🖨️ Types of 3D Printing Processes – Complete Guide

3D printing isn’t just one technology. It’s a universe of methods, materials, and machines — each designed for specific goals. From budget-friendly desktop printers to industrial-grade metal systems, there are over 10 major 3D printing processes used today. Let's break them down so you know which is right for your project. ⚙️

🧱 1. FDM / FFF – The Most Popular 3D Printing Method

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), also known as Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF), is the most widely used technique. It involves melting thermoplastic filament and layering it to form the final object. This is the method used by ElWood 3D for printing accessories, spare parts, toys, and decorations.

• ✅ Affordable and accessible
• 🧩 Works with PLA, PETG, TPU and more
• ❌ Lower precision compared to resin printing

💎 2. SLA – Resin-Based Precision

Stereolithography (SLA) uses ultraviolet light to cure liquid resin into solid layers. It offers excellent detail, making it perfect for jewelry, dental models, and small engineering parts.

• 🎯 Extremely high resolution
• 🔬 Great for detailed prototypes
• ⚠️ Requires post-curing and resin handling

See more about resins here: Smola do ocznych linz

🌪️ 3. SLS – Nylon Powder Fusion

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses a laser to fuse powdered nylon. It's ideal for strong, functional parts and doesn’t require support structures.

• 💪 High strength and durability
• 🔄 Perfect for small batch production
• 💰 More expensive than FDM

⚡ 4. DLP – Fast Resin Printing

Digital Light Processing (DLP) is a variation of SLA where entire layers are cured at once with a projector. It’s faster than traditional SLA.

• 🚀 Fast and accurate
• 🎨 Ideal for art, miniatures, and dental
• 🧼 Requires precise cleaning

🌈 5. MJF – Multi Jet Fusion by HP

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is HP's proprietary technology. It combines powder spreading with agent application and heat activation to produce consistent, detailed parts.

• 🖨️ High speed & precision
• 🧩 Smooth surface finish
• 🏭 Suited for industrial manufacturing

🧲 6. DED – Directed Energy Deposition

DED uses a nozzle to feed metal wire or powder while a laser melts it in real time. Great for large metal parts or repairs. Learn more in: Druk 3D z metalu 🔧

🧪 7. Binder Jetting

This method uses a print head to deposit binder on a powdered base material (metal, ceramic, or sand). It’s then post-processed with heat to solidify.

📦 8. LOM – Laminated Object Manufacturing

LOM involves bonding sheets of paper, plastic, or metal and cutting each layer to shape. It’s a low-cost solution for quick visual models.

🧬 9. Material Jetting

Like a high-resolution inkjet printer, this technology deposits droplets of photopolymer, cured by UV light. Offers stunning detail.

🏗️ 10. Construction-Scale 3D Printing

Large-scale printers build houses, bridges, and structures using concrete or clay. Read more in: Największa drukarka 3D na świecie 🏠

📚 Comparison Table

🔁 Related articles

• How the extruder works
• Printer calibration
• 3D printed houses

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✅ Summary

From plastic to metal, from tiny parts to houses — 3D printing offers a process for every need. At ElWood 3D, we work with FDM, test metal printing, and follow the entire spectrum of additive manufacturing. 💡

Choose your process. Print your future. Layer by layer. 🖨️