3D printer sacramento
3D Printing Service for Sacramento, California
CapabilitiesCustom Online 3D Printing ServiceCaliforniaSacramento
High Quality Sacramento, California 3D Printing | 60+ Materials Available
Endless Options
Choose from millions of possible combinations of materials, finishes, tolerances, markings, and certifications for your order.
Easy to Use
Get your parts delivered right to your door without the hassle of sourcing, project management, logistics, or shipping.
Quality Assurance
Our number one job at Xometry is making your custom parts to your specifications.
Your Sacramento, California 3D Printing Service: 3D Prototypes and Production Parts
A Global Leader in Industrial-Grade 3D Printing
Xometry is an industry-leading 3D printing service. Whether you need prototypes or production parts, we can make them for you in as fast as a day. We are your one-stop-shop for accurate, precise custom 3D printed parts at a low cost. Upload your 3D CAD file to get a quote and lead time within seconds. We use the latest additive manufacturing processes to build affordable functional prototypes & end-use parts in over 60 metals and plastics.
We offer eight high-quality 3D printing processes including selective laser sintering, fused deposition modeling, stereolithography, direct metal laser sintering, polyjet, Carbon DLS, binder jet metal, and HP Multi Jet Fusion. We use commercial and industrial-grade printers such as Stratasys Fortus 900mc and Fortus 450 FDM, EOS Polymer Laser Sintering (SLS) and DMLS, Concept Laser, SLM Solutions, 3D Systems, ExOne, and more.
Xometry's High Quality 3D Printing Services
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powerful 3D printing technology that produces highly accurate and durable parts that are capable of being used directly in end-use, low-volume production, or for rapid prototyping.
An additive manufacturing layer technology, SLS involves the use of a high power laser (for example, a carbon dioxide laser) to fuse small particles of plastic powders into a mass that has a desired three-dimensional shape. The laser selectively fuses powdered material by scanning cross-sections generated from a 3-D digital description of the part (for example from a CAD file or scan data) on the surface of a powder bed. After each cross-section is scanned, the powder bed is lowered by one layer thickness, a new layer of material is applied on top, and the process is repeated until the part is completed.
Download the SLS Design Guide.
Stereolithography (SLA)
Stereolithography (SLA) is a robust 3D printing technology that produces extremely accurate and high-resolution parts that are capable of being used directly in end-use, low-volume production, or for rapid prototyping.
SLA is an additive manufacturing process that focuses an ultraviolet (UV) light on a vat of photopolymer resin. It offers higher resolution printing than many other 3D printing technologies, allowing customers to print parts with fine details and surface finishes. SLA 3D printing is a highly-versatile platform for making custom parts in prototype and production settings; often acting as a stand-in for injection-molded plastic parts.
Xometry offers both standard and high-resolution options for fine detail parts, and can also print larger sized parts and products, with some materials offering up to a 58" inch build area. In addition, Xometry's manufacturing partner network allows us to offer a larger variety of materials than other 3D printing companies - we offer a wide range of both Accura and Somos brand materials.
Download the SLA Design Guide.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a 3D printing technology widely known for its speed, accuracy, and competitive cost. A machine precisely extrudes melted plastic filament to create a part. Parts are very rigid, especially compared to Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), which makes them a great fit for projects with a rigidity requirement. Xometry's FDM solution offers large build volumes up to 24″ x 36″ x 36″, a variety of colors, and a diverse selection of production-grade thermoplastics — from ABS to Polycarbonate to Ultem.
Download the FDM Design Guide.
HP Multi Jet Fusion (HP MJF)
HP Multi Jet Fusion is a new 3D printing technology that produces highly accurate and durable parts that are capable of being used directly in end-use, low-volume production, or for rapid prototyping. Since the process uses well-established 2D printing ink-jetting, it has remarkably fast layer times compared to other powder bed fusion technologies.
Download the HP Multi Jet Fusion Design Guide.
PolyJet 3D (PJ3D)
PolyJet 3D is a 3D printing technology known for its customizable material properties and excellent surface finish. It works by jetting UV curable resin onto a build tray in a process that is somewhat similar to inkjet printing. PolyJet 3D printing offers one of the most advanced industrial 3D printing solutions available, producing parts with incredible precision and speed. It also supports a wide variety of build materials including rigid and rubber-like plastics. Xometry's PolyJet solution has a maximum build envelope of 19. 3 × 15.4 × 7.9 in. (490 × 390 × 200 mm) in a variety of colors and materials.
