1. FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
FDM is perhaps the most common and widely developed 3D printing technology today. The process begins with extruding thermoplastic filament (such as ABS, PLA, TPC, etc.), which is melted and then cooled layer by layer to form a solid structure. This is repeated until the final part is completed.
Beyond prototyping, FDM can also produce end-use parts with reliable quality, making it highly applicable, particularly in mechanical engineering.
However, FDM printing generally offers lower accuracy and surface smoothness, so it is most often chosen for larger parts that do not require high-resolution detail.
2. SLA (Stereolithography)
SLA 3D printing uses liquid resin that is cured layer by layer with a UV laser, creating solid objects directly from digital models.
This method is known for producing parts with extremely smooth surfaces, high detail, and sharp edges.
As such, SLA is widely applied in engineering, dentistry, jewelry, and model-making industries where aesthetics and precision are critical.
3. SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
SLS, or Selective Laser Sintering, operates similarly to SLA but uses powdered polymer materials instead of liquid resin.
Parts produced from Nylon powder are lightweight yet durable, with excellent resistance to chemicals, UV, dust, and moisture.
A unique advantage of SLS is that prints require no support structures, as unused powder naturally supports the part during printing. This enables the production of complex geometries, including internal channels, lattices, and honeycomb structures.
Since it requires a high-powered laser, SLS equipment and operating costs are relatively higher than many other methods.
4. SLM (Selective Laser Melting)
SLM is a metal 3D printing technology that uses a high-intensity laser to fully melt and fuse metal powders such as titanium, aluminum, copper, or steel into dense, complex parts—without the need for machining or cutting tools.
A key benefit is the near-100% density of the printed components, providing exceptional mechanical strength and material properties.
This makes SLM highly suitable for aerospace, automotive spare parts, and medical implants.
However, due to the high cost of both metal powders and equipment, SLM remains less common in some markets.
5. LOM (Laminated Object Manufacturing)
LOM is a 3D printing method that can use a wide variety of sheet-based materials, not limited to plastics—such as paper or wood veneer.
It can reproduce colors very accurately compared to the original design, but dimensional accuracy is relatively low.
The process involves laminating thin sheets of material, then cutting shapes using a laser or blade under computer control. The final part undergoes additional post-processing steps such as drilling or finishing.