Over the years, 3D printing industry has been growing rapidly and there are many different types of 3D printing technologies including:
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Stereolithography (SLA)
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Digital Light Process (DLP)
Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
PolyJet
Three of them are most commonly used currently:
1) FDM
FDM is a form of desktop 3D printing in the consumer market.
It consists of a platform extrusion nozzle and a control system, it works by expelling a plastic fiber layer-by-layer.
This form is the most cost-effective way for individuals to create parts quickly, however it is restricted because of parts having generally harsh surface and lacking strength.
2) SLA
SLA works by exposing a layer of photosensitive liquid resin to a UV-laser beam.
The plastic is initially warmed to transform it into a semi-fluid structure, and afterward, it solidifies on contact.
The SLA parts look decent, however using this form of printing, the object must use a solid-state laser to cure parts.
SLA printing is widely used in the industries of auto, clinical, aviation and diversion, etc.
3) SLS
SLS creating a part with powder bed fusion technology, it is when a laser is used to solidify and bond grains of raw materials into layers to produce a part.
It builds layers-upon-layers until the object is complete.
The benefit of SLS is it doesn't require a support structure to produce intricate objects.