Download the PolyJet 3D Design Guide.
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)
Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is an 3D metal printing technology that builds prototype and production metal parts from a CAD file using a laser to selectively fuse a fine metal powder in either stainless steel or aluminum materials. A DMLS machine is capable of producing highly complex features and all-in-one assemblies using metal materials that would be difficult to achieve with subtractive manufacturing techniques.
Our DMLS metal 3D printing service typically offers build volumes up to 250 x 250 x 325 mm, but we may be able to accommodate larger part volumes upon request in the quote. (See our Manufacturing Standards for more details) A good first step is to find out the cost of the parts you need using DMLS and compare them to other 3D printing processes and CNC machining.
Download the DMLS Design Guide.
Carbon DLS™
Carbon DLS™ uses digital light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and programmable liquid resins to produce products with end-use durability, resolution and surface finish. This 3D printing technology is called Digital Light Synthesis™, or DLS for short. Another legacy term for the process is Continuous Liquid Interface Production (CLIP). Along with Carbon’s custom liquid resins, DLS unlocks new business opportunities and product designs previously impossible, including mass customization and on-demand inventory of end-use products.
Carbon bridges, and sometimes substitutes, for processes like Urethane Casting and Injection Molding service production, because the materials are urethane-based or epoxy-based, giving excellent mechanical properties. There are even elastomer and silicone resins that outperform most additive manufactured rubber-like materials.
The typical build area is 7.4” x 4.6” x 12.8”. Parts with dimensions exceeding 4” x 4” x 6” will require manual review.
Download the Carbon DLS Design Guide.
Metal Binder Jetting
With binder jetting, an inkjet print head quickly deposits a bonding agent onto a thin layer of powdered particles -- either metal, sand, ceramics or composites. This process is repeated, layer-by-layer, using a map from a digital design file, until the object is complete. Binder jetting is offered through our Digital RFQ Marketplace through Xometry's partnership with ExOne.
Download the Binder Jetting Design Guide.
Locations near Sacramento, California
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Ready to start making custom 3D printed parts?
3D Printing Service Sacramento, CA | Instant Quotes Online
Our 3D printing capabilities
We have over 90 3D printing shops in our network and are well known for manufacturing high-quality parts at competitive prices, from rapid prototyping with Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to functional end parts made with Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) or Multi Jet Fusion (MJF).
Gallery of 3D printed parts manufactured by Hubs
With over 65,000 customers from every industry, including aerospace, defense, robotics, medical, machinery, automotive and electronics, we have extensive experience meeting a diverse range of 3D printing requirements, from prototyping to production: Visual aids, concept models, injection-molding prototypes, form-fit & function prototypes, tooling and casting patterns, jigs, grips and fixtures, and durable end parts.
HP PA 12 - Dyed Black
Customer | True North Design |
Purpose | Structural and vacuum EOAT components |
Process | SLS / MJF |
Unit price | $69.23 / $34.33 |
Industry | Automotive |
Prototyping PLA
Customer | Allision Conner |
Purpose | End caps and cable strain relief for sheet metal enclosure |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $7. 92 / $4.72 / $2.80 |
Industry | Industrial Automation |
HP PA 12
Customer | US Hammer |
Description | A part for gasoline engine powered jackhammers |
Process | MJF |
Unit price | $22.18 |
Industry | Construction |
Markforged Onyx - Black
Customer | Autocom Manufacturing |
Purpose | A production part for 3D printed lathe gantry gripper fingers |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $48.86 |
Industry | Automotive |
PC Stratasys - white
Customer | Terumo medical corporation |
Purpose | Prototyping parts used for a disposable electrical device |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $55. 38 / $32.96 |
Industry | Medical |
Formlabs Clear Resin
Customer | Aversan Inc |
Purpose | A prototyping part of an injection molded component for an automated door mechanism |
Process | SLA |
Unit price | $29.83 |
