I think in the long run SLA or Powder will win over FDM.
SLA Processes scale well in both directions, while making FDM using finer threads "feels" to be more difficult and to do this without increasing print time immensley seems even more difficult.
There are materials of different hardness and elasticity for SLA already. And the range of choices will widen.
Post curing and cleaning can be automated. SLA patents just ran out, so prices are starting to fall.
Having both an SLA and FDM printer, I must say the SLA is easier to operate and delivers more consistent results.
The FDM objects can be larger and feel more like something bought in a shop made of plastic and more sturdy.
The SLA objects have better surfaces and look like gems compared to toys. Like a miniature replica of a vintage car compared to a matchbox car. The washing and curing is a no brainer and support handling and removal is ways above FDM (as I know it, I know there are dual head solutions with solvable supports).
Nonetheless I think Powder is the future, because it can be fine enough for smooth surfaces, solves the support problem in an elegant way and alllows for simple methods to print voxels in different colors. A curing process to make the objects sturdy or some coating to change the haptic will be only amatter of time.
Or the future may be completely different
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valcrow 145
I think SLA printers and FDM printers fill similar but different roles. Mostly due to scale and cost. I think they will excel in areas like miniature printing, casting masters, jewelry, and other specifically areas where FDM printers suffer due to print lines, and small detail resolution.
But I don't think SLA printers will ever beat FDM printers in medium sized prints, like larger figurines, busts some mechanical prototyping. FDM's are just so much more cost effective, durable and easy. Not to mention the different types of materials available.
I think SLA printers will find homes in slightly more professional printing places, and miniature enthusiasts (trains, warhammer, dollhouses) But I don't see SLA printers being adopted as widespread as FDM printers. They are more expensive and dealing with resins, cleaning the plate seems like too much of a bother for casual users.
But who knows, lets see how far the price can drop. I certainly will consider picking one up eventually for making really small parts that my UM's aren't suited to do.
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