FDM vs SLS: printing cost comparison
Short answer: FDM is cheaper for one-offs; SLS becomes competitive on batches because parts nest densely in one build with no supports. SLS nylon also beats FDM on strength consistency.
Cost comparison at a glance
| FDM 3D Printing | SLS | |
|---|---|---|
| One-off part | $8-30 | $20-60 |
| Batch of 100 (per part) | $4-10 | $10-25 |
| Production volume (per part) | $3-8 | $8-15 |
| Typical lead time | 1-3 days | 3-6 days |
| Tolerance | ±0.3 mm | ±0.2 mm |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, ABS, TPU, nylon, CF blends | PA12, PA11, glass-filled nylon, TPU |
These are indicative service-market ranges for a palm-sized part — your own costs depend on your machines, rates and region. Both calculators below let you price the same part both ways with your numbers and see the crossover for yourself.
Choose FDM 3D Printing when…
- single parts and quick iterations
- cost-sensitive prototypes
- large simple shapes
- in-house printing on a budget
Choose SLS when…
- batches of 10-1,000 small parts
- functional nylon parts with isotropic strength
- geometries that would need heavy FDM supports
- no layer-adhesion weak points allowed
Price your part in seconds with the free FDM 3D Printing cost calculator — upload your file, quantities and machine time are estimated automatically.
Open the FDM 3D Printing cost calculator →Price your part in seconds with the free SLS cost calculator — upload your file, quantities and machine time are estimated automatically.
Open the SLS cost calculator →Put AI-powered instant quoting on your own website
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