Energy consumption analysis of SLA and FDM printing: A comparative study using power meter data

Additive manufacturing (AM) is transitioning from rapid prototyping toward sustainable, production-level technologies, making energy efficiency a critical performance metric alongside part quality. Among AM methods, Stereolithography (SLA) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) dominate consumer and industrial adoption, yet their comparative energy footprints remain insufficiently quantified. Existing literature reports FDM printers typically draw 100–250 W due to heated beds and extrusion systems, whereas SLA systems generally consume 50–100 W, but most studies rely on manufacturer specifications rather than empirical data. To address this gap, this work conducts a state-of-the-art comparative energy analysis of SLA and FDM printing using real-time wattmeter monitoring under standardized benchmark conditions. Using a Bambu Lab A1 (FDM) and an ELEGOO Saturn 4 Ultra (SLA), identical parts (~20 cm³) were printed, and consumption normalized by part mass and volume. Results revealed that FDM consumed 81.3 Wh/part (0.89 Wh/g, 0.98 Wh/cm³) with peak loads of 265 W, while SLA required only 48.2 Wh/part (0.51 Wh/g, 0.57 Wh/cm³) with a maximum of 112 W. SLA also exhibited lower standby power (2.8 Wh/h vs. 6.1 Wh/h for FDM) and reduced variability (±3.2% vs. ±7.4%), highlighting its stability and efficiency. These findings extend prior state-of-the-art studies by providing empirical, high-resolution energy profiles across full print cycles and normalized metrics, enabling fair comparison. By positioning SLA as more energy-efficient for high-resolution parts and FDM as more favorable for mechanically demanding applications, this study contributes to sustainable AM practice and supports decision-making aligned with SDGs 7, 9, 12, and 13.