3D Printing

Comparison of stereolithography and FDM printing

Epoxy stereolithography transparent

In addition to selective laser sintering (SLS printing), the most popular 3D printing technologies are undoubtedly FDM printing and stereolithography (SLA printing). At this point we would like to give you an understanding of the specific strengths and weaknesses of both technologies using 2 case studies.

Case study 1: model building of a miniature roller coaster

The example of the construction of a miniature roller coaster shows that FDM printing is particularly suitable for the carrier. After all, it delivers solid, and at the same time fast, results. In addition, FDM prints offer a wide range of color options.

Stereolithography, on the other hand, is recommended for additive manufacturing of the cars. The effect of this is that this method delivers particularly accurate results. In other words: miniature roller coasters look particularly realistic. This even applies to the tiny handles on the doors.

Case Study 2: Project “The Third Thumb”

The “Third Thumb Project” is an initiative of the “Plasticity Lab” of the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience at University College London. The goal is to extend the capabilities of the human hand by adding a third (artificial) thumb. This thumb prosthesis is controlled by the user’s foot. In this way, the usability and control of prostheses should be improved.

This third thumb is made from both FDM and stereolithography components.

The specific advantages of both materials were clearly demonstrated here. The thumbs themselves were printed from resin using the FDM process, but the fingertips were printed using stereolithography. In the case of the thumb, the advantage lies in the fact that it can be printed lightly and at the same time firmly in FDM printing. For the fingertips, on the other hand, the fact that resin can be printed very thinly in stereolithography has an effect. Above all, it keeps its shape and is easy to grip. In order to be able to print those fine, internal lines that control the thumb, stereolithography proves to be the ideal additive process.

INTERESTING:   What 3d printers use tinkercad?

You can find numerous other case studies relating to 3D printing applications in our blog.

Back to top button

Adblock Detected

Please disable your ad blocker to be able to view the page content. For an independent site with free content, it's literally a matter of life and death to have ads. Thank you for your understanding! Thanks