Advanced Manufacturing
Manufacturing Technologies
Explore our comprehensive suite of additive manufacturing technologies. From rapid prototyping to end-use production parts, compare capabilities, materials, and applications to find the perfect solution for your project.
Interactive Technology Database
Discover the capabilities and specifications of each manufacturing technology. Compare materials, tolerances, applications, and find the optimal solution for your needs.
7 Technologies Found
subtractive
CNC Machining
CNCPrecision subtractive manufacturing for high-tolerance parts using 3-axis and 5-axis CNC milling machines. Superior surf...
Build Volume:2000 × 1500 × 200 mm (78.7 × 59.0 × 7.8 in)
Layer Height:N/A (Subtractive Process)
Tolerance:±0.05mm to ±1.2mm (depending on size and material)
Materials:12 available
Available Materials
ABS3 applications
Nylon3 applications
PEEK3 applications
Key Advantages
Exceptional Precision
Achieve tight tolerances from ±0.05mm with superior dimensional accuracy and repeatability.
Superior Surface Finish
Machine-quality surface finish with minimal post-processing requirements.
Wide Material Selection
Machine virtually any engineering thermoplastic with consistent properties.
Primary Applications
Precision HousingsFunctional PrototypesMedical Components+1 more
metal
Direct Metal Laser Sintering
DMLSFully dense, high-performance metal parts with exceptional strength for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications....
Build Volume:380 × 284 × 380 mm (15 × 11.2 × 15 in)
Layer Height:0.02 - 0.06 mm
Tolerance:±0.2mm to ±0.5mm (Size dependent)
Materials:6 available
Available Materials
Aluminum AlSi10Mg4 applications
Aluminum 60614 applications
Stainless Steel 316L4 applications
Key Advantages
Fully Dense Metal Parts
DMLS uses a high-powered laser to fuse metal powder into solid layers, producing fully dense components with mechanical properties comparable to—or surpassing—traditionally manufactured metals.
Complex Geometries
Being an additive process, intricate internal channels, undercuts, and organic shapes can be printed without the traditional constraints of subtractive machining.
High Strength & Durability
DMLS parts exhibit excellent mechanical properties and resistance to wear and fatigue, making them suitable for demanding aerospace, automotive, and industrial applications.
Primary Applications
Aerospace ComponentsMedical DevicesAutomotive Applications+1 more
thermoplastic
Fused Deposition Modeling
FDMIndustry-leading precision with best-in-class repeatability and layer adhesion using industrial-grade thermoplastics....
Build Volume:914 × 609 × 914 mm (36" × 24" × 36")
Layer Height:127 - 330 microns
Tolerance:±0.25 mm (Fortus 450) / ±0.762 mm (Fortus 900)
Materials:7 available
Available Materials
ABS4 applications
ABS-ESD74 applications
ASA4 applications
Key Advantages
Large-Format Printing
Capable of producing sizable parts in a single build, FDM is well-suited for applications requiring large prototypes, jigs, and fixtures
Cost-Effective Manufacturing
FDM is one of the most affordable 3D printing technologies, making it ideal for rapid prototyping and low-volume production
Functional Prototyping
Parts can be printed using industrial thermoplastics with properties close to injection-molded components
Primary Applications
Aerospace ComponentsAutomotive ManufacturingMedical Devices+1 more
thermoplastic
Multi-Jet Fusion
MJFPrecision engineering with fine detail resolution and excellent surface quality. Production-grade materials for strength...
Build Volume:380 × 284 × 380 mm (15 × 11.2 × 15 in)
Layer Height:80 microns
Tolerance:±0.3% mm (Lower limit of ±0.5 mm)
Materials:2 available
Available Materials
HP MJF PA125 applications
HP MJF PA12 Glass Filled5 applications
Key Advantages
Excellent Detail & Precision
Fine features, sharp edges, and smooth surfaces achieved through detailing agents and uniform heating.
High-Speed Production
Faster than other powder-bed 3D printing processes due to parallel agent deposition and infrared fusion.
Consistent Mechanical Properties
Uniform fusion process ensures high-strength, isotropic parts with no weak Z-axis layering.
Primary Applications
Aerospace ComponentsAutomotive ManufacturingMedical Device Manufacturing+1 more
resin
PolyJet Matrix
PolyJetMulti-material 3D printing with exceptional detail resolution and the ability to combine rigid, flexible, and transparen...
Build Volume:380 × 284 × 380 mm (15 × 11.2 × 15 in)
Layer Height:0.028 mm (28 microns)
Tolerance:±0.2% (Lower limit of ±0.2 mm)
Materials:3 available
Available Materials
RGD450 (Rigur)4 applications
Agilus30 (TangoBlack)5 applications
VeroClear5 applications
Key Advantages
Multi-Material Integration
Seamlessly combine rigid, flexible, and transparent materials in single builds for complex assemblies and overmolds.
Variable Shore Hardness
Create custom material properties from Shore A30 to A95 by blending flexible and rigid resins in precise ratios.
Exceptional Detail Resolution
Achieve intricate geometries and fine features with 28-micron layer height and smooth surface finish straight from the printer.
Primary Applications
Multi-Material PrototypesMedical & Anatomical ModelsConsumer Product Development+1 more
resin
Stereolithography
SLAUltra-high resolution resin parts with smooth surface finish and exceptional detail....
Build Volume:380 × 284 × 380 mm (15 × 11.2 × 15 in)
Layer Height:0.025 - 0.150 mm
Tolerance:±0.25% (Standard) / ±0.4% (Large parts)
Materials:5 available
Available Materials
Accura 254 applications
Accura ClearVue4 applications
Accura Xtreme White 2004 applications
Key Advantages
Highest Detail
Unmatched resolution and surface quality for precision applications
Smooth Finish
Glass-like surface finish requiring minimal post-processing
Material Variety
Wide range of material properties from flexible to rigid, clear to opaque
Primary Applications
Visual PrototypesJewelry & Detailed PartsMedical & Dental Models+2 more
thermoplastic
Selective Laser Sintering
SLSSupport-free manufacturing of complex geometries using engineering-grade nylon materials. High mechanical strength with ...
Build Volume:340 × 340 × 600 mm (13.4 × 13.4 × 23.6 in)
Layer Height:60 - 120 microns
Tolerance:±0.25% (Lower limit of ±0.25 mm)
Materials:4 available
Available Materials
Nylon PA123 applications
Nylon PA12 ESD3 applications
Glass Filled Nylon3 applications
Key Advantages
No Support Structures
Create complex internal geometries, lattice structures, and undercuts without supports.
Cost-Effective for Complex Parts
Eliminate tooling costs and reduce waste compared to CNC machining.
Engineering-Grade Materials
Choose from Nylon PA12, ESD variants, glass-filled, and flexible TPU options.
Primary Applications
Aerospace ComponentsMedical DevicesAutomotive Parts+1 more
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