FDM
Melted filament in layers. Structures, large parts and parts that work.
How we print: FDM and SLA resin
Tesseract prints with two processes: FDM for structure and volume, SLA resin for fine detail. On a scale model, the norm is to combine both in one piece.
Two processes, one piece
Tesseract 3D prints in FDM, which lays down melted filament layer by layer, and in SLA, which hardens liquid resin with light. Both work to a ±0.1 mm tolerance, and the engineering review decides which part of the file goes to each.
In an equipment model, the housing and base come out in FDM and the panel comes out in resin. The pieces come together before finishing, and whoever receives it sees one object. To choose between the two before you order, the side-by-side comparison is in FDM or SLA?
Where each process comes in
What each one does in each kind of job. The criterion-by-criterion comparison is in the guide.
| Job | FDM | SLA resin |
|---|---|---|
| Plant or equipment model | Buildings, base, structure and housings | Panels, valves, stairs and small equipment |
| Functional prototype | The part that goes to the bench, in ABS or PETG | Rarely: resin is more sensitive to knocks and heat |
| Appearance prototype | The body of the product, sanded and primed | The detail people look at up close and the surface for fine paint |
| Gifts and miniatures | The base and the larger desk piece | The keychain with the whole machine on it |
| Jigs and replacement parts | The right route: engineering material and batches without tooling | Only for small detail, when there is any |
Structure in FDM, detail in SLA
An equipment model taken apart by the process behind each piece. The resin pieces are lifted above their places.
Illustrative drawing, not to scale. Each project comes from the client’s own file.
- Base and saddles in FDMThe part that carries everything else, travels to the trade show and takes the assembly.
- Tank in FDMA large volume, printed quickly and at low cost; the layers disappear under sanding and primer.
- Panel in resinButtons and screen that read up close, on a surface that comes out smooth for fine paint.
- Valve in resinThe handwheel and thin spokes that an FDM bead cannot draw. The arrow shows where it fits onto the nozzle.
The two processes
Each has its own page: how it works, where it fits and where it stops.
SLA resin
Resin cured by light. Fine detail, a smooth surface and small parts.
Common questions
Can a whole piece be made in one process?
Yes, when the piece allows it. A jig with no fine detail can come out entirely in FDM, and a keychain entirely in resin. The engineering review decides, looking at each part.
Can you print something bigger than the printer?
Yes. It comes out in modules, designed to be shipped and assembled on site. Where to split the piece is decided in the engineering review.
Do the layers show on the finished piece?
In FDM they show until finishing: sanding and primer hide the layers on the faces people see. In SLA the layer is so thin that the surface comes out smooth.
What happens to the file before printing?
It goes through the engineering review, which looks at the geometry part by part and sends back feasibility, the technology for each part, the material and the lead time, in writing.
Does Tesseract print with other technologies?
Tesseract’s processes are FDM and SLA resin. When a part needs another route, such as machining or injection moulding for a large batch, the engineering review says so before any quote.
Trade showThe scale piece goes to the booth instead of the real machine.
TrainingThe machine that cannot stop goes into the classroom, cut open.
Sales visitThe rep carries in a suitcase what would never fit in one.
Send the file. The technology comes out of the review.
The engineering review looks at each part and comes back within 24 business hours with the technology, material and lead time.