Contrary to popular belief, there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to 3D printing. In general, 3D printing technologies can be split up into 2 groups: direct and indirect 3D printing. The main difference lies in the fact that the design is made from 3D printing (direct) or 3D printing was used in the process of creating your model (indirect).
Stereolithography
curing liquid resin with laser
Laser Sintering
melting powder with laser
Multi Jet Fusion
fusing powder with agent and heat
Fused Deposition Modeling
melting filament
PolyJet Printing
curing liquid resin with laser
Lost Wax Printing & Casting
curing wax, making mold, casting
Indirect Metal Printing
gluing powder, green state model & firing
Metal 3D Printing
melting powder with laser
Laser Sintering
melting powder with laser
Multi Jet Fusion
fusing powder with agent and heat
Fused Deposition Modeling
melting filament
PolyJet Printing
curing liquid resin with laser
Lost Wax Printing & Casting
curing wax, making mold, casting
Indirect Metal Printing
gluing powder, green state model & firing
Metal 3D Printing
melting powder with laser
