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Process comparisonCompare one manufacturing family at a time.
Use the indicative values to shortlist a route, then confirm the requirements against your drawing.
| Process | Material family | Typical use | Indicative accuracy | Indicative envelope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLM / DMLS | Metal powders | Complex metal prototypes, tooling inserts and end-use parts | Approx. 0.2 mm typical before machining | Typically 400 x 300 x 400 mm; selected systems reach 605 mm on one axis |
| Process | Material family | Typical use | Indicative accuracy | Indicative envelope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLA | Photopolymer resin | High-detail visual prototypes and large appearance models | Approx. 0.1 mm typical | Up to 1,400 mm routinely; larger up to 1,900 mm by review |
| DLP | Photopolymer / castable wax resin | Small detailed parts, master patterns and casting patterns | Project-dependent | Up to about 192 x 108 x 200 mm |
| Process | Material family | Typical use | Indicative accuracy | Indicative envelope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SLS | PA6 / PA12 and reinforced nylon | Functional prototypes, housings, clips and low-volume production | Approx. 0.1-0.2 mm typical | Up to about 600 mm, geometry-dependent |
| MJF | PA12 and selected engineering polymers | Repeatable functional nylon parts and production batches | Project-dependent | Machine and material dependent |
| FDM | Thermoplastics and fiber-reinforced composites | Large prototypes, jigs, fixtures and functional parts | Project-dependent | 600 x 600 x 600 mm standard; 330 mm cube for many advanced materials |
| Process | Material family | Typical use | Indicative accuracy | Indicative envelope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CNC Secondary Machining | Printed metals and plastics | Critical bores, threads, datums, sealing faces and tight-tolerance features | As specified after DFM review | Part and fixture dependent |
