3D Printing Services (Additive Manufacturing)

3D printing—also called additive manufacturing—is a production method where parts are built layer by layer directly from a digital 3D model. Unlike subtractive processes (where material is removed), additive manufacturing places material only where needed, enabling complex geometries, rapid iteration, and high material efficiency.

At Snijer, we position 3D printing as a practical manufacturing tool—ideal for rapid prototyping, functional testing, custom machine components, jigs & fixtures, and low-volume production—especially when speed, design freedom, or customization matters.

What Is 3D Printing Used For in Industry?

Industrial 3D printing is used when companies need parts faster, lighter, or more complex than traditional methods allow—without committing to expensive tooling.

Typical use cases include:

* Prototype parts for design validation (fit, form, and function)

* Functional prototypes that can be tested under real load/temperature conditions

* Low-volume production of end-use components

* Spare parts on demand to reduce downtime and inventory costs

* Jigs, fixtures, gauges, and assembly aids that improve production consistency

* Custom machine parts and housings tailored to unique equipment layouts

Because additive manufacturing starts from CAD data, it’s also extremely effective for customized designs and frequent design updates.

Key Benefits of 3D Printing

Faster development cycles
3D printing compresses the “design → prototype → test → improve” loop. Instead of waiting for tooling or complex machining setups, you can validate designs quickly and iterate with confidence.

Design freedom and complex geometry
Additive manufacturing enables internal channels, lattice structures, lightweight reinforcement, and integrated features that are difficult or impossible to machine or mold economically.

Lower upfront cost for prototypes and small batches
For many parts, 3D printing eliminates tooling costs—making it cost-effective for prototypes, one-off parts, and low-volume production.

Material efficiency
Since material is added instead of removed, waste can be minimized—especially compared to subtractive manufacturing of complex shapes.

Customization at scale
Different versions of a part can be produced without retooling—useful for OEM modifications, special machinery, and customer-specific components.

3D Printing Methods

Below are the main ISO/ASTM-recognized families of 3D printing, plus common industrial subtypes. This structure is ideal for building separate detail pages later.

1) Material Extrusion (FDM / FFF / FGF)

Material extrusion prints by pushing thermoplastic (usually filament or pellets) through a heated nozzle.

* FDM/FFF: Most common for prototypes and fixtures. Good balance of cost and speed.

* FGF (pellet extrusion): Used for larger parts and higher deposition rates.

Best for: functional prototypes, housings, brackets, jigs/fixtures
Strengths: cost-effective, fast, wide material availability
Considerations: visible layer lines, anisotropic strength (depends on orientation)

2) Vat Photopolymerization (SLA / DLP / LCD-MSLA / CLIP-style)

Vat photopolymerization cures liquid resin with light to form very high-detail parts.

* SLA: Laser-based curing; great surface quality and precision.

* DLP/LCD (MSLA): Projects or masks light for faster layer exposure.

* Continuous printing approaches (CLIP-style): optimized for speed and surface consistency in some systems.

Best for: fine-detail prototypes, visual models, master patterns, small precise components
Strengths: excellent surface finish, high accuracy
Considerations: resin properties vary; post-curing and support removal required

3) Powder Bed Fusion (Polymers & Metals)

Powder bed fusion melts or sinters powder particles in a bed to build parts.

For polymers

* SLS (Selective Laser Sintering): Strong nylon parts, no support structures needed.

* MJF (Multi Jet Fusion): Uses agents + heat; great for consistent production-like polymer parts.

* HSS (High Speed Sintering): Similar production-oriented approach in some systems.

Best for: durable polymer parts, snap fits, complex shapes, series production
Strengths: strong functional parts, complex geometries, no supports
Considerations: surface is slightly grainy; post-processing often used for finish/color

For metals

* SLM / DMLS / LPBF: Laser-based metal powder fusion for high-performance components.

Best for: complex metal parts, lightweight structures, internal channels
Strengths: high strength potential, complex geometry, consolidation of assemblies
Considerations: support strategy, heat treatment, and finishing (machining) are commonly required

Materials to be printed: AlSi10Mg, 6061 aluminum alloy, Grade 5 Titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V), Grade 4 Titanium alloy, 316L Stainless steel

4) Material Jetting (PolyJet / MJP)

Material jetting deposits tiny droplets of material and cures them—similar to inkjet printing but with polymers.

Best for: high-detail prototypes, multi-material parts, overmolds, realistic visual models
Strengths: excellent surface finish, fine features, multi-material capability
Considerations: parts can be less heat-resistant; support material removal is needed

5) Binder Jetting (Metals / Ceramics / Sand)

Binder jetting selectively deposits a binder into powder; parts are then cured and typically sintered (and sometimes infiltrated).

Best for: batch production of metal parts, complex shapes, sand molds/cores, certain ceramics
Strengths: high throughput potential, less thermal distortion during printing
Considerations: sintering shrinkage must be controlled; final density depends on process parameters

6) Directed Energy Deposition (DED / LENS / WAAM)

DED adds material (powder or wire) into a melt pool created by a laser/e-beam/arc.

* LENS/laser DED: precision repair and feature addition

* WAAM (Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing): efficient for large metal structures

Best for: repair, cladding, adding features to existing parts, large metal builds
Strengths: great for large parts and repairs, faster build rates for metals
Considerations: surface finish usually requires machining; accuracy is lower than powder bed fusion

7) Sheet Lamination (LOM / UAM)

Sheet lamination bonds layers of material sheets.

* LOM: bonded sheets (paper/plastic/metal foil) cut to shape

* UAM (Ultrasonic Additive Manufacturing): ultrasonically welded metal foils (solid-state)

Best for: specific niche applications, hybrid builds, embedded features (UAM)
Strengths: unique capabilities in certain materials
Considerations: less common; design rules depend heavily on the system

Materials: What Can Be 3D Printed?

Material choice should match the part’s real-world demands: temperature, load, chemicals, wear, and dimensional stability. Common industrial categories include:

* Engineering thermoplastics (e.g., Nylon/PA, ABS, PETG, PC, composites) for functional parts

* High-performance polymers (application-dependent) for heat and chemical resistance

* Photopolymer resins for high-detail prototypes and mold/pattern work

* Metal alloys (process-dependent) for strength, heat resistance, and long-term durability

If you already know your target environment (heat, abrasion, contact surfaces, tolerances), we can recommend the right print technology and finishing route.

From CAD to Finished Part: Our Typical Workflow

1. Design & file review – We check geometry, wall thickness, tolerances, and build orientation

2. Technology selection – Matching the print method to performance, surface, and budget needs

3. Production – Controlled build parameters for repeatability

4. Post-processing – Support removal, cleaning, curing/sintering (when applicable)

5. Finishing (optional) – Sanding, bead blasting, dyeing/painting, or machining for critical fits

6. Quality checks – Dimensional verification based on your drawing requirements

This workflow is especially powerful when combined with precision finishing operations for critical interfaces, sealing surfaces, and tight tolerance features.

Design Tips for Better Results (DfAM – Design for Additive Manufacturing)

Good DfAM can reduce cost and improve consistency:

* Design with uniform wall thickness where possible

* Avoid unsupported overhangs unless the chosen process handles them well

* Use fillets to reduce stress concentrations

* Plan for post-processing on critical surfaces (bearing fits, datum faces)

* Consider printing orientation to optimize strength direction and surface quality

If you share your CAD model early, many performance issues can be prevented before production.

Why Choose Snijer for Industrial 3D Printing?

If you need more than “just a printed part,” Snijer is built for production realities: repeatability, fit, durability, and delivery reliability. Our manufacturing mindset helps ensure your additive parts are designed and finished to work inside real machines, real lines, and real tolerances—especially for prototypes that must become production-ready.

For pricing, lead times, and a manufacturing review of your CAD files, contact Snijer.

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