SLA, MJF, SLS, FDM or metal – which 3D printing technology for your part

The short answer

• Looks matter, or the part is small and detailed → SLA (resin).
• It has to work: clips, brackets, enclosures for the field → MJF or SLS (nylon).
• Large, simple, cheap, quick → FDM (PLA/ABS).
• Heat, load or a metal look → SLM (stainless steel, titanium).

SLA – stereolithography (resin)

A laser cures liquid resin layer by layer. Result: the smoothest surface and the finest details (±0.1–0.2 mm). Standard resins are somewhat brittle and soften around 60 °C; high-temperature resins (9000HE) survive ~200 °C. Ideal for enclosures, visual prototypes, light guides and small precise parts. Resin is also the cheapest technology per cm³ for small volumes.

MJF – Multi Jet Fusion (PA12 nylon)

Nylon powder is fused with an agent and infrared light. Parts are strong, slightly flexible and isotropic, with a fine grainy surface. No supports are needed, so complex geometries, hinges and snap fits print well. Temperature resistance up to ~120 °C. The best all-round choice for functional parts and small series; black dyeing gives a uniform finish.

SLS – selective laser sintering (nylon)

Similar to MJF but sintered with a laser; slightly rougher surface, larger build volumes and glass-filled variants (3201PA-F, 3401GB) for stiffer, more heat-resistant parts.

FDM – fused deposition (PLA, ABS, TPU)

Molten filament is laid down in layers. Visible layer lines and the lowest accuracy (±0.3–0.5 mm), but the lowest price for large parts and the fastest turnaround. PLA for quick form checks, ABS for tougher parts up to ~90 °C, TPU for flexible parts such as seals and feet.

SLM – metal printing

A laser melts metal powder into fully dense stainless steel 316L or titanium TC4 parts. Very strong, heat resistant above 200 °C, bead-blasted surface. Used for brackets, heat sinks, tooling and parts where plastic does not hold up. Expensive per cm³, so keep metal parts small and hollow where possible.

Comparison

Still unsure?

Upload the model in the configurator and switch between technologies – the price updates live, and the description under each material tells you what it is good for. For enclosures around a PCB we can also design the model for you.