What is 3D printing?
Industrial Additive Manufacturing – Explained Simply for Businesses, Designers, and Decision-Makers. 3D printing is no longer just a prototyping fad, but an established manufacturing technology for industry and small and medium-sized businesses. On this page, you’ll find a structured overview of the fundamentals, possibilities, and applications of industrial 3D printing.
Basics
3D Printing in Industrial Manufacturing
3D printing—also known as additive manufacturing—refers to manufacturing processes in which components are built up layer by layer from digital 3D data. Unlike machining or molding processes, material is applied only where it is functionally required.
Depending on the process, plastics or metals are processed using lasers, UV light, or binders. The result: greater design freedom, shorter development cycles, and new design possibilities.
Creating 3D printing files correctly
Here’s how to ensure your CAD data is optimally prepared for 3D printing—for reliable quality and smooth project execution.
Why clean 3D printing data is so important
The quality of a 3D-printed part isn’t determined solely by the manufacturing process; it begins with the creation of the CAD data. Poorly exported or unsuitable files can lead to lengthy coordination efforts, rework, or, in the worst case, manufacturing defects.
A clean database ensures:
- consistent component quality
- shorter project durations
- reliable prices and delivery times
Which file formats are suitable for 3D printing?
STL – The Standard Format in Additive Manufacturing
The most commonly used data format for 3D printing is STL. It describes the surface of a part using a triangular mesh. The level of detail in the geometry depends directly on the number and size of the triangles.
- High resolution = better component quality
- Resolution too low = visible steps or inaccuracies
Alternatively, you can also send us STEP files.
Common pitfalls when exporting STL files
When exporting STL files from CAD programs, incorrect default settings can cause problems:
- Insufficient detail resolution (visible facets)
- very large triangles in circular or open geometries
- incorrect scaling factors
(e.g., known issues in Autodesk Inventor) - unnecessarily large files with no gain in quality
The more complex and rounded the geometry, the more triangles are needed to accurately represent the shape.
Best Practices for Data Preparation
- Use an STL resolution appropriate for the part
- Check the scale and units before exporting
- Avoid unnecessary geometric errors or open areas
- Take wall thicknesses and functionality into account right from the design phase
Why are companies turning to 3D printing?
Design freedom
Complex geometries and component consolidation at no extra cost.
Cost-effectiveness
No tools, low startup costs, and faster iterations.
Rapid development cycles
Shorter time to market through direct implementation and adaptation from CAD data.
More sustainable manufacturing
Material efficiency, reuse of powdered materials.
An Overview of 3D Printing Processes and Materials
Industrial 3D printing is not a single, uniform process, but rather a modular system comprising various technologies and materials.
The most appropriate solution depends, among other factors, on mechanical requirements, surface quality, production volume, build volume, and cost-effectiveness.
The following overview will help you understand the different processes and materials—enabling you to make an informed initial decision.
3D Printing Processes
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
Suitable for mass production, reproducible, cost-effective
The MJF process is particularly well-suited for functional components and mass production. Plastic powder is built up layer by layer and selectively solidified using heat. The result is durable components of consistent quality—ideal for industrial applications.
Popular materials:
, PA12, PA11, TPU
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
High design flexibility, no supports required, versatile
In the SLS process, plastic powder is fused locally using a laser. Since no support structures are required, it is possible to produce complex, moving, or internal geometries. SLS is particularly well-suited for functional individual parts, small-batch production, and structurally complex components.
Popular materials: PA12 , PA11, TPU
Stereolithography (SLA)
Highest level of detail, smooth surfaces, visual precision
SLA uses liquid synthetic resins that are cured layer by layer using UV light. The process is notable for its extremely fine details and outstanding surface quality. It is primarily used for design prototypes, demonstration models, and applications where aesthetics and dimensional accuracy are paramount.
Popular materials: Engineering resins (e.g., rigid, tough, flexible-like)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Rugged, cost-effective, ideal for large components
In FDM printing, thermoplastic material is extruded layer by layer through a heated nozzle. The process is particularly well-suited for functional prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and large-volume components where durability and cost-effectiveness are key considerations.
Popular materials: PA-based filaments, TPU, engineering thermoplastics
Polyjet / Polygraphy
Multi-material and multi-color printing, realistic rendering
The Polyjet process allows for the simultaneous printing of different materials, degrees of hardness, and colors within a single part. It is primarily used for realistic functional and design models where tactile feel, visual appearance, or material combinations are critical.
Popular materials: silicone-like materials, flexible and transparent photopolymers
Selective Laser Melting (SLM)
High-strength, heat-resistant, for industrial metal applications
SLM is an additive metal manufacturing process in which metal powder is completely melted. It is suitable for high-strength, complex metal components with tight tolerances, such as those used in mechanical engineering, medical technology, or tool and fixture manufacturing.
Popular materials: aluminum , stainless steel, tool steel
3D Printing Materials
Plastics are the most commonly used materials in industrial 3D printing. They are suitable for functional prototypes, production parts, enclosures, mounts, and technical components.
Typical characteristics:
- great design flexibility
- lightweight
- good mechanical strength (depending on the material)
Popular Materials & Applications:
- PA12 / PA11 → functional mass-produced components
- Glass- or carbon-fiber-reinforced plastics → higher stiffness
- Flexible plastics → Seals, clips, elastic components
3D metal printing is used in applications that require high strength, heat resistance, or durability. Additive manufacturing enables the production of complex metal components that would otherwise be extremely difficult to produce using conventional methods.
Typical applications:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Medical technology
- Tool and Fixture Manufacturing
Popular metals:
- Aluminum
- Stainless steel
- Tool steel
Silicone-like materials and elastomers are used when flexibility, shock absorption, or rubber-like properties are required. They are particularly well-suited for design models, functional prototypes, and applications with tactile requirements.
Typical applications:
- Seals & Flexible Components
- Grippers & Soft-Touch Surfaces
- Demonstration models designed for tactile interaction
Everything You Need to Know About 3D Printing
Frequently Asked Questions About 3D Printing
Tips for Sustainable 3D Printing
Continuing Education & Training
Experience 3D printing – at the Glass 3D Factory
3D printing can be explained—and experienced.
At the Transparent 3D Factory, industrial additive manufacturing comes to life through guided tours and training sessions.
Visitors gain insights into processes, materials, and applications—from individual components to mass production.
This offer is intended for:
- Company
- Design Engineers
- Buyer
- Decision-makers and project managers
Our Services
Additive manufacturing for industrial applications
Rapidobject supports companies throughout the entire product lifecycle—from data creation to prototyping and mass production, all the way through to spare parts manufacturing.
With our in-house manufacturing capabilities, years of experience, and certified processes, we help you implement additive manufacturing in a practical and cost-effective manner.
The right manufacturing process for your project
Would you like to see if 3D printing is a good fit for your application?
We take a technology-neutral approach to consulting and, where appropriate, combine 3D printing processes with traditional manufacturing technologies. Our goal is to find the best technical and cost-effective solution for your component.
Contact us!
We look forward to hearing from you
+49 (0) 341 231 837 50 info@rapidobject.com