Industry | Aerospace |
HP PA 12 - Dyed Black
Customer | True North Design |
Purpose | Structural and vacuum EOAT components |
Process | SLS / MJF |
Unit price | $69.23 / $34.33 |
Industry | Automotive |
Prototyping PLA
Customer | Allision Conner |
Purpose | End caps and cable strain relief for sheet metal enclosure |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $7. 92 / $4.72 / $2.80 |
Industry | Industrial Automation |
HP PA 12
Customer | US Hammer |
Description | A part for gasoline engine powered jackhammers |
Process | MJF |
Unit price | $22.18 |
Industry | Construction |
Markforged Onyx - Black
Customer | Autocom Manufacturing |
Purpose | A production part for 3D printed lathe gantry gripper fingers |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $48.86 |
Industry | Automotive |
PC Stratasys - white
Customer | Terumo medical corporation |
Purpose | Prototyping parts used for a disposable electrical device |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $55. 38 / $32.96 |
Industry | Medical |
Formlabs Clear Resin
Customer | Aversan Inc |
Purpose | A prototyping part of an injection molded component for an automated door mechanism |
Process | SLA |
Unit price | $29.83 |
Industry | Aerospace |
HP PA 12 - Dyed Black
Customer | True North Design |
Purpose | Structural and vacuum EOAT components |
Process | SLS / MJF |
Unit price | $69.23 / $34.33 |
Industry | Automotive |
Prototyping PLA
Customer | Allision Conner |
Purpose | End caps and cable strain relief for sheet metal enclosure |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $7. 92 / $4.72 / $2.80 |
Industry | Industrial Automation |
HP PA 12
Customer | US Hammer |
Description | A part for gasoline engine powered jackhammers |
Process | MJF |
Unit price | $22.18 |
Industry | Construction |
Markforged Onyx - Black
Customer | Autocom Manufacturing |
Purpose | A production part for 3D printed lathe gantry gripper fingers |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $48.86 |
Industry | Automotive |
PC Stratasys - white
Customer | Terumo medical corporation |
Purpose | Prototyping parts used for a disposable electrical device |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $55. 38 / $32.96 |
Industry | Medical |
Formlabs Clear Resin
Customer | Aversan Inc |
Purpose | A prototyping part of an injection molded component for an automated door mechanism |
Process | SLA |
Unit price | $29.83 |
Industry | Aerospace |
HP PA 12 - Dyed Black
Customer | True North Design |
Purpose | Structural and vacuum EOAT components |
Process | SLS / MJF |
Unit price | $69.23 / $34.33 |
Industry | Automotive |
Prototyping PLA
Customer | Allision Conner |
Purpose | End caps and cable strain relief for sheet metal enclosure |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $7. 92 / $4.72 / $2.80 |
Industry | Industrial Automation |
HP PA 12
Customer | US Hammer |
Description | A part for gasoline engine powered jackhammers |
Process | MJF |
Unit price | $22.18 |
Industry | Construction |
Markforged Onyx - Black
Customer | Autocom Manufacturing |
Purpose | A production part for 3D printed lathe gantry gripper fingers |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $48.86 |
Industry | Automotive |
PC Stratasys - white
Customer | Terumo medical corporation |
Purpose | Prototyping parts used for a disposable electrical device |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $55. 38 / $32.96 |
Industry | Medical |
Formlabs Clear Resin
Customer | Aversan Inc |
Purpose | A prototyping part of an injection molded component for an automated door mechanism |
Process | SLA |
Unit price | $29.83 |
Industry | Aerospace |
HP PA 12 - Dyed Black
Customer | True North Design |
Purpose | Structural and vacuum EOAT components |
Process | SLS / MJF |
Unit price | $69.23 / $34.33 |
Industry | Automotive |
Prototyping PLA
Customer | Allision Conner |
Purpose | End caps and cable strain relief for sheet metal enclosure |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $7. 92 / $4.72 / $2.80 |
Industry | Industrial Automation |
HP PA 12
Customer | US Hammer |
Description | A part for gasoline engine powered jackhammers |
Process | MJF |
Unit price | $22.18 |
Industry | Construction |
Markforged Onyx - Black
Customer | Autocom Manufacturing |
Purpose | A production part for 3D printed lathe gantry gripper fingers |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $48.86 |
Industry | Automotive |
PC Stratasys - white
Customer | Terumo medical corporation |
Purpose | Prototyping parts used for a disposable electrical device |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $55. 38 / $32.96 |
