3D printing technologies and their application in industry

For years, 3D printing has ceased to be merely a prototyping tool—it has become an integral part of production in many industrial sectors. In this article, we discuss the most important additive manufacturing technologies and their industrial applications, highlighting their advantages, limitations, and examples of use.

1. FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)

FDM technology involves melting thermoplastic material (e.g., PLA, PETG, ABS) and applying it in layers through a nozzle connected to a heater.

Applications:

• Production of auxiliary tools (handles, assembly tools),
• Housings and functional parts in the automotive and electronics industries,
• Rapid functional prototyping.

Advantages: low price, high availability of materials, ease of use.

Limitations: visible layers, lower dimensional accuracy than other technologies.

2. SLA/DLP – high-precision resin prints

Technology based on curing photopolymers with UV light – laser (SLA) or projector (DLP).

Applications:

• Medical and dental industry (implant models, crowns),
• Micro-mechanics and electronics (precision prototypes, housings),
• Silicone and injection molds for low-volume production.

Advantages: high precision, smooth surface, complex geometry.

Limitations: fragile materials, limited resistance to temperature and chemicals, need for finishing.

3. SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) – strength without supports

Sintering powder (e.g., PA12, TPU) with a laser, layer by layer, without the need for support structures.

Applications:

• Production of ready-made functional components,
• Functional prototypes undergoing mechanical testing,
• Complex-shaped components (internal channels, suspensions).

Advantages: high mechanical strength, no supports, good dimensional tolerance.

Limitations: higher printing costs, dust, and the need for specialized working conditions.

4. MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) – an industrial alternative to SLS

HP MJF uses inkjet heads to apply a fusion agent to layers of powder, which are then sintered using radiation.

Applications:

• Production of ready-made, functional parts,
• Fast small-batch production,
• Elements requiring a high-quality surface.

Advantages: fast printing speed, good detail quality, resistance to stress.

Limitations: cost of equipment and materials, color limitations.

5. PolyJet – spray printing with photopolymers 

The printer sprays thin layers of liquid photopolymers (including support material), which are immediately cured with UV light. It allows simultaneous printing with multiple materials and colors.

Applications:

• Production of realistic prototypes varying in color and hardness,
• Anatomical models and surgical instruments (medicine),
• Cosmetics, automotive, consumer electronics.
  

Advantages: high resolution (up to 16 microns), smooth surface, possibility of printing from multiple materials at once, short model preparation times.

Limitations: the materials are less mechanically resistant than in other technologies, higher operating costs (material + heads), need to remove support material in a water or chemical bath.

6. DMLS / SLM – metal sintering

Metal powder (e.g., steel, titanium, aluminum) is laser sintered to create fully metallic parts.

Applications:

• – Aviation and aerospace
• – Medical industry (implants)
• – Injection molds and tools

Advantages: very high strength, possibility of creating geometries that cannot be achieved using traditional methods.

Limitations: very high machine and operating costs, quality control and finishing required.

7. Sample printouts from individual technologies

FDM	SLA / DLP
SLS	MJF
Polyjet	DMLS / SLM

Summary: how to choose the right technology for the application?

Technology	Advantages	Main applications
FDM	Cheap, fast, accessible	Prototypes, handles, low-volume production
SLA/DLP	Precision, aesthetics	Medicine, jewelry, precision prototypes
SLS	Strength, no supports	Functional parts, serial production
MJF	Speed, quality	Large quantities of functional elements
DMLS/SLM	Metal parts, durability	Aviation, medicine, tool molds