The "they" I will talk about today refer to SLA and FDM industrial 3D printers. Each type of printer has its inevitable advantages,  and there is 

bound to be a contrast. This time we will look at the differences between the two models.

1. Printing accuracy
The FDM model is to obtain parts by stacking the molten materials  layer  by layer  according  to the nozzle extrusion. The product steps are more 

obvious (surface texture),  and it is not suitable to build large parts.  In addition,  theoretically,  the smaller the diameter of  the  nozzle of  the  FDM 

model, the higher the accuracy, but the smaller the nozzle, it is also easy to cause the clogging of consumables, so the smaller the nozzle.

The SLA industrial 3D printer model is laser-cured, and it has an advantage in accuracy that the  FDM model cannot  surpass.  The layer thickness 

can be accurate to 0.05mm, and the surface quality of the general photosensitive resin material is smooth, easy to post-process, and can be made 

into a variety of complex precision parts and assemblies.

2. Basic principles
FDM,  "Fused Deposition" technology,  heats and melts ABS,  PLA and other wire materials according to a heating device,  and then squeezes out 

the  toothpaste  like  a toothpaste according to the  extrusion,  layer by layer, and finally forms.  Its mechanical  structure  mainly includes five parts: 

nozzle, wire feeding mechanism, operating mechanism, heating studio and  workbench. The materials used in the fused deposition process can be 

divided into two parts: one is the molding material, and the other is the support material.

SLA,  "three-dimensional light curing molding",   the laser draws  the shape  of the first layer of the object on the surface of the liquid photosensitive 

resin, then a platform is made to lower the corresponding distance, and then the cured layer is  infiltrated into the liquid resin.  This is repeated until 

the printing is formed. Finally, after the prototype is removed from the resin, the final curing is completed, and then the specified product is obtained 

by polishing, electroplating, painting or coloring.

3. Forming space
FDM 3D printers have various structural forms,  including XYZ frame structure, delta structure, and robotic arm, so the molding space can be made 

smaller and larger.  However, the mechanical structure of large-size  FDM models usually suffers from poor stability and slow printing speed,  which 

cannot meet the long-term printing needs of customers.

SLA is the first rapid prototyping manufacturing process that is printed according to the movement of the optical axis. In theory, it can be made larger 

in size. However, in view of the SLA industrial 3D printer model, the depth of the positive swing  toward the resin  cylinder should be the same as the 

height of the workpiece,  and  the molding space needs to be filled  with resin  material,  which  also means  that  the equipment volume needs to be 

particularly large. In addition, every time the material is changed, the entire material tank must be drained.

4. Printing supplies
FDM machines are currently widely used, and consumables are relatively cheap, mainly including PLA, ABS, TPE, TPU, etc. Among them, PLA is a 

biodegradable thermoplastic that does not form a very pungent smell during printing, so it is relatively safe and suitable for use in offices, classroom

and homes. ABS is a high-strength, tough, and easy-to-process thermoplastic polymer material.  Its  melting  point is  higher  than that  of  PLA. The 

platform needs to be heated during printing to avoid warping and shrinking of the consumables due  to bad  cooling.  TPE/TPU flexible materials can 

make objects with  particularly  good stretchability.  However,  it is more difficult to print,   especially compared to the remote feeding  3D printer,  it is 

difficult to control the advance and retreat of flexible materials.

SLA model consumables are liquid photosensitive resin, which has the characteristics of fast curing, high molding accuracy, good surface effect, and 

easy post-processing. It is suitable for the production of prototypes such as automobiles,  medical equipment,  electronic products,  and architectural 

models. It should be noted that the photosensitive resin has odor and toxicity and needs to be sealed.  At the same time,  prevent the polymerization 

reaction from occurring in advance, it needs to be protected from light.

FDM industrial 3D printer equipment mainly involves  mechanism  movement  and control.  Relatively speaking,  the technical threshold and cost are 

relatively low. In addition, the utilization efficiency of raw materials is high and there is no poisonous gas or chemical pollution, which greatly reduces 

the molding cost. The technical threshold of SLA industrial equipment is  relatively high,  and there are fewer  equipment manufacturers but relatively 

strong strength, ranging from 300,000 to millions of industrial equipment. Although the price difference between the two is several times, it is still very 

worthwhile for companies that require high-precision module manufacturing.

SLA model consumables are liquid photosensitive resin, which has the characteristics of fast curing, high molding accuracy, good surface effect, and 

easy  post-processing.  It can be used to make  prototypes  such as automobiles,  medical equipment,  electronic products,  and architectural models. 

Special  attention  must be  paid to  the fact  that  photosensitive  resin  has  odor and toxicity and needs to be sealed. In addition, to avoid premature 

polymerization, it must be protected from light.

FDM industrial equipment is mainly related to the movement and control of the mechanism. Relatively speaking, the technical threshold and cost are 

relatively low. In addition, the utilization efficiency of raw materials is high and there is no  pollution from  toxic gases  or chemical substances,  which 

greatly reduces the molding cost. The technical threshold of SLA industrial equipment is  relatively high,  and equipment manufacturers are relatively 

small but strong. An industrial 3D printer equipment ranges from 300,000 to several million. Although the prices of the two are several times different,

 they are still very suitable for companies that require high-precision module manufacturing.