Light curing (including SLA and DLP) и FDM (Моделирование сплавленного осаждения) are two of the most popular 3D Печать технологий, but they excel in entirely different scenarios. Calling one “better” universally is inaccurate—their value depends on your project’s precision needs, бюджет, material requirements, и приложение. This article compares their core traits, производительность, and use cases to help you pick the right technology.
1. Основные принципы & Ключевые различия (Side-by-Side Table)
The first step to choosing is understanding how each technology works. Below is a breakdown of their fundamental differences:
| Аспект | Light Curing (SLA/DLP) | ФДМ (Моделирование сплавленного осаждения) |
| Технологический тип | Photopolymer-based 3D printing | Thermoplastic-based 3D printing |
| Основной принцип | Использование ультрафиолетовый (Укр) свет вылечить жидкость фоточувствительная смола layer by layer into solid shapes. | Melts термопластичные нити (НАПРИМЕР., Плата, АБС) via a heated nozzle, then extrudes and stacks the material layer by layer. |
| Ключевые компоненты | Resin tank, UV light source (laser for SLA, projector for DLP), строить платформу | Filament spool, heated nozzle (180–260 ° C.), Отопленная кровать, строить платформу |
| Support Structure | Требует removable support structures (for overhangs/hollows) – post-processing needed to remove. | May need supports (for steep overhangs) but often uses less support material than light curing. |
2. Critical Performance Metrics (Подробное сравнение)
To evaluate which fits your project, compare their performance across key metrics:
| Показатель | Light Curing (SLA/DLP) | ФДМ (Моделирование сплавленного осаждения) |
| Точность & Деталь | Отличный – Layer thickness as low as 0.025мм (СЛА); produces smooth surfaces with fine details (НАПРИМЕР., tiny engravings, тонкие стены). Ideal for intricate models like jewelry or dental crowns. | Умеренный – Layer thickness usually 0.1mm–0.3mm; visible layer lines on the surface. Complex details (НАПРИМЕР., маленькие дыры, thin features) may delaminate or collapse. |
| Материальные варианты | Ограничено до фоточувствительные смолы (НАПРИМЕР., Общий назначение, прозрачный, Высокотемпературный устойчивый, гибкий). Resins are specialized and costly. | Wide range of термопластики (НАПРИМЕР., Плата, АБС, Петг, ТПУ). Materials are affordable, easy to store, и широко доступен. |
| Скорость печати | Fast for small models – Single layers cure in секунды (DLP is faster than SLA). Large models may need layer stitching, который добавляет время. | Slow – Even small parts take 3–8 часов; large models (НАПРИМЕР., a 30cm tall prototype) может взять 24+ часы. Speed drops further for high-precision prints. |
| Пост-обработка | Complex – Requires: 1. Rinsing with alcohol to remove uncured resin; 2. Secondary UV curing to harden parts; 3. Sanding/polishing to remove support marks. | Simple – Minimal processing needed. May require: 1. Trimming support material; 2. Light sanding to smooth layer lines (необязательный). |
| Расходы | High – Printers cost \(1,000- )10,000+ (DLP is pricier than SLA); затраты на смолу \(50- )200 за литр. Обслуживание (resin tank cleaning, filter replacement) adds expense. | Low – Entry-level printers cost \(200- )800 (НАПРИМЕР., Creality Ender series); filaments cost \(20- )50 за кг. Maintenance is simple (nozzle cleaning, bed leveling). |
| Механическая прочность | Moderate to high – Engineering resins (НАПРИМЕР., tough resin) match the strength of injection-molded parts. Standard resins are brittle. | Moderate – PLA is rigid but brittle; ABS/PETG offer better impact resistance. Parts have good layer adhesion but lower strength than metal. |
3. Ideal Application Scenarios
Use this guide to match each technology to your project goals:
3.1 When to Choose Light Curing (SLA/DLP)
- High-Precision, Intricate Parts: Projects needing fine details or smooth surfaces, такой как:
- Jewelry prototypes (tiny engravings, complex patterns).
- Стоматологические модели (accurate tooth shapes for crowns/bridges).
- Transparent/translucent parts (НАПРИМЕР., light covers, lens prototypes).
- Эстетические прототипы: Products where appearance matters (НАПРИМЕР., Корпус потребительской электроники, toy designs).
- Small-Scale Production: Low-volume runs of detailed parts (no need for mass manufacturing molds).
3.2 When to Choose FDM
- Функциональные прототипы: Parts needing basic strength, такой как:
- Механические компоненты (передачи, скобки, петли).
- Образовательные модели (НАПРИМЕР., 3D anatomy models for schools).
- Maker projects (НАПРИМЕР., custom phone stands, 3D-printed tools).
- Large-Size Models: Projects too big for light curing printers (НАПРИМЕР., Архитектурные модели, Прототипы мебели).
- Budget-Conscious Projects: Любители, студенты, or startups with limited funds (low printer and material costs).
4. Безопасность & Operation Considerations
Safety is often overlooked but critical for long-term use:
| Аспект | Light Curing (SLA/DLP) | ФДМ (Моделирование сплавленного осаждения) |
| Риски безопасности | – Uncured resin is toxic and irritant (avoid skin/eye contact). – Resin fumes require вентиляция (use a fume hood or open windows). – UV light can damage eyes (wear protective goggles). | – Heated nozzle (200–260 ° C.) risks burns (keep hands away). – ABS printing releases harmful fumes (needs ventilation). – PLA нетоксичен (safe for home use). |
| Ease of Operation | Moderate – Resin handling requires care; platform leveling is less critical than FDM. | Easy for beginners – Simple setup (load filament, level bed); most printers have user-friendly software. Common issues (НАПРИМЕР., Слой адгезии) are easy to troubleshoot. |
5. Перспектива Yigu Technology
В Yigu Technology, we believe the choice between light curing and FDM hinges on balancing precision, расходы, и функциональность. For clients needing high-detail prototypes (НАПРИМЕР., dental labs, Ювелирные дизайнеры), light curing (especially DLP) обеспечивает непревзойденную точность. For functional parts or budget-friendly projects (НАПРИМЕР., startup prototypes, образовательные модели), FDM is the practical choice. We often recommend combining both: Use FDM for large structural components, then light curing for small, detailed parts that attach to them. Наш совет? Start by defining your non-negotiables—if “surface smoothness” or “detail” is top priority, light curing wins; if “cost” or “size” matters most, FDM is better.
6. Часто задаваемые вопросы (Часто задаваемые вопросы)
- Q.: Can light curing 3D printers use FDM materials (НАПРИМЕР., Плата)?
А: Нет. Light curing printers only work with фоточувствительная смола (they rely on UV light to cure liquid resin, not heat to melt filaments). FDM materials are incompatible.
- Q.: Is FDM suitable for making parts that need to withstand high temperatures?
А: Это зависит от материала. Standard PLA melts at ~60°C (not heat-resistant), но АБС (расплавится при ~ 100 ° C.) или Пей (melts at ~210°C) can handle moderate heat. For high-temperature needs (НАПРИМЕР., Части двигателя), light curing with high-temperature resin is better.
- Q.: Which technology is better for beginners?
А: FDM is ideal for beginners. It has lower upfront costs, simpler operation (minimal safety risks with PLA), and easier troubleshooting. Light curing requires careful resin handling and more complex post-processing—better for users with some 3D printing experience.