Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), is the most widely recognized and accessible form of 3D printing technology. At its core, the process functions like a high-precision, computer-controlled hot glue gun, building three-dimensional objects layer by layer from the bottom up. Its popularity stems from its speed, cost-effectiveness, and an exceptionally broad range of available materials.
FDM technology is a true workhorse, used across countless industries for:
Rapid Prototyping: Creating form, fit, and function tests quickly and cheaply.
Manufacturing Aids: Building custom jigs, fixtures, and tools to streamline production lines.
End-Use Parts: Producing finished goods, from consumer products and drone components to custom automotive parts.
Education and Hobbyist Use: Providing an accessible entry point for students and makers to learn the principles of digital manufacturing.
Material Versatility: FDM printing boasts the widest range of materials, including standard plastics (PLA, PETG), durable engineering polymers (PC, Nylon), and high-strength composites reinforced with Carbon Fibre (PA-CF, PCCF).
Cost-Effectiveness: It is generally the most affordable 3D printing technology, both in terms of machine cost and material prices, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and iterative design.
Speed: For producing initial concept models, large parts, and functional prototypes, FDM is one of the fastest methods available.
Strength and Durability: The use of robust engineering thermoplastics allows for the creation of strong, durable parts suitable for functional testing and even end-use applications.
Visible Layer Lines: The layer-by-layer nature of the process results in visible lines on the surface of the parts, leading to a rougher finish compared to resin-based printing methods.
Anisotropic Properties: FDM parts are anisotropic, meaning they are significantly stronger along the X-Y axes (with the grain of the layers) than they are between the layers (Z-axis). This is a critical consideration when designing parts for mechanical stress.
Lower Resolution: While constantly improving, FDM typically cannot achieve the ultra-fine feature detail and intricate complexity possible with SLA or MSLA printing.
A high-performance composite delivering exceptional stiffness and strength-to-weight, ideal for replacing metal parts.
Price: $150/kg
Yield Strength: Very High (~90-110 MPa)
Temperature Resistance: High (up to 120°C)
Chemical Resistance: High
UV Resistance: High
- Lightweight structural components (robotics, drones)
- Automotive and motorsport parts
- Heavy-duty manufacturing tools, jigs, and fixtures
- End-use functional parts requiring high performance
- Exceptional stiffness and strength
- Excellent thermal and chemical resistance
- Fantastic for lightweighting projects
- Requires annealing
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A very rigid and dimensionally stable composite, perfect for parts that must hold their shape under load in humid conditions.
Price: $110/kg
Yield Strength: High (~85 MPa)
Temperature Resistance: High (up to 100°C, higher after annealing)
Chemical Resistance: High
UV Resistance: High
- Dimensionally critical housings and brackets
- Parts used in high-humidity environments
- Components requiring high stiffness and low creep
- Functional prototypes for demanding tests
- Extremely high rigidity and dimensional stability
- Low moisture absorption makes it easy to handle
- Excellent surface finish for a composite
- More brittle and lower impact strength than PA12-CF
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A strong, durable, and chemical-resistant filament for functional parts, mechanical components, and protective casings.
Price: $20/kg
Yield Strength: Medium (~55 MPa)
Temperature Resistance: Medium (up to 80°C)
Chemical Resistance: High
UV Resistance: Medium
- Mechanical parts (levers, brackets, connectors)
- Protective casings and enclosures
- Manufacturing jigs and fixtures
- Food-safe containers
- Excellent strength and durability
- Resistant to water, oils, and many chemicals
- Good temperature resistance for many applications
- Absorbs moisture if not stored correctly
- Less rigid than PLA
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An easy-to-print, all-rounder with improved toughness for detailed models and general prototyping.
Price: $20/kg
Yield Strength: Medium (~45-55 MPa)
Temperature Resistance: Low (up to 60°C)
Chemical Resistance: Low
UV Resistance: Low
- High-detail concept models and display pieces
- Tabletop gaming miniatures and characters
- General purpose prototypes (form and fit testing)
- Consumer products for indoor use
- Excellent print quality and sharp details
- More durable and less brittle than standard PLA
- Very easy to print with minimal warping
- Becomes soft at low temperatures
- Degrades with prolonged sun (UV) exposure
- Not suitable for functional, high-stress parts
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Resin 3D printing is a family of additive manufacturing technologies that create objects by selectively curing a liquid photopolymer resin using a light source. Unlike FDM which deposits material, resin printing solidifies a liquid. The three main types are Stereolithography (SLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), and Masked Stereolithography (MSLA). All share the same core principle and are renowned for producing parts with exceptional detail, complex geometries, and an incredibly smooth surface finish.
