Additive manufacturing with 3D printing

What is the tolerance on 3D printed additively manufactured parts?

We quote a tolerance of ±0.5mm for 3D printed parts though this depends on the part geometry, 3D printing technology, material and build orientation.

However, the general tolerance is much tighter at ±25µm when we 3D print parts using PµSL technology.

If your part requires specific tolerances on individual features, talk to us and we will endeavour to meet your needs.

What is the smallest feature that can be additively manufactured?

Most 3D printing technologies cannot form features smaller than 0.6mm, though there is some variation between technologies. If your part has a feature smaller than 1mm, talk to us before requesting a quote, as we will need to interrogate the part file to determine the best build orientation.

On the other hand, if we use PµSL for additive manufacturing, we can produce small parts with ultra-fine detail, thin walls and sharp edges. This 3D printing technology has a resolution down to 10µm and layer thickness down to 5µm.

What materials are used for 3D printing end use parts?

We have five different 3D printing technologies and each machine manufacturer recommends a range of materials. From these, we have selected a set of materials to meet the vast majority of our customers’ needs. Between them, these can mimic anything from glass-filled nylon to soft elastomers, and some are able to withstand harsh environmental conditions. More information is provided on our page about materials for 3D printing.