Everything you need to design, prepare, and order with confidence. From technology selection guides and design best practices to material comparisons and file preparation tips — built from 17+ years of hands-on manufacturing expertise.
Whether you're a first-time customer or a seasoned engineer, these guides will help you make the right choices for your project.
Not sure whether you need FDM, SLS, or SLA? Use our comparison guide to identify the right technology based on your application, tolerances, and budget.
Read GuideKey design rules for wall thickness, overhangs, holes, text, and features — with specific recommendations for FDM, SLS, and SLA technologies.
Read GuideHow to export, check, and prepare your CAD files for 3D printing. Avoid the most common file errors that cause delays and failed prints.
Read GuideCompare materials by strength, flexibility, heat resistance, and biocompatibility. Find the right material for medical, industrial, or consumer applications.
View MaterialsUnderstand achievable tolerances, dimensional accuracy, and surface finish expectations for each print technology to set realistic specifications.
Read GuideAnswers to the most common questions about our processes, lead times, pricing, file requirements, and capabilities — all in one place.
View FAQEach technology has distinct strengths. Use this guide to match your project's requirements to the right process.
Fused Deposition Modeling
Selective Laser Sintering
Stereolithography
Still not sure which technology fits your project?
Ask Our EngineersDesigning for 3D printing is different from traditional manufacturing. Follow these guidelines to ensure your parts print correctly, reliably, and to spec.
FDM: 1.2 mm minimum · SLS: 0.8 mm minimum · SLA: 0.5 mm minimum. Walls thinner than these minimums risk warping, breakage, or failed prints.
FDM/SLA overhangs beyond 45° typically need supports. SLS can print most overhangs without support. Design self-supporting angles where possible to reduce post-processing.
Add 0.2–0.5 mm clearance to holes intended for press-fit or mating parts. Round holes print more accurately than square holes. Avoid holes smaller than 1.5 mm in diameter.
Minimum 1 mm character height and 0.5 mm depth for legible text. Sans-serif fonts are recommended. Embossed text is generally more readable than engraved.
Build orientation affects strength, surface finish, and support requirements. Discuss your critical dimensions with our team so we orient your part for the best outcome.
A well-prepared file means faster turnaround, fewer revisions, and a better final part. Follow these steps before uploading.
Your model must be a closed solid ("watertight") with no holes, gaps, or open surfaces. Use your CAD software's mesh analysis tools before exporting.
When exporting to STL, use a chord deviation of 0.01–0.05 mm and an angular tolerance of 1–5°. Too low = large file; too high = faceted surfaces on curves.
Always specify millimeters or inches in your submission. Unit mismatches are one of the most common causes of incorrectly scaled prints. Confirm which units your file is saved in.
Provide a PDF drawing with critical dimensions, tolerances, and any special surface finish or post-processing requirements. This helps our team verify the print meets your specs.
Tell us how the part will be used — temperature, load, chemical exposure, biocompatibility needs. This helps us recommend the right material and technology for your application.
Use this quick-reference table to understand what to expect for each technology before you design your part.
| Specification | FDM | SLS | SLA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Tolerance | ± 0.5 mm | ± 0.3 mm | ± 0.1 mm |
| Min. Wall Thickness | 1.2 mm | 0.8 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Layer Resolution | 0.1–0.4 mm | 0.08–0.15 mm | 0.025–0.1 mm |
| Max Build Volume | Large | Medium | Medium |
| Support Structures | Required | Not Needed | Required |
| Surface Finish | Visible layers | Slightly grainy | Very smooth |
| Medical Grade Options | Available | Available | Available |
| Typical Lead Time | 2–5 days | 3–7 days | 2–5 days |
* Lead times and tolerances are approximate. Contact us for precise specifications on your project.
Dig deeper into specific services, materials, and capabilities with these pages built to help you make informed decisions.
Can't find what you're looking for? Our experienced engineers in Minneapolis and Denver are happy to answer your questions, review your design, and recommend the best approach for your project.