FDM (Filament)
FDM builds parts by laying down melted plastic in layers. It is the best starting point for most functional parts, especially when you need strength, larger sizes, or good value.
What you should expect
Visible layer lines and strength that varies by direction. Holes may print a touch tight, and threads are best with heat set inserts. Large flat parts in ABS or ASA can warp if the design is not stiff enough.
Best for
brackets, housings, jigs, fixtures, mounts, and larger prototypes.
Not ideal for
tiny details or ultra smooth cosmetic faces.
*Build volume up to 350 x 320 x 325 mm.Typical accuracy is 0.1 to 0.2 mm.
SLA (resin)
SLA builds parts by curing resin with light. It is the better choice when you care about fine detail, smooth surfaces, or small features that would be tricky on FDM.
What you should expect
surfaces are smoother and details are sharper, but resin parts can be less forgiving under impact and can feel more brittle than FDM parts. The build volume is smaller, and thin walls can be fragile. If the part will be knocked about, live outdoors, or take repeated load, tell us so we can steer you to the right material or finish.
Best for
presentation parts, small housings, tight features, neat edges, mould masters, ergonomic shapes, and parts where appearance matters.
Not ideal for
large parts, high impact use, or heavy load bearing parts unless we have agreed the material and design.
*Build volume up to 200 x 125 x 210 mm. Typical accuracy is ±0.15%.
Materials and colour requests
These are our launch materials. If you are not sure, tell us what matters most, strength, heat resistance, flexibility, or appearance, and we will suggest the best option.
PLA is great for quick fit checks and early prototypes. PETG is a solid all rounder with better toughness. ABS and ASA are better when you want temperature resistance and durability. TPU is for flexible parts. PPS CF is for high strength and stiffness.
Colour options depend on the process. FDM can be printed in different filament colours, depending on stock. SLA resin colours are more limited, so if colour really matters we can include painting as an add on in the quote.
Quality, defects, and remakes
We keep quality simple. If it affects fit, function, or reliability, we treat it seriously. If a part is faulty or clearly defective, we will remake it
Checks we run on every order
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Visual check for obvious print issues
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Basic dimensional checks
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Critical dimensions, if you call them out
What we class as a defect
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Layer separation or delamination
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Cracks, major warping, or missing features
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Obvious discolouration from a failed print
Upload tips and file handling
We accept STEP, STL, and 3MF. STEP is best when you have it. Zip is fine. If you have multiple parts, upload each part as a separate file so we can quote it properly. Max upload size is 10MB.
Upload ready files
If a face needs to look good or a feature needs to fit, call it out. A marked screenshot or quick reference image helps.
Checks we run on every order
We treat files as confidential, keep them for 30 days for reorders, then delete them. Access is limited to ProtoGT staff, and we do not print weapons.