Laser vs projector. Same resin. Different physics.

When using same resin, mechanical properties are essentially identical. Differences: DLP parts may show pixel grid on edges (tiny staircase pattern from projector pixels). SLA parts have smooth curvilinear edges. For functional prototypes, mechanics are equivalent. For cosmetic parts, SLA surface better. For tiny high-detail parts, both work well.

DLP cures entire layer at once with projector. Whether one part or hundred parts fill the layer, cure time is same. 100 small parts nested in single build take only slightly longer than one part. Great economics for production quantities of small parts. SLA must trace each part, so 100 parts take 100× time of one part.

Dental labs predominantly use DLP or LCD (LCD is subset of DLP technology). Reasons: dental parts are small, many parts per build, fast turnaround essential. Full-arch models print in 15-30 minutes on DLP vs 1-3 hours on SLA. Dental workflow optimized for DLP production rates.

Yes — industrial SLA (like 3D Systems ProX series, Stratasys Neo) still dominates large-part and precision resin printing. DLP limited by projector resolution × build area — can't have both large build and high detail. Large-format SLA (500×500 build) produces large parts DLP cannot. For production of small parts: DLP wins. For large or precision parts: industrial SLA.

LCD (sometimes called MSLA - Masked SLA): uses LCD screen to mask light from UV LED array. Same concept as DLP (full-layer cure) but with LCD as mask instead of DMD projector. Cheaper machines ($500-3000) vs DLP ($3000-100K). Lower resolution and color accuracy than DLP. Rising trend in consumer and desktop 3D printing. For prototype work, LCD is capable; for production, DLP typically preferred.

Usually unnecessary — specify the resin and accuracy needed, let manufacturer select process. We have both capabilities and choose based on part size, quantity, and requirements. Small precision parts → DLP. Large parts → SLA. Many small parts → DLP. Unique large geometry → SLA. For specific aesthetic (smooth edges) → SLA. For speed on small parts → DLP.