Top 6 Questions Businesses Ask About 3D Printing Services

Businesses new to the world of 3D printing services often have a lot of questions. From what the business needs to provide to understanding the process itself, there are many complexities to be aware of when 3D printing for the first time.

We have compiled this handy list of FAQs that covers the top 6 questions we are asked by businesses interested in using our services. We hope our responses will put you more at ease and provide everything you need to make a decision moving forward.

As Australia’s largest provider of 3D printing services, the experienced team at Formero is here to guide you every step of the way. With real-time project updates and custom project communication, we are the team you can trust. Get in touch with us today for more information.

1. What Materials are Best for My Project?

There is a wide variety of materials suitable for 3D printing. At Formero, our portfolio encompasses high-performance thermoplastics, robust resins and flexible elastomers.
Each of these materials is chosen because of its superior properties, making them ideal for 3D printing applications. Different materials offer varying levels of strength, flexibility, temperature resistance, and durability.

As such, the best material depends on whether the part needs to be lightweight, impact-resistant, or have specific electrical properties for its final application.

If you’re not sure which material is right for your project, reach out to our team today. We have the expertise needed to make every stage of the printing process simple.

2. How Strong and Durable will the Printed Parts Be?

Part strength is determined by a combination of properties including the material chosen, the printing technology employed and the design of the part. There is a variety of 3D printing technologies available (including masked stereolithography, selective laser sintering, multi-jet fusion, stereolithography and metal printing), and they do not all offer the same level of strength and durability.
Formero can help you select a material and printing technology that provides the strength and durability required by your application.

3. What Kind of Post-Processing is Needed?

Formero offers a wide range of post-processing, but what is required for your project depends on the chosen printing process and your application needs.

MJF and SLS Printing

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) use advanced technology to print parts within a powder bed, eliminating the need for supports. However, the powder still needs to be blasted off the parts to create a clean surface.

In addition to blasting your MJF and SLS parts, we can also tumble or sand them, which creates a smoother finish.

MSLA, DLP and SLA Printing

Masked Stereolithography (MSLA), Digital Light Processing (DLP), and Stereolithography (SLA) are all resin printing processes that use supports. These supports are removed efficiently by Formero’s post-processing team.

The parts are then washed of residual resin and UV cured if needed. These resin parts are ideal for high tolerances and smooth surface finishes.

At Formero, no matter your preferred printing technique, we offer three finishing grades: Standard, Engineering and Premium. Likewise, we can also offer post-processing services such as threaded inserts, assembly, painting, dying, z-bonding and much more.

Every step is completed in-house by our expert team. All you have to worry about is ‘clicking order’ and receiving your finished parts.

4. Can 3D Printing be Used for Production, Not Just Prototypes?

Yes, 3D printing can be used for both rapid prototyping and the production of final functional parts. Printing processes such as MJF and SLS are specifically designed with productions runs in mind.

They allow for parts to be printed quickly, using production-grade materials to create a great final product.

Our online ordering system even handles bulk discounts with live pricing so that you can determine the right quantity for you. If you need help with bulk pricing, our team is always ready to help, over the phone or via email.

5. How Can I Protect My Intellectual Property (IP)?

It’s natural for businesses to worry about their designs being copied when using 3D printing.

While we cannot speak for all providers, Formero is committed to protecting our clients’ IP as much as possible. We do this by ensuring that all printing occurs in our purpose-built Melbourne facility, so your files never leave Australia and remain securely on our local network. We also offer mutual Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) if desired.

6. Is 3D Printing a Cost-Effective Solution?

One of the great things about 3D printing is that it can be quite cost-effective. It does this by reducing lead times, minimising material wastage, and lowering your overall manufacturing costs.

It also enables localised production, reducing the need for extensive shipping and warehousing and further impacting your costs. We have a purpose-built facility here in Melbourne where all printing is done before it’s sent to wherever you are in Australia.

Get the Answers to Your Questions with Formero

By seeking satisfactory answers to your most pressing questions, you can ensure that you’ve chosen the right provider when it comes to quality 3D printing services.
For clarification or a more detailed response to any of the FAQs outlined above, do not hesitate to contact the experienced Formero team. We will seek to understand your project in further detail and provide a more specific answer.

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3D Printing, Knowledge Hub