Welcome to InstaVoxel! We specialize in providing outstanding 3D printing technology to meet your manufacturing needs. Our advanced processes and diverse material offerings ensure precision, durability, and efficiency in every project. Here’s a closer look at the four 3D printing processes we offer: Selective Laser Melting (SLM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Multi Jet Fusion (MJF). Additionally, we provide a variety of high-quality metal and plastic materials to suit your applications.
3D Printing Processes
Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an additive manufacturing technology used for 3D printing metal parts. In SLM 3D printing, a high-powered laser selectively melts and fuses metallic powders layer by layer according to a digital design. This process allows for the creation of parts with intricate geometries with high precision and strength. SLM is commonly used in aerospace, automotive, medical, and other industries where complex metal parts with excellent mechanical properties are required.
| Pros | Cons |
| Exceptional strength and durability
High precision and intricate detail Suitable for complex internal structures |
Higher cost compared to some other process
Longer production times for large parts |
Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography (SLA) is an additive manufacturing technology used for 3D printing, particularly for creating prototypes, models, and small-scale production parts. During the SLA process, a laser is used to solidify liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer, following the path of the 3D design. The laser selectively cures the resin, creating a solid 3D object. SLA is known for its high resolution, smooth surface finish, and ability to produce intricate details, making it popular in industries such as product design, jewelry making, and dentistry.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent surface finish and fine detail
Fast turnaround times for small to medium parts Ideal for visual prototypes |
Limited material properties compared to SLM and SLS
Final parts can be brittle and less durable |
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing technology used for 3D printing. In SLS, a high-powered laser selectively fuses powdered material, typically plastic, nylon, or metal, layer by layer, based on a digital design. Unlike stereolithography (SLA) or selective laser melting (SLM), which use liquid resin or metal powder, SLS uses powdered material that is fused together under heat generated by the laser. SLS is known for its versatility, as it can produce complex geometries and functional parts with high strength and durability. It is commonly used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and consumer goods manufacturing.
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong and durable parts suitable for functional testing
No need for support structures, allowing for complex designs Wide range of material options |
Surface finish is rougher compared to SLA
Post-processing required |
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
| Pros | Cons |
| High strength
Fast production times Good surface finish and fine details |
Limited material selection compared to SLS
Higher initial setup costs |
Material Offerings
Material selection is a crucial factor in 3D printing, as each material has unique properties that make it suitable for different applications. Understanding these properties helps ensure the best results for your specific needs. Let’s introduce the materials InstaVoxel offers and discuss their advantages and drawbacks.
Metals
| Material | Pros | Cons | Application |
| Stainless Steel | Excellent corrosion resistance
High strength and durability |
Higher cost
Heavier compared to other materials Longer production times |
Heavy-duty applications Projects under extreme environment |
| AlSi10Mg | Lightweight
Excellent thermal and electrical conductivity Good corrosion resistance |
Lower strength than steel, Can be prone to deformation under high stress | Automotive
Aerospace |
| Titanium | High strength-to-weight ratio
Good corrosion resistance Biocompatible |
Expensive
Less user friendly |
Medical implants High-performance parts |
| Die Steel | Excellent hardness, toughness, and wear resistance | Limited design flexibility due to its hardness | Tooling
Industrial applications |
Plastic
| Material | Pros | Cons | Application |
| ABS-Like | Easy to print
Good strength, Cost-effective |
Lower heat resistance
Prone to warping if not printed correctly |
Everyday items and general-purpose parts |
| ABS-like+PC | Good impact resistance
Durable Better heat resistance than ABS |
Less rigid than a pure PC, adding difficulty to print | Functional prototypes Mechanical parts |
| ABS-Like+PP | Flexible
Good fatigue resistance |
Lower strength than pure ABS, can be more difficult to print. | Parts requiring flexibility and durability |
| Nylon PA12 | Versatile
Excellent abrasion resistance Good mechanical properties |
Can absorb moisture from the environment, which may affect mechanical properties | Gears, bearings, and other moving parts |
| Nylon PA12+40%GB | High strengthEnhanced rigidity | Increased brittleness
Higher cost |
Structural components
High-stress parts |
| PC-like | High impact resistance
Transparent options available Excellent mechanical properties |
Higher cost than ABS
Requires higher printing temperatures |
Durable parts and optical applications |
| Somos® Taurus | High strength
High heat resistance |
Higher cost
Requires specific printing conditions |
Industrial applications
High-performance parts |
At InstaVoxel, we are committed to delivering exceptional 3D printing services that meet your exact specifications. Our experienced team is here to guide you through the selection of processes and materials to ensure your project’s success. Contact us today to bring your vision to life with the power of 3D printing.
