We will be closed on Friday the 5th and Monday the 8th of December due to a holiday. Orders received from Thursday the 4th at 5:00 pm (GMT+1) will be shipped on Tuesday the 9th.
3D printing is radically transforming how we design, manufacture, and learn. In educational, industrial, and domestic settings, these technologies allow us to convert ideas into tangible objects with unprecedented agility. From functional prototypes to anatomical models, additive manufacturing is opening new frontiers of innovation.
But not all 3D printers work the same way. There are multiple technologies—each with its physical principles, compatible materials, and recommended applications—that respond to very different needs. Therefore, understanding these differences is essential when choosing the right system.
Below, we analyze in depth the main technologies on the market, all available at Filament2Print, including their fundamentals, advantages, and recommended materials.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) printing is, by far, the most widespread on the market. Its operation is based on the extrusion of thermoplastic filament through a hot nozzle, which deposits the material layer by layer onto a surface.
Compatible with materials like PLA, ABS, PETG, or TPU, this technology is ideal for getting started in 3D printing or developing fast and resistant prototypes.
✔︎ Cost-effectiveness and accessibility: It is the most affordable option both in terms of printers and consumables.
✔︎ Material versatility: Allows printing from biodegradable filaments to reinforced technical compounds.
✔︎ Operational simplicity: Its learning curve is low, making it ideal for educational environments.
✔︎ Large formats: Some models allow printing large volume objects with good precision.
SLA, DLP, and LCD all use photopolymer resins that solidify under UV light. While SLA uses a laser, DLP uses a projector, and LCD uses a screen to cure entire layers simultaneously. This family of technologies stands out for its ultra-fine resolution and impeccable surface quality.
✔︎ Unmatched precision: Fine details, sharp edges, and smooth finishes.
✔︎ Geometric complexity: Allows printing shapes impossible for other technologies without the need for solid supports.
✔︎ Wide range of materials: From standard resins to biocompatible or heat-resistant ones.
✔︎ Specialized applications: Perfect for jewelry, dental, engineering, and artistic modeling.
SLS technology fuses powder particles (such as PA12 or PA11) using a high-power laser. Unlike FDM or SLA, it does not require support structures, as the powder present in the print bed supports the object during the process.
✔︎ High mechanical resistance: Ideal for functional parts subjected to real stresses.
✔︎ Complex geometries: Perfect for printing internal structures, moving parts, or lightweight lattices.
✔︎ Uninterrupted production: Several objects can be manufactured simultaneously in a single batch.
Industrial versatility: Widely used in automotive, aerospace, and medicine.
Metal FFF combines the ease of FDM with the ability to create metal parts. A filament loaded with metal particles is used, which, after printing, goes through a cleaning and sintering process in a furnace to obtain a dense, functional metal part.
✔︎ Accessible cost: Much more affordable than other metal printing solutions.
✔︎ Customization: Ideal for short runs and intricate designs.
✔︎ Wide variety of metals: From stainless steel to bronze and copper.
It uses a high-power laser to directly melt metal powder, creating very high-precision metal parts. It is the most advanced technology for critical applications in sectors such as aerospace, automotive, and medicine.
✔︎ High density and precision: The resulting parts have quality close to forging or CNC machining.
✔︎ Design freedom: Internal structures, integrated cooling, etc., can be printed.
✔︎ Variety of alloys: Aluminum, titanium, stainless steel, and Inconel.
Binder Jetting deposits a liquid binder onto metal, ceramic, or even wood powder. Subsequently, the part is consolidated with thermal processes.
✔︎ Rapid production: Very useful for prototyping or volume production.
✔︎ Unique materials: From ceramic to stainless steel or wood.
✔︎ Differentiated finishes: Ideal for architecture, design, and decoration.
LFAM uses thermoplastic pellets instead of filament, allowing the printing of large objects with high efficiency. Perfect for structural prototypes, street furniture, or industrial molds.
✔︎ Low material cost: Pellets are cheaper than filament.
✔︎ High productivity: Ideal for large and resistant parts.
