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3D Printing Processes & Comparisons
Compare SLA, SLS, MJF, FDM and metal printing through process limits, economics and the requirements of the intended use.
Updated October 11, 2026 · 37 focused articles
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Powder Bed Fusion 3D Printing Service: What the Process Buys You, and What It Costs
What the Process Buys You, and What It Costs
Custom 3D Prototyping Services: Choosing a Process by the Test, Not the Material
Choosing a Process by the Test, Not the Material
Additive Manufacturing for Prototyping and Manufacturing: Where the Line Actually Falls
Where the Line Actually Falls
MJF vs SLS: Which Nylon Powder Process Fits Your Part and Volume?
Which Nylon Powder Process Fits Your Part and Volume?
Metal 3D Printing Service: Specifying SLM/DMLS Parts That Hold Tolerance
Specifying SLM/DMLS Parts That Hold Tolerance
DMLS vs SLM: What Actually Changes in a Metal Powder Bed Build
What Actually Changes in a Metal Powder Bed Build
Metal 3D Printing vs CNC Machining: Cost, Tolerance and When Each Wins
Cost, Tolerance and When Each Wins
FDM 3D Printing Service: Industrial Thermoplastics for Big Parts and Fixtures
Industrial Thermoplastics for Big Parts and Fixtures
FDM vs SLA: Matching Process to Surface Finish, Tolerance and Load
Matching Process to Surface Finish, Tolerance and Load
Sheet Metal vs 3D Printed Prototypes: What Each Process Actually Proves
What Each Process Actually Proves
3D Printing vs Injection Molding for Prototypes: Choosing by What You Must Prove
Choosing by What You Must Prove
Low Volume Injection Molding vs 3D Printing: Where the Crossover Sits
Where the Crossover Sits
How to Choose the Right 3D Printing Process: An Analysis of Pros and Cons
An Analysis of Pros and Cons
3D Printing Services for Functional Testing: SLA vs SLS vs MJF in June 2026
SLA vs SLS vs MJF in June 2026
Comprehensive Guide to 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing for Modern Hardware Engineering and Low Volume Production
Read the focused guide for comprehensive guide to 3d printing and additive manufacturing for modern hardware engineering and low volume production.
Fused Deposition Modeling FDM Three D Printing Guide for Engineering Teams
Read the focused guide for fused deposition modeling fdm three d printing guide for engineering teams.
3D Printing or CNC Machining: Which Is Better for Your Prototype?
Which Is Better for Your Prototype?
FDM vs SLA vs SLS: Which 3D Printing Process Fits Your Part?
Which 3D Printing Process Fits Your Part?
3D Printing for Aerospace: Lightweight Parts and Qualification
Lightweight Parts and Qualification
Rapid Prototyping vs 3D Printing: Are They the Same?
Are They the Same?
Rapid Prototyping vs Additive Manufacturing: The Terminology Explained
The Terminology Explained
SLA, SLS, and MJF for End-Use Parts: Moving 3D Printing Beyond Prototypes
Moving 3D Printing Beyond Prototypes
3D Printing for Tooling and Fixtures: Jigs, Gauges, and Assembly Aids
Jigs, Gauges, and Assembly Aids
3D Printing for Robotics: Grippers, Brackets, and Custom Enclosures
Grippers, Brackets, and Custom Enclosures
3D Printing for Consumer Products: From Concept Models to Low-Volume Goods
From Concept Models to Low-Volume Goods
3D Printing for Automotive: Custom Parts, Test Fixtures, and Prototypes
Custom Parts, Test Fixtures, and Prototypes
How Fast Is 3D Printing? Turnaround from File Upload to Delivery
Read the focused guide for how fast is 3d printing? turnaround from file upload to delivery.
Vacuum Casting vs. 3D Printing for Small Batches: Accuracy, Surface, and Cost
Accuracy, Surface, and Cost
Threads in 3D Printed Parts: Printed Threads, Taps, and Inserts
Printed Threads, Taps, and Inserts
Specifying Surface Finish on 3D Printed Parts: As-Printed vs Post-Processed
As-Printed vs Post-Processed
Master Patterns for Silicone Molds: 3D Printing vs CNC vs Cast Masters
3D Printing vs CNC vs Cast Masters
Soft-Touch Prototypes: Overmolding vs Urethane Casting vs TPU 3D Printing
Overmolding vs Urethane Casting vs TPU 3D Printing
SLA 3D Printing Service: How to Specify Resin Parts That Arrive Ready to Test
How to Specify Resin Parts That Arrive Ready to Test
SLA vs SLS: Choosing Between Resin Detail and Nylon Durability
Choosing Between Resin Detail and Nylon Durability
SLS 3D Printing Service: Specifying Nylon Parts for Real Loads
Specifying Nylon Parts for Real Loads
SLA Prototype Service: Detail, Supports and What to Expect on the First Build
Detail, Supports and What to Expect on the First Build
Medical Device 3D Printing: Which Parts Suit Additive, and Which Do Not
Which Parts Suit Additive, and Which Do Not
Before you release the project
- Define the function, environment and the question this batch must answer.
- Specify material grade, geometry, quantity, finish and the dimensions that control fit.
- Agree the inspection method and the evidence required to accept the parts.
- Record the drawing revision and approval before production begins.
Common planning questions
Which printing process is best?
There is no single best process. Define the part’s use, loads, temperature, detail and finish first, then compare the supported process and material combinations.
Does a printed material behave like the same material after molding?
Not necessarily. Build orientation, density, post-processing and the material formulation affect performance. Validate the properties that matter for the intended use.
Move from guidance to a reviewed project
Send the CAD model and drawing with material, quantity, finish and inspection requirements. Use the relevant service page to review the available manufacturing route.