Technical know-how for engineers and buyers

Properties, tolerances and applications of SLS Nylon PA12: why it is the go-to material for short functional runs with no support structures.

What tolerances to expect from FDM, MSLA, SLS, MJF, CFC and LPBF metal, how to dimension your drawing, and when CNC finishing is needed.

What sets the price of an industrial 3D printed part: volume, material, process, finishing and lead time, with indicative ranges and ways to pay less.

Fixed costs, geometry, materials and volumes: a practical comparison of 3D printing and CNC machining to pick the right process, part by part.

MJF vs SLS for nylon parts: how each works, build volumes, materials, finish, isotropy and lead times, plus when each process is the better choice.

How to replace machined aluminum jigs, fixtures, clamps and EOAT with 3D printed parts: process and material, design rules, cost and lead time.

The six MJF materials in our catalog compared: HDT, tensile strength and elongation of PA12, PA11, PP and TPU, and how to choose the right one.

The eight engineering resins we print with MSLA compared: HDT, tensile strength, elongation, typical uses and when to switch to FDM, SLS or MJF.

When LPBF metal 3D printing beats CNC machining and casting, the design rules that matter, and when a PEEK or CFC part can replace the metal one.

How IVAR Hydronic Solutions cut lead times and TCO by outsourcing prototyping and tooling to a partner specialized in additive manufacturing and DfAM.

The essential rules of Design for Additive Manufacturing: wall thickness, orientation, overhangs, tolerances and topology optimization for each technology.

A technical comparison of high-performance polymers for 3D printing: temperature, chemical and mechanical resistance, cost, and when they replace aluminum.

When a continuous fiber composite replaces aluminum: stiffness, weight, cost and the real limits of CFC 3D printing for tooling and parts.