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3D Printing vs CNC Service: How to Choose the Right Manufacturing Method

3D printing and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) service are two popular manufacturing methods that have gained widespread attention in recent years. 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, involves building 3D objects layer by layer from a digital model, while CNC service, also known as subtractive manufacturing, involves cutting away material from a solid block to create a desired shape. Both methods offer unique capabilities and advantages, and understanding their key characteristics is ......

Mar 20,2024

3D Print Not Sticking to Bed? Try These 9 Quick Fixes Right Now

(Reddit) You set up the file. Leveled the bed. Pressed print. Then.. nothing. The first layer starts to curl, or worse, doesn't even stick at all. Now you're staring at spaghetti on your build plate and wondering what the hell went wrong. Sound familiar? You're not alone. Bed adhesion is the #1 issue that haunts new and seasoned 3D printer users alike. And most of the advice online? Either too basic or too scattered to actually solve the problem. This guide is different. We're breaking down exactly wh......

9 Reasons Why You Should NOT Buy a 3D Printer

(Freepik) So, you're thinking of buying a 3D printer. The internet’s hyped it up, your buddy won’t shut up about his Benchy prints, and you're wondering: “Is a 3D printer worth it?” Here’s the thing, ometimes, it’s not. Owning a 3D printer sounds futuristic until you’re knee-deep in filament spaghetti, failed layers, and firmware updates. If you’re hoping it’ll magically solve all your making needs, you’re in for a wake-up call. Before you spend a chunk of cash and desk space, here are 9 reasons you m......

3D Printed House Materials: Concrete, Plastic, and What’s Next

(Freepik) 3D printed houses aren’t sci-fi anymore, they’re being built right now, layer by layer, from materials you probably didn’t expect. And while the tech behind the printer gets all the hype, what really makes or breaks a build is what’s coming out of the nozzle. 3D printed house materials aren’t just about structure, they affect cost, speed, durability, and even how the house feels to live in. You’ll see 3D printed house concrete mixes, engineered for load-bearing walls to plastics and natural ......

How 3D Printing Is Saving Lives

(source: Unsplash) When most people hear 3D printing, they still picture plastic Yoda heads and phone stands, not life-saving medical breakthroughs. But here’s the truth: 3D printing in healthcare isn’t just some futuristic pipe dream anymore, it’s happening, and it’s saving lives every day. From precision surgeries to custom implants and even printable organs, 3D printing medical devices are turning hospitals into innovation labs. And if you’re in the industry, or just a little obsessed with cool tec......

All About 3D Printed Food

(source: Freepik) 3D printing food works a lot like traditional 3D printing, but instead of thermoplastics and resin, it uses edible materials, think purées, pastes, doughs, and even proteins. These food-grade materials are fed into a printer cartridge and extruded layer by layer to form a final product. Want a pizza shaped like your logo? Done. Need a custom-textured meal for someone with dysphagia? You got it. Why Are People Printing Their Meals? (source: Freepik) The real power of 3D printed food i......

10 Things You Should Never 3D Print

(source: Freepik) 3D printing opens the door to creativity, customization, and convenience, but not everything should be on the print bed. While the tech keeps getting better, safer, and more accessible, there are still clear boundaries, legal, ethical, and material-based, that shouldn’t be crossed. Whether you're just starting out or you're knee-deep in STL files, it’s important to know where the line is between a clever print and a costly mistake. Here are 10 things you should never 3D print, and ex......

Top 3 Dangers When Using a 3D Printer

3D printing is often seen as a clean, hands-off process, load the file, hit print, and watch your design take shape. But behind that glossy surface, there are risks that rarely make it into beginner guides or product marketing. Most printers don’t come with a safety manual beyond the basics, and that’s where people get too comfortable. If you’re regularly using a 3D printer, at home, in a workshop, or at your business, it’s crucial to understand what you’re really working with. Because yes, 3D printin......

Unlock better ROI and Sustainability with FDM printing

FDM 3D Printing Service Online - JLC3DP is one of the most cost-effective and widely used 3D printing technologies in industrial manufacturing. Known for its accessibility and material versatility, FDM printing can significantly reduce the production time and expenses of applications, like jigs and fixtures, end-of-arm tools, and other assembly aids. For years, manufacturers have turned to additive manufacturing to accelerate tool-making and reduce costs compared to traditional fabrication methods As ......

Biometals and the World of 3D Printed Prostheses

Over the last couple of years, innovations in prosthetics have expanded significantly. Although we are still far from the age of true cyborgs, thanks to the advancements in 3D scanning and additive manufacturing, the field of medical implants has become highly customized, considering each patient’s unique anatomy, with increasingly precise results. As the field of neuro-prosthetics (brain-controlled artificial devices) improves quickly, experts are now able to offer a much-improved quality of life. A ......

Understanding 3D Printed Titanium for Industrial Applications

If you are looking to produce parts that are lighter, stronger, or have complex designs that traditional methods cannot achieve, then you should consider using Titanium. It is a key material in advanced manufacturing, offering a great balance of strength and lightweight, is resistant to corrosion, and is not harmful or toxic to living tissue. Because of these qualities, Titanium is often chosen for high-performance uses where component integrity is critical. Traditional manufacturing, however, often l......

Achieve Faster 3D Printing With These Simple Tips

Image via: Pexels by Fox Many users, particularly those with popular desktop FDM printers, want to know how to get faster 3d prints. Making 3d printing faster means quicker project completion and more efficient iteration. This article provides answers on how to increase your printer speed, especially your PLA printing speed. It also explains when using a professional 3D printing service is a more effective approach for achieving fast 3d prints with high quality. Here’s what this guide covers: ● Settin......

Electroplating 3D Prints Explained: Process, Materials, and Tips

(source: Reddit/BrodieMakes) There comes a point in every maker's journey when plastic just isn't enough. Maybe you're working on a cosplay part that needs that authentic metal sheen. Maybe your prototype needs a tougher shell. Or maybe, you just want your 3D prints to scream "premium." Let’s take a look at electroplating 3D prints, the process that gives humble plastic the look (and in some cases, the durability) of real metal. But before you bust out the battery acid and wire, let's break down what ......

8 Resin 3D Print Fails and Their Solutions

(source: 3DBenchy) 3D printing with resin can feel like magic, until your build plate lifts to reveal a failed, half-cured mess instead of a sleek, solid model. Every resin printing enthusiast, whether beginner or experienced, has faced their fair share of frustrating 3D print fails. The good news? Almost every failure has a fix. And better yet, most are preventable once you know what to look for. In this guide, we’re breaking down the most common 3D print failure types in resin printing, what causes ......

How to Use Recycled PET Plastic as 3D Print Filament

(source: Pexels) What if your next 3D print could save the planet a little? That’s not just greenwashing, it’s a reality many makers are turning into a habit. With the right tools, knowledge, and a few bottles of soda, you can turn used PET plastic into high-quality, printable filament. Yes, that PET (polyethylene terephthalate), the same material used in your fizzy drink bottles, blister packaging, and dozens of other consumer goods. Recycling PET into filament isn’t just a cool eco-conscious flex, i......

In-House vs Outsourcing 3D Printing: What's Right for You?

(source: Pixabay) Your product team has a great idea, the 3D model is ready, and it’s go-time, except now you’re wondering… do we print this ourselves or send it out? Welcome to one of the most common dilemmas in product development today. In-house printing promises speed and control. Outsourcing 3D printing offers expertise and scalability. But which is better for your project, and your budget? Let’s break it down with clarity, not clichés. The Case for In-House 3D Printing Control, Speed, and Flexib......

Resin vs Filament 3D Printing: Which One Should You Choose?

Getting into 3D printing can feel a little like opening a toolbox without knowing what half the tools do. If you’ve ever stood between a resin printer and a filament printer, scratching your head, wondering which one’s for you, you’re not alone. Resin vs filament 3D printing is one of the most common beginner dilemmas. Each has its pros, cons, quirks, and learning curves. And choosing the right one can make all the difference in how enjoyable and successful your 3D printing journey becomes. In this gu......

Transparent & Clear 3D Printing Guide: Filaments, Tips & Tricks

(source: AI) Most “clear” 3D prints aren’t fooling anyone. They come out looking more like yellow frosted bathroom glass than crystal-clear acrylic. But don’t give up hope just yet. With the right materials, printer settings, and a little post-processing finesse, you can achieve that see-through, polished look that turns heads and gets the job done. So why does clear 3D printing matter? Because transparency isn’t just for show. Engineers use it to prototype fluid channels, optics labs print light guid......

Complete Guide to Selective Laser Melting Materials

Additive manufacturing continues to redefine industrial production, offering unmatched design freedom and material efficiency. One of the most advanced forms of metal 3D printing is Selective Laser Melting (SLM) , a technology that enables the fabrication of strong, complex components directly from digital files. For industries such as aerospace, medical, and automotive 3D printing, SLM delivers durable, high-performance parts using specialized SLM materials. This guide offers a detailed overview of w......

How 3D Printing is Driving the Future of the Automotive Industry

3D printing in the automotive industry is no longer a futuristic concept—it’s a present-day reality reshaping how vehicles are designed, developed, and manufactured. From rapid prototyping and tooling to the production of lightweight structural components, automotive companies are increasingly adopting additive manufacturing technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and accelerate innovation. As the demand for customization, sustainability, and faster time-to-market grows, 3D printing is becom......

Getting Smoother Curves: Understanding Non-Planar 3D Printing

Image via: Pexels by Jakub Zerdzicki Visible layer lines commonly known as stair-step effect can be an issue on your curved or sloped surfaces 3D printed parts. This common challenge in additive manufacturing affects both the look and sometimes the strength of your components. Non planar 3D printing is a developing technique that directly addresses this problem by changing how layers are applied. This article will help you understand the following about non planar 3D printing: ● What it means and how ......