FDM Vs. SLA 3D Printing

FDM Vs. SLA 3D Printing makenica.com/fdm-vs-sla-3d-printing February 19, 2021

This blog will explain the variations between the latest competing 3D printing technologies FDM and SLA 3D Printing Bangalore, and see which could be best suited to your needs.

Before setting out with the two technologies and looking at how they operate, here's a shortlist of the variations between the two.

FDM requires added plastic layers to make up the model, while SLA 3D Printing requires cured resin.

FDM requires cooling to fix the rubber, while SLA 3D Printing requires a laser to cure the resin.

All aspects the same, SLA 3D Printing technology provides smoother and improved print quality.

FDM printers may usually be set to print quicker than SLA, but print quality is a deciding factor.

FDM operating costs are usually cheaper than SLA 3D Printing, as there is only one consumable, the filament. However, SLA requires more costly resin, and it is appropriate to replace the vat and the build platform in time.

FDM has a broader range of fabrics and colors to print from. With SLA, some fewer third-party vendors push up prices.

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Let's look at the vital characteristic discrepancies between FDM & SLA technologies, as seen below for a more detailed explanation?

What is FDM Printing, and how does it work?

FDM is a form of "additive manufacturing," meaning that the 3D model is not produced in a single step, such as molding, but rather by applying continuous layers of molten material (usually a type of plastic) to make up the final solid 3D model from the bottom up. Then the model cools down to a sturdy piece.

FDM printers consist of modules that travel along all three directions, the x-axis, the yaxis, and the z-axis, to construct a 3D object.

The printer we use must read a 3D-generated model (in general, .stl format) created with a 3D package and then start printing it out.

Since FDM 3D printers are designed to construct stuff by layering, the 3D model created (solid) must be sliced into layers using the Slicer program.

What is SLA 3D Printing, and how does it work?

SLA 3D Printing is somewhat different from FDM in that it does not stack up layers of heated plastic materials to render the final product after cooling.

However, it is still an "additive manufacturing process" where UV light is used to cure liquefied resin layers to manufacture the final product.

However, the method of reading and cutting the model using the slicer program is the same!

The vat is packed with photocurable resin, and the ultraviolet laser beam reflects on the resin layer.

The beam of laser draws a pattern on the liquid resin surface that eventually solidifies the pattern. The process begins, and each layer that hardens solidifies to the next layer that finally forms the finished product.

This mechanism essentially operates in reverse order to FDM since it constructs a 3D model from top to bottom. Some printers find it easier to print from the ground up, which has a significant benefit, such as the printed model being bigger than the vat itself.

What are the gaps in print quality?

The above title shows that there is a rivalry between FDM and SLA printing techniques, which is becoming even more true as SLA 3D Printing Bangalore is entering the market more than ever before due to their improved affordability.

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However, what makes SLA printers much more appealing is their ability to create prints/models that are essentially more accurate and cleaner in finish than their plastic layer building mates. This is due to the ability to print at smaller layer heights (Z-axis) and, most specifically, higher XY resolution.

FDM Print Consistency Considerations to be addressed Nozzle size influences resolution/printing efficiency The weight of the layers will press the lower layers and distort the print.

Warping induced when plastics like PLA & ABS cool after heating Missing layers are typical where the printer fails to have the right amount of plastic.

Stringing occurs as any material slips from the nozzle to unintended areas of the printing parts.

Nozzle blockade is common More mechanical and software tinkering/calibration for optimum printing.

SLA Print Consistency Considerations to be addressed Consistently produces higher resolution prints with fewer flaws Creates more precise printing (closer in dimensions, shape, and size to the actual CAD file) Less force added to the model during printing (improved surface finish) Since resin is photocurable by UV light, long-term exposure to sunlight will reduce the models' mechanical strength.

The resin is sticky, and the finished prints need to be washed with alcohol to prevent stickiness.

Printing from the top-down ensures that the model's height cannot be higher than the depth of the resin in the vat.

Tied to the manufacturer's procurement of resin (currently to few third-party suppliers) Required post-finishing – elimination of support structures after printing

How do the printing times vary between FDM and SLA 3D Printing?

Desktop 3D printer technology is getting better, but some might argue that it's not quite where most would want it to be. So, of course, you'd like to know who prints out quicker than the bill on your brand-new hardware.

Deep down, we all know there's going to have to be some balance between consistency and print speed, and it's up to you to determine which direction to go based on the printing requirements.

FDM vs. SLA 3D Printing Times FDM Standard Settings: 0.3-1.7 in/hr SLA Built-In Rate: 0.3 to 0.7 in/hr

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Running Cost Contrast: FDM vs. SLA 3D Printing.

It is vital to note that we are not talking about each technology's maintenance costs (that we would need to look at in the future) or the contrast of energy use, but rather about the costs of materials and other specifically relevant considerations.

