When you’re 3D printing parts—whether for prototypes or functional components—getting the right size matters. Even a tiny dimensional error can break a product, delay a project, or waste money. That’s where 3D printing tolerances come in. This guide breaks down what tolerances are, the key factors that affect them, how different 3D printing technologies stack […]
When it comes to 3D printing, strength and durability are make-or-break factors for many projects—whether you’re creating automotive parts, aerospace components, or industrial tools. Not all 3D printing materials are built to handle heavy loads, high temperatures, or harsh chemicals. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to 10 high-strength 3D printing materials from industry
Just a few years ago, 3D printing (a core form of additive manufacturing) felt like an unreachable dream. Even in the industrial world, it was rarely used for prototyping, let alone everyday life. But today, this technology has woven itself into the fabric of consumer life—from the cases of our electronic devices to unique handicrafts
When product developers and engineers need prototype parts that balance durability, clarity, and cost-effectiveness, CNC machining PET prototype parts emerge as a reliable solution. Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a versatile thermoplastic known for its excellent mechanical strength and chemical stability—making it ideal for prototypes in industries like consumer electronics, medical devices, and packaging. This guide
When it comes to creating high-performance prototype parts that can withstand extreme heat and strict dimensional demands, CNC machining PPS prototype models stand out as a top choice for engineers and product developers. Polyphenylene Sulfide (PPS) is a high-performance engineering plastic, and combining it with CNC technology ensures prototypes meet the exacting standards of industries
If you’re a product engineer or procurement professional working on prototypes, you know how critical CNC machining PC prototype parts is for turning design ideas into tangible, high-quality components. Polycarbonate (PC) stands out as a top choice for prototypes thanks to its unbeatable mix of strength, transparency, and thermal stability. But to get the best results, you
When developing transparent or translucent prototypes—such as display covers for consumer electronics, medical device viewports, or automotive instrument panels—CNC machining PMMA prototype shell is the top choice. PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate, also known as acrylic) offers exceptional clarity (92% light transmission, nearly matching glass) and machinability, while CNC ensures precision that 3D printing often can’t match. This
When developing prototypes for consumer electronics, automotive components, or industrial tools, CNC machining ABS prototype modeling is a go-to solution for its balance of precision, speed, and cost-effectiveness. ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) plastic is popular for prototypes because it’s rigid, easy to machine, and mimics the feel of final production parts. This guide breaks down
In product development—whether for aerospace, medical, or consumer electronics—CNC plastic prototype parts are the backbone of testing, design validation, and low-volume production. Unlike 3D printing, CNC machining delivers precise, durable prototypes that mimic final-product performance, making it a top choice for teams aiming to reduce rework and speed up time-to-market. This guide breaks down everything you
When developing new medical devices, creating reliable prototypes is a make-or-break step for verifying designs, cutting costs, and speeding up time-to-market. Among all available materials, PP plastic stands out as the top choice for medical device prototypes—and for good reason. This guide breaks down everything procurement professionals and product engineers need to know about using
For automotive engineers designing new car components and procurement teams sourcing materials, PP material (Polypropylene) is a standout choice for car prototypes. Its lightweight properties (density: 0.90–0.92 g/cm³), strong impact resistance, and excellent chemical resistance to fuels and oils make it perfect for testing parts like bumpers, interior panels, and dashboard housings. This guide breaks down every
For engineers designing smartphones, wearables, or IoT devices, and procurement teams sourcing materials, PP material (Polypropylene) is a game-changer for electronic prototypes. Its lightweight nature (density: 0.90–0.92 g/cm³), strong electrical insulation, and resistance to chemicals (like cleaning solvents) make it ideal for parts such as device casings, battery holders, and internal component brackets. This guide walks you
For aerospace engineers and procurement teams, creating prototype models that meet strict industry standards is non-negotiable. PP material (Polypropylene) has emerged as a reliable choice for aerospace prototypes, thanks to its unique blend of lightweight properties (density: 0.90–0.92 g/cm³), impressive mechanical strength, and exceptional chemical resistance—all critical for simulating components like cabin panels, ducting, or sensor housings.
If you’re an engineer or procurement professional tasked with building a drone prototype, choosing the right material is make-or-break. PP material (Polypropylene) stands out for drone prototypes thanks to its unbeatable mix of lightweight (density just 0.90–0.92 g/cm³), high impact resistance, and excellent chemical resistance—critical for testing components like frames or propeller guards. This guide
Whether you’re an automotive engineer testing a new sensor housing or a medical device designer refining a surgical tool, SLA resin 3D printing prototypes offer unmatched precision for rapid iteration. Unlike FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), SLA uses UV light to cure liquid photoresin layer by layer—resulting in smooth surfaces, tight tolerances (as low as ±0.1mm), and complex
If you’re an engineer working on complex part designs or a buyer sourcing high-precision metal prototypes, SLM metal 3D printing prototype technology is a game-changer. Unlike traditional manufacturing, Selective Laser Melting (SLM) creates detailed, durable metal models from powders—no molds needed. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from how it works to real-world uses,