Industry | Medical |
Formlabs Clear Resin
Customer | Aversan Inc |
Purpose | A prototyping part of an injection molded component for an automated door mechanism |
Process | SLA |
Unit price | $29.83 |
Industry | Aerospace |
HP PA 12 - Dyed Black
Customer | True North Design |
Purpose | Structural and vacuum EOAT components |
Process | SLS / MJF |
Unit price | $69.23 / $34.33 |
Industry | Automotive |
Prototyping PLA
Customer | Allision Conner |
Purpose | End caps and cable strain relief for sheet metal enclosure |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $7. 92 / $4.72 / $2.80 |
Industry | Industrial Automation |
HP PA 12
Customer | US Hammer |
Description | A part for gasoline engine powered jackhammers |
Process | MJF |
Unit price | $22.18 |
Industry | Construction |
Markforged Onyx - Black
Customer | Autocom Manufacturing |
Purpose | A production part for 3D printed lathe gantry gripper fingers |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $48.86 |
Industry | Automotive |
PC Stratasys - white
Customer | Terumo medical corporation |
Purpose | Prototyping parts used for a disposable electrical device |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $55. 38 / $32.96 |
Industry | Medical |
Formlabs Clear Resin
Customer | Aversan Inc |
Purpose | A prototyping part of an injection molded component for an automated door mechanism |
Process | SLA |
Unit price | $29.83 |
Industry | Aerospace |
HP PA 12 - Dyed Black
Customer | True North Design |
Purpose | Structural and vacuum EOAT components |
Process | SLS / MJF |
Unit price | $69.23 / $34.33 |
Industry | Automotive |
Prototyping PLA
Customer | Allision Conner |
Purpose | End caps and cable strain relief for sheet metal enclosure |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $7. 92 / $4.72 / $2.80 |
Industry | Industrial Automation |
HP PA 12
Customer | US Hammer |
Description | A part for gasoline engine powered jackhammers |
Process | MJF |
Unit price | $22.18 |
Industry | Construction |
Markforged Onyx - Black
Customer | Autocom Manufacturing |
Purpose | A production part for 3D printed lathe gantry gripper fingers |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $48.86 |
Industry | Automotive |
PC Stratasys - white
Customer | Terumo medical corporation |
Purpose | Prototyping parts used for a disposable electrical device |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $55. 38 / $32.96 |
Industry | Medical |
Formlabs Clear Resin
Customer | Aversan Inc |
Purpose | A prototyping part of an injection molded component for an automated door mechanism |
Process | SLA |
Unit price | $29.83 |
Industry | Aerospace |
HP PA 12 - Dyed Black
Customer | True North Design |
Purpose | Structural and vacuum EOAT components |
Process | SLS / MJF |
Unit price | $69.23 / $34.33 |
Industry | Automotive |
Prototyping PLA
Customer | Allision Conner |
Purpose | End caps and cable strain relief for sheet metal enclosure |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $7. 92 / $4.72 / $2.80 |
Industry | Industrial Automation |
HP PA 12
Customer | US Hammer |
Description | A part for gasoline engine powered jackhammers |
Process | MJF |
Unit price | $22.18 |
Industry | Construction |
Markforged Onyx - Black
Customer | Autocom Manufacturing |
Purpose | A production part for 3D printed lathe gantry gripper fingers |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $48.86 |
Industry | Automotive |
PC Stratasys - white
Customer | Terumo medical corporation |
Purpose | Prototyping parts used for a disposable electrical device |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $55. 38 / $32.96 |
Industry | Medical |
Formlabs Clear Resin
Customer | Aversan Inc |
Purpose | A prototyping part of an injection molded component for an automated door mechanism |
Process | SLA |
Unit price | $29.83 |
Industry | Aerospace |
HP PA 12 - Dyed Black
Customer | True North Design |
Purpose | Structural and vacuum EOAT components |
Process | SLS / MJF |
Unit price | $69.23 / $34.33 |
Industry | Automotive |
Prototyping PLA
Customer | Allision Conner |
Purpose | End caps and cable strain relief for sheet metal enclosure |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $7. 92 / $4.72 / $2.80 |
Industry | Industrial Automation |
HP PA 12
Customer | US Hammer |
Description | A part for gasoline engine powered jackhammers |
Process | MJF |
Unit price | $22.18 |
Industry | Construction |
Markforged Onyx - Black
Customer | Autocom Manufacturing |
Purpose | A production part for 3D printed lathe gantry gripper fingers |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $48.86 |
