What type of printing process is typically slower, SLS or FDM?

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is generally considered to be a faster printing process compared to Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). This can be attributed to the differences in how each technology operates. FDM works by extruding melted plastic filament through a nozzle to build up layers of the object. This process is relatively straightforward and allows for quicker layer deposition.

In contrast, SLS utilizes a laser to selectively fuse powdered material layer by layer, which involves a more complex series of steps, including laser scanning, which can lead to longer print times. The heating and cooling cycles involved in SLS also add to the overall time required for printing objects. Therefore, FDM's quicker material deposition and simpler process contribute to its generally faster operation compared to SLS, making it a more efficient choice for rapid prototyping or simpler designs.

The complexities of SLS and the specific conditions required for effective printing do play a role in the overall speed, which is why other considerations, such as the complexity of the model, may affect printing speed; however, on average, FDM remains the faster of the two processes.