3D printing, once a niche prototyping tool, has evolved into a transformative technology across sectors. But what does it look like in practice? From saving lives in hospitals to revolutionizing how cars are built, examples of 3D printing applications reveal its power to solve real-world problems—whether that’s cutting costs, accelerating innovation, or creating products that were once […]
3D printing, or additive manufacturing, has evolved from a niche prototyping tool to a versatile solution for industries ranging from aerospace to jewelry. But with so many technologies available, how do you choose the right one? The key lies in understanding the methods of 3D printing—each with unique principles, strengths, and ideal use cases. Whether
3D printing has made custom figures—from anime characters to collectible models—more accessible than ever. But one question keeps hobbyists, small businesses, and designers up at night: Is the cost of 3D printing figures high? The answer isn’t a simple “yes” or “no”—it depends on four core factors: equipment, materials, design, and post-processing. By breaking down
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has become a star material in 3D printing, thanks to its excellent mechanical properties, strong heat resistance, and versatility across industries like aerospace, automotive, and electronics. But printing with PET isn’t as simple as loading filament and pressing “start”—its unique traits (like sensitivity to moisture and specific temperature needs) require careful handling.
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, isn’t just a “trendy” technology—it’s a powerful tool that’s reshaping how we create, build, and innovate. By stacking materials layer by layer to form objects, it breaks free from the limits of traditional manufacturing (like CNC cutting or injection molding), which often waste material or struggle with complex
In the hyper-competitive mobile phone industry, where consumer preferences shift overnight and new technologies emerge constantly, the ability to turn ideas into testable prototypes quickly is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Traditional prototyping methods like CNC machining and injection molding have long been the norm, but they often leave R&D teams stuck in slow,
In the fast-paced aerospace industry, 3D printed aerospace prototype models have become a game-changer. They enable engineers to test new designs, validate performance, and reduce development cycles—critical for staying ahead in an industry where every day and every dollar counts. However, creating effective 3D printed aerospace prototypes isn’t straightforward. Challenges like choosing the right additive
3D printing is no longer just for prototypes—it’s a powerful option for 3D printing mass production, especially for small-to-medium batches (10–10,000 parts). For businesses needing flexible designs, fast lead times, or complex geometries, 3D printing often outperforms traditional methods like injection molding or CNC machining. This guide breaks down when to use 3D printing for
Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing is unrivaled for creating parts with ultra-fine details, smooth surfaces, and tight tolerances—making it a top choice for prototypes, dental models, mold masters, and small mechanical components. But SLA’s resin-based process is less forgiving than powder-bed technologies like MJF or SLS. Poor design choices lead to common issues: brittle walls, trapped
Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D printing is a game-changer for functional parts—delivering dense, isotropic components with high surface finish and fast production speeds. But even with MJF’s strengths, poor design choices lead to common issues: warped parts, trapped powder, or brittle features. The solution? Following proven MJF 3D printing design principles tailored to this powder bed
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing is a game-changer for functional prototypes and low-volume production—it creates complex, high-strength parts without support structures, using durable materials like PA12 and PA11. But even the best SLS printers can’t fix a poorly designed part: thin walls may warp, trapped powder can ruin functionality, and ignored shrinkage can break assemblies. The key
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is a go-to 3D printing technology for prototypes, functional parts, and low-volume production—but weak prints are a common frustration. Too often, FDM parts break under stress, warp during printing, or fail to hold up to daily use. The good news? With the right material choices, design tweaks, and process adjustments, you
When it comes to plastic fabrication, two processes stand out for their versatility: CNC Machining (subtractive) and 3D Printing (additive). CNC carves parts from solid plastic blocks, while 3D Printing builds them layer by layer from filaments or resin. Both make high-quality plastic parts, but their strengths—like precision, speed, and cost—vary drastically based on your
When it comes to making plastic parts—whether for prototypes, small batches, or mass production—two processes dominate: Injection Molding and 3D Printing. Injection Molding uses molds to pour molten plastic into shapes, while 3D Printing builds parts layer by layer from filaments or resin. Both have strengths, but the wrong choice can waste time, money, or
When it comes to 3D printing, two technologies stand out for accessibility and versatility: SLA (Stereolithography) and FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling). SLA uses light to cure liquid resin into precise parts, while FDM melts plastic filaments to build layers. Both work for prototypes, small-batch production, and even end-use parts—but their strengths, costs, and best uses
Manufacturing has two heavyweights: subtractive manufacturing (cutting away material) and additive manufacturing (building layer by layer). Both turn raw materials into parts, but they work in opposite ways—each with unique strengths for different projects. Whether you’re making a metal bracket, a plastic prototype, or a complex medical tool, choosing the wrong one can waste time,