The precision of resin printing makes it indispensable in fields where detail is paramount:
Jewellery & Dentistry: Creating highly detailed casting patterns, dental models, surgical guides, and aligners.
Prototyping: Producing high-fidelity visual prototypes for presentations and product photography.
Miniatures & Entertainment: Manufacturing intricate characters, figurines, and props with fine details.
Engineering: Building complex components with internal channels, microfluidics, and precise geometries.
Exceptional Detail and Resolution: This is the primary strength of resin printing. It can produce features with microscopic accuracy, making it ideal for highly intricate designs.
Smooth Surface Finish: The process creates parts with a smooth, almost injection-moulded quality surface, as the layer lines are often invisible to the naked eye.
Isotropic Strength: Resin parts are generally isotropic, meaning they have nearly equal strength in all directions (X, Y, and Z axes). The chemical bonds between layers are very strong, which is a significant advantage for functional and mechanical parts.
Specialised Material Properties: A vast range of specialty resins is available, including tough (ABS-like), flexible (rubber-like), high-temperature, castable (for jewellery/dentistry), and biocompatible materials.
Required Post-Processing: The mandatory washing and curing steps add time, labour, and equipment to the workflow.
Material Handling and Cost: Liquid resins are more expensive than FDM filaments and require careful handling with gloves and proper ventilation.
Generally Smaller Build Volumes: Compared to FDM printers, resin printers typically offer a smaller build area for a similar cost.
UV Sensitivity: Parts can become brittle and change properties over time if exposed to prolonged direct sunlight.
A highly rigid and strong resin engineered to resist deformation under significant pulling and bending forces.
Price: $90/kg
Yield Strength: High (85 MPa)
Temperature Resistance: Medium (up to 80°C)
Chemical Resistance: Medium
UV Resistance: Low
- Structural brackets and mounting components
- Connectors and housings that are under load
- Static parts requiring high rigidity and strength
- Functional end-use parts not subject to high impact
- Very high stiffness and tensile strength
- Resists bending and deformation under load
- Holds tight tolerances for precise assemblies
- Brittle upon failure; low impact resistance
- Not suitable for parts that need to flex
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A professional-grade resin for capturing the finest details with incredible speed and a flawless surface finish.
Price: $80/kg
Yield Strength: Medium (~40-50 MPa)
Temperature Resistance: Low (up to 65°C)
Chemical Resistance: Low
UV Resistance: Low
- Highly detailed miniatures and sculpts
- Architectural and product presentation models
- Jewellery and dental casting patterns
- Prototypes where visual appearance is critical
- Produces exceptionally sharp, crisp details
- Fast curing speeds for rapid production
- Creates a very smooth, professional surface finish
- Relatively brittle; not for functional or mechanical parts
- Low thermal and chemical resistance
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A tough, durable resin designed to withstand impacts, drops, and repeated stress, perfect for functional parts.
Price: $110/kg
Yield Strength: High (45 MPa)
Temperature Resistance: Medium (up to 75°C, higher after annealing)
Chemical Resistance: Medium
UV Resistance: Low
- Phone cases
- Functional prototypes that require drop-testing
- Enclosures with snap-fit joints
- Manufacturing jigs and assembly aids
- Parts that simulate the toughness of ABS plastic
- Excellent impact resistance and durability
- Good balance of strength and flexibility
- Ideal for creating robust, functional assemblies
- Lower rigidity and hardness than other resins
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A very soft and flexible resin that produces rubber-like parts capable of being repeatedly stretched and compressed.
Price: $90/kg
Yield Strength: Very Low
Temperature Resistance: Low
Chemical Resistance: Medium
UV Resistance: Low
- Seals, gaskets, and soft grommets
- Ergonomic grips, handles, and button pads
- Wearable prototypes (straps, cushioning)
- Shock absorbers and vibration dampeners
- Extremely flexible and elastic, like soft rubber
- Excellent for creating soft-touch surfaces
- Enables prototyping of complex flexible designs
- Not suitable for structural applications
- Can be challenging to print successfully
- Low temperature resistance
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The Smarter Way to Manufacture