3D Printing
Extruded thermoplastic layers for rapid, economical prototypes.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) extrudes heated thermoplastic filament in thin beads, stacking layers to form a part. FDM is economical for early prototypes, large bulky geometry, and fixtures where surface cosmetics are secondary to speed and cost.
Fused Deposition Modeling pushes a thermoplastic filament through a hot nozzle and stacks beads into a part. It is the fastest way to get a large, cheap shape on the table when layer lines are acceptable.
AIHFABS quotes FDM for jigs, early form-and-fit, and bulky exhibition models. If you need a smooth show face or nylon-level isotropy, move the same file to SLA or SLS instead of sanding for days.
Layer height and envelope vary by cell. Large-format jobs are reviewed before a date is promised.
| Lead time | Typical tolerance | Max build envelope | Surface finish | Supports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From 24–48 hours depending on size | ±0.5 mm or ±0.5% on FDM-appropriate geometry | Varies by machine; large-format options on request | Visible layer lines; sanding and coating improve appearance | Breakaway or soluble supports on overhangs |
PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, nylon, and carbon-filled blends. Chamber heat is used when the grade needs it.
Layer lines are part of the process. Sand, fill, or coat only the faces that will be seen.
Visible beads. Correct for shop aids, fixtures, and most internal mock-ups.
Layer lines knocked down and filled on show faces before paint.
Paint, primer, or tapped inserts after support removal.
FDM is the cost and size lever. Resin and powder beds take over when finish or isotropy matters more than price.
| Process | Lead time | Tolerance | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| Selective Laser Melting (SLM)Metal | From 5 business days (express options where available) | ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% (whichever is greater), tighter after machining | Instant quote · typical metal part from $90 |
| Stereolithography (SLA)Resin | From 48 hours for standard resin jobs | ±0.2 mm on well-supported features | Instant quote · typical resin part from $18 |
| Digital Light Processing (DLP)Resin | From 48 hours | ±0.2 mm on supported geometry | Instant quote · typical resin batch from $20 |
| Liquid Crystal Display (LCD)Resin | From 48 hours | ±0.2 mm on supported geometry | Instant quote · typical resin part from $16 |
| Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)Plastic powder | From 48 hours express; 72 hours / 5 days standard tiers | ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% | Instant quote · typical nylon part from $28 |
| Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)Plastic powder | From 48 hours express; standard 72 hours / 5 days | ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% | Instant quote · typical PA12 part from $25 |
| Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)Thermoplastic filament | From 24–48 hours depending on size | ±0.5 mm or ±0.5% on FDM-appropriate geometry | Instant quote · typical prototype from $12 |
Orientation, infill, and wall count are set from how the part will be loaded — not from a default slicer profile. Tell us if it is a visual mock or a fixture that will see clamp force.
Supports come off before tap, sand, or coat. Soluble supports are used when the overhang would scar a show face.
Orient for strength and for the faces you refuse to sand.
| Feature | Recommended practice |
|---|---|
| Orientation | Keep cosmetic faces off support interfaces when you can. |
| Fillets | Add fillets on load-bearing corners; sharp notches crack along layers. |
| Infill & walls | Say if the part is loaded — we will raise walls and infill instead of guessing. |
| Overhangs | Expect breakaway or soluble supports below about 45°. |
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is a powder-bed metal additive process. A high-power laser scans each cross-section of your CAD model, melting metal powder that solidifies into a dense part.
Full process details
Stereolithography (SLA) cures liquid photopolymer with a precision UV laser, building parts layer by layer.
Full process details
Digital Light Processing (DLP) solidifies an entire layer of photopolymer at once using a projected image.
Full process detailsEarly form-and-fit, large bulky geometry, and shop aids where layer lines are acceptable and cost matters.
About ±0.5 mm or ±0.5% on FDM-appropriate geometry. Fine fits belong on CNC or powder-bed nylon.
PLA, ABS, PETG, ASA, nylon, and carbon-filled blends. Tell us about heat, UV, and outdoors.
Yes — large-format cells are available. Envelope is confirmed after we open the file.
Many jobs leave in 24–48 hours depending on size and finish.
AIHFABS quotes custom 3D printing and CNC machining from a CAD upload. Compare SLA, SLS, MJF, SLM, FDM, DLP, milling, and turning, then add finishing such as vapor smoothing, dyeing, anodizing, polishing, or powder coating in the same order.
Instant quoting is built for prototypes, jigs, housings, and small-batch production. You see material, process, quantity, and lead time together, which keeps engineering changes from turning into a new round of supplier emails.
If this page describes a process, industry, or sample part you want to reproduce, start from the upload flow and match technology plus finishing to your drawing.
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