Choosing between FDM and PolyJet 3D printing technology can be a tough choice. Which one you pick will depend on your needs,what type of materials you’re using, mechanical properties, and how you need it to perform. We at AET Labs would like to provide you with a quick overview of the benefits and disadvantages of both FDM and PolyJet.

FDM (or Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printing systems use a thermoplastic filament that extrudes from the print head once it is melted down. The material is fixed inside of the machine and the print head repeats this process until the part you’re printing is complete.

PolyJet is a much different process. It uses a carriage which lays photopolymers onto the print space and the part is then cured using ultraviolet light. Once a layer is complete, the procedure is then repeated by adding additional layers until what you’re printing is completely finished.

Considering your needs in a 3D printer is very important. The material you need to use and what you use your part for are considerations that you should make. It’s significant to know that PolyJet can produce results that are intricate and detailed and FDM can produce durable parts that are completely ready to use. FDM also allows you to complete prints that are as large as you need them to be with files split into multiple sections.

Both FDM and PolyJet 3D printers have strengths and weaknesses and knowing what you’ll be using them for is key to knowing what one will perform best for you. For more information on our Stratasys 3D Printers, take a look in our online store.