FDM vs. SLA vs. SLS: Comparing 3D Printing Quality

What does "quality" really mean when it comes to 3D printing? In this video, we break down the key factors that impact the quality of 3D printed parts across the three most common plastic 3D printing technologies: FDM, SLA, and SLS. Learn more: https://bit.ly/41rsBnj

Whether you're a designer, engineer, manufacturer, or curious creator, understanding how these technologies differ will help you choose the right process for your next project. In this video, we'll compare resolution, accuracy, surface finish, isotropy, watertightness, and mechanical properties for FDM, SLA and SLS 3D printers.

We’ll cover:

00:00 Quality comparison
00:32 Resolution
01:37 Accuracy
03:11 Surface finish
05:00 Isotropy
06:06 Watertightness
06:46 Mechanical properties
07:50 Summary

SLA or SLS will win on most metrics and produce the highest quality parts. Start by defining the performance requirements needed for your specific application, as it might be that all three processes can produce parts that fit your needs. Then consider other key factors to make the right decision.

To learn more, check out our other videos on print speed, costs, materials, and ease of use.

▬ Learn More▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
📕 FDM vs. SLA vs. SLS 3D Printing: https://bit.ly/41rsBnj
🔎 Formlabs 3D Printers: https://bit.ly/3HhCzks
👉🏼 ROI Calculator: https://bit.ly/45jiD8C

▬ Socials ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
👇🏼 Subscribe for more 3D printing videos:

Careers ► https://bit.ly/3gBEb81
Formlabs ► https://bit.ly/3NgD0Jd
YouTube ► https://bit.ly/39tiZ3f
Facebook ► https://bit.ly/3lkuXio
Twitter ► https://bit.ly/3yBQgUG
Instagram ► https://bit.ly/3wk9egQ
LinkedIn ► https://bit.ly/39pDLB0

▬ About Formlabs ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
Formlabs builds the tools that make it possible for anyone to bring their ideas to life. Headquartered in Somerville, Mass. with offices across the globe, Formlabs is the professional 3D printer of choice for engineers, designers, healthcare providers, manufacturers, and decision-makers. Formlabs’ products include SLA and SLS 3D printers, post-processing solutions, and Form Auto manufacturing solution for automatic part removal. The company also develops its own portfolio of industry-leading, high-performance materials and best-in-class 3D printing software. In 2024, Formlabs was named one of the world’s Most Innovative Companies in Manufacturing by Fast Company. To learn more, visit www.formlabs.com.