PLA
Suitable for prototyping or draff, affordable. More colour options.
| Application | FDM is the most widely available 3D printing process, mainly used for low-cost prototyping and design verification with very fast turn around times. |
| Strengths | Low-cost, fast turnaround times |
| Weaknesses | Limited dimensional accuracy, print layers are likely to be visible |
| Heat Resistance | 60°C to 70°C |
| Lead Time | 2 days (depending on part volume) |
| Wall Thickness | Minimum 0.8 mm, suggested 1.2 to 1.5 mm |
| Tolerances | ± 0.5% (min: ± 0.5 mm) |
| Max part size | 50 x 50 x 50 cm |
| Layer height | 50 – 200 μ |
Resin Printing
High detail and smooth surface, good for detail prototyping. Production lead time longer.
| Application | SLA is most suitable for visual applications where an injection mold-like, smooth surface finish, and a high level of feature detail are required. |
| Strengths | Fine features & high detail, Smooth, injection mold-like, surface finish |
| Weaknesses | Fine features & high detail, Smooth, injection mold-like, surface finish |
| Heat Resistance | 45°C |
| Lead Time | 10 working days (After payment made, depending on part volume) |
| Wall Thickness | (White Resin) Minimum 0.5 mm (Transparent Resin) Minimum 1 mm |
| Tolerances | ± 0.5% (min: ± 0.2 mm) |
| Max part size | 140 x 70 x 50 cm |
Nylon
Stiffer, higher heat resistant, good chemical resistance. Production lead time longer.
| Application | SLS is used for both prototyping and small-batch production of functional plastic parts with good mechanical properties. |
| Strengths | No support material required, Excellent mechanical properties, Can produce complex geometries |
| Weaknesses | Higher cost than FDM, Longer lead times than FDM |
| Heat Resistance | 145°C |
| Lead Time | 10 working days (After payment made, depending on part volume) |
| Wall Thickness | Minimum 0.8 mm |
| Tolerances | ± 0.5% (min: ± 0.2 mm) |
| Max part size | 40 x 40 x 45 cm |