FDM vs LCD 3d Printers: Which Should You Buy?
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You are comparing FDM vs LCD 3d printer options today. Both products utilize distinct technologies to create objects. Product A is a complete Bambu Lab P1S enclosed FDM printer. Product B is an ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra ACF release film pack for LCD printers. They share the goal of producing 3D prints. The main difference is that one is a ready-to-use machine, while the other is a consumable replacement part for a different device. You must choose based on whether you need a printer or a spare part.
Key differences
| Aspect | Bambu Lab P1S Enclosed 3D Printer | ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra ACF Film 5-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Complete 3D Printer | Release Film Pack |
| Printing Technology | FDM | LCD |
| Print Speed | 500mm/s | not listed |
| Color Printing | Up to 16 Colors | not listed |
| Compatible Material | PLA, PETG, TPU, ABS, ASA, PA, PC | Resin (for Saturn 3 Ultra) |
| Leveling Type | Automatic Bed Leveling | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Bambu Lab P1S Enclosed 3D Printer if
- You need a fully assembled, ready-to-use FDM 3D printer for multi-color projects.
- You want automatic bed leveling and high-speed printing with common thermoplastics.
- You require an enclosed design for printing with advanced filaments like ABS or PC.
Choose ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra ACF Film 5-Pack if
- You already own an ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra LCD printer and need replacement films.
- You are looking for a consumable part to maintain print quality on a resin machine.
- You do not need a printer itself, but rather a maintenance supply for an existing LCD device.
Verdict: These two items serve entirely different purposes. Choose the Bambu Lab P1S if you need a complete FDM printing solution. Select the ELEGOO film pack only if you are a current Saturn 3 Ultra owner needing replacement parts.
FDM Printer vs LCD Film
Printing Technology
The comparison begins with the core mechanism. Product A, the Bambu Lab P1S, uses FDM technology. This method extrudes melted thermoplastic filament layer by layer to build objects. It is a mature, widely supported process for creating durable functional parts. Product B is not a printer. It is an ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra ACF release film pack. This film is a consumable accessory for LCD resin printers. It sits on the screen to protect it and aid in part removal. While the P1S is a complete machine for solid object creation, the film is a maintenance item for a different class of device. They serve entirely different roles in the manufacturing workflow.
Color Printing
Color capability is a major differentiator for many buyers. The Bambu Lab P1S supports multi-color printing. It can handle up to 16 colors when connected to the Bambu Lab AMS. This allows for vibrant, complex designs without manual filament swaps. You get full color integration directly from the machine. Product B offers no color printing capability. It is a transparent, 0.3mm thick release liner film. Its purpose is purely mechanical and protective. It prevents resin from sticking to the LCD screen and ensures smooth part release. It does not add any aesthetic properties to the final print. If you need multi-material or multi-color results, the P1S provides that function directly.
Print Speed
Speed impacts how quickly you get your final parts. The Bambu Lab P1S boasts a print speed of 500mm/s. It also features high acceleration of 20,000 mm/s². This allows for rapid movement and shorter print times for many models. You can produce parts significantly faster than standard FDM printers. Product B has no print speed specification. It is a static film accessory. Its performance is measured in durability and chemical resistance, not speed. It does not contribute to the velocity of the printing process. For users prioritizing rapid production cycles, the P1S offers a clear advantage through its hardware capabilities.
Compatible Material
Material versatility affects what you can build. The P1S supports a wide range of filaments. Ideal materials include PLA, PETG, TPU, PVA, PET, and ABS. It is also capable of printing PA and PC. This allows for both easy prototyping and engineering-grade parts. However, it does not recommend carbon or glass fiber reinforced polymers. Product B is compatible only with resin printers. It is designed for the Saturn 3 Ultra. It works with liquid photopolymer resins. The film itself is made of composite technology that is UV stable and chemical resistant. It does not accept thermoplastics. Your choice depends on whether you prefer solid filaments or liquid resins.
