FDM vs SLA vs SLS: Which 3D Printing Technology Should You Choose?

The Short Version

• FDM for cheap, large, structural prototypes and jigs.
• SLA for fine detail, smooth surfaces, dental, and jewelry.
• SLS for functional, durable, end-use nylon parts.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Criteria	FDM	SLA	SLS
Cost (small part)	₹500+	₹1,200+	₹2,500+
Tolerance	±0.3 mm	±0.1 mm	±0.2 mm
Surface finish	Visible layers	Smooth	Slightly grainy
Strength	Anisotropic	Brittle (varies)	Strong, isotropic
Max size	600×600×600 mm	335×200×300 mm	380×285×380 mm
Support needed	Yes	Yes	No
Best volumes	1-50	1-50	1-5,000

FDM in Detail

Fused Deposition Modeling extrudes thermoplastic filament. Affordable and reliable. Wide material range from PLA to high-temp PEEK. Visible layer lines and weakness across layer interfaces are limitations. Best for jigs, fixtures, large enclosures, and concept models where surface finish does not matter.

SLA in Detail

Stereolithography uses UV laser to cure liquid resin. Excellent detail and smooth surfaces. Resin is brittle and UV-sensitive (most resins yellow over time). Best for dental, jewelry masters, miniatures, and presentation models. Tough and high-temp resins extend functional applications.

SLS in Detail

Selective Laser Sintering fuses nylon powder. Strong, isotropic, no support structures, geometric freedom. Higher cost than FDM but production-grade. Best for end-use functional parts, batches of 50-5,000, complex geometries with internal features.

Decision Tree

1. Is it for show-and-tell only? → FDM if cheap, SLA if pretty.
2. Need fine detail (gears, jewelry, dental)? → SLA.
3. Will it be used in a real product? → SLS.
4. Need it tomorrow? → FDM (1 day).
5. Need 100+ identical parts? → SLS.
6. Larger than 380 mm? → FDM (only option among these three).

For metal parts, see our DMLS metal printing guide. For pricing, see 3D printing cost in Bangalore.