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Resources3D Printing Design

3D Printing Design

The latest news, trends, and manufacturing design tips for additive manufacturing.

All Articles3D Printing DesignBlogCase StudiesCastingCertificationsCompanyDesign GuidesEngineering FundamentalsIndustry DesignInjection MoldingMachining DesignMaterialsMetal and Plastic ExtrusionSheetSupplier Shop TipsTubeeBooks Library
All Articles3D Printing DesignBlogCase StudiesCastingCertificationsCompanyDesign GuidesEngineering FundamentalsIndustry DesignInjection MoldingMachining DesignMaterialsMetal and Plastic ExtrusionSheetSupplier Shop TipsTubeeBooks Library
Manual smoothing process. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/guruXOX
 Article

7 Ways to Smooth a 3D-Printed Part for the Best Surface Finish

By Kat de Naoum
 6 min read
Xometry Image
 Article

ABS vs. PETG: What’s the Difference?

By Kat de Naoum
 4 min read
Article
Purple file icons. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Pendimarfuad Adv

What to Know About the SLDPRT File Format for 3D Printing

By Kat de Naoum
  4 min read
Article
DMLS part
Article
Stack of colorful 3D printer filaments. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/cigdem

PETG vs. PLA: What’s the Difference?

By Kat de Naoum
  4 min read
Article
MJF printed abstract models. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna
Article
Example of an STL file

How to Convert DXF to STL Files

By Kat de Naoum
  5 min read
Article
3D printer printing metal. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna
Article
3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Pixel B
Article
Xometry Image

SLS vs. FDM: Differences and Comparisons

By Kat de Naoum
  4 min read
Article
Object printed in laser sintering machine. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna
Article
An SLS 3D Printing Machine at Xometry

SLS vs. SLA 3D Printing

By Kat de Naoum
  5 min read
Article
3D prototype. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

FDM vs. MJF: Differences and Comparison

By Kat de Naoum
  4 min read
Article
Testing metals for tensile. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Sergey Ryzhov
Article
Fused deposition modeling FDM production of parts in large format 3D printing build
Article
3D printed part. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/R_Boe
Article
Tensile test on metal. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Thaweesak Thipphamon

All About the Stress-Strain Curve

By Kat de Naoum
  6 min read
Article
3D printer additive manufacturing and robotic automation technology. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu

7 Different Types of Additive Manufacturing

By Dean McClements
  9 min read
Article
3D printed metal piece. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/sspopov

4 Best Materials for Metal 3D Printing

By Joel Schadegg
  6 min read
Article
Dental technician modeling frame for implant production from a 3d printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu

All About 3D Printing in Dentistry

By Dean McClements
  6 min read
Article
3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Alex_Traksel

All About Creep Deformation

By Kat de Naoum
  8 min read
Article
PLA plastic for 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Yushchuk Myroslava

All About PLA 3D Printing Filament

By Kat de Naoum
  5 min read
Article
Carbon fiber composite. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/sema srinouljan

All About Carbon Fiber

By Kat de Naoum
  6 min read
Article
3D printing food concept. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Angelina Zinovieva
Article
Xometry Image

Full Color 3D Printing Best Practices

By Joel Schadegg
  7 min read
Article
Polyjet multi color print

All About PolyJet™ 3D Printing

By Dean McClements
  5 min read
Article
Engineers working with CAD software. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Gorodenkoff
Article
3D printed object made with resin. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Pixel B

8 Best Resins for 3D Printers

By Dean McClements
  10 min read
Article
Engineer working on CAD software. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Gorodenkoff
Article
Extruder machine. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Forance
Article
Engineer working on CAD software on desktop. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Gorodenkoff

OpenSCAD vs. FreeCAD - Software Comparison

By Dean McClements
  7 min read
Article
Binder jetting metal powder. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna
Article
SketchUp logo on computer screen. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/monticello

Fusion® vs. SketchUp – Software Comparison

By Dean McClements
  9 min read
Article
Red 3D printed object. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/guteksk7

Fusion® vs. Onshape® - Software Comparison

By Dean McClements
  9 min read
Article
Close up of tear point on sheet foil package. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MMXeon
Article
Raw high impact polystyrene. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/bartu
Article
SLS nylon 3D prints with brass threaded inserts
Article
Metal 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

SLS vs. DMLS: Differences and Comparison

By Dean McClements
  9 min read
Article
STL file name. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Profit_Image

All About the STL File Format for 3D Printing

By Dean McClements
  9 min read
Article
Metal 3D printing. Image Credit: Nordroden/Shutterstock
Article
Standard hardness testing block. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Kimtaro

All About Durometer (Hardness)

By