3D Printing Service for Businesses
A 3D printing service is a specialized offering that allows businesses to turn their ideas and concepts into physical objects without needing to invest in their own 3D printers. These services provide a wide range of materials and printing methods to create customized parts that meet the specific needs of the customer.
Advantages of a 3D Printing Service
1. Access to High-Quality Materials and Processes:
A significant advantage of professional 3D printing lies in the extensive selection of high-quality materials and printing methods available to businesses. Whether it's metal, ceramics, ABS, PLA, PETG, or TPU, the variety of materials enables the production of customized components that meet the specific requirements of a project. This is particularly important when creating prototypes or functional parts that must excel in durability,precision, and longevity. By accessing specialized materials and processes,businesses can ensure their products meet the highest quality standards without having to compromise.
2. Flexibility and Versatility:
A 3D printing service offers businesses impressive flexibility and versatility,which is reflected in various aspects. On one hand, businesses can choose from a variety of printing methods, including FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), SLS(Selective Laser Sintering), and SLA (Stereolithography). Each of these methods has specific strengths that can be leveraged depending on the project requirements, whether it's for producing detailed models, functional prototypes, or complex geometric structures. This flexibility also extends to the ability to realize different sizes and shapes, from small, intricate parts to large-format components. This allows businesses to execute both simple and highly complex projects.
3. Time and Cost Savings:
Another crucial advantage of 3D printing is the significant time and cost savings for businesses. Acquiring and maintaining 3D printers can involve high investment costs, especially when specialized printing methods and materials are required.With a 3D printing service, these costs are eliminated, as businesses only pay for the specific printing job. Additionally, businesses benefit from the quick turnaround that such a service offers. As providers typically have extensive infrastructure, they can process orders promptly and deliver the produced parts in the shortest possible time. This is particularly advantageous in industries where the rapid creation of prototypes or short-term production requirements play a critical role.
4. Possibility of Small Batch Production:
In addition to single-piece prototype production, 3D printing also enables cost-effective small batch production. This is particularly interesting for businesses that need small quantities of a product without having to bear the high costs and long lead times of traditional manufacturing methods. With a 3Dprinting service, businesses can quickly respond to market changes, iteratively improve their products, and test new designs without significant financial risk. This manufacturing agility opens new opportunities for businesses to bring innovative products to market.
5. Expert Consultation:
Working with a 3D printing service provider has the invaluable advantage of allowing businesses to tap into the knowledge and experience of experts. These experts are available to advise companies on selecting the right material and printing method, based on the specific requirements of the project. Whether it's about choosing a material with mechanical properties or opting for a process that allows for especially high precision, consulting with experienced professionals ensures that the final product meets the highest standards.Additionally, businesses benefit from innovative ideas and solutions that arise from close collaboration with an experienced 3D printing service provider.
Through this range of advantages, businesses can enhance their innovation capabilities, shorten development cycles, and reduce production costs simultaneously. A 3D printing service thus offers not only technical but also strategic benefits that can be crucial for the success of modern companies.
Materials for the 3D Printing Service: Metal and Plastic
A central aspect of our 3D printing service is the wide selection of materials and processes we can offer thanks to DB Schenker's extensive supplier network.We focus on two main material groups i.e., metal and plastic.
1. Metal:
Metal-based 3D printing processes, such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM) or Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), enable the production of highly precise and durable components. These processes are ideal for industries that rely on long-lasting, functional parts, such as aerospace, automotive, or mechanical engineering. Materials like stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and copper offer exceptional strength, heat, and corrosion resistance, making them thepreferred choice for manufacturing prototypes, tools, and end products that must withstand extreme conditions.
2. Plastic:
Plastic is an extremely versatile material for 3D printing, enabling a wide range of applications, from simple prototypes to functional end products. Our services include the most common types of plastic, such as PA, ABS, PLA, PETG,and TPU, as well as specialized high-performance plastics like PEEK or poly carbonate. These materials offer a range of benefits, such as easy processing, high flexibility, chemical resistance, and the possibility of transparent manufacturing. Plastic parts can be printed using various methods,such as FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) or SLS (Selective Laser Sintering),allowing businesses to choose the optimal combination of material and printing method to meet the specific requirements of their project.
Thanks to our broad range of materials, we can meet the individual needs of our customers and offer customized solutions that are convincing both in prototype development and in series production. Whether you need a component made of metal or plastic, we offer the right solution to turn your ideas into reality.
Surface Finishing of 3D Printed Parts: Diverse Finishing Options for Your Components
After 3D printing, the process is not necessarily complete – often,post-processing is required to give the components the desired finish and final properties. Depending on the requirement and application, we offer various surface treatments that can significantly enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your 3D printed parts.
1. Chemical Smoothing:
Chemical smoothing is a process primarily used for plastic parts to reduce surface roughness. The part is treated with chemical vapors that slightly soften and smooth the outer layer of the plastic.The result is a smooth, glossy surface that is not only more aesthetically pleasing but also improves mechanical strength as well as wear and chemical resistance. This process is particularly suitable for parts that require a high surface quality, such as housings or visible parts of end products.
2. Vibratory Finishing:
Vibratory finishing, also known as tumbling, is a mechanical process that can be used for both metal and plastic parts. The work pieces are placed in a rotating or vibrating drum along with abrasive media and a special polishing compound. The movement of the drum polishes, de burrs, and homogenizes the surfaces of the work pieces. Vibratory finishing is excellent for improving surface quality, reducing sharp edges, and preparing parts for further coatings or painting.
3. Coloring:
For customers with specific color requirements, we offer the possibility to color 3D printed parts afterward. This can be done either by coloring the raw material before printing or through a post-printing surface treatment. Coloring not only provides an aesthetically pleasing surface but can also be used for marking or identification of parts. Additionally, it protects the parts from UV radiation and other environmental influences, which is especially beneficial for parts used outdoors.
These surface finishing processes are just a few of the ways we can refine your 3D printed parts and optimize them for their intended use. Depending on your requirements, we are happy to advise you on which method is best suited for your project to achieve the desired properties and best performance.
How Does a Request Work with Our 3D Printing Service?
The process begins with contacting us and submitting the 3D file and a technical drawing of the desired component. You can upload these files directly via our contact form. After receiving the files, our experts review the feasibility and select the appropriate printing method, whether it's FDM, SLS,or another method.
Within a short time, you will receive a customized quote that includes all costs for printing the component. Once the quote is approved, the part is manufactured with high precision and is usually delivered to you within 10 business days.
Conclusion
Our 3D printing service offers businesses an efficient way to produce high-quality, customized components without having to make significant investments. By simply submitting a request through our contact form, you can quickly and easily bring your ideas to life. For more information or to make a direct inquiry, feel free to contact us.
