3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a manufacturing process through which three dimensional solid objects are created. It enables the creation of physical 3D models of objects using a series of additive or layered development framework, where layers are laid down in succession to create a complete 3D object.
Stereolithography (SLA) Printing
SLA is a popular way to create realistic prototypes and customized products, It’s best used for products where appearance is more important than structural integrity. SLA printing can create intricate structures and complex geometric shapes without increasing the price per unit. Resins are available in different colors, and clear resin can also be used. However, the products made with SLA printing are not nearly as strong as those made with FDM or another printing method. Durable, heat-resistant, and rubber-like resin materials are available.
SLA printing is typically used to create visual prototypes. SLA parts have a smooth surface finish and often look identical to the final product. SLA printing is also used to make custom end-use products in different colors or with slight visual differences.
SLA is commonly used to create parts and light-duty functional prototypes in the automotive industry, medical instruments, electronics, oil and gas, and for consumer products.
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) Printing
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powder bed additive manufacturing process used to make parts from thermoplastic polymer powders. Parts produced with SLS printing have excellent mechanical characteristics, with strength resembling that of injection-molded parts.
The most common material for selective laser sintering is nylon, a popular engineering thermoplastic with excellent mechanical properties. Nylon is lightweight, strong, and flexible, as well as stable against impact, chemicals, heat, UV light, water, and dirt.
SLS is commonly used for durable, functional parts for low to mid-volume production, enclosures, snap-fit parts, auto components and thin-walled ducting.
Metal 3D Printing (DMLS)
Metal 3D printing is a revolutionary technology that produces “impossible-to-make” end use metal parts directly from your CAD data. The mechanical properties of DMLS parts are comparable to cast parts or machined component. We offer 3D metal printing in titanium, stainless steel, maraging steel and aluminum. Each material has unique advantages relating to mechanical performance, weight, corrosion resistance and more.
The advantage of the process is that the more complex or rich the component is, the more economical the process becomes. 3D metal printed parts are fully dense, incorporating complex geometries and precise internal features that cannot be made with traditional machining alone.
DMLS produces high performance, end-use metal 3D printed parts for industrial applications in aerospace, automotive, medical and others.
3D Printing Prototype
This is one of the projects we have done for a leading automotive private sector company. Originally, they order this type of flexible prototype in polymers with an add-in by SLS which is very expensive. With the latest developed resin, we are able to make flexible prototypes by SLA, and the cost is just 1/5.
The reason? Well, simply because the prototypes from these other services were not accurate enough. So, they thought they would have to outsource from Europe. However, when they approached the XTJ team, the company soon discovered that they had finally found a service provider that could meet their needs.