Exploring The Different Processes In 3D Printing

FDM is one of the most common 3D printing processes. It consists of heating a thermoplastic filament to its melting point, and then extruding the molten material layer by layer onto an object. FDM is one of the most cost-effective, fastest and versatile 3D printing technologies used for prototyping in the production process.

SLA is a type of 3D printing which cures liquid resin using ultraviolet light (photopolymerization) to craft an object. This is done by using UV lasers to cure a light-sensitive resin layer-by-layer, leading to an object of high detail finish and precision. Industries including jewelry, dentistry and medical equipment production that rely on SLA techniques by large numbers are commonplace.

SLS is a 3D printing technique that employs lasers to fabricate objects using powdered materials, primarily thermoplastics like nylon. The process involves a laser selectively bonding the powder material layer by layer, resulting in a robust and superior-quality product. SLS is widespread in the aerospace and automotive industries because it can build strong, lightweight parts.

DLP is a 3D printing process that uses a projector to make solid objects out of liquid photopolymer resin. It works by projecting ultraviolet light onto each layer of resin, which hardens it into the intended object. Meanwhile, DLP has become popular specifically in dental and the jewelry sectors once its speed becomes comparable to SLA with no loss of accuracy.