Hello
I would like to 3D print models of protein molecules, and am thinking of buying a 3d printer. My question is – which technology would be better for such prints: FDM or SLA? To be more precise, I’m deciding between Creality Ender 3 v2 neo and Anycubic photon m3
From what I have read, SLA is generally better for complex models. However, protein molecules are ribbons with complex geometries, and a lot of overhangs. Therefore, they need a lot of supports. While generally removing SLA supports is easier (am I right?), resin is much more brittle, therefore it would be a real challenge to remove all supports without breaking the model, especially since SLA prints are usually smaller in size. So I feel inclined to buy an FDM printer.
Would be grateful for some advice
Hello Evgeniy Andreevich Zayats,
Selecting the right 3D printing technique for specific requirement depends on following things:
1. What size of product you want to print ?
2. What are the aesthetic & dimensional accuracy requirements ?
3. What is the product end use ?
4. How frequently you want to make product ?
SLA will give you more accurate & precise results with better finish. However, operating SLA is a tedious task as you have to handle the liquid. For which you will require Nitrile gloves, safety goggles, print washing liquid (i.e. IPA -Isopropyl alcohol) , cleaning containers, UV light source for post curing. So more money will go in the consumables. Also resin will spread some type of odour in your working area. Yes, in SLA support removal is easier but at the same time the print can break due to brittle nature of the resin.
FDM is easy to handle and more user friendly machine. You just have to buy filaments (i.e.PLA or ABS) & no other addition thing required. However, The accuracy & precision of FDM is low compared to SLA and layer lines will be visible to your product. You can make bigger product using this by cutting your protein model into pieces and print it on maximum size. After printing you can join the pieces with Cyanoacrylate adhesive & make your final big product.
If you have to make only few models then go for outsourcing services of SLS or HP multijet option (coloured object is also possible). It will give you the best output, but it will be costly.
SLA definitely if you want to print that kind of models, although you can do it with FDM but with a little bit more headache :)
the Creality Ender 3 v2 neo is an FDM printer, while the Anycubic Photon M3 is an SLA printer.
Hello, We are using both type of 3d printing technology. If you are fabricate complex model with lots of details SLA printing technology is best. You will get perfect model for demonstration. There are lots of resin option in the market. Try to use rigid resin / abs like resin for strong parts fabrication . Support cleaning from resin parts is quite easy from fdm printer. Ancubic Photon M3 is quite good printer
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