Print strong, cost-effective thermoplastic parts with FDM 3D printing. A practical choice for functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and end-use parts where durability matters more than surface finish.
ISO 9001:2015 | ISO 13485:2016 | IATF 16949:2016
| Comparison Factor | SLA | SLS / MJF | FDM | Metal (SLM) |
| Best For | Fine detail and smooth surfaces | Functional nylon parts | Low-cost concept and large parts | Strong, complex metal parts |
| Typical Materials | Photopolymer resins | Nylon powders | ABS, PC, PLA and similar | Aluminum, stainless steel, titanium |
| Surface Finish | Very smooth | Slightly grainy | Visible layer lines | Matte, usually post-processed |
| Typical Applications | Visual models, masters | Housings, clips, low-volume parts | Fixtures, concept models | Aerospace, medical, tooling |
Resins used in SLA and PolyJet printing give smooth surfaces and fine detail, which suits visual models, masters, and transparent parts.
Smooth surface and fine feature detail
Rigid, flexible, clear, and high-temperature grades
Good for appearance models
Standard, tough, clear, high-temperature, flexible (confirmed during project review)
Visual prototypes, master patterns, fit-check models, clear parts
Sanding, painting, clear coating, vapor smoothing
Nylon powders processed by SLS and MJF produce durable, functional parts without support structures, including complex and interlocking geometries.
Strong and durable for functional use
No support structures required
Good chemical and wear resistance
PA12, PA11, glass-filled and carbon-filled variants
Functional prototypes, housings, clips, low-volume end-use parts
Natural, dyed, bead blasting, vapor smoothing, painting
Flexible thermoplastics are used for gaskets, grips, seals, and parts that must bend or absorb impact.
Rubber-like flexibility
Good impact and abrasion resistance
Available in a range of hardness levels
TPU and flexible resins (confirmed during project review)
Seals, gaskets, grips, wearable parts, vibration dampers
Natural, dyed, painting
Engineering thermoplastics printed by FDM provide good strength and heat resistance for fixtures, jigs, and functional prototypes.
Strong, heat-resistant thermoplastics
Cost-effective for larger parts
Suitable for jigs and fixtures
ABS, ASA, PC, PETG, PLA
Jigs and fixtures, enclosures, concept and functional models
Sanding, vapor smoothing, painting
Metal powders processed by SLM/DMLS create strong, complex metal parts, including internal channels and lightweight lattice structures that are difficult to machine.
Dense, high-strength metal parts
Complex internal geometry possible
Heat treatment available
AlSi10Mg, 316L, 17-4PH, Ti-6Al-4V, Inconel (confirmed during project review)
Aerospace and medical components, tooling inserts, lightweight brackets
Support removal, bead blasting, machining, polishing
| Finishing Option | Typical Effect | Suitable Materials | Typical Use |
| As Printed | Visible layer lines or grainy surface depending on the process. | All printed materials | Functional prototypes, internal parts |
| Bead Blasting | Uniform matte surface that reduces layer visibility. | Nylon, metals | Functional and end-use parts |
| Sanding & Smoothing | Smoother surface suitable for painting or inspection. | Resin, nylon, ABS | Appearance models, master patterns |
| Painting & Dyeing | Color matching and cosmetic finishes. | Resin, nylon, ABS | Consumer product prototypes, demo models |
| Machining of Critical Features | Tight-tolerance holes and mating faces finished by CNC. | Metal prints | Assemblies, sealing faces |
| Capability | Typical Value |
| General Tolerances | Typically ±0.1–0.3 mm depending on process and size |
| Build Size | Varies by process; confirmed during project review |
| Typical Lead Time | As fast as a few business days for most prototypes |
| Order Quantity | No minimum order quantity |
FDM (fused deposition modeling) extrudes thermoplastic filament layer by layer. Choose FDM for low-cost concept models, jigs and fixtures, and larger parts in engineering plastics.
A range of materials is available, including Photopolymer Resin, Nylon (PA12 / PA11), TPU / Flexible Materials, ABS / ASA / PC (FDM), Metals (Aluminum / Stainless / Titanium). The best choice depends on strength, appearance, operating environment, and budget. Our engineers can help you select the right one during the quote review.
Achievable tolerances depend on material, part size, and geometry. Typical values are listed on this page, and tighter tolerances can often be held on critical features. Share your drawing and we will confirm during the DFM review.
Yes. We support everything from a single prototype to ongoing production programs, so you can scale without changing supplier.
Cost depends on material, part size and complexity, quantity, tolerances, and finishing. Upload your CAD model and drawing to receive a quote, and our engineers can suggest design changes that reduce cost.
We accept common 3D CAD and 2D drawing formats, including STEP, STP, IGES, STL, SLDPRT, X_T, DXF, DWG, and PDF. If your format is not listed, please contact us.
Lead time depends on process, quantity, and finishing. Prototypes can often ship within a few business days, and we ship worldwide. Contact us with your requirements for a lead-time estimate.
Yes, in many cases. Strength depends on material, orientation, and print settings. We can advise on the best configuration for your test requirements.
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Share your project details and files with us. Rough information is fine to start. Our engineering consultant will contact you within 24 hours.
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