3D printing
Additive manufacturing in FDM and SLA: prototypes, functional parts and small or large series, from concept to final part. To learn more, see the Wikipedia article on 3D printing.
Request a quote+351 928 204 6733D printing: additive manufacturing, layer by layer
3D printing is a form of additive manufacturing in which the model is built by adding layers.
Because it needs no moulds and can produce shapes that are not feasible with other production methods, it has advantages over other manufacturing technologies, such as plastic injection.
We have high-resolution equipment, able to deliver the smallest details. We are equipped to:
The technologies of 3D printing
FDM (fused deposition modeling) or FFF (fused filament fabrication): a polymer in the form of solid filament is heated and deposited on the print surface.
Stereolithography (SLA): a technique that uses photosensitive resin in liquid state, which solidifies under UV light.
Printers and materials for 3D printing
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum size of a part?
It depends on the technology. In FDM there are large-format machines, such as the Blocks RF50 that we represent (500 × 500 × 500 mm). We tell you in the proposal what fits; larger parts can be split into sections.
Do you make small series?
Yes, from one-off prototypes to small and large series. The price per part falls with quantity.
What tolerance can I expect?
In FDM, in the order of a few tenths of a millimetre; in SLA, better. It depends on the part, the material and the orientation. If you have critical dimensions, we tell you what is realistic.
Can you paint or finish the part?
Tell us the finish you want (sanded, painted, untreated) and we state in the proposal what is possible.
Can I send the part file?
Yes. STL, 3MF or STEP. If you only have the part or photographs, we scan or model it.
How much does it cost and how long does it take?
It depends on the size, the material and the quantity. We send a proposal with price and deadline after seeing the file.
3D printing in FDM or SLA: how to choose
| FDM | SLA | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Deposits molten filament, layer by layer | Cures liquid resin with UV light |
| Finish | Visible layers; can be sanded and painted | Smooth surface, fine detail |
| Strength | Good, with technical materials; depends on part orientation | Good in detail; resins tend to be more brittle |
| Size | Small to large parts | Small to medium parts |
| Ideal for | Functional prototypes, fixtures, working parts | Display parts, detail, visual models |
Which material for which 3D printing application
The choice of material depends on the load, the temperature, the environment (humidity, oils, chemicals, outdoors) and the finish.
| Need | Material family |
|---|---|
| Cheap visual prototype | PLA |
| Strength and some contact with moisture | PETG |
| Resistance to temperature and impact | ABS, ASA, polycarbonate |
| Wear resistance and low weight | Nylon, fibre composites |
| Flexible | TPU |
| Demanding applications (temperature, chemicals) | Industrial-grade technical materials |
Tell us what the part is for and we will advise on the material. See also our Smart Materials 3D filaments page.
What we need and tips for better parts
What we need for 3D printing
Tips for better printed parts
Questions? Talk to us
Call us or send us a message and we will reply as quickly as possible.
Request a quote+351 928 204 673