Skip to content If you are looking for a reliable 3D printing from prototypes to small and medium series, the choice between FDM, SLA and SLS determines the surface, accuracy, strength and price. Below you will find a detailed overview of our technologies—FDM on the Prusa MK3S+ printer, SLA on Phrozen a SLS at Formlabs—including typical materials, parameters, and ideal uses.
Functionality vs. appearance: Do you need a smooth presentation surface and micro-detail (SLA), or a robust functional part (SLS/FDM)?
Accuracy and tolerances: The finest details (SLA/SLS), robust parts with reasonable tolerances (FDM).
Geometry: Without supports and with complex shapes (SLS), precise small pieces (SLA), larger formats and a good price (FDM).
Material properties: UV stability, temperature resistance, toughness and flexibility depend on the polymer and technology.
When to choose FDM (Prusa MK3S+):
Functional prototypes and technical parts that are meant to last
Larger parts relative to price, rapid prototyping
Simple and complex shaped pieces with reasonable tolerances
Typical materials (selection):
PLA – precise, “clean” surface, suitable for visual prototypes and fixtures
PETG – tougher than PLA, resistant to chemicals; universal for practical use
ASA/ABS – higher temperature and UV resistance; SO it is suitable for outdoor use
PC (polycarbonate) – very strong and heat-resistant for demanding technical parts
PA (nylon), PA-CF/PC-CF – excellent strength/weight ratio, variants with fiber (carbon)
TPU/TPE (flex) – flexible parts: silent blocks, damping, seals
Parameters (indicative):
Layer: 0,10–0,30 mm (standard 0,20 mm)
Accuracy/tolerance: approximately ±0,20–0,30 mm (depends on geometry and material)
Max. part size: about 250 × 210 × 210 mm
Surface: visible layer structure; optional sanding, sealing, painting, vapour smoothing (for ABS)
Typical uses:
Holders, covers, mounting fixtures, sensor mounts
Interior/exterior components (ASA), prototypes for assembly tests
TPU flexible parts, shock absorbing elements
Design pieces with subsequent surface treatment
When to choose SLA (Phrozen):
Extreme details and smooth surface without visible layers
Figurines, miniatures, presentation prototypes and small precision parts
Thin-walled elements with sharp edges
Materials (selection):
Standard/ABS-like – smooth surface, good accuracy, universal prototypes
Tough/Impact – higher toughness and fracture resistance
Flexible/Elastic – flexible parts, vibration damping
High-Temp – parts for higher temperatures, pressing/rolling fixtures
Dental/Castable – dental models, jewelry (lost wax casting)
Parameters (indicative):
Layer: 0,025--0,10mm
XY resolution: in the order of 35–50 μm (depending on model)
Accuracy/tolerance: ~ ±0,10–0,20 mm with correct orientation
Surface: very smooth already after printing; after wash + cure almost "done"
Note: Standard resins are more brittle; for functional parts, choose tough/ABS-like or high-temp. In SLA, the following are required: support (fine traces remain after removal).
Typical uses:
Collectible models and figures with micro detail
Luxury presentation prototypes (look & feel)
Precision small technical parts, clear/transparent surfaces
Casting molds (castables), dental models
When to choose SLS (Formlabs):
Functional parts without supports – complex geometry, latches, hinges, loose mechanisms
High strength and isotropy vs. FDM, very good dimensional stability
Series with consistent quality and excellent repeatability
Materials (selection):
PA12 (Nylon 12) – universal: strength, stability, resistance to oils and chemicals
PA11 (Nylon 11) – more resilient, better able to handle impacts and bends
TPU 90A – flexible functional parts, cuffs, vibration damping
Parameters (indicative):
Layer: ~0,10–0,12 mm
Accuracy/tolerance: ~ ±0,25 mm or ±0,4–0,6% (depending on size)
Surface: matt, finely porous; possible dyeing, impregnation, vibro-smoothing
Typical uses:
Machine components, boxes, covers, hinges and latches in 1 piece
Fixtures, holders, manifolds, pipe fittings
Parts subject to heat and with demands for assembly accuracy
Geometry impossible in FDM/SLA due to necessary supports (cavities, locks, chains)
| Parameter / Target | FDM (Prusa MK3S+) | SLA (Threatened) | SLS (Formlabs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surface smoothness | ●●○ (layers visible) | ●●● (very smooth) | ●●○ (matte, finely porous) |
| Details | ●● ○ | ●●● | ●●● |
| Strength of functional parts | ●●● (PC, PA-CF) | ●●○ (tough resin OK) | ●●● (PA11/PA12) |
| Without supports | ○ | ○ (support necessary) | ●●● |
| Part size | approx. 250×210×210 mm | small–medium | small–medium |
| Unit price for series | low | medium | advantageous for complex geometry |
| Additional processing | optional | wash + cure | cleaning, possibly dyeing |
What will the piece be used for?
Premium look and micro details: SLA (Threatened)
Functional part – strength and durability: SLS (Formlabs) or FDM with technical material
Usage environment:
UV and exterior: ASA (FDM) / PA12 (SLS)
High temperature: PC (FDM), High-Temp resin (SLA), PA12 (SLS)
Size and shape:
Larger pieces and a good price: FDM (Prusa MK3S+)
Complex geometry without supports: SLS
Micro-detail and smoothness: SLA
Budget vs. number of pieces:
Prototype/low cost: FDM
Series with complexity: SLS
Premium look: SLA
What are the maximum print dimensions?
FDM Prusa MK3S+: approx. 250 × 210 × 210 mm
SLA (Threatened): depending on the model, typically small to medium parts
SLS (Formlabs): small to medium series, complex shapes in one piece
What is the accuracy?
FDM: ~ ±0,20–0,30 mm (geometry and material have an impact)
ALS: ~ ±0,10–0,20 mm
SLS: ~ ±0,25 mm or ±0,4–0,6% (depending on size)
Which materials are suitable for exterior use?
ASA (FDM) is UV stable; PA12 (SLS) It tolerates weather conditions well.
Can you also deliver a series of dozens or hundreds of pieces?
Yes—with reasonable part geometry and optimized print layout.
How to send you data?
Best STL or STEP + short description of use, required tolerances and material.
What are the surface finishes?
FDM: sanding, sealing, painting, vapour smoothing (ABS)
ALS: wash & cure, fine sanding, varnish
SLS: dyeing, impregnation, vibro-smoothing
Wall thicknesses: min. 1,0–1,5 mm (SLA can go finer; SLS can handle thin ribs – consult)
Threads and pressing: consider threaded inserts (FDM/SLS) or press nuts
Mounting clearances: specify +0,2 to +0,4 mm for FDM part pairs; for SLS according to dimension
Stress direction: with FDM, orient the layers so that they are not in tension across the parting planes
Series: unification of parts, orientation and material reduces time and costs
