FDM (fused deposition modeling)
Best for: Prototypes, functional testing, cost-sensitive projects
Layer lines visible (can be sanded/smoothed)
Materials: PLA, PETG, ASA
Tolerance: ±0.5mm
Min wall: 1.2mm
Max build: 360 x 360 x 360mm (≈14.2 x 14.2 x 14.2 in)
Most cost-effective per-part
SLA (stereolithography)
Best for: High-detail models, smooth surfaces, presentation prototypes, small intricate parts
Smooth surface finish, minimal layer lines
Materials: Standard Resin, Draft Resin, Tough 2000, Flexible, Elastic, Rigid 4K, High Temp, Castable Wax, Durable, Grey Pro
Tolerance: ±0.010” or ±0.002”/inch (whichever greater)
Min wall: 0.8mm (1.5mm unsupported)
Max build: 335 x 200 x 300mm (Form 3L)
UV-sensitive — not ideal for prolonged outdoor use
Industrial SLA
Best for: Large-format high-detail parts, tooling, molds, architectural models
Same smooth finish as standard SLA at much larger scale
Min wall: 1.0mm
Max build: 1700 x 800 x 600mm (≈66.9 x 31.5 x 23.6 in)
Ideal for parts too large for the Form 3L
MJF (multi jet fusion — hp)
Best for: Functional end-use parts, moving assemblies, living hinges, small batch production
No support structures needed (powder supports the part)
Consistent mechanical properties in all directions
Materials: Nylon PA 12
Tolerance: ±0.3mm
Min wall: 0.7mm (1.3mm preferred)
Max build: 380 x 284 x 380mm
Ideal for production runs of 50–500+ units
FGF (fused granulate fabrication)
Best for: Very large parts, furniture, fixtures, architectural elements, industrial tooling
Largest build volume available at Makelab
Uses plastic pellets instead of filament (lower material cost at scale)
Min wall: 2mm
Max build: 2400 x 2400 x 1000mm (≈94.5 x 94.5 x 39.4 in)
Visible layer lines (larger nozzle for speed)
Best for parts where size matters more than fine detail
Still not sure?
Select “Tech’s Choice” when ordering and our engineers will pick the best technology based on your part geometry, requirements, and budget. Or contact our team for a consultation.
All technologies available at Makelab
Makelab offers FDM, SLA, Industrial SLA, MJF, and FGF 3D printing services from our Brooklyn, NYC facility. Not sure which technology is right for your project? Select "Tech's Choice" when ordering and our engineers will recommend the best option. Get an instant quote.
Compare technologies side-by-side: View all comparisons on makelab.com/compare
What's the difference between FDM and SLA printing?
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) builds parts by extruding thermoplastic filament layer-by-layer. It's ideal for functional prototypes, durable parts, and larger builds. FDM offers a wide range of engineering-grade materials like ABS, Nylon, and PETG.
SLA (Stereolithography) uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid layers. It delivers smoother surfaces, finer details, and tighter tolerances than FDM. Perfect for presentation models, intricate designs, and high-precision parts.
Industrial SLA takes this further — Makelab uses industrial-grade SLA systems that can produce stronger resin parts and significantly larger builds (up to 1700 x 800 x 600mm for qualifying models). This combines the detail of SLA with the durability and scale previously only available through FDM.
Choose FDM for
Functional testing, durability, cost-effectiveness, and standard-sized parts
Choose SLA for
Visual models, fine details, smooth surfaces, and moderate-sized parts
Choose Industrial SLA for
Large-scale presentation models, strong resin parts, high-detail production parts, and projects requiring both precision and size
👉 Not sure which process fits your project? Submit the intake form and our team will recommend the best approach.