What distinguishes FDM from SLA in terms of material used?

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA) are two distinct additive manufacturing processes that utilize different types of materials, leading to varied applications and characteristics of the final products.

FDM technology operates by melting thermoplastic filaments, which are solid materials that can be heated to a pliable state and then extruded layer by layer to build the part. Common materials used in FDM include PLA, ABS, and PETG, which solidify upon cooling, allowing for the creation of durable and structural parts.

In contrast, SLA employs a different approach where it utilizes liquid resin that is cured layer by layer using a UV laser or light source. The resin starts in a liquid state and, when exposed to light, undergoes a chemical reaction that solidifies it into a hardened structure. SLA is well-known for achieving high-resolution and fine details due to its precision in curing the resin.

This fundamental difference in materials—thermoplastic filaments for FDM versus liquid resin for SLA—is a key distinguishing factor between the two methods, impacting the mechanical properties, surface finish, and intended applications of the printed items.