Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an advanced additive manufacturing technology that uses a high-powered laser to fuse polymer powder particles into a solid structure.
Stereolithography (SLA) is an advanced additive manufacturing technology that uses a UV laser to cure liquid photopolymer resin into solid structures.
| Technology | Material Compatibility | Print Quality | Mechanical Properties | Cost | Applications | Scalability | Environmental Impact | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLS | Polymers, composites, some metals | Good surface finish, high dimensional accuracy, medium layer resolution | High strength, moderate durability, moderate flexibility | Medium setup cost, high per part cost, high maintenance cost | Prototyping, functional parts, aerospace, medical | Medium to large build volume, suitable for small to medium batches | Medium waste, high energy consumption, moderate recyclability | Powder-based process, good for complex geometries |
| SLA | Photopolymers | Excellent surface finish, high dimensional accuracy, high layer resolution | Moderate strength, brittle, low flexibility | High setup cost, low per part cost, low maintenance cost | Prototyping, dental, models, jewelry, high-detail models | Small to medium build volume, suitable for small batches | Low waste, moderate energy consumption, low recyclability | Highly detailed prints, smooth surface finishes |
| SLM | Metals | Good surface finish, high dimensional accuracy, medium layer resolution | Very high strength, excellent durability, low flexibility | High setup cost, high per part cost, high maintenance cost | Aerospace, medical implants, industrial tooling | Medium build volume, suitable for small batches | High energy consumption, low recyclability | Ideal for high-strength metal parts |
| MJF | Polymers | Good surface finish, medium dimensional accuracy, medium layer resolution | High strength, good durability, moderate flexibility | Medium setup cost, medium per part cost, moderate maintenance cost | Functional prototypes, small production runs, end-use parts | Medium build volume, suitable for medium to large batches | Moderate waste, moderate energy consumption, moderate recyclability | Fast printing, good for functional parts |
| Metal Filament | Metal-filled polymers | Moderate surface finish, medium dimensional accuracy, medium layer resolution | Moderate strength, good durability, moderate flexibility | Moderate setup cost, medium per part cost, moderate maintenance cost | Prototyping, functional parts, hobbyist applications | Medium build volume, suitable for medium batches | Moderate waste, moderate energy consumption, moderate recyclability | Combines FDM with metal properties |
| FDM | Polymers, composites | Good surface finish, low dimensional accuracy, low layer resolution | Moderate strength, good durability, moderate flexibility | Low setup cost, low per part cost, low maintenance cost | Prototyping, hobbyist projects, functional parts | Medium to large build volume, suitable for mass production | Low waste, low energy consumption, high recyclability | Widely accessible, versatile material options |
| PolyJet | Photopolymers, elastomers | Excellent surface finish, high dimensional accuracy, high layer resolution | Moderate strength, moderate durability, high flexibility | High setup cost, medium per part cost, high maintenance cost | Prototyping, medical models, high-detail parts | Small to medium build volume, suitable for small batches | Moderate waste, high energy consumption, moderate recyclability | Multi-material and color printing capabilities |
| Binder Jetting | Metals, ceramics, sand | Good surface finish, high dimensional accuracy, medium layer resolution | Moderate strength, good durability, low flexibility | High setup cost, moderate per part cost, high maintenance cost | Prototyping, castings, full-color parts | Large build volume, suitable for medium to large batches | Moderate waste, high energy consumption, moderate recyclability | Suitable for large and complex parts |
| DLP | Photopolymers | Excellent surface finish, high dimensional accuracy, high layer resolution | Moderate strength, brittle, low flexibility | High setup cost, moderate per part cost, high maintenance cost | Prototyping, dental, small to medium parts | Small to medium build volume, suitable for small batches | Low waste, low energy consumption, low recyclability | Similar to SLA, but uses a projector for curing |
| DLS | Photopolymers, elastomers | Excellent surface finish, high dimensional accuracy, high layer resolution | High strength, good durability, high flexibility | High speed, moderate per part cost, moderate maintenance cost | Prototyping, medical models, large-scale production | Medium build volume, suitable for mass production | Moderate waste, high energy consumption, moderate recyclability | Continuous liquid interface production (CLIP) |
| Wax Printing | Wax | Good surface finish, low dimensional accuracy, medium layer resolution | Low strength, low durability, high flexibility | Moderate setup cost, moderate per part cost, minimal maintenance cost | Prototyping, small precision casting | Small to medium build volume, suitable for small batches | Low waste, moderate energy consumption, moderate recyclability | Specialised for detailed casting molds |
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