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3D Printing/Printer Types

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Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF)

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FFF printers operate by melting material from an extruder to produce a 3D object.

FFF printers are known for being easier to use than other printing technologies, partly due to requiring less safety equipment for operation.[1] Cartesian FFF 3D printers work by moving an extruder along an X, Y, and Z, axis.[2]

On Stratasys 3D printers the name FDM is used for the same technique.

Stereolithography (SLA)

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SLA printers use light to solidify a special liquid.[3][4]

Unlike an FFF printer, SLA printers build time is based on height and not the number of prints or object complexity, so the entire x and y build area can be used for prints with no impact on printing time.[5] Unlike FFF printers, SLA printers typically print upside down,[5] though this has little tangible effect on the final print. SLA printers can be difficult to operate.[6]

Selective laser sintering (SLS)

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SLS works by fuzing powders together with a laser to create 3D objects.

Uniquely, SLS printers requires no dedicated support structures for complex geometries.[1]

References

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  1. a b "3D Pinter Buyers Guide FFF vs SLA vs SLS". LulzBot. 30 August 2019. Retrieved 30 November 2020.
  2. "3D Printer Assembly Mentor2". Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  3. "The Ultimate Guide to Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing (Updated for 2020)". Formlabs. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  4. "3D Printing: A Multitude of Machines & Materials-SLA/DLP Printing – Techbytes". Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  5. a b "How to slice 3D objects for the Original Prusa SL1 [updated with video guide]". Prusa Printers. 19 June 2019. Retrieved 29 November 2020.
  6. Finnes, Tyler (1 January 2015). "High Definition 3D Printing – Comparing SLA and FDM Printing Technologies". The Journal of Undergraduate Research. Retrieved 29 November 2020.