FFF, also known as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), involves feeding a thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle. The filament is melted and extruded in thin layers to build up a 3D object layer by layer. The material solidifies quickly upon cooling, adhering to the previous layers.

It is known for its affordability and ease of use. It offers a wide range of material options and is suitable for producing functional parts with good mechanical properties. The process is ideal for rapid prototyping and creating custom parts.

Tolerances: ±0.35 mm and up
Material Type: Thermoplastic Filaments
Post-Processing Options: Sanding, Vapor Smoothing, Priming, Painting

MJF utilizes a powder bed where a binder is selectively jetted onto the powder to form solid parts. Fusing agents are then applied to heat and fuse the powder particles together, building up the part layer by layer. This process results in a fully dense, functional part with high precision.

MJF is recognized for its excellent mechanical properties and the ability to produce complex geometries without support structures. It offers an efficient and cost-effective solution for mid-volume toolless production (up to 10,000 parts a year).

Tolerances: ±0.30 mm and above
Material Type: Polymer Powders
Post-Processing Options: Media Blasting, Vapor Smoothing

SLS involves spreading a thin layer of powder over a build platform and using a laser to selectively heat the powder just below its melting point to fuse the particles together. This process is repeated layer by layer to build the final part.

It typically supports materials such as nylon, PP, and TPU, producing parts with high mechanical strength and accuracy. The process does not require support structures, making it suitable for complex geometries. This technology is used for rapid prototyping, functional testing, and mid-volume production.

Tolerances: ±0.30 mm and above
Material Type: Polymer Powders
Post-Processing Options: Media Blasting, Vapor Smoothing

SLA employs a UV laser to cure a photosensitive resin layer by layer. The laser traces the shape of each layer onto the resin, causing it to solidify. The build platform moves to allow for each new layer to be added and cured.

SLA is preferred for its high resolution and smooth surface finish, making it suitable for producing detailed and accurate parts. It delivers excellent precision, surface quality, and isotropic parts.

Tolerances: ±0.15 mm and above
Material Type: Photopolymer Resins
Post-Processing Options: Sanding, Tumbling, Priming, Painting

The industrial SLA process utilizes a top-down approach, where the build platform lowers the part into a vat of resin as each layer is cured from above. This method allows for the production of large parts exceeding a meter in size.

In contrast, desktop SLA printers typically use a bottom-up approach, where the part is pulled upwards from a smaller resin vat as layers are cured from below.

Tolerances: ±0.15 mm and above
Material Type: Photopolymer Resins
Post-Processing Options: Sanding, Tumbling, Priming, Painting

LPBF, also known as (SLM) Selective Laser Melting, uses a laser to melt and fuse metal powder particles together in a powder bed. The process builds the part layer by layer, melting the powder according to the digital model.

LPBF/SLM produces high-density (above 99%), high-strength metal parts with excellent mechanical properties. It supports complex geometries and fine details, making it suitable for demanding applications.

This technology is used in industries like aerospace, automotive, and medical for producing high-performance metal parts. For complex parts in low quantities, it offers cost and time advantages, as well as increased functionality, compared to traditional methods such as machining or casting.

Tolerances: ±0.20 mm and above
Material Type: Metal Powders
Post-Processing Options: Heat Treatment, Sandblasting, Electropolishing, Electroplating, PVD Coating

In the Binder Jetting process, a liquid binder is applied layer by layer onto a bed of metal powder. The binder binds the powder together to form a solid metal part, which is then typically sintered to achieve the desired mechanical properties.

Binder Jetting is known for its ability to produce small metal parts quickly and cost-effectively. It is often preferred for parts with complex geometries and those smaller than 150 mm. This technology is ideal for rapid prototyping, custom tooling, and small to medium production runs.

Tolerances: ±0.20 mm and above
Material Type: Metal Powders
Post-Processing Options: Heat Treatment, Sandblasting, Electropolishing, Electroplating, PVD Coating