Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
3D printing builds parts layer by layer from CAD, no fixtures, no tooling, no setup time. Plastic prints (FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF) deliver in 1–5 days. Metal prints (SLM, DMLS) in AlSi10Mg, Ti6Al4V, 316L, and tool steel deliver in 5–10 days. The default process for parts with internal channels, lattice structures, or geometry that can’t be cut or molded. For design best practices, see our 3D Printing DFM Guidelines.
3D Printing Capabilities
| Feature | Description |
| Maximum Part Size | FDM: 1000×1000×1000mm／SLA: 400×400×400mm／SLS-MJF: 380×380×700mm／ Metal SLM: 400×400×400mm |
| General Tolerances | FDM: ±0.3mm or ±0.3%／SLA-DLP: ±0.1mm／SLS-MJF: ±0.3mm／ SLM-DMLS: ±0.1–0.2mm (as-printed) |
| Precision Tolerances | Critical features held to ±0.05mm after post-machining |
| Standard Lead Time | Plastic prints: 2–5 business days／Metal prints: 5–10 business days plus post-processing |
| Processes | FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, SLM/DMLS |
| Post-Processing | Surface Finishing |
| Type | Material | Service | Process | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABS | ABS | 3D Printing | FDM | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| ABS-Like | ABS-like | 3D Printing | SLA | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| PC-Like | PC-like | 3D Printing | SLA | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| Transparent Resin | Transparent resin | 3D Printing | SLA | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| Nylon / PA | Nylon | 3D Printing | FDM | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| Nylon / PA | PA11 | 3D Printing | SLS | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| Nylon / PA | PA12 | 3D Printing | SLS | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| Glass-Filled Nylon / PA | Nylon-GF | 3D Printing | FDM | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| Glass-Filled Nylon / PA | PA12-GF | 3D Printing | SLS | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| PETG | PETG | 3D Printing | FDM | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| PLA | PLA | 3D Printing | FDM | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| Type | Material | Service | Process | More Info |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | AlSi10Mg | 3D Printing | SLM / DMLS | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| Titanium | Ti-6Al-4V | 3D Printing | SLM / DMLS | Data Sheet |
| Stainless Steel | 17-4PH | 3D Printing | SLM / DMLS | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
| Stainless Steel | 316L | 3D Printing | SLM / DMLS | Data Sheet | Selection Logic |
(Coming Soon)
Materials Supported
Common Metal Materials
- Aluminum (AlSi10Mg)
- Stainless Steel (316L / 17-4 PH)
- Tool Steel (H13 / MS1 Maraging)
- Titanium (Ti6Al4V)
- Copper (CuCrZr / Pure Copper)
AlSi10Mg is the standard aluminum alloy for metal 3D printing on DMLS and SLM systems. It builds with low residual stress and machines cleanly after print. Typical density after print sits at 99.5%+, and parts hold mechanical properties close to cast A360. Used for lightweight brackets, heat exchangers with internal channels, and aerospace components where geometry can’t be cast. Heat treatment (T6) is standard to relieve build stress before final machining.
316L prints with strong layer adhesion and post-print corrosion resistance close to wrought 316L. Used for fluid manifolds, marine fittings, and medical fixtures. 17-4 PH is the harder option, prints in solution state, then heat-treated to H900 or H1025 condition for full strength. Both grades need stress relief before removal from the build plate to prevent warping.
Tool steel prints are used for conformal cooling channels in injection mold inserts, geometries that can’t be drilled. MS1 maraging steel age-hardens to 50+ HRC after print, common for tooling inserts and high-wear parts. H13 holds hardness at elevated temperatures, used for die-casting inserts and forging tools.
Ti6Al4V is the most-used titanium alloy in metal 3D printing. Strength-to-weight ratio and biocompatibility make it the default for aerospace structural parts, medical implants, and dental frameworks. Builds need argon shielding throughout, titanium reacts with oxygen at print temperature. HIP (hot isostatic pressing) is often applied after print to close internal porosity on load-bearing parts.
Copper alloys are printed for heat exchangers, induction coils, and electrical contacts where thermal or electrical conductivity is the design driver. Pure copper is hard to print on standard infrared lasers because of high reflectivity, green laser systems handle it better. CuCrZr is the more printable copper alloy, used where some strength is needed alongside conductivity.
