FDM vs. DLP: Key Differences, Pros & Cons for 3D Printing

AttributeDLPFDM

Attribute

Print resolution

DLP

25 to 300 Microns

FDM

50 to 500 Microns

Attribute

Can print large parts

DLP

FDM

Yes

Attribute

Wide range of material colors

DLP

FDM

Yes

Attribute

Minimum feature size

DLP

100 Micron

FDM

1 mm

Attribute

Can produce high-strength parts

DLP

FDM

Yes

Attribute

Has isotropic material properties

DLP

Yes

FDM

Attribute

Minimum wall thickness

DLP

0.1 to 0.3 mm

FDM

1 mm

Attribute

Parts need support structures

DLP

Yes

FDM

Yes

Attribute

Largest print volume

DLP

192 x 108 x 370 mm

FDM

1000 x 1000 x 1000 mm

Table. FDM vs. DLP Comparison

FDM vs. DLP: Technology Comparison

FDM and DLP have completely different technologies and materials and are not directly comparable. FDM uses a thermoplastic filament that gets heated and extruded layer by layer to produce a part. A DLP printer, on the other hand, polymerizes a liquid photopolymer resin with a UV light layer by layer to produce a part.

FDM vs. DLP: Material Comparison

FDM makes use of a wide range of rigid thermoplastic materials as well as flexible thermoplastic polyurethane. Specialized filled filaments are also available to further improve part strength. DLP printers also have access to both rigid and flexible photopolymers, however, colors are limited.

FDM vs. DLP: Product Applications Comparison

FDM parts exhibit higher strength and toughness. They are usually made for more mechanically inclined applications like assembly jigs, functional components like brackets, or functional prototypes. The high visual fidelity of DLP printers makes them better suited for finely detailed applications. This includes: patterns for casting jewelry and visual prototypes of fine-featured products.

FDM vs. DLP: Print Volume Comparison

FDM printers have significantly larger build volumes when compared to DLP printers. FDM printers can reach sizes of up to a cubic meter. DLP printers on the other hand have smaller build volumes. This is due to some limitations in the underlying UV projection technology. DLP printers are limited by the resolution of the projecting screen and the distance from the light source to the polymerization zone.

FDM vs. DLP: Surface Finish Comparison

DLP parts have significantly better surface finishes when compared to FDM printers. DLP parts look injection molded and only have a loss of fidelity on complex organic surfaces or features. This is due to DLP printers not being able to create true curves but rather approximate curves using cubic voxels.

FDM vs. DLP: Cost Comparison

FDM printers are significantly cheaper than DLP printers due to the much simpler technology employed. An entry-level FDM printer can cost as little as $150 whereas an entry-level DLP printer can cost $500. It must be noted that the cost of DLP printers has been steadily falling in recent years.

Summary

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Dean McClements

Dean McClements is a B.Eng Honors graduate in Mechanical Engineering with over two decades of experience in the manufacturing industry. His professional journey includes significant roles at leading companies such as Caterpillar, Autodesk, Collins Aerospace, and Hyster-Yale, where he developed a deep understanding of engineering processes and innovations.