3D Printing Technology Capabilities
Makelab offers various 3D printing technology capabilities. Read below for more details.
Overview
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Basic prototyping, budget friendly
Materials offered:
What is FDM best for?
- Basic prototyping
- Not worried about surface texture/finish
- Budget-friendly
Lead times
❯ Standard - 3 business days
❯❯ Rush - 2 business days
❯❯❯ Next Day - 1 business day (No Support Removal)
❮ No Rush - 5 business days
Build volume
How does it work?
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) is a 3D printing process that involves melting a plastic filament and depositing it layer by layer to create a physical object. The plastic is heated to a high temperature until it becomes molten and can flow through a small nozzle. As the molten plastic is extruded, it quickly cools down and solidifies, forming each layer of the object. By repeating this process layer by layer, the complete 3D object is built.
Stereolithography (SLA)
Visual prototyping and fine details with a smooth surface
Materials offered:
What is SLA best for?
- Visual prototyping
- Fine details
- Smooth surface finishes with high details
Lead times
❮ No Rush - 5 business days
❯ Standard- 3 business days
❯❯ Rush - 2 business days (No Support Removal)
❮❮ Extended - 7 business days
Build volume
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XL: 335mm x 200m x 300mm
How does it work?
SLA (Stereolithography) is a 3D printing process that utilizes a liquid resin that is solidified by a UV laser light. The process begins when the build plate is submerged into a tank filled with liquid resin. The laser then selectively solidifies the resin, this layer-by-layer process continues until the entire object is created.
HP Multi-Jet Fusion (MJF)
Highly strong and durable parts, no supports needed
Materials offered:
What is HP MJF best for?
- End-use parts that are past the prototyping stage
- Strong parts that do not need to be used for visuals
- Parts that would generate hard to reach support structures
Lead times
❮ No Rush - 5 business days
❮❮ Extended - 7 business days
Build volume
380mm x 280mm x 380mm
How does it work?
MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) uses a bed of fine powder and inkjet print heads. The process begins by applying a thin layer of powder on the build platform. The print heads then deposit a fusing agent and a detailing agent onto the powder layer. The fusing agent selectively melts the powder, creating solid layers, while the detailing agent enhances the final appearance. This process is repeated for each layer until the complete object is formed. Excess powder provides support during printing and can be reused for efficiency.
Vision Control Jetting (VCJ)
Highly precise parts with functional properties, no supports needed
Materials offered:
What is VCJ best for?
- Parts that require incredible dimensional accuracy and precision
- Parts with small tolerances/clearances and complex geometries
- High volume production
Lead times
❮❮ Extended- 7 business days
Build volume
500m x 250mm x 250mm
How does it work?
Vision-Controlled Jetting (VCJ) uses a liquid photopolymer that solidifies layer by layer through a UV curing process. VCJ technology is unique due to its computer vision systems that allows the printer to dynamically adapt and correct for variations during the printing process, ensuring optimal results. The computer vision system scans and analyzes the printed layers, providing real-time feedback and adjustments to maintain the desired quality and dimensional accuracy of the printed object.
Compare All 3D Printing Technologies
FDM | SLA | MJF | VCJ | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Build Volume | 250 x 210 x 210 mm | 145 x 145 x 185 mm OR 335 x 200 x 300 mm | 380 x 280 x 380 mm | 500 x 250 x 250 mm |
Quickest Lead Time | 1 business day | 2 business days | 3 business days | 7 business days |
Standard Lead Time | 3 business days | 5 business days | 5 business days | 7 business days |
Support Scarring | High | Medium | None | None |
Level of Detail | Low | High | Medium | Very High |
Accuracy | Medium | Medium | High | Very High |
Price | $ | $$$ | $$ | $$$ |
3D Printing Lead Times
FDM | SLA (Resin) | SLA XL (Resin) | VCJ (Precision) | MJF (Powder) | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Next Day (1 Business Day) | ✅ No Supports Removed | ||||
Rush (2 Business Days) | ✅ | ✅ No supports removed | ✅ | ||
Standard (3 Business Days) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ||
No Rush (5 Business Days) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | |
Extended (7 Business Days) | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |