3D Printing
Industrial nylon parts with isotropic strength and fast throughput.
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) applies fusing and detailing agents across a powder bed, then uses infrared energy to fuse each layer. The result is durable PA12 or TPU parts with fine feature definition and mechanical properties suited to serial production.
Multi Jet Fusion jets fusing and detailing agents onto a nylon powder bed, then an infrared pass melts the slice. Parts come out dense and fairly isotropic, which is why MJF is a common choice for clips, enclosures, and short-run end-use plastics.
AIHFABS nests many part numbers in one cake to drop unit cost. Dye and vapor smooth are the usual finish steps; inserts are added when the same hole will be assembled more than once.
The listed envelope is the planning box. Instant quote still depends on nest density and finish.
| Lead time | Typical tolerance | Max build envelope | Surface finish | Supports |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| From 48 hours express; standard 72 hours / 5 days | ±0.3 mm or ±0.3% | 380 × 284 × 380 mm | Fine grain; dyeing and vapor smoothing available | Powder bed — no separate support structures |
PA12 is the workhorse. TPU and glass-bead filled PA12 are quoted when flex or stiffness needs them.
Natural MJF gray is fine-grained. Black dye is the usual customer-facing step.
Fine as-fused grain, typically gray PA12. Good for internals and shop trials.
Immersion dye for a uniform dark skin that hides the open grain.
Chemical smooth for a less chalky feel on grips and consumer-facing covers.
MJF and SLS share the no-support nylon idea. FDM is cheaper for bulky mock-ups; SLA is smoother for show models.
| 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 |
We pack the cake for a stable fuse and a sane cool-down. Escape holes and even walls are checked in DFM.
Depowder, blast, then dye or vapor smooth only if the order lists them. Thread inserts are fitted after the cake, not printed as a hope.
Uniform walls and a powder exit keep both strength and cosmetics predictable.
| Feature | Recommended practice |
|---|---|
| Walls | Keep thickness even on large PA12 panels to limit sink and warp. |
| Threads | Specify inserts or helicoils when the joint will be assembled often. |
| Nesting | Combine part numbers in one cake when you can — that is how unit cost drops. |
| Escape holes | Open closed volumes so powder can leave after the fuse. |
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 detailsBoth make functional PA12. MJF is often a bit more isotropic and faster on dense nests; we pick the cell from the file, not from a slogan.
±0.3 mm or ±0.3% on typical MJF geometry.
Yes, flexible TPU grades for grips, gaskets, and living features — confirm the durometer on the quote.
No separate support trees. Powder holds the part; you still need escape holes.
Express from 48 hours; standard around 72 hours or 5 days depending on the cake queue.
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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