What is 3D printing?
3D printing sounds very complicate but it's actually not that hard. You could compare it with an ordinary paper printer, the difference is that a 3D printer sticks a lot of sheets in a certain shape. Due to the heat the plastic melts together.
Over time, multiple printing techniques have been introduced, each with its advantages and disadvantages. The most used technique is the FDM technique, because it's pretty good in all areas. FDM uses a plastic filament, other techniques often use powders or liquids. The example below is from our FDM printer (time sped up).
Costs of 3D printing
We adapt the printing method and post-processing to your specified wishes. This way the price will fit your print(s) and there won't be any disappointment. The dimensions have a big impact on the price because it's scaled 3-dimensionally.
Starting point prices of FDM prints of average quality:
| 5cm | € 1-10 |
| 10cm | € 5-50 |
| 20cm | € 20-200 |
Click on the product on the left for a free quotation.
What if I don't have a 3D design?
Take a look at this page and you will learn everything about 3D design or how to outsource it to us. Would you like to know more than you can always contact us.
Materials and colours
Every printing technique has it's own possibilites of different materials and colours. The most used technique is FDM, which has around 15 colors available. The downside is that each print can only contain 1 or 2 colours. For FDM we print with a biodegradable plastic which has been very well developed in recent years. In fact, it is now the replacement of the harmful ABS plastic (oil product). Many print services still print with ABS, but we are very happy with the replacement.
Some printing techniques deliver a transparent product or just in white. Almost all prints can be painted by you or by us. Some printing techniques also give the possibility to polish and/or give it an UV treatment.
Since recently we can also supply full colour prints, but this printing technique produces a print which is equal to plaster in terms of strength. This will therefore only be useful for decorative purposes.
Overview printing techniques
It's not necessary to compare printing techniques. If you request a quote you can click on advise me.
FDM
We have a lot of influence on the quality and price, which is why FDM is really popular.
| Advantages | <-> | Disadvantages |
| Inexpensive Short delivery time Several colors Eco friendly |
1 colour per print Support necessary Until max 97 degrees celcius |
SLS
For very strong prints
| Advantages | <-> | Disadvantages |
| Very strong Nylon No support necessary Smooth finish |
1 colour per print A bit more expensive than FDM |
SLA
Ideally for jewelry
| Advantages | <-> | Disadvantages |
| High resolution High temperatures Smooth results Transparant |
Very limited in colour |
Colorjet
Multicolor but not very strong.
| Advantages | <-> | Disadvantages |
| Full color Inexpensive |
Not strong, comparable to plaster |
DLP
Very suitable for the medical sector.
Also think of drilling jigs, bridges and crowns.
| Advantages | <-> | Disadvantages |
| ISO 13485 High precision |
Price Delivery time |
SLM
Metalprints (not offered as standard, very different printing technology).
| Advantages | <-> | Disadvantages |
| Strong Flexibel in design |
Price Delivery time |