SLS vs MJF: Choosing the Right 3D Printing Method for Your Product Requirements

Which 3D printing technology is better? SLS or MJF?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions in B2B product development. But there’s no single answer. The optimal method depends on your manufacturing purpose, part size, material requirements, surface finish needs, and lead time.

In this guide, we compare two widely used powder-bed fusion technologies — SLS(Selective Laser Sintering and MJF(Multi Jet Fusion) — to help you choose the right one for your project.

Technology Overview & Comparison

SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)

How it works: Uses a CO₂ laser to sinter nylon powder layer by layer.
Materials: PA12, PA11, Alumide, flame-retardant & food-grade variants.
Advantages:
- Broad material compatibility
- Excellent for large parts
- High strength and thermal resistance
Limitations: Rough surface finish (post-processing needed)
Typical use cases: Engine housings, heat-resistant parts, functional prototypes

imgPath — *PA12 part printed with EOS P3 Next SLS printer*

MJF (Multi Jet Fusion)

How it works: Fuses powder using a combination of binding agents and infrared heat.
Materials: PA12, reinforced PA12, PA11, TPU
Advantages:
- Fast printing speed
- High edge detail accuracy
Limitations:
- Limited material selection
- Output color varies (grayish tones)
- More brittle than SLS due to binder agents
Typical use cases: High-precision fit parts, functional end-use products, short-run production

Side-by-Side Comparison

Feature	SLS	MJF
Printing method	CO₂ laser sintering	Binder + infrared fusion
Base color	White	Gray
Post-processing	Extensive options	Limited (painting, dyeing)
Material compatibility	Wide range	HP-approved materials only
Bio/food safety	Yes (with eco-friendly materials)	Limited (due to chemicals)
Best for	Medium to large parts, volume production	Small parts, rapid prototyping
Maintenance	Stable, long-term	Higher consumables cost

Build Size & Cooling Time

	SLS (mm)	MJF (mm)
Maximum Build Size	550x550x750	380x284x380
Cooling Time	10-20 hours	10-20 hours

Can SLS and MJF Be Used Interchangeably?

In many cases, yes — especially for functional prototypes and end-use components. Their design rules are almost identical, with tolerance differences being the main consideration.

Examples include:

Functional prototypes: PA11, PA12, reinforced PA12 brackets, housings, clips
End-use parts: Connectors, device housings, small gears
Flexible parts: TPU-based seals, joints, and gaskets