FDM 3D Printing Cost Fused Deposition Modeling's benefit is that it has only one consumable, which is the filament roll. They are the same standardized rolls in broad sizes that can be seen on all FDM printers. As a result, more third-party vendors supply the commodity, which increases competition and thus decreases prices, especially in recent years.

A Simple filament will cost as little as $25 per kilo (1 kg) of the roll, but specific advanced rolls can cost more! Two typical filament diameters can be used by FDM printers, which are 1.75mm and 3mm in diameter.

If this is not possible for the time being, you should try the extrusion calibration to compensate for different diameters along the filament's length.

SLA 3D Printing Resin Cost Unfortunately, StereoLithoGraphy has a couple more consumables than Fused Deposition Modeling. SLA technology uses resin to print a model, which is considerably more costly than filaments. 1L of standard resin can cost anywhere from $150 to $250, depending on the printer you have.

This price could start to decline as third-party vendors start selling their compatible versions for each printer, but having said that, it is likely to stay more costly than filaments.

The tank or vat must also be replaced after roughly 3-4 liters of resin have been printed.

Over time, the build-up of the resin smudges the transparent walls of the tank and interferes with the passage of UV light, and can no longer accurately project an image and, in turn, impacts print quality. A resin tank will cost around $60 to buy a new one.

The other consumable is the platform to construct (the printed models' area rests on during printing). It doesn't have to be changed too much, but the surface gets spoiled and slightly affected when the model is removed. One platform could cost up to $100.

Comparing FDM & SLA Materials, Colors & Availability Like any machine, there are operating costs, and the biggest one for 3D printers is consumables (typically the materials needed to create the 3D print). One of the benefits of FDM over SLA 3D Printing Bangalore is the selection of materials and colors available, usually lower material prices, and just as significant is the variety of third-party consumables (ability to shop around).

3D Printing Filament Material Forms : Overview 4/6

One advantage of SLA over FDM is the precision of the prints used for anatomical regions of patients and precise prototyping for companies to access the design and features of their product or advertise the final product.

One of the main drawbacks of SLA 3D Printing, though, is the restricted option of resins that cannot be shared between printers... effectively (at least for the time being), each manufacturer designs the resin vat to match only their printer (s) For SLA 3D Printing Bangalore, the resin is very pricey relative to the same amount you get with the filaments. Not to mention the lack of materials and colors, and you are (at least for the time being) bound to buy the resin from the same company that you purchased the printer from.

There are, however, various forms of resin available for purchase to allow your final prints to have different physical properties.

Removal comparison between SLA and FDM after printing After you've finished printing, we always forget that there's already a bit of work to be completed. And that's extracting the print from the printing bed.

In general, removing FDM prints is relatively easy and can take a little support with a knife to release those stubbornly trapped... but all in all, it's relatively easy to do.

However, there are some possible problems with SLA. Resin can remain on the platform in vast amounts and must be removed first before being released to your print. This includes a knife, a palette knife, or a spatula, and it takes a lot more time.

After that, there is still further post-processing, such as the use of pure alcohol on the finished print to extract any residual resin, during which you must even wear gloves and face masks due to the resin's volatility in liquid form.

Frequently Asked Question When was stereolithography printing invented?

Charles W. Hull (AKA Chuck Hull) is credited with inventing StereoLithoGraphy and is considered the pioneer of 3D printing, which has influenced the technology to what it is today. Hull realized it would potentially take another 30 years for technologies to hit the homes of ordinary people.

The idea of SLA printing originated in Hull while working for a small business that manufactured tough coatings for tables using ultraviolet lights. He soon discovered that the same method could be used to construct three-dimensional pieces.

He developed his printer back in 1983. But it was not until 8 August 1984 that he coined the term stereolithography in his patenting apparatus. Thus to create three-dimensional artifacts by stereolithography.

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How effective is stereolithography printing?

SLA is potentially the ideal 3D printing technology for precise prototyping for designers in any niche where parts tolerances are paramount.

Building specifically shaped prototypes (in particular dynamic/moving parts) allows verification that the design would or will not work before attempting any production route.

Stereolithography is not only one of the most reliable printing processes. It also offers good longevity, along with a clean surface finish.

Another factor to remember is that the scale of the print will impact accuracy. For example, traditional FDM printing begins to fail when printing small items. However, the SLA resolution is determined by the spot size of the UV laser and can thus accommodate smaller prints with greater precision.

SLA vs. FDM material strength, which one do you choose?

It's not so much about the sort of substance that provides the best strength. And the method by which the material is cured.

In general, FDM manufactures tougher plastic with greater tensile strength and heat resistance. The explanation is that the laser used in comparatively cheap SLA printers does not have the ability or wavelength to cure resin at comparable intensity. To achieve this, you would need a much more powerful laser that would drive your SLA printer's price too pricey for the average hobbyist.

Read More : Ways to mitigating your 3D Printing Costs

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