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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

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 ......

Find out the pros and cons of an open source 3D printer

(source: Freepik) Should You Buy an Open Source 3D Printer in 2025? As 3D printing becomes more mainstream, more people are wondering: Should I stick with a plug-and-play printer or go open source and unlock more creative freedom? The truth? Open source 3D printers have evolved from a tinkerer’s playground to a serious contender for professionals, educators, and hobbyists alike. But they aren’t for everyone. So before you start dreaming about hacking hardware and customizing firmware, let’s break down......

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a 3D Printer

3D printing is no longer a technology of the future; It is already altering industries today. It is a powerful tool that transforms how we conceive, construct, and make things. An increasing number of individuals from passionate enthusiasts to commercial scale producers, are purchasing 3D printers to bring their innovative designs and ideas to life. However, with so many options, selecting a 3D printer can be overwhelming given to the abundance of choices. If you are wondering how to choose a 3D print......

Best Resources for Beginners to Learn 3D Printing

(source: Freepik) Getting started with 3D printing is both exciting and overwhelming. With so many books, tutorials, software tools, and printers available, aspiring beginners often don't know where to begin. Whether you're a hobbyist curious about 3D printing or a student exploring the world of additive manufacturing, having the right resources and a reliable guide can make all the difference. In this article, we’ll walk you through the 3D printing basics and show you how to build a solid foundation ......

Health Risks of 3D Printing: Toxic Fumes & Other Hazards

3D printing has changed the way we prototype, create, and manufacture. But let’s get one thing straight, just because something is high-tech doesn’t mean it’s risk-free. As printers get more affordable and more people dive into home setups or scale into print farms, there’s one question that often goes ignored: Is 3D printing dangerous? Let’s break it down, especially if you're printing in your bedroom, garage, or workspace without proper safety measures. (source: AI-generated) The Hidden Reality Behi......

Busting 7 Myths About 3D Printing with Real Facts

You've probably seen the Reddit threads, the YouTube “experts”, all parroting the same tired 3D printing myths. Some say 3D printing is expensive. Others call it dangerous. Some act like you can print a car in your garage by Friday. 3D printing is powerful tech, but if you’re working off bad info, you’ll waste time, money, and maybe even risk safety. In this post, we’re busting 7 of the most common myths with real 3D printing facts, and giving you the clarity you need before you start your next print.......

How to Make 3D Printed Safe Items for Food

Using your 3D printer to create custom cookie cutters, cake toppers, or maybe even unique 3D printed utensils opens exciting possibilities in the kitchen. But before you start printing your next culinary gadget, ask yourself this question: Is it safe to use these printed items with food? Getting this wrong could pose health risks, so understanding the process for different printing technologies is key. This article explains how to approach making food safe 3D print objects. We will cover: ·Why 3D prin......

How to Make More Money with a 3D Print Business Plan

You can have the best printer and still make zero profit. Most people dive in without a plan and end up with shelves full of unsold parts and a lot of frustration. Making real money with 3D printing isn't about working harder. It's about working smarter, choosing the right products, the right pricing, and setting up a system that doesn't rely on luck. In this guide, we'll show you the proven steps to turn your 3D printer from a hobby into a real business. Without burning out, without guessing, and wit......

Why You Need Custom Footwear: The Comfort Revolution of 3D Printed Shoes

Welcome to the world of 3D printed shoes, a revolutionary approach changing how footwear is made and experienced. Using advanced technology known as additive manufacturing, 3D printing shoes creates footwear layer by precise layer; a whole new way of thinking about fashion, function, and sustainability. Instead of stitching and gluing pieces together, each pair is printed in one seamless piece using advanced printing materials. And then you get shoes that are flexible, durable, breathable, and unbelie......

Understanding 3D Printing Resolution: What It Means and Why It Matters

In 3D printing, resolution is one of the most important factors in determining the quality and detail of the final print, and understanding how resolution affects the final result can help you choose the right settings and printer for your needs. In this article, we'll look at what 3D printing resolution is, how to measure it, and why it matters to your project. image credit: theprintingbay.com What is 3D printing resolution? 3D printing resolution refers to the level of detail a 3D printer is able to......

Why Metal 3D Printers Are Still So Expensive – A Deep Dive into Costs and Technology

As industrial manufacturing transforms towards digitalization and efficiency, metal 3D printing has gradually become an important technology in the fields of aviation, automobiles, and medical treatment. However, if we pay attention to the current desktop printer market, we will find that most of them are FDM printers and SLA printers. The metal printing field is still a forbidden area for desktop printers, because compared with desktop plastic 3D printers, the price of metal 3D printers is very high,......

How to Reduce Cost of 3D Printing

3D printing is currently widely used in many fields such as prototype development, parts manufacturing, and artistic creation. Although 3D printing equipment and materials are easy to obtain, cost control is still a key issue for individuals and enterprises. This article will share a series of practical strategies to help you reduce 3D printing costs without affecting printing quality. 1. Optimize your 3D model for printing Optimizing 3D model design is the most direct and effective way to reduce cost......