Common Plastic Materials
PLA is the most common FDM filament for prototypes, concept models, and visual aids. Prints at 190–220°C with no enclosure required. Holds detail well on layer heights down to 0.1mm. Not suitable for parts that see temperatures above 60°C, PLA softens before structural failure. Used where the part is a model, not a working component.
PA12 is the workhorse for SLS (selective laser sintering) and MJF (Multi Jet Fusion). Builds without support structures because the powder bed holds the part. Strong layer bonding and good fatigue resistance, used for functional prototypes, living hinges, snap fits, and end-use parts under moderate load. Absorbs moisture in service; condition parts before precise dimensional measurement.
ABS prints on FDM systems with a heated bed and enclosed chamber. Without an enclosure, ABS warps as outer layers cool faster than the core. Used for functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and parts that need post-processing, ABS bonds to acetone vapor for surface smoothing. Higher temperature resistance than PLA (around 95°C) but lower than nylon.
PC prints at 260–310°C and requires an enclosed, heated chamber to prevent warping and delamination. Holds dimensional stability up to 130°C in service and takes impact without cracking. Used for structural prototypes, light covers, and parts that operate at elevated temperatures. Transparency in printed PC is limited, layer lines and light scattering prevent optical-grade clarity.
Resin printing covers a different process from filament-based methods. Standard resins build high-detail prototypes with smooth surfaces. Tough resin mimics ABS-like mechanical behavior. Castable resin is used for jewelry and dental wax-ups. High-temp resin handles 200°C+ service environments. All resin parts need post-cure under UV light to reach full mechanical properties.
Material Selection Guidance
Pick the material based on what the part has to do after it comes off the printer. PLA covers visual prototypes and concept models. PA12 handles functional parts that flex, snap, or take moderate load. PC and high-temp resins are for parts that operate above 100°C. AlSi10Mg and Ti6Al4V are reserved for metal parts where casting or machining can’t produce the geometry, internal channels, lattice structures, or topology-optimized brackets.
The process choice usually drives the material list, not the other way around. FDM and SLS share Nylon but produce different surface finishes and mechanical properties. SLM and DMLS share metal powders but differ in melt pool control. Lock in the process before debating the material grade.
Tolerances & Precision
3D printing tolerances depend on the process. FDM holds ±0.3mm or ±0.3% of dimension, whichever is larger. SLA and DLP hold ±0.1mm on small parts. SLS and MJF run ±0.3mm. Metal printing (SLM/DMLS) holds ±0.1mm on machined reference faces, looser on as-printed surfaces. Call out which features need post-machining if precision matters there
| General Tolerances | FDM: ±0.3mm or ±0.3% SLA/DLP: ±0.1mm SLS/MJF: ±0.3mm SLM-DMLS: ±0.1–0.2mm (as-printed) |
| Precision Tolerances | Critical features held to ±0.05mm after post-machining. As-printed surfaces can’t hold tighter than process minimum |
| Min Wall Thickness | FDM: 1.0mm SLA: 0.5mm SLS/MJF: 0.7mm Metal: 0.4mm |
| Min Feature Size | FDM: 0.8mm SLA: 0.2mm SLS: 0.5mm / Metal SLM: 0.3mm |
| Layer Height | FDM: 0.1–0.3mm SLA: 0.025–0.1mm SLS: 0.1–0.12mm Metal SLM: 0.02–0.06mm |
| Maximum Part Size | FDM: 1000×1000×1000mm SLA: 400×400×400mm SLS/MJF: 380×380×700mm Metal SLM: 400×400×400mm |
| Production | Prototyping: 1–50 pcs Bridge production: 51–5,000 pcs Volume production: case-by-case basis |
| Lead Time | Plastic prints: 2–5 business days. Metal prints: 5–10 business days plus post-processing time |
Surface Finishing Options
As Printed
Default finish straight off the printer. FDM shows 0.1–0.3mm layer steps; SLA shows fine steps under 0.05mm. SLS/MJF parts have a slightly grainy matte texture from sintered powder. Metal SLM/DMLS parts come off with support stubs and rough as-built surfaces (Ra 6–15µm).
Bead Blasting
Glass bead or aluminum oxide blasting evens out the surface on metal prints and removes residual powder on SLS/MJF nylon. Tumbling smooths edges and corners on small plastic parts in bulk. Reduces surface roughness on metal prints from Ra 6–15µm down to Ra 3–6µm without changing dimensions.
Sanding & Polishing
Manual finishing for SLA and FDM parts where layer lines need to disappear. Progressive grit from 240 to 2000, then polishing compound. Used on cosmetic surfaces and master patterns for casting. Time-intensive, labor cost scales with surface area, doubling cost on large parts.
