Techniques
We provide additive manufacturing services for 3D printing by combining commonly used techniques like DLP, FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, PolyJet or SLM.
Description
Digital Light Processing (DLP) uses a digital projector to flash an entire image of each layer of a 3D model onto a vat of liquid photopolymer resin. The light cures the resin in the shape of that layer. Once cured, the build platform moves to allow the next layer to be projected and solidified.
Materials
Photopolymer resins.
Applications
Ideal for high-detail prototypes, dental models, jewelry, and small parts that demand fine features and smooth surface finishes.
Key Characteristics of DLP
- Resolution & Detail
DLP offers excellent resolution and fine detail – often surpassing SLA – since it cures an entire layer in a single exposure rather than tracing it point by point with a laser. - Speed
Typically faster than SLA, as full layers are cured simultaneously. - Surface Finish
Delivers smooth surfaces, though the projection method can occasionally result in visible voxels (tiny 3D pixels), depending on resolution settings. - Precision
Well-suited for small, highly detailed parts that require consistent dimensional accuracy.
Digital Light Processing is widely used in fields such as dental and medical modeling, jewelry manufacturing, and prototyping – any application where fine detail and a smooth finish are essential.
Description
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) builds objects by extruding thermoplastic filament through a heated nozzle. The material is melted and deposited layer by layer onto the build platform, gradually forming the final part.
Materials
Common materials include PLA, ABS, PETG, TPU, and various engineering-grade thermoplastics.
Applications
Widely used for prototyping, educational and hobbyist projects, and functional parts that don’t require extremely high precision or surface quality.
Description
Stereolithography (SLA) uses a laser to cure liquid photopolymer resin into solid plastic, building parts layer by layer. The laser selectively traces each cross-section of the design onto the surface of the resin, hardening it with precision.
Materials
Photopolymer resins.
Applications
Ideal for high-resolution prototypes, molds, and medical devices that require fine detail and smooth surface finishes.
Description
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses a high-powered laser to fuse powdered material layer by layer, forming a solid 3D object. The laser selectively scans and sinters each cross-section of the design, bonding the particles without the need for support structures.
Materials
Common materials include nylon, polyamide, thermoplastic elastomers, and certain metal powders.
Applications
Ideal for functional prototypes, end-use parts, and complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to produce with traditional manufacturing methods.
Description
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) uses fine-grained powder, typically nylon, which is evenly distributed across the build platform. A fusing agent is selectively jetted onto areas where the particles are intended to fuse, while a detailing agent is applied around the edges to enhance resolution and surface finish. A heat source then passes over the layer, causing the treated areas to solidify and form the part layer by layer.
Materials
Primarily nylon (PA 12, PA 11), with growing support for other thermoplastics and elastomers.
Applications
Functional prototypes, end-use parts, complex geometries, and components requiring high strength and fine detail.
Key Characteristics of Multi Jet Fusion
- Speed
Faster than many other 3D printing technologies, thanks to its simultaneous layering and fusing process. - Surface Finish
Delivers good surface quality with fine detail and minimal visible layering. - Mechanical Properties
Produces strong, durable parts with consistent mechanical performance – well-suited for functional applications. - Cost Efficiency
Highly cost-effective for medium to large production volumes, due to efficient material use and fast production cycles.
Multi Jet Fusion is especially valued in industries such as automotive, consumer goods, and healthcare for its ability to deliver high-quality, functional parts with speed and scalability.
Description
PolyJet 3D printing works by jetting layers of liquid photopolymer onto a build tray, which are immediately cured by UV light. This process repeats layer by layer to create a fully solid part. The print head moves in a manner similar to an inkjet printer and can deposit multiple materials and colors simultaneously, enabling the production of multi-material, multi-color parts in a single print job.
Materials
A broad range of photopolymers, including rigid and flexible materials, as well as materials designed to mimic properties such as rubber, polypropylene, and ABS. Some PolyJet systems also support biocompatible materials for medical applications.
Applications
Ideal for high-detail prototypes, medical and dental models, multi-material and multi-color parts, and functional prototypes requiring features like overmolding or soft-touch surfaces.
Key Characteristics of PolyJet
- Resolution and Detail
Offers outstanding resolution and precision, capable of printing ultra-fine layers (down to 16 microns), resulting in smooth surfaces and highly intricate details. - Multi-Material Capability
Enables simultaneous printing with multiple materials and colors, making it well-suited for parts that require varying material properties or aesthetic elements within a single print. - Surface Finish
Produces strong, durable parts with consistent mechanical performance – well-suited for functional applications. - Precision
High dimensional accuracy, ideal for detailed components and complex geometries.
PolyJet is widely used in industries such as healthcare – for surgical guides and dental models – consumer goods for realistic product prototypes, and engineering for functional testing of parts that require multiple material characteristics.
Description
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing process that uses a high-powered laser to fully melt and fuse metal powder into solid 3D parts. A thin layer of metal powder is evenly spread across the build platform, and the laser selectively melts the material based on the part’s cross-sectional geometry. This process is repeated layer by layer until the complete part is formed.
Materials
A wide range of metal powders, including stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, cobalt-chrome, and nickel-based alloys.
Applications
Used for aerospace components, medical implants, automotive parts, and high-performance engineering applications requiring complex geometries and exceptional mechanical properties.
Key Characteristics of SLM
- Material Properties
Produces parts with excellent mechanical strength, high density, and performance characteristics comparable to those made using traditional manufacturing methods. - Complex Geometries
Enables the production of highly intricate designs and internal structures that would be difficult or impossible to achieve through conventional processes. - Strength and Durability
Delivers robust, long-lasting parts suitable for critical and demanding environments. - Precision and Detail
Offers high dimensional accuracy and fine resolution, ideal for parts with tight tolerances and detailed features.
Selective Laser Melting is especially valued in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and medical, where it enables the production of strong, lightweight, and complex metal components that meet strict performance and regulatory standards.