Industry | Automotive |
PC Stratasys - white
Customer | Terumo medical corporation |
Purpose | Prototyping parts used for a disposable electrical device |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $55. 38 / $32.96 |
Industry | Medical |
Formlabs Clear Resin
Customer | Aversan Inc |
Purpose | A prototyping part of an injection molded component for an automated door mechanism |
Process | SLA |
Unit price | $29.83 |
Industry | Aerospace |
HP PA 12 - Dyed Black
Customer | True North Design |
Purpose | Structural and vacuum EOAT components |
Process | SLS / MJF |
Unit price | $69.23 / $34.33 |
Industry | Automotive |
Prototyping PLA
Customer | Allision Conner |
Purpose | End caps and cable strain relief for sheet metal enclosure |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $7. 92 / $4.72 / $2.80 |
Industry | Industrial Automation |
HP PA 12
Customer | US Hammer |
Description | A part for gasoline engine powered jackhammers |
Process | MJF |
Unit price | $22.18 |
Industry | Construction |
Markforged Onyx - Black
Customer | Autocom Manufacturing |
Purpose | A production part for 3D printed lathe gantry gripper fingers |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $48.86 |
Industry | Automotive |
PC Stratasys - white
Customer | Terumo medical corporation |
Purpose | Prototyping parts used for a disposable electrical device |
Process | FDM |
Unit price | $55. 38 / $32.96 |
Industry | Medical |
Formlabs Clear Resin
Customer | Aversan Inc |
Purpose | A prototyping part of an injection molded component for an automated door mechanism |
Process | SLA |
Unit price | $29.83 |
Industry | Aerospace |
Instant, online 3D printing quotes
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Upload a CAD to start (STEP, STP, IGES, IGS, SLDPRT, 3DM, SAT, STL, OBJ or X_T)
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Price updates in real-time as you change materials, lead time, etc..
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No hidden costs. Our instant quotes are not just indications, but the actual price, and include shipping and customs up front.
Learn about how our quoting algorithm works
Our ordering process
Receive instant quote
Upload your CAD to our online quoting platform
Confirm specs
Configure your part specifications and select a lead time that suits your schedule
Production
We select the best manufacturer for your order, and production begins immediately
Quality control
We take full responsibility for making sure your parts are manufactured according to our standards
Delivery
Our 3D printing service has been rated 4.9/5
Over 269 customers are satisfied with our 3D printing service.
“Great provider! Helped me make some small adjustments to the printing process which greatly improved the overall quality.”
“Great quality prints, thanks for picking the best material for my application (tools).”
“Great timely service. Better quality than I was expecting.”
“Very high quality print. Quick turnaround time and very accommodating service.”
“Great fast prints, with great communication!”
“Print quality was great, same with communication, shipping and speed!”
“Great service and communication. Would use again.”
“Awesome! Extremely helpful. Highly recommended.”
“Excellent services and communication to update the process and shipping process. ”
“So so professional i will definitely recommend your company for sure. The product is well made thanks so much for being so professional ”
“All delivered as expected and fit perfectly”
“Excellent communication and turnaround time ”
“Provider was quick and responsive and super-communicative; print quality is great. ”
“The 3D prints are very high quality! Amazing customer service - had a part replaced because I accidentally broke it, no questions asked. Highly recommended!”
“This was my first experience with Hubs and it was a good one. Nice quality parts and reasonably fast shipping. Thanks! -kp”
“Great job on the parts. Very good quality and fast.”
“You did amazing work thank you so much my project is a success”
“Excellent communication and service. Would definitely use their service again. The 3d part was pretty much perfect, and I am satisfied with the product that was sent to me. Thanks!”
“The print was great, very good communication and speed. Recommended !”
“Really great parts, went above and beyond to provide great service. Will definitely be using them again.”
“Very responsive. Started print immediately and shipped quickly.”
“ekim was great, fast, and the quality turned out great. ”
“Delivered earlier than anticipated. Good quality, good communication. ”
“Great service, schedule on time, Super!!!”
