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3D printing, clearly explained.
A new article every day on technologies, materials, design and finishing.
Latest article
3D-printed spare parts: knobs, ring nuts and gears no longer in production
When a plastic spare part can no longer be sourced, 3D printing can remake it, even as a one-off. Which spare parts are suitable, how to get the file and which technology to choose.
Applications4 min
Technologies4 min
Anisotropy in FDM printing: why parts are weaker between layers
An FDM part holds up better along the layers than between one layer and the next. Where anisotropy comes from, what the datasheets say and how to orient the part.
Materials4 min
ASA in FDM 3D printing: the material for outdoor parts
What ASA is, why it withstands sun and weather, what its printing limitations are and when to choose ASA GF, ABS, PETG or PC for a part that stays outdoors.
Guides4 min
Holes in 3D-printed parts: how to design them for FDM, SLS and MSLA
Why a printed hole is not identical to the CAD model, how it changes between FDM, SLS and MSLA, and when to finish it to size or use threaded inserts.
Guides
The best applications for technical laser engraving
The best applications of technical laser engraving: traceability, functional marking and design criteria for reliable industrial components.
Guides
How to optimise the orientation of SLS parts
Find out how to optimise the orientation of SLS parts to improve accuracy, finish, strength and repeatability in industrial SLS production.
Guides
How to print thin FDM walls without defects
Find out how to print thin FDM walls with the right thicknesses, nozzles, orientation and settings for precise, repeatable functional parts in production.
Guides
Examples of robotics components to 3D print
Examples of robotics components: materials, geometries and additive manufacturing criteria for prototypes, pre-series and functional parts that are reliable in use.
Guides
How to choose the hardness of industrial TPU
How to choose industrial TPU hardness according to load, elastic recovery, geometry and print process, avoiding parts that are too stiff, too soft or unstable.
Guides
A guide to engineering additive materials for functional parts
A guide to engineering additive materials: how to choose PA12, TPU and resins based on loads, environment, finish and advanced professional 3D printing technology.
Guides
SLS surface roughness: a guide to technical finishes
SLS surface roughness guide: Ra values, orientation, material and finishes for designing functional, repeatable PA12 components ready for use.
Guides
A guide to industrial automation components
A guide to industrial automation components: criteria for choosing materials, tolerances and finishes for reliable, compliant prototypes and small runs.
Guides
How to orient SLS parts for quality and cost
Find out how to orient SLS parts to control accuracy, surfaces, strength and cost, with technical criteria useful for prototypes and small runs.
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