FDM or SLA 3d Printing Filaments? Compared by Specs
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When you choose between FDM vs SLA 3d printing filament, you are selecting two distinct material formats for additive manufacturing. Both ELEGOO PLA Plus and SUNLU ABS-Like Resin offer enhanced durability for functional parts. The primary difference lies in their physical state and curing method. One uses spooled thermoplastic filament for extrusion, while the other relies on liquid photopolymer cured by light. Understanding these spec differences helps you pick the right material for your printer.
Key differences
| Aspect | ELEGOO PLA Plus 1.75mm Filament 1KG | SUNLU ABS-Like 3D Printer Resin 2000g |
|---|---|---|
| Printing Technology | FDM | SLA |
| Compatible Material | PLA | ABS |
| Resin Type | not listed | ABS-Like |
| Curing Wavelength | not listed | 405nm |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75mm | not listed |
| Dimensional Accuracy | +/- 0.02mm | not listed |
Which one should you choose?
Choose ELEGOO PLA Plus 1.75mm Filament 1KG if
- You need a material with precise dimensional tolerances of +/- 0.02mm for consistent feeding.
- You are using an FDM printer that accepts 1.75mm spools.
- You want a glossy surface finish with low warpage for functional parts.
Choose SUNLU ABS-Like 3D Printer Resin 2000g if
- You are using an SLA, LCD, or DLP printer that requires 405nm UV curing.
- You need a resin with ABS-like toughness and abrasion resistance for miniatures.
- You prefer a low-odor photopolymer with fast curing speeds.
Verdict: Choose ELEGOO PLA Plus if your workflow relies on FDM extrusion and you value tight diameter tolerances. Select SUNLU ABS-Like Resin if you operate SLA or LCD printers and require higher impact resistance for detailed models.
FDM Filament vs SLA Resin Specs
printing technology
The core difference defines how each material forms a part. ELEGOO PLA Plus uses FDM technology, where a heated nozzle extrudes melted thermoplastic filament layer by layer. This method relies on mechanical deposition. SUNLU ABS-Like uses SLA technology, curing liquid photopolymer with 405nm UV light. This chemical reaction solidifies the resin precisely. FDM suits larger, functional parts with visible layer lines. SLA excels at high-resolution details and smooth surfaces for miniatures. You choose based on whether you need structural strength or fine visual fidelity. The ELEGOO option is compatible with most standard 1.75mm FDM printers, while the SUNLU resin requires LCD or DLP SLA machines.
compatible material
Material properties dictate the final part's behavior under stress. ELEGOO PLA Plus is an upgraded PLA formulation. It offers higher toughness and impact strength compared to standard PLA. It also features low warpage and shrinkage, which helps maintain dimensional stability during printing. SUNLU ABS-Like resin provides non-brittle characteristics and excellent abrasion resistance. It mimics the durability of ABS plastic without the extreme brittleness of standard resins. If you need parts that withstand physical impact, the ELEGOO filament is a robust choice. For parts requiring surface hardness and resistance to wear, the SUNLU resin is superior. Both materials are engineered for functional applications rather than just display.
print speed
Speed varies significantly between extrusion and light curing. The SUNLU ABS-Like resin is described as a rapid UV resin with excellent fluidity. This fluidity allows for fast curing, which generally translates to quicker layer times in SLA printing. The ELEGOO PLA Plus filament does not specify a printing speed in its data. It emphasizes accurate deposition and strong layer bonding. While PLA is known for being easy to print, the exact speed is not listed. The SUNLU resin’s rapid curing capability suggests it may produce parts faster in a single layer cycle. However, total print time also depends on model complexity. For speed-focused workflows, the SUNLU resin’s rapid curing is a distinct advantage.
color printing
Both products offer a range of color options to suit different projects. The ELEGOO PLA Plus filament comes in thirty variations. You can choose from colors like Red, Black, White, Dark Blue, and Neon Green. The SUNLU ABS-Like resin also offers thirty variations. Options include Grey, White, Dark Grey, Black, and Clear variants. If you need vibrant or specific hues, both brands provide sufficient variety. The ELEGOO filament has a glossy surface finish, which can enhance color appearance. The SUNLU resin provides high precision and smooth surfaces, which also aids in color clarity. Neither product restricts you to a single color. You can select the exact shade required for your model from their extensive catalogs.