Dyeing / Painting
SLS and MJF nylon parts dye easily, drop into a heated dye bath for uniform color through 0.5mm depth. SLA and FDM parts take primer and paint after light sanding. Anodizing available specifically for AlSi10Mg printed aluminum parts (same Type II/Type III process as machined aluminum)
Design Guidelines
A part can be printable on paper and still come back warped, with support marks across cosmetic faces, or thin walls that crumble during cleanup. Design for 3D printing means orienting the part so critical surfaces face up, walls stay above process minimums, and support structures land on faces that won’t show
| Core DFM Principles | Better 3D printing design means: – wall thickness above process minimum – build orientation chosen before final geometry – overhangs supported or angled above 45° – critical surfaces oriented to avoid support contact – tolerances called out only on features that get post-machined |
| Wall Thickness | FDM: minimum 1.0mm, recommended 1.5mm. SLA: minimum 0.5mm. SLS/MJF: minimum 0.7mm. Metal SLM: minimum 0.4mm. Walls below minimum tear during support removal or warp during cooling |
| Build Orientation | The XY plane holds tighter tolerances and smoother surfaces than the Z axis. Orient critical features parallel to the build plate. Long thin parts oriented vertically are faster to print but more prone to warping |
| Support Structures | Overhangs steeper than 45° from vertical need supports. Support contact leaves marks on the surface, orient cosmetic faces upward or to vertical walls. SLS and MJF skip supports entirely; the powder bed holds the part. |
| Holes and Channels | Holes printed in the XY plane are round. Holes printed in Z come out slightly oval and undersized, drill or ream after print if precise diameter matters. Internal channels in metal SLM need self-supporting cross-sections (teardrop or diamond shape) |
| Avoid Unnecessary Precision | As-printed tolerances don’t beat the process minimum, no matter what the drawing says. Critical features get machined after print. Mark on the drawing which surfaces need post-processing, leave the rest at standard print tolerance |
Typical Applications
Concept Models
Early visual and tactile models that lock in form, proportion, and styling before any tooling is committed.
Functional Prototypes
Working parts in production-intent materials, built to verify fit, function, and mechanical performance under real loads.
Engineering Validation
Rigorous testing of strength, durability, and environmental resistance to confirm the design meets performance and safety targets.
Fit & assembly testing
Dimensional and mating checks across components to verify tolerances, clearances, and assembly before scale-up.
Market testing samples
Near-final, cosmetically finished units in small batches for customer, retailer, and certification feedback.
Bridge production
Limited pre-mass runs on near-final tooling that keep you shipping while hard tooling and full production ramp up.
Equipment & Capacity
3D printing process selection comes first, before machine or material. FDM is cheapest and slowest for functional plastic parts. SLA gives the best surface finish on small, detailed parts. SLS produces functional nylon parts without support structures. SLM and DMLS handle metal. Each process has different size limits, finish quality, and per-part cost
Quality Control Flow
Incoming inspection
Powder and resin checked against the PO before loading. Metal powder verified for particle size distribution (15–45μm typical for SLM), oxygen content, and recycled-to-virgin ratio. Photopolymer resin checked for batch expiration and viscosity. Filament checked for diameter consistency (±0.05mm) and moisture content, wet filament prints with bubbles and weak layer bonding.
In-process inspection
Build platform leveling verified before each run. First-layer adhesion checked on FDM; powder bed flatness checked on SLS/SLM after each recoat. Build chamber atmosphere monitored on metal prints, oxygen below 100 ppm for titanium, below 500 ppm for stainless. Mid-build status verified through machine sensors; failed builds caught before wasting full powder bed.
Final inspection
Dimensional check after support removal and stress relief. Metal prints checked with CMM on machined reference faces, as-printed surfaces hold ±0.1–0.2mm, machined faces hold ±0.05mm. SLS/MJF parts checked for dimensional accuracy on functional features. Visual inspection for layer separation, support marks, warping, and incomplete fills. Density check on metal prints (target 99.5%+ relative density).
Documentation and traceability
Powder batch records, build parameter logs, post-processing records, and inspection data archived per part. Metal prints trace back to specific powder lot, build job number, heat treatment cycle, and inspection record. ISO/ASTM 52900 documentation available for aerospace and medical customers. Material test coupons run alongside the build for certified mechanical properties on request.
