3D Printing Process Characteristic
| Advantages | Disadvantages | Typical accuracy | Typical layer height | |
| SLA |
• High resolution • No visible layer lines; smooth finish • Option of clear materials |
• Printers more expensive than FDM • Weak parts; will degrade with sunlight • Extensive post-processing required |
• ± 0.5% (desktop) • ± 0.15% (industrial) |
• 25-100 microns |
| SLS |
Parts have consistent |
• Porosity • Rough surface finish |
• ± 0.3% | • 100-120 microns |
| SLM |
• Strong and hard parts • Complex shapes |
• Limited build size • High cost |
• ± 0.1mm | • 20-50 microns |
| FDM |
Most affordable 3D printing process • Widely available |
• Comparatively low resolution • Produces visible layer lines |
• ± 0.5% (desktop) • ± 0.15% (industrial) |
• 50-400 microns |
