What is Industrial-grade 3D Printing?
In a market flooded with a variety of 3D printing equipment and services, understanding what distinguishes industrial-grade 3D printing is essential.
Firstly, let’s grasp the principle behind 3D printing: it builds parts layer by layer, a process also known as Additive Manufacturing (AM). Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that rely on cutting tools and multiple machining processes, 3D printing enables rapid and precise fabrication of parts with complex geometries on a single machine. This approach significantly reduces processing steps and time.
The comparison between traditional printing and industrial-grade 3D printing underscores the impact of product complexity on manufacturing speed. The more complex the product structure, the more pronounced the effect on production speed.
What are Files Needed for 3D Printing?
Typically, 3D printing involves preparing 3D CAD files, where designers create original designs using CAD software such as SolidWorks, ProE, Inventor, SolidEdge, Cartier, AutoCAD, etc. Alternatively, reverse engineering techniques can be employed, which involve creating digital models from 3D scanning the existing physical objects directly . While reverse engineering can significantly reduce design time and barriers, the obtained files are non-editable, necessitating subsequent modeling software for design modification. Once the 3D files are prepared, they are sliced into layers using 3D slicing software and then outputted to the 3D printing equipment to obtain the desired parts.
STL vs. STEP? STEP files might be better for 3D printing
An STL file is a commonly used file format that represents a 3D model using a series of connected triangles to define the surface geometry of the object. These files contain information about the shape and structure of the object but do not include color, texture, or other visual attributes. Instead, they focus solely on defining the geometry of the 3D object. However, some common issues with STL files for 3D printing include broken surfaces, slicing software problems, open edges, duplicate segments, unclosed surfaces, insufficient triangle mesh resolution, and issues with converting 3D files to STL format.
It is recommended to provide files in STEP (AP203) or STEP (AP204) format to printing service providers. A STEP (Standard for the Exchange of Product Data) file is a standard format used for exchanging 3D data between different CAD software systems. It allows for the transfer of precise geometric and product data, facilitating collaboration and interoperability among designers and engineers.
What are the Processes Involved in 3D Printing?
3D printing is an industry with constant technical development and advancements in materials. In terms of processes, 3D printing can be categorized into seven main processes, each branching out into different machines with distinct characteristics and materials:
- Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM): Plastic extrusion system
- Digital Light Processing (DLP): Digital light projection molding system
- Color-Jet-Printing (CJP): Full-color printing powder molding system
- Multi-Jet-Printing (MJP): Multi-nozzle printing composite molding system
- Stereolithography Apparatus (SLA): Laser sintering liquid resin molding system
- Selective Laser Sintering (SLS): Laser sintering plastic powder molding system
- Direct Metal Printing (DMP): Laser sintering metal powder molding system
How to get started with 3D Printing?
Currently, the most common entry-level 3D printing methods utilize ABS and PLA materials, both of which employ Fused Deposition Modeling(FDM) technology. While these two printers served as accessible options for beginners, parts produced using these processes often exhibit poorer surface quality, lower printing completeness, and weaker material bonding in the Z-axis direction. These limitations can lead to surface defects during support material removal. Therefore, they do not fall under the category of industrial-grade 3D printing and are primarily utilized for academic purposes and entry-level operations.
In general, the classification of industrial-grade 3D printing equipment isn’t solely determined by the resolution of the equipment or the printing specifications but hinges on various factors. For example, equipment cost (typically exceeding a million), manufacturing processes, overall precision, roundness, seamless formation of thin structures, and the range of materials utilized (such as metal, carbon fiber, nylon, or specialized plastics).
Industrial vs. Non-industrial 3D printing
| Industrial 3D printing | Non-industrial 3D printing | |
| Equipment | High-end, specialized 3D printers | Consumer-grade or desktop 3D printers |
| Material | Wide range of industrial-grade materials | Limited selection of basic materials |
| Precision & Accuracy | High | Low, limited to simple geometries |
| Surface Finish | Good | Poor |
| Production Volume | High | Low-medium |
| Efficiency | High | Low |
| Cost | Higher initial investment and operational costs | Lower Higher initial investment and operational costs |
| Example |  |
 |
At InstaVoxel, we specialize in four primary 3D printing processes: SLA, SLS, SLM, and MJF. Each of these processes offers unique features and advantages, catering to diverse manufacturing needs. Contact us today to explore the seamless possibilities of 3D printing for your business needs!