✔︎ Reinforced materials: Accepts mixtures with carbon or glass fiber.
Designed to work with high-viscosity materials such as silicone or edible pastes, LAM allows printing soft or edible objects with millimeter precision.
Choosing the right material is as crucial as the printing technology itself. Each method has specific compatibilities that define its use and results. At Filament2Print, a complete and specialized catalog is offered to cover all educational, professional, and industrial needs.
Thermoplastic filaments (PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, among others) are the basic input for FDM printers.
PLA: Biodegradable, easy to print, perfect for classrooms and beginners.
ABS: More resistant and durable, recommended for mechanical prototypes.
Specialties: Filaments with carbon fiber, wood, magnetic, or phosphorescent loads allow experimenting with advanced materials.
Photocurable liquids that solidify layer by layer with UV light.
Standard: Fast and versatile.
Special: Flexible, heat-resistant, biocompatible (perfect for orthodontics, jewelry, or functional prototyping).
Safety: Handling with gloves, in ventilated spaces, and with UV curing equipment is essential.
Polyamide powders like PA12, PA11, and PA6 dominate SLS printing.
Excellent mechanical properties: Impact resistance, durability, and industrial reliability.
Material reuse: Un-sintered powder can be recycled for new prints, making the process more cost-effective.
Precautions: Ventilation, appropriate masks, and safe powder management are required.
A variation of FDM that uses thermoplastic pellets instead of filament.
Economical at large scale: Material cost is lower than filament.
Educational applications: Workshops and laboratories can explore this technology to learn about large-scale manufacturing processes.
Capture real shapes to convert them into digital models.
Educational applications: Geometry, art, biology. Scanning of real objects (sculptures, bones, structures) for replication or analysis.
Ideal complement: Integrates digitalization into the design and printing workflow.
CAD and slicing software: Essential tools for preparing models before printing.
Post-processing: Includes sanding for FDM, UV curing for SLA, and sandblasting or vibrators for SLS.
3D printing is fully integrated into STEM and art curricula.
FDM: Ideal for rapid prototypes, bridges, structures, or functional gadgets.
SLA: Provides precision for anatomical models, dental models, or detailed designs.
Result: Improved spatial reasoning, creativity, and problem-solving.
Accelerates product development and reduces costs.
FDM: For concept models and initial validation.
SLA: Useful for molds, custom tools, and detailed prototypes.
SLS: Ideal for functional testing and limited series production.
Access to desktop printers has democratized manufacturing.
FDM: Common use for repairs, object customization, and model making.
SLA: Applications in jewelry, dental, and artistic modeling.
Home scanning: Reproduction of parts, art, collectibles.
The choice depends on multiple factors:
FDM: Economical projects and large parts.
SLA: Models with a high level of detail.
SLS: Complex functional parts.
FDM: Low initial and operational cost.
SLA: More expensive in materials, but with professional quality.
SLS: High investment, but profitable in continuous production.
FDM: Fast for simple models.
SLA: High detail means more time.
SLS: High production in a single batch, but longer cycle.
FDM: Low maintenance, ideal for classrooms.
SLA and SLS: Require training, safety measures, and greater technical precision.
FDM (PLA): Safe and emission-free.
FDM (ABS and special materials): Require ventilation.
SLA: Requires gloves, glasses, and a controlled environment.
SLS: Handling fine powder requires appropriate PPE.
3D printing technologies are no longer exclusive to industrial laboratories. Today, any educational institution, company, or hobbyist can access digital manufacturing tools with great transformative potential.
FDM democratizes prototyping.
SLA brings precision to the desktop.
SLS turns ideas into real functional parts.
Emerging technologies like Metal FFF, Binder Jetting, LFAM, or LAM further expand creative and industrial possibilities.
Understanding the fundamentals of each method allows for informed decisions. With the technical and commercial support of Filament2Print, it is possible to configure the most suitable printing ecosystem for every need.
Whether for teaching, innovating, or creating, 3D printing is ready to help you materialize any idea. Are you ready to print the future?
I have read and accept the privacy policy.