Related Solutions
Rapid Prototyping
Low Volume Production
Production Tooling
End-to-End Manufacturing
3D Printing: Common Questions
What file formats do you accept?
STL is the standard format for 3D printing. STEP is also accepted and preferred when post-machining is required on critical features. For metal prints, include a PDF drawing that calls out machined reference faces, hole positions that need reaming, and surface finish requirements. If your file is in OBJ, 3MF, or another format, send it and we will confirm compatibility before quoting.
Which 3D printing processes do you offer?
Plastic: FDM (ABS, PLA, PETG, Nylon, Nylon-GF), SLA (standard resin, ABS-like, PC-like, transparent resin, high-temp resin), SLS (PA12, PA11, PA12-GF), MJF (PA12). Metal: SLM and DMLS (AlSi10Mg, 316L, 17-4PH, Ti-6Al-4V, H13 tool steel, MS1 maraging steel, CuCrZr). If your part needs a process or material not listed, include it in the RFQ and we will advise on the closest option.
What are the lead times?
Plastic prints (FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF) ship in 1 to 5 business days from file approval. Metal prints (SLM, DMLS) ship in 5 to 10 business days plus post-processing time. Post-processing steps such as HIP, heat treatment, CNC machining of reference faces, or anodizing add time and are quoted separately. Rush options are available on request.
What tolerances can 3D printed parts hold?
FDM holds ±0.3mm or ±0.3% of dimension, whichever is larger. SLA and DLP hold ±0.1mm on small parts. SLS and MJF run ±0.3mm. Metal SLM and DMLS hold ±0.1 to 0.2mm on as-printed surfaces; machined reference faces can reach ±0.05mm. Call out which features need post-machining on the drawing. As-printed surfaces cannot hold tighter than the process minimum regardless of specification.
What is the minimum wall thickness?
FDM: 1.0mm minimum, 1.5mm recommended. SLA: 0.5mm. SLS and MJF: 0.7mm. Metal SLM: 0.4mm. Walls below process minimum tear during support removal or warp during cooling. If your part has thin walls that are structurally necessary, include the requirement in the RFQ and we will confirm printability before starting.
Do parts need support structures, and will they leave marks?
FDM and SLA require supports for overhangs steeper than 45° from vertical. Support contact leaves marks on the surface. Orient cosmetic faces upward or toward vertical walls to keep support marks off visible surfaces. SLS and MJF skip supports entirely because the powder bed holds the part during build. Metal SLM parts always require supports, removed by hand after printing, and support stubs on as-printed surfaces are standard.
What surface finishes are available?
As-printed, bead blast (glass bead or aluminum oxide, smooths metal prints from Ra 6 to 15μm down to Ra 3 to 6μm), media tumbling (for small plastic parts in bulk), sanding and polishing (SLA and FDM, progressive grit 240 to 2000), dyeing (SLS and MJF nylon, uniform color to 0.5mm depth), painting (after priming on SLA and FDM), and anodizing (Type II or Type III for AlSi10Mg printed aluminum). Specify the finish in the RFQ.
Which process should I choose for my part?
Visual prototypes and concept models: PLA on FDM. Functional plastic parts with snap fits or living hinges: PA12 on SLS or MJF. Parts operating above 100°C: PC on FDM or high-temp resin on SLA. Metal parts with internal channels, lattice structures, or geometry that cannot be machined: AlSi10Mg on SLM for lightweight parts, Ti-6Al-4V on SLM for aerospace and medical, 316L or 17-4PH for corrosion-resistant or high-strength parts. If the geometry can be machined, CNC machining is faster and cheaper. 3D printing earns its cost when the geometry cannot be made any other way.
Do you sign NDAs before reviewing design files?
Yes. Send an NDA request to [email protected] before uploading files. We return a signed copy within 24 hours on business days. Files can also be uploaded through our secure RFQ portal.
Can 3D printed metal parts be machined after printing?
Yes. Post-print CNC machining is standard for reference faces, bearing seats, threaded holes, and any feature that requires tolerance tighter than the SLM process can hold as-printed. AlSi10Mg machines similarly to cast aluminum. Ti-6Al-4V and 17-4PH require appropriate tooling for their hardness. Call out which features need machining on the drawing, and include dimensional tolerances on those features only.
Ready to Print Your Part?
Upload your STL or STEP file and get a quote within 12 hours. No tooling cost. Plastic parts in 1 to 5 days, metal parts in 5 to 10 days.
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