FDM for tough, functional parts. SLA for fine detail and smooth surfaces. One-offs, fit checks, fixtures, enclosures and short runs, quoted per quantity tier with a delivery date you can plan around.
If you are not sure, describe the part and I will pick. Most jobs are obvious once the use is clear.
| FDM (filament) | SLA (resin) | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Functional parts, fixtures, brackets, enclosures, anything that gets used | Fine detail, smooth surfaces, small parts, masters, prototype mold inserts |
| Materials | PLA, PETG, TPU (flexible), and engineering filaments on request | Standard, tough and high-temperature resins |
| Strength | Good; direction-dependent, designed around | Fair to good depending on resin; brittle in standard resin |
| Surface | Visible layer lines; sandable | Smooth; paintable |
| Typical accuracy | Around ±0.2 mm on small parts; typical, not a guarantee | Around ±0.1 mm on small parts; typical, not a guarantee |
| Cost | Lower per part; best for runs | Higher per part; best for detail |
Critical dimensions go on a drawing and get measured on the first part. Tolerances are quoted per part, not promised in general.
| Good fit | Talk first | Not this service |
|---|---|---|
| One-offs, fit and function checks, fixtures and jigs | Parts larger than roughly a shoebox (split and joined, or another process) | Production volumes in the thousands: that is molding |
| Short runs, tens to a few hundred | Parts that live outdoors, in heat, or under sustained load | Food-contact, medical or safety-critical parts |
| Enclosures, brackets, covers, replacement parts | Clear or optical parts |
STL or STEP is ideal. If you only have a drawing, a photo or the part itself, it goes through a short design or reverse-engineering step first.
You get a quote within two business days. One-offs are usually days, not weeks; runs get a delivery date on the quote, based on real machine time.
Yes. Every job keeps its file, material and settings, so a reorder is a message and a quote, not a new project.
If you have the right to make it, yes. I do not print parts that are patented or trademarked for resale, or anything on the not-a-fit list.
Sanding, light finishing and inserts, yes. Painting and plating are quoted case by case or referred out.
Send the file or a description, the quantity and when you need it. You get a written quote per tier within two business days.