Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)

Sub‑Process / Technology

Materials / Alloys / Polymers Used

Build Size & Feature Complexity

Layer Resolution / Surface Quality

Post‑Processing / Finishing

Typical Applications & Performance Requirements

FDM / Fused Deposition Modeling

PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, Nylon

Build volumes up to ~500×500×500 mm; overhangs, embedded voids, simple lattice

Layer height ~50‑300 µm; visible striations; surface Ra ~5‑20 µm

Support removal; sanding; painting or coating; sealing

Functional prototypes, fit checks; low mechanical loadings

SLA / Resin‑based Printing

Rigid resins, engineering resins, flexible, high‑temp resins

Fine features, thin walls, high detail; up to ~300×300×400 mm

Layer height ~25‑100 µm; high surface smoothness

Washing; UV curing; polishing; painting

Visual models, dental, jewelry, high detail small parts

SLS / Powder‑based Polymer

Nylon (PA11, PA12), Composite powders

Complex internal geometries, undercuts; build envelopes up to ~400 mm cube

Layer ~80‑150 µm; surface a bit grainy; secondary smoothing possible

Shot blasting; dyeing; vapour smoothing; infiltration

End‑use parts; lightweight assemblies; durable components

Metal Additive (DMLS / SLM)

Stainless steel, Aluminum, Titanium, Inconel

High‑performance parts; dense builds; geometries not possible with conventional

Layer ~20‑100 µm; requires supports; post‑machining often necessary

Heat treat; stress relieve; support removal; machining; polish

Aerospace, medical implants, thermal/structural parts