Economy vs Surface Quality
FDM vs SLA.
FDM vs SLA — which should you choose?
Choose FDM when cost, size or speed lead — economical thermoplastic parts on large build plates. Choose SLA when detail and finish lead — 0.05 mm layers and near-polished surfaces for models, dental work and jewellery patterns, at a higher per-part cost. Most projects prototype on FDM and present on SLA.
| Process | FDM: melted filament deposited layer by layer · SLA: UV laser cures liquid resin |
|---|---|
| Cost | FDM the more economical of the two · SLA costs more (resin AED 184–367/liter plus mandatory post-processing) |
| Detail | FDM 0.1–0.3 mm layers, visible lines · SLA 0.05 mm, near-polished |
| Strength | FDM tougher in standard grades · standard SLA resins more brittle |
| Size | FDM bigger plates + segmented multi-metre builds · SLA smaller volumes |
| Post-processing | FDM optional · SLA mandatory (wash + UV cure) |
| Materials | FDM: PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, CF · SLA: standard/tough/flexible/clear/high-temp resins |
Choose FDM For
- Prototypes, iterations and budget builds
- Large parts and segmented builds
- Tough functional parts (PETG, ABS, CF)
- Fast one-offs — hours from file to part
Choose SLA For
- Presentation models and miniatures
- Dental models, guides and aligner work
- Jewellery casting patterns
- Any part where the surface sells it
The honest recommendation: iterate on FDM, present on SLA — or send the part and we’ll pick for you.
FDM or SLA?
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