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3D Printing Specifications & Guidelines

6 addictive technologies with specs, materials, and design tips per process

Dropdown labeled Process with '3D Printing' selected and a green 'Apply configuration' button over a teal background showing a 3D printer component

3D Printing Technology Comparison ▾

Technology	Layer Height	Min Wall	Tolerance	Best For
FDM	0.1–0.3mm	0.8mm	±0.5mm	Prototyping, functional
SLA	0.025–0.1mm	0.4mm	±0.15mm	High detail, smooth
SLS	0.1mm	0.7mm	±0.3mm	Functional, no supports
MJF	0.08mm	0.5mm	±0.3mm	Production volume
PolyJet	0.016mm	0.5mm	±0.1mm	Multi-material
Carbon DLS	Variable	0.5mm	±0.1mm	Production grade

FDM — Fused Deposition Modeling ▾

Most common. Thermoplastic filament layer-by-layer.
Materials: PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon, TPU, PC, CF Nylon, ULTEM
Anisotropic — weakest in Z. Overhangs >45° need supports.
Min feature: 0.4mm (nozzle dependent)

SLA — Stereolithography ▾

UV laser cures photopolymer. Best surface finish.
Materials: Standard, Tough, Flexible, Castable, High-Temp, Clear resins
XY resolution: 0.05–0.15mm. Parts need UV post-cure.

SLS — Selective Laser Sintering ▾

Laser fuses powder. No supports — powder bed supports part.
Materials: Nylon PA12, PA11, Glass-Filled, CF Nylon, TPU
Escape holes (Ø≥5mm) needed for hollow parts.

MJF — Multi Jet Fusion ▾

HP production-grade. Faster than SLS, isotropic properties.
Materials: PA12, PA11, PA12 Glass Bead, TPU
Excellent for medium-volume production runs.

PolyJet & Carbon DLS ▾

PolyJet: Highest resolution (0.016mm layer). Multi-material/color.
Carbon DLS: CLIP technology. Injection-mold-quality finish.
Carbon materials replace IM components in production.

General Design Best Practices for Additive Manufacturing ▾

Orient to minimize supports
Consider build orientation for strength
Add fillets at stress points
Escape holes for powder processes
Wall >2mm for structural. Avoid large flats.
Test fit tolerances with pilot prints