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Resin vs FDM 3D Printing: A Deep Dive on Cost, Quality, Speed, and Safety

Resin vs FDM 3D Printing: A Deep Dive on Cost, Quality, Speed, and Safety

3D printing comes in many forms, but two dominant desktop technologies are Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and resin-based printing (SLA/DLP). FDM printers extrude molten filament (e.g. PLA, PETG, ABS) in layers, while resin printers cure liquid photopolymers with UV light. Each approach has unique advantages and trade‐offs. In general, resin printers deliver much finer detail and smoother surfaces, whereas FDM machines are simpler, use cheaper materials, and can produce larger, more functional parts4dfiltration.comformlabs.com. This comparison examines both technologies in depth – covering costsprint qualityspeed, and safety – and then explores key use cases (miniatures, prototyping, dental models, and manufacturing) where one...


3D Printing and the Environment: Weighing the Positives and Negatives

3D Printing and the Environment: Weighing the Positives and Negatives

As 3D printing (additive manufacturing) continues to reshape industries from automotive to healthcare, it brings with it both exciting environmental opportunities and complex sustainability challenges. While the technology is often lauded for reducing waste and decentralizing production, it also raises concerns related to energy consumption, material sourcing, and microplastic pollution.

This blog explores the environmental positives and negatives of 3D printing to help professionals, policymakers, and makers alike better understand its overall ecological footprint.

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Positive Environmental Impacts of 3D Printing

1. Material Efficiency and Waste Reduction

Traditional manufacturing often involves subtractive processes—cutting away large portions of raw...


Recycling Plastic into Filament at Industrial Scale

Recycling Plastic into Filament at Industrial Scale

Recycling plastic into 3D printer filament closes the loop on waste and brings both environmental and economic benefits.  For example, recycled filament can cut CO₂ emissions by over 50% compared to virgin plastic, and one study found making filament from recycled ABS takes ~54% less energy than using new ABS  .  By diverting scrap from landfills and oceans, recycling filament supports a circular economy and meets sustainability goals  .  Companies also save money: waste material is cheaper than virgin resin, and using in-house recycled filament can lower operating costs  .  In...


Building Tomorrow, Today: The Revolutionary Advancements of 3D Printing in Manufacturing and Construction

Building Tomorrow, Today: The Revolutionary Advancements of 3D Printing in Manufacturing and Construction

Once a futuristic concept confined to sci-fi movies, 3D printing, or additive manufacturing, has rapidly evolved from a niche prototyping tool into a transformative force across industries. From crafting intricate components in factories to laying the foundations of entire homes, this technology is fundamentally reshaping how we design, produce, and build.

Beyond Prototypes: 3D Printing's Impact on Manufacturing

For years, 3D printing was synonymous with rapid prototyping, allowing engineers and designers to quickly test and iterate on designs. While this remains a crucial application, modern advancements have propelled 3D printing far beyond the drawing board.

Key advancements revolutionizing manufacturing include:

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The State of 3D Printing in 2025: Innovation, Impact, and the Future

The State of 3D Printing in 2025: Innovation, Impact, and the Future

Once seen as a futuristic novelty, 3D printing has matured into a transformative force reshaping industries, from healthcare to aerospace. As we step further into 2025, the evolution of additive manufacturing—commonly known as 3D printing—continues at a breakneck pace, unlocking new materials, capabilities, and possibilities. Here's a look at where the technology stands today and what it means for the future.

The Expanding Capabilities of 3D Printing

At its core, 3D printing involves building three-dimensional objects layer by layer from a digital model. While early applications were mostly limited...