Structure
Physical design influences placement and safety. The Bambu Lab P1S features a fully enclosed design. This improves print performance for advanced filaments by maintaining consistent temperature. It also contains heat and fumes, making it safer for indoor use. The unit weighs 39 pounds and measures 18 inches wide. Product B is a small pack of films. It measures 12.6 inches in length and 8.78 inches in width. It is transparent and weighs very little. It is not a standalone device. It is a thin, flexible sheet. The P1S is a substantial piece of equipment requiring dedicated space. The film is a small, lightweight consumable that fits in a drawer.
Choose your 3D printer path
Users needing multi-color FDM prints
You should choose the Bambu Lab P1S if you want vibrant, multi-material results. It supports up to 16 colors when connected to the AMS. This FDM printer extrudes thermoplastics like PLA and PETG. It offers high speed at 500mm/s and automatic bed leveling. The enclosed design ensures stable printing for advanced filaments like ABS and ASA.
Owners of Saturn 3 Ultra printers
Buy this ELEGOO pack if you own a Saturn 3 Ultra LCD printer. These ACF release films protect your screen and ensure easy model removal. The 0.3mm thickness prevents tearing during printing. The non-stick surface reduces wrinkles and bubbles. This 5-pack is a necessary maintenance item for resin printing durability and chemical resistance.
Beginners wanting fast, ready-to-use setup
The Bambu Lab P1S is ideal for new users who want quick results. It sets up in 15 minutes and features automatic bed leveling. You get high-speed printing at 500mm/s with 20,000 mm/s² acceleration. The enclosed body supports various filaments including TPU and PC. This machine removes setup friction, letting you focus on design rather than calibration.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bambu Lab P1S Enclosed 3D Printer | Fast FDM printing with advanced materials | Check price of Bambu Lab P1S Enclosed 3D Printer on Amazon |
| 2 | ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra ACF Film 5-Pack | Saturn 3 Ultra maintenance | Check price of ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra ACF Film 5-Pack on Amazon |
The products compared
Bambu Lab P1S Enclosed 3D Printer
Best for: Fast FDM printing with advanced materials
- Printing Technology
- FDM (what this guide is about)
- Print Speed
- 500mm/s
- Multicolor Capacity
- Up to 16 Colors
- Leveling Type
- Automatic Bed Leveling
- Motion Structure
- CoreXY
- Features
- High Speed, Enclosed
View on Amazon: Bambu Lab P1S Enclosed 3D Printer Affiliate link
The Bambu Lab P1S is a ready-to-use FDM 3D printer designed for speed and ease. It features a print speed of 500mm/s and acceleration of 20000 mm/s². The enclosed design supports advanced filaments like ABS and ASA. It includes automatic bed leveling for consistent results. You can achieve multi-color prints up to 16 colors when using the AMS accessory. It sets up in about 15 minutes.
Pros
- 500mm/s print speed and 20000 mm/s² acceleration
- Fully enclosed design for advanced materials
- Automatic bed leveling for consistent prints
- Supports up to 16 colors with AMS
Cons
- Carbon and glass fiber reinforced polymers are not recommended
- Multi-color printing requires separate AMS accessory
- Weighs 39 pounds, making it heavy to move
Good fit if
- You want fast printing speeds for prototyping
- You need to print with advanced materials like ABS
- You prefer automatic leveling to reduce setup time
Skip if
- You need to print with carbon fiber reinforced filaments
- You want a lightweight printer for frequent relocation
- You are looking for an LCD printer instead of FDM
Verdict: The Bambu Lab P1S FDM 3D Printer is a high-speed enclosed machine ideal for users who need fast results and advanced material compatibility. It suits those who value automated leveling and do not require carbon fiber printing capabilities.
ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra ACF Film 5-Pack
Best for: Saturn 3 Ultra maintenance
- Printing Technology
- LCD (what this guide is about)
- Release Film Type
- ACF
- Dimensions
- 12.6 × 8.78 × 0.43 inches
View on Amazon: ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra ACF Film 5-Pack Affiliate link
This is a replacement release liner film for the ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra LCD resin 3D printer. It measures 290 by 195 millimeters with a 0.3 millimeter thickness. The film uses composite technology to prevent sticking to the LCD screen. One side is frosted for screen contact, while the other is smooth. It resists chemicals and UV light, ensuring durability during prolonged printing. You need this to maintain print quality and prevent adhesion issues.
Pros
- Compatible with ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra printer
- 0.3mm thickness prevents breaking during printing
- UV stable and chemical resistant
- Frosted side faces LCD screen
Cons
- Only fits Saturn 3 Ultra model
- Does not include the printer itself
- Requires manual installation
Good fit if
- You own an ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra
- Your current release film is damaged or worn
- You want to prevent model adhesion issues
Skip if
- You use an FDM printer
- You have a different ELEGOO model like the Saturn 3
- You need a complete printer system
Verdict: ELEGOO ACF Release Film for Saturn 3 Ultra is a necessary maintenance part for owners of the Saturn 3 Ultra LCD printer. It ensures smooth model release and protects your screen from wear.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Bambu Lab P1S Enclosed 3D Printer | ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra ACF Film 5-Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Print Speed | 500mm/s | not stated |
| Printing Technology | FDM | not stated |
| Multicolor Capacity | Up to 16 Colors | not stated |
| Leveling Type | Automatic Bed Leveling | not stated |
| Motion Structure | CoreXY | not stated |
| Structure | CoreXY | not stated |
| Features | High Speed, Enclosed | not stated |
| Target Audience | Beginners | not stated |
| Color | Black | Transparent |
| Release Film Type | not stated | ACF |
| Dimensions | 15.3 × 18 × 15.3 inches | 12.6 × 8.78 × 0.43 inches |
| Weight | 39 pounds | not stated |
| Size | P1S (Without AMS) | Saturn 3 Ultra-5PCS |
| Model | P1S | not stated |
Frequently asked questions
Is FDM or LCD better for large prints?
FDM is generally better for large objects. The Bambu Lab P1S offers a build volume that supports substantial models. LCD printers often have smaller screens, limiting resin volume. You can print larger parts with FDM technology without scaling issues.
Do I need maintenance for LCD printers?
Yes, LCD printers require regular maintenance. The ELEGOO Saturn 3 Ultra needs replacement release films. These ACF films protect the screen and ensure smooth model release. You must swap these films to keep print quality high and avoid screen damage.
Which printer is safer for home use?
The Bambu Lab P1S is safer for home environments. It is an enclosed FDM printer that contains heat and fumes. LCD printers use liquid resin, which requires careful handling. Enclosed FDM machines reduce exposure risks compared to open resin tanks.
Can FDM printers handle flexible materials?
Yes, FDM printers can handle flexible filaments. The Bambu Lab P1S supports advanced materials like TPU. LCD printers struggle with flexible resins. FDM extrusion allows for a wider range of thermoplastic options, including durable and flexible plastics.
Which technology produces faster prints?
FDM printers like the Bambu Lab P1S are designed for speed. They use high-speed extrusion to build layers quickly. LCD printers cure entire layers at once but may require longer exposure times for thick parts. Speed favors FDM for larger volumes.
Is an enclosed printer necessary for FDM?
An enclosed chamber helps maintain consistent temperatures. The Bambu Lab P1S features an enclosed design. This stability reduces warping for materials like ABS. Open FDM printers work well for PLA but may struggle with temperature-sensitive filaments.
What is the main difference in resolution?
LCD printers typically offer higher surface detail. FDM printers show visible layer lines. The Bambu Lab P1S produces smooth but textured surfaces. LCD resin captures finer features. Choose LCD for miniatures and FDM for functional parts.