3D Printing Technology Comparison

Put FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF and SLM side by side - and see which one is yours

Not sure if you need FDM or SLA? PolyJet or SLS? This tool shows up to 4 technologies in one table - specs, strengths and weaknesses, typical applications, realistic per-print cost. No more buying a printer for the wrong technology.

Available with the Pro plan (15 EUR per month). The printed book includes 3 months of Pro.

Step 2 - pick technologies to compare
Step 2 - pick technologies to compare
FDM + SLA + SLS selected, ready to compare
FDM + SLA + SLS selected, ready to compare
Result - resolution, speed, materials, price, post-processing
Result - resolution, speed, materials, price, post-processing

Key features

Up to 4 technologies at once

Pick from 12 supported technologies - FDM, SLA, MSLA, SLS, MJF, SLM, DMLS, PolyJet, Binder Jetting, DLP, FFF, LDM - and compare in parallel.

15+ criteria

Printer cost, per-print cost, accuracy, surface finish, speed, materials, build volume, isotropy, support needs, post-processing.

Strengths and weaknesses

For each technology - where it wins, where it loses. No marketing fluff, just a realistic assessment from 10 years of production.

Typical applications

Real industry examples for each technology: prototypes, end-use parts, tooling, medical, dental, jewelry, aerospace.

Export

Download the comparison as PDF for a client or presentation. Save to your library and share via link.

Bilingual

BG + EN - results auto-localize based on your language preference.

How it works

  1. 1Pick 2-4 technologies from a dropdown (e.g. FDM + SLA + SLS).
  2. 2The tool shows a table with 15+ rows - prices, specs, strengths/weaknesses.
  3. 3Click a row for expanded explanation - what "0.05mm accuracy" means in practice.
  4. 4Save the comparison to your library or download PDF.

Who it's for

First-time 3D printer buyer

Save yourself a €5000 mistake. See if FDM is enough or you need SLA - before you order.

Print service provider

What to offer the client? Compare 2-3 options and show the difference in price and quality.

Engineer with a design challenge

Which technology for the prototype? Compare PolyJet, SLA, MJF - and pick by budget and deadline.

Teacher

Course material - real numbers for class, not marketing.

Frequently asked

How do I get access?

Yes - the physical book grants 90 days of Pro access to all tools, including this one; the PDF edition grants 30 days.

Where does the data come from?

10+ years of real production in Bulgaria (ART PRINTING 3D LTD) plus public specs from 100+ manufacturers. Updated monthly.

Can I add my own technology?

No - the catalog is curated to stay precise. But if you see a mistake or missing technology, write us at [email protected].

How many technologies are included?

12 widely used technologies plus variants - FDM, FFF, LDM, SLA, MSLA, DLP, SLS, MJF, SLM, DMLS, PolyJet, Binder Jetting. Metal, plastic, ceramic, sand.

Do comparisons get saved?

Yes, in your personal library - accessible from any browser after logging into your EduFacturing profile.

Want full access to all 148 instruments?

The Big Book of 3D Printing includes 90 days of Pro access to every instrument with the physical book's code - 30 days with the ebook. Calculators, wizards, comparisons, generators, and more.

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