The Complete Guide to 3D Printing Technologies: FDM, SLA, and Multi-Material Printing

At Shape Shift 3D, transparency is at the heart of everything we do. We believe our customers deserve to understand exactly how their projects come to life. This comprehensive guide will walk you through our three primary 3D printing technologies and help you choose the perfect method for your needs.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) - The Versatile Workhorse

FDM printing is our most popular service, and for good reason. This technology builds objects layer by layer using heated thermoplastic filament.

Best for: Functional prototypes, mechanical parts, large objects, and cost-effective production runs

Materials available: PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU (flexible), Wood-fill, Metal-fill

Layer resolution: 0.1mm to 0.3mm

Typical turnaround: 1-3 business days

Stereolithography (SLA) - Precision at Its Finest

SLA printing uses a laser to cure liquid resin into solid plastic, creating incredibly detailed and smooth surfaces.

Best for: Miniatures, jewelry, dental models, intricate details, and smooth surface finishes

Materials available: Standard resin, Tough resin, Flexible resin, Castable resin

Layer resolution: 0.025mm to 0.1mm

Typical turnaround: 2-4 business days (includes post-processing)

Multi-Material Printing - Innovation Unleashed

Our advanced multi-material printers can combine different materials in a single print, opening up endless possibilities for complex designs.

Best for: Multi-color objects, overmolding, dissolvable supports, functional assemblies

Combinations available: Hard/soft materials, multiple colors, support/build materials

Typical turnaround: 3-5 business days

Our Quality Standards - What You Can Expect

Every print that leaves our facility undergoes rigorous quality control:

• Visual inspection for layer adhesion and surface quality

• Dimensional accuracy verification (±0.2mm tolerance)

• Support removal and post-processing when required

• Final cleaning and packaging

Transparent Pricing Structure

Our pricing is based on:

• Material volume used (calculated from your 3D file)

• Print time and complexity

• Post-processing requirements

• Material type and specialty requirements

Ready to bring your ideas to life? Contact us today for a free quote and consultation. At Shape Shift 3D, we're bringing your ideas to life, one vibrant 3D print at a time.