“Very pleased. Easy to work with. Great quality and great price.”
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Teams build better parts
Create your Hubs team and start collaborating
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The Hubs Standard - consistent quality, every time
Hubs takes the stress out of manufacturing by guaranteeing the quality and consistency of every part. Each order is dimensionally and visually inspected to make sure it meets the Hubs Standard.
3D printing materials
We can generate instant 3D printing quotes for 25+ plastics. For metal 3D-printed parts, you can request a quote from our parent company, Protolabs.
Available materials
SLS
PA 12 Glass filled PA 12
Desktop FDM
Prototyping PETG Prototyping ASA Prototyping TPU Prototyping ABS Prototyping PLA
Desktop SLA
Formlabs Standard Resin Formlabs Clear Resin Formlabs Tough Resin 2000 Formlabs Rigid Resin 4000 Formlabs Grey Pro Resin Formlabs Flexible Resin 80A Formlabs High Temp Resin Formlabs Durable Resin
MJF
HP PA 12 Glass filled HP PA 12
Industrial FDM
Markforged Onyx ABSplus Stratasys ULTEM 9085 Stratasys Stratasys ASA ABS M30 Stratasys ULTEM 1010 Stratasys
Industrial SLA
Accura 25 (PP-like) Accura ClearVue Accura Xtreme White 200 (ABS-like)
3D printing locations near Sacramento, CA
Rocklin, CA Folsom, CA Roseville, CA
Citrus Heights, CA Carmichael, CA Rancho Cordova, CA
Arden-Arcade, CA Sacramento, CA Yuba City, CA
Elk Grove, CA
The 3D Printing Handbook
No one understands 3D printing like us - our founders literally wrote the book. Click here to download the sample chapters.
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FAQ's
How much does your 3D printing service cost?
The cost of your 3D printed parts depends on factors such as part volume, part complexity, choice of material, which 3D printing technology is used, and if any post processing is required. For more details on these cost factors, see our article on the cost of 3d printing. To check the cost of your 3D printed part, simply upload a CAD (.STL) file and select your material and 3D printing technology to receive a quote within seconds.
How do you guarantee the quality of my prints?
Your parts are made by experienced 3D printing shops within our network. All facilities are regularly audited to ensure they consistently meet the Hubs quality standard. We include a standardized inspection report with every order and offer a First Article Inspection service on orders of 100+ units.
We have partners in our network with the following certifications, available on request: ISO9001, ISO13485 and AS9100.
Follow this link to read more about our quality assurance measures.
How do I select the right 3D printing process for my prints?
You can select the right 3D printing process by examining which materials suit your need and what your use case is.
By material: if you already know which material you would like to use, selecting a 3D printing process is relatively easy, as many materials are technology specific.
By use case: once you know whether you need a functional or visual part, choosing a process is easy.
For more help, read our guide to selecting the right 3D printing process. Find out more about Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) and Stereolithography (SLA).
How can I reduce the cost of my 3D prints?
In order to reduce the cost of your 3D prints you need to understand the impact certain factors have on cost. The main cost influencing factors are the material type, individual part volume, printing technology and post-processing requirements.
Once these have been decided, an easy way to further cut costs is to reduce the amount of material used. This can be done by decreasing the size of your model, hollowing it out, and eliminating the need for support structures.
To learn more, read our full guide on how to reduce the cost of 3D printing.
Where can I learn more about 3D printing?
Our knowledge base is full of in-depth design guidelines, explanations on process and surface finishes, and information on how to create and use CAD files. Our 3D printing content has been written by an expert team of engineers and technicians over the years.
See our complete engineering guide to 3D printing for a full breakdown of the different 3D printing technologies and materials. If you want even more 3D printing, then check out our acclaimed 3D printing handbook here.
We have an extensive range of online resources developed to help engineers improve their capabilities.
