FDM vs SLA: which 3D printing technology?

FDM and SLA at a glance

FDM: melted filament

A plastic filament is melted and laid down layer by layer by a hot nozzle. The most widespread technology, affordable and versatile. Strong, functional parts; large sizes possible; low cost and varied materials; visible layer lines.

SLA: UV-cured resin

A liquid resin is hardened layer by layer by a UV laser (or an LCD screen). A precision technology for fine detail. Extremely fine detail; smooth surface without sanding; higher cost; fragile parts with standard resin.

FDM vs SLA: detailed comparison

When to choose FDM printing

Functional and mechanical parts: clips, brackets, enclosures, gears, car and motorbike parts.

Rapid prototyping: quick, low-cost design iterations.

Large parts: generous build volumes, 30 cm and more, for architectural models or cosplay helmets.

Parts under stress: impact resistance, heat resistance with PETG, flexibility with TPU.

A tight budget: cheaper materials and printing, and no chemical post-processing.

Cosplay and props: large parts assembled, then painted.

Replacement parts: reproducing broken plastic parts, as explained in our broken part guide.

When to choose SLA resin printing

Jewellery: precision patterns for lost-wax casting.

Dental and medical: dental models, surgical guides, aligners.

High-resolution miniatures: gaming and wargaming figures under 5 cm.

Moulds and masters: parts that need a perfectly smooth surface, presentation pieces.

Ultra-fine detail and tight tolerances: textures, engravings and small text on small parts, fits to the hundredth of a millimetre.

Our recommendation: FDM for most projects

At Toulouse3DPrint we specialise in FDM printing, and that's a deliberate choice: FDM covers the large majority of what our customers ask for, from functional parts and prototypes to cosplay, replacement parts and personalised objects.

For almost every project, FDM gives the best value for money. The materials are varied (PLA, PETG, TPU), the parts are strong, size is rarely a constraint, and the cost stays affordable. Layer lines, often cited as a drawback, disappear with sanding and painting, finishing work we do in the workshop.

SLA remains the right choice for specific niches: jewellery, dental work, ultra-detailed miniatures under 5 cm. We don't print in resin; if your project really needs SLA, tell us and we'll point you in the right direction.

In short: if your part is larger than 3-4 cm, has a mechanical job to do, or budget matters, FDM is the right choice. If you're printing miniatures a few centimetres high with detail of the order of a tenth of a millimetre, SLA will suit you better.

FDM is probably what you need

Upload your 3D file on our order page for an instant quote: we print in FDM in our workshop in Toulouse. To talk your project through first, contact us in English through the form, on WhatsApp or by phone at +33 7 59 72 51 81, or by email at contact@toulouse3dprint.fr.

Your part can be collected at the workshop or sent anywhere in France by Mondial Relay or Colissimo, and we ship abroad on request.

Frequently asked questions

Is FDM less accurate than SLA?

Yes, in raw resolution SLA is more accurate (0.025-0.05 mm against 0.1-0.3 mm for FDM). But for the vast majority of projects, FDM accuracy is more than enough: mechanical parts, prototypes and decorative objects don't need SLA resolution. The difference really only shows on very small parts with fine detail.

Can FDM parts be painted?

Yes. FDM parts paint very well after light sanding and a coat of primer. Progressive sanding (120, 240, then 400 grit) followed by a spray primer gives a smooth surface ready for paint, the standard method for cosplay props and figurines.

Is SLA stronger than FDM?

No, it's usually the other way round. FDM parts in PETG or ABS are mechanically stronger than parts in standard SLA resin, which are often brittle. Technical resins (tough, flexible) exist, but FDM parts remain better for mechanical and functional uses.

Do you offer SLA printing?

No. We specialise in FDM printing, which covers the large majority of our customers' needs. If your project specifically needs SLA (jewellery, dental, ultra-detailed miniatures), we can point you in the right direction: contact us to discuss it.

Which technology should I choose for a figurine?

It depends on its size. For a figurine a few centimetres high with very fine detail, SLA is better suited. Above 3-4 cm, FDM works well, and sanding, primer and paint remove the layer lines.

Which technology costs less?

FDM. The material is cheaper and there's no chemical post-processing, whereas SLA adds an IPA wash and UV curing to the cost of the resin.