3D printing has come a long way from being just a buzzword for hobbyists. These days, it’s revolutionizing everything—from aerospace prototypes and dental implants to shoes and car parts. But while the creative possibilities are endless, let’s face it—speed matters. When you're running against a deadline or scaling production, waiting 20 hours for a single part to print just won’t cut it.

3D printing is not only used for prototypes but also plays a key role in curating durable electronic enclosures. A well-designed 3D printing enclosure can make the difference between meeting deadlines or missing them, especially when custom designs or low-volume production runs are involved. 

So, which 3D printing method is the fastest? And how do you choose the right one? Let’s unpack the world of high-speed 3D printing in simple terms (no jargon here) so you can choose the right method for your next project.

Why Speed Matters in 3D Printing

Before we geek out on the tech, let’s get something straight: fast printing isn’t just about saving time. It’s also about reducing labor hours, streamlining production, and speeding up your time-to-market. Whether you’re prototyping or batch-producing, faster printing can translate directly into lower costs and happier clients.

But speed without quality? That’s just a waste of material. The best techniques strike a solid balance between fast turnaround and strong, accurate output.

Factors That Affect 3D Printing Speed

While the printing method is a major factor, design and setup choices also impact how fast a part gets printed:

• Layer Height: Thicker layers print faster, but reduce surface finish quality. Ideal for early-stage prototypes, not for visual or end-use parts.
• Material Choice: Certain resins or powders cure or fuse more quickly, such as fast-curing SLA resin, which reduces overall cycle times.
• Part Geometry: Complex shapes often need more support, and simpler designs require fewer supports and post-processing, which simplifies design speed.
• Orientation: Adjusting part orientation can minimize supports and shorten print durations.
• Printer Settings: Lower infill, faster travel speeds, and higher extrusion rates can speed up printing, impacting strength and detail.

Speed Comparison of Popular 3D Printing Methods

1. FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling): Reliable Speed for Larger Builds

Fused Deposition Modeling might not be the newest concept, but it remains one of the most widely used 3D printing methods. FDM works by extruding heated thermoplastic filament layer by layer, building up your object. Recent advancements—like larger nozzles, improved firmware, and high-speed motion systems—mean FDM has significantly upped its speed game.

Why it’s fast:

Modern FDM printers can lay down thicker layers rapidly, making them ideal for larger parts where absolute fine detail isn't critical. Plus, there’s minimal post-processing.

Caveat:

Speeding things up can compromise detail and surface quality. Perfect for prototypes, but you might need additional finishing for end-use items.

2. DLP (Digital Light Processing): Fast Speed Performer

DLP offers the perfect combination of speed and precision.

Digital Light Processing uses a digital light projector to flash an entire layer of resin in one go—no slow tracing like traditional laser-based printers. It’s brilliant for small-to-medium-sized parts that need sharp detail. Think dental molds, jewelry, and miniatures.

Why it’s fast:

Instead of drawing layer by layer, DLP cures the whole layer at once using projected light. That cuts time significantly, especially for multiple parts.

Caveat:

It works best with small parts. Print something too large, and you’ll lose detail or need a bulkier machine (and budget).

3. SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): Tough Prints at High Speed

Got a functional prototype or end-use part? SLS might be your best bet.

SLS uses a high-powered laser to sinter powdered materials—typically nylon or polymers—into solid layers. It doesn't need supports, which saves prep and post-processing time. Additionally, the powder bed enables the simultaneous printing of multiple parts.

Why it’s fast:

You can pack parts tightly in the build area without worrying about supports. This “print farm in one” approach is brilliant for small-scale production.

Caveat:

The setup and cooling times are longer. You’ll get fast print runs, but you might need patience for the before and after.

4. SLA (Stereolithography): Speedy and Smooth

Yes, SLA has been around for decades. But don’t underestimate it—modern SLA machines are fast, accurate, and produce parts with an ultra-smooth finish.

SLA uses a laser to cure a liquid resin layer by layer. It’s not as quick as DLP in speed-per-layer, but newer SLA machines are catching up, especially with optimized resins and smarter algorithms.

Why it’s fast:

Newer SLA printers reduce cure time with powerful lasers and smart layer strategies. It’s great for parts where finish matters more than brute strength.

Caveat:

Post-processing takes time—cleaning, curing, and handling resin safely can slow things down a bit.

Choosing the Right Fast Technique

Let’s simplify it:

• Want sharp detail and fast resin prints? Go DLP.
• Need strong, support-free parts in batches? SLS all the way.
• After smooth finishes and fine features? SLA’s your friend.
• Budget-conscious and flexible? Boost your FDM game.

Still unsure? It’s all about your goals—speed, strength, detail, or cost. Ideally, find a technique that delivers all four (or at least gets close).

Conclusion

Fast 3D printing isn’t about racing to the finish—it’s about printing smarter, not just faster. Whether you’re a designer on a deadline, a manufacturer scaling up, or just someone tired of 12-hour prints that fail at hour eleven, knowing the right technique saves more than just time.

We at Mech Power help businesses optimize their 3D printing projects. From selecting the right technology to scaling up production. Whether that means high-speed DLP systems, rugged SLS builds, or dialed-in SLA workflows. We’ve done the testing, made the mistakes, and learned the shortcuts—so you don’t have to.

Let us help you pick the right speed, the right method, and the right machine.