Introductory guides
Design guides
Material guides
Applications
CAD & file preparation
Post processing & finishing
Our other manufacturing capabilities
CNC machining
CNC machining
Milling (3-, 4- & full 5-axis), turning and post-processing
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50+ metals and plastics & 10 surface finishes
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Tolerances down to ±.0008” (0.020 mm)
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Lead times from 5 business days
See our CNC machining services
Put your 3D printed parts into production today
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Sacramento Public Library Offers 3D Printing Design Lab
3D printers move at the speed of light, it seems, in terms of their development. Two of the positives are that the quality continues to rise and the prices continue to drop. But many people are still not ready to buy, which is understandable. So I started a list of 3D printing in public libraries so you could find, at least in the US, to get started with a 3D printer from free to inexpensive.
Every few weeks I work on a more detailed profile about a particular library to give you an idea of what's available and provide you with a resource you can use to help your public library decide to add a 3D printer,
The Sacramento Public Library has a 3D printing lab at the Arcade branch. The lab is housed in an area they call "The Design Spot". It includes three 3D printers (3 Makerbot Replicator 2 machines, 1 PrintrBot Jr.) and computers with AutoCAD and Photoshop software. This equipment, books, and software for creating the Spot were provided with funding provided by a grant from the California State Library. The goal of this new 3D technology focused area is to inspire new interest for people of all ages.
Two 3D printers such as The Design Spot use PLA material. You can read about different materials on my LINK LINK, but PLA (polylactic acid) is a corn-derived bioplastic and therefore recyclable. The library does not charge for 3D printing during print times. As with many public places, there are restrictions on what you can print. However, before you print, always check with any public 3D printing lab.
Design Spot offers classes in 3D Design to help you get started.
I'm a huge fan of public libraries offering creators and 3D printing labs, but it's not always an easy offer, so if you have an interest in volunteering, I recommend stopping by your local library to see if you can help. .
In my list of public libraries, I mentioned visiting the Children's Center for Public Libraries, which has a teen/youth target audience: they call it HYPE: Help Young People Excel. As you can tell, their mission is somewhat broader than 3D printing, which I've heard from many communities. HYPE offers the Makerbot Replicator as well as a host of electronic DIY stuff: Raspberry Pi's, Arduinos and more. These are regular users of Tinkercad, 123D Catch and other easy to use free apps that most developers love.
Public libraries are often the first place people go when they are trying to learn about new technology. So, if you're part of the effort, please get in touch, as I'd love to hear from people who are making an effort to create a developer lab or 3D printing in their community. My current list contains about 25 or 26 public libraries, and I know there are more of you! Contact us by clicking my name in the above line.
3D printed self-driving bus
Arizona-based Local Motors has unveiled a self-driving 3D printed electric bus called Olli 2.0. Local Motors was founded in 2007 by John B. Rogers and is headquartered in Phoenix. The company designs vehicles using 3D printing. This concept is not only focused on the production of vehicles, but on how to revolutionize the business of manufacturing cars.
The speed at which Local Motors operates helps the company reach out to rapidly evolving technical partners. "Technology vendors see us as a way to bring their products to market," said Justin Fishkin, director of strategy for Local Motors. “This is the world's first autonomous on-demand shuttle. So basically you call him on the app and he picks you up just like Uber and he talks to you.”
In 2016, an American company introduced an autonomous 3D-printed bus, the Olli, with electric drive. Blue rectangular autonomous shuttle with large windows attracts attention. The bus was advertised as a smart, safe, sustainable transportation option suitable for campuses, hospitals and city centers. Carrying up to 12 people, the electric vehicle is equipped with cutting-edge technologies, including IBM Watson Internet of Things (IoT), to improve the passenger experience and enable natural interaction with the car.
In September, the company launched the Olli 2.0 model. These vehicles are made from recycled materials. In collaboration with Deutsche Bahn, a low-speed shuttle can be seen on the streets of Berlin, which was recently introduced on the campus of Sacramento State University. According to Local Motors, the Olli 2.0 has been designed with a lot of options, including natural language recognition.
While the first and second generation shuttles look almost the same (Olli 2 has two more seats), digitally they are completely different. The hallmark of Olli 2.0 is an improved user interface and more options for customers. For example, the interior can be reconfigured for healthcare facilities that may want to transport people in gurneys or wheelchairs.
Olli 2.0 has a device for face and mood tracking and route optimization developed by MIT startup Affectiva. A 3D printed bus can reach a top speed of 25 miles per hour. Passengers can interact with Olli as they travel from point A to point B, discussing topics about how a car works, where passengers go, and why.