse mechanical properties. Carbon-fibre filaments (PA6-CF, PAHT-CF) provide strength that SLA cannot match. TPU enables flexible parts. ABS and ASA offer heat resistance up to 100 °C. For functional engineering parts, FDM is often the better choice.

Choose FDM when: you need a functional prototype or part, strength matters more than aesthetics, you are working with materials that require specific mechanical properties (TPU, carbon-fibre filaments), you need larger models at an affordable price, or speed is a priority. Choose SLA when: you need maximum precision and detail (miniatures, jewellery), the surface must be smooth with no visible layer lines, you are working with dental or biocompatible materials, or the print needs to be visually flawless for a presentation. At Send3DSend we offer both technologies, and our online calculator lets you compare prices and print times for the same model in FDM and SLA — all in seconds, no email required.