Production technologies
Compare how FDM, SLA/DLP, scanning, laser, CNC and injection work, which materials they support and which jobs they suit.
- FDM (fused deposition)
FDM — fused deposition modelling
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is the most common 3D printing technology: it feeds molten thermoplastic filament and builds a part by stacking it layer by layer.
View technology → - SLA (laser resin)
SLA — laser resin 3D printing technology
SLA (Stereolithography) is a resin 3D printing technology that builds a part by curing light-sensitive resin point by point with a laser.
View technology → - DLP / LCD (resin)
DLP / LCD — projector-based resin 3D printing
DLP (Digital Light Processing) is a resin printing technology that cures resin a whole layer at a time using a projector or an LCD light source instead of a laser.
View technology → - 3D scanning
3D scanning — turning a physical part into a digital model
3D scanning measures the surface of a real object and produces a point cloud and mesh as a digital 3D model. It is used for reverse engineering, measurement and digital archiving.
View technology → - Laser cutting
Laser cutting — precise cutting of sheet, acrylic and wood
Laser cutting uses a focused laser beam to cut material by melting/burning it, or to engrave its surface.
View technology → - CNC machining
CNC machining — subtractive production with mill, lathe and router
CNC machining is the production of parts by computer-controlled machine tools (mill, lathe, router, plasma) that remove material as chips.
View technology → - Plastic injection
Plastic injection — mass production with a mould
Plastic injection is a mass-production method in which molten thermoplastic is forced at high pressure into a closed mould and shaped as it cools.
View technology →