3D printing technologies, compared.
We run the three core additive processes in-house — FDM, SLA, and SLS — and offer MJF, metal DMLS, and full-colour PolyJet through vetted partners. The right process depends on what your part has to do. Instant online quotes are available for FDM, SLA, and SLS; MJF, metal, and PolyJet are quoted on a fast custom basis.
Process comparison
A quick side-by-side of every process we offer. Click any technology for the full breakdown.
| Technology | Best for | Materials | Tolerance | Lead time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FDMFused Deposition Modeling | Functional prototypes that need to be handled and tested | PLA, PETG, ABS / ASA | ±0.2 mm or ±0.2% | 2 – 4 business days |
| SLAStereolithography (Resin) | High-detail show and presentation models | Standard Resin, Tough Resin, Clear Resin | ±0.1 mm | 2 – 4 business days |
| SLSSelective Laser Sintering | Strong functional and end-use parts | Nylon PA12, Nylon PA11, Glass-Filled Nylon | ±0.3 mm | 3 – 5 business days |
| MJFMulti Jet Fusion | Production-grade nylon batches | Nylon PA12, PA12 Glass Bead, Nylon PA11 | ±0.3 mm | 3 – 5 business days |
| Metal DMLSDirect Metal Laser Sintering | End-use metal brackets and components | Aluminium AlSi10Mg, Stainless 316L, Stainless 17-4PH | ±0.1 mm (tighter machined) | 7 – 12 business days |
| PolyJetPolyJet Full-Colour Jetting | Realistic, full-colour concept models | Rigid Photopolymer, Rubber-like Photopolymer, Full-Colour Resin | ±0.1 mm | 4 – 6 business days |
| LFAM / FGFLarge Format Additive Mfg | Large tooling & near-net-shape parts | ABS, PC, PA, glass/carbon pellets | ±0.5 mm | Quoted |
Every technology in depth
FDM
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), also called FFF, builds parts by extruding melted thermoplastic filament la…
SLA ResinSLA
SLA (Stereolithography) cures liquid photopolymer resin with a precise UV light source, producing parts with…
SLS NylonSLS
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) fuses fine nylon powder with a laser, building strong, fully functional part…
Multi Jet FusionMJF
MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) jets a fusing agent across a bed of nylon powder and fuses it with infrared energy, p…
Metal DMLSMetal DMLS
DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) fuses fine metal powder with a high-power laser to build fully dense met…
LFAM · FGFLFAM / FGF
Pellet-fed large-format printing for metre-scale tooling, furniture, props, and near-net-shape parts.
PolyJetPolyJet
PolyJet jets and instantly UV-cures tiny photopolymer droplets, enabling multi-material, full-colour parts w…
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