dimensional accuracy
Precision is critical for parts that must fit together. The ELEGOO PLA Plus filament guarantees a dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm. This strict tolerance ensures smooth and consistent feeding, reducing issues like clogging or uneven extrusion. The SUNLU ABS-Like resin focuses on high precision through reduced volume shrinkage during curing. This engineering effort aims to improve the accuracy of the final resin print results. While the ELEGOO data provides a specific numerical tolerance, the SUNLU data emphasizes the process of minimizing shrinkage to achieve smooth, high-precision surfaces. Both materials are designed to deliver accurate results. The ELEGOO filament offers a quantifiable metric for consistency, while the SUNLU resin relies on optimized curing chemistry for precision.
Choose your material based on printer type
FDM printer owners needing strong parts
This ELEGOO PLA Plus filament is designed for FDM printers. It features a 1.75mm diameter with tight dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm. This precision ensures smooth feeding and reduces tangles. The material offers higher toughness and impact strength, making it suitable for functional parts that require durability and low warpage.
SLA users wanting ABS-like durability
This SUNLU ABS-Like resin is formulated for SLA, LCD, and DLP printers using 405nm UV curing. It provides enhanced toughness and abrasion resistance compared to standard resins. The formula reduces volume shrinkage during curing for high precision. It also features low odor and good stability in humid environments for detailed prints.
Printers requiring consistent layer bonding
If your workflow relies on FDM deposition, this filament delivers consistent results. The precise production process guarantees uniform diameter for smooth extrusion. The material is dried before packing to prevent clogging or bubbling. This ensures strong layer bonding and a glossy surface finish without delamination, which is critical for reliable mechanical parts.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ELEGOO PLA Plus 1.75mm Filament 1KG | functional parts requiring high impact strength | Check price of ELEGOO PLA Plus 1.75mm Filament 1KG on Amazon |
| 2 | SUNLU ABS-Like 3D Printer Resin 2000g | durable SLA prints with low odor | Check price of SUNLU ABS-Like 3D Printer Resin 2000g on Amazon |
The products compared
ELEGOO PLA Plus 1.75mm Filament 1KG
Best for: functional parts requiring high impact strength
- Printing Technology
- FDM (what this guide is about)
- Material Type
- PLA Plus
- Filament Diameter
- 1.75mm
- Net Weight
- 1KG
- Dimensional Accuracy
- +/- 0.02mm
- Surface Finish
- Glossy
View on Amazon: ELEGOO PLA Plus 1.75mm Filament 1KG Affiliate link
ELEGOO PLA Plus is a 1.75mm FDM filament designed for functional parts. It features a 1KG net weight and tight dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm. The material offers higher toughness and impact strength compared to standard PLA. You get a glossy surface finish with strong layer bonding. This filament is less prone to tangles and clogging, making it suitable for consistent printing.
Pros
- Enhanced toughness and impact strength for durable parts
- Tight dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm ensures smooth feeding
- Less tangle and neatly wound design reduces line breakage
- Glossy surface finish with strong layer bonding
Cons
- Limited to 1KG spool size for this specific variation
- Only available in Red for this specific listing
- Standard PLA material lacks specialized engineering properties
Good fit if
- You need durable functional parts with high impact strength
- You require precise dimensional accuracy for consistent prints
- You want a glossy finish without layer delamination
Skip if
- You require SLA resin printing technology
- You need larger spool sizes like 2KG or 4KG
- You prefer materials other than PLA
Verdict: ELEGOO PLA Plus 1.75mm Red 1KG delivers reliable performance for users needing tough, dimensionally accurate FDM prints. It fits those prioritizing structural integrity and smooth feeding over specialized material properties.
SUNLU ABS-Like 3D Printer Resin 2000g
Best for: durable SLA prints with low odor
- Printing Technology
- SLA (what this guide is about)
- Compatible Material
- ABS
- Features
- High Speed, High Precision, Low Shrinkage, Non-Brittle
- Resin Type
- ABS-Like
- Curing Wavelength
- 405nm
- Resolution
- 8K, 4K
View on Amazon: SUNLU ABS-Like 3D Printer Resin 2000g Affiliate link
This SUNLU resin is a 405nm UV-curing photopolymer designed for SLA, DLP, and LCD printers. It offers high-speed curing and low odor. The material mimics ABS plastic with improved toughness and abrasion resistance. It features low shrinkage for high precision and smooth surfaces. The 2000g bottle includes leak-proof packaging. It suits users needing durable, detailed prints for miniatures or functional parts.
Pros
- 405nm curing wavelength for LCD/DLP/SLA compatibility
- ABS-like toughness and abrasion resistance
- Low shrinkage for high precision
- Fast curing speed and low odor
- Leak-proof bottle with air bag
Cons
- Limited to 405nm wavelength compatibility
- Only available in dark grey for this size
- Heavier shipping weight due to packaging
Good fit if
- You need durable, non-brittle prints
- You use 4K or 8K LCD printers
- You want low odor during printing
Skip if
- You require flexible or transparent materials
- You use DLP projectors with different wavelengths
- You prefer white or light colors
Verdict: SUNLU ABS-Like 2000g Resin delivers tough, precise prints for SLA users. It fits those prioritizing durability and speed over color variety.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | ELEGOO PLA Plus 1.75mm Filament 1KG | SUNLU ABS-Like 3D Printer Resin 2000g |
|---|---|---|
| Material Type | PLA Plus | not stated |
| Filament Diameter | 1.75mm | not stated |
| Net Weight | 1KG | not stated |
| Dimensional Accuracy | +/- 0.02mm | not stated |
| Surface Finish | Glossy | not stated |
| Printing Technology | FDM | SLA |
| Compatible Material | PLA | ABS |
| Features | not stated | High Speed, High Precision, Low Shrinkage, Non-Brittle |
| Color | Red | 2000g-dark Grey |
| Size | 1KG | L-2000g |
| Resin Type | not stated | ABS-Like |
| Curing Wavelength | not stated | 405nm |
| Resolution | not stated | 8K, 4K |
| Dimensions | 8.2 × 8.2 × 2.7 inches | 3.94 × 3.94 × 3.94 inches |
| Weight | 2.2 pounds | 4.41 pounds |
| Model | not stated | SUNLU ABS Like Resin |
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for strong functional parts, FDM or SLA?
FDM is often preferred for high-strength functional components. The ELEGOO PLA Plus filament is rated for parts requiring high impact strength. Its tight dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm ensures reliable structural integrity. This makes it a solid choice when you need durable, dimensionally accurate prints that can withstand physical stress.
Does SLA resin produce strong prints similar to ABS?
Yes, certain SLA resins are designed to mimic the durability of ABS plastic. The SUNLU ABS-Like Resin delivers tough and precise prints for SLA users. It is specifically formulated for those prioritizing durability. This material allows you to create robust parts without the typical brittleness associated with standard resins.
What is the main difference between FDM filament and SLA resin?
The primary difference is the material state and curing method. FDM uses solid thermoplastic filament extruded layer by layer. SLA uses liquid resin cured by light. ELEGOO PLA Plus uses FDM technology for mechanical deposition. SUNLU ABS-Like uses SLA technology for photopolymerization, resulting in distinct surface finishes and layer structures.
Is ELEGOO PLA Plus suitable for precise mechanical parts?
It is suitable for applications needing precision. This filament offers a dimensional accuracy of +/- 0.02mm. This tight tolerance helps ensure smooth feeding and reduces print errors. You can rely on it for functional parts where consistent dimensions and structural reliability are more important than specialized material properties.
What wavelength does the SUNLU ABS-Like resin require?
This resin requires a curing wavelength of 405nm. You must use a printer compatible with this specific light spectrum. The SUNLU ABS-Like Resin is optimized for 405nm UV light sources. Ensuring your SLA printer supports this wavelength is essential for proper curing and achieving the advertised durability and speed.
Which material is better for low odor printing environments?
SLA resins like the SUNLU ABS-Like option are noted for low odor. This makes them more suitable for indoor use compared to some FDM materials. The SUNLU resin delivers durable prints while minimizing strong smells. If you are printing in a shared or poorly ventilated space, this feature is a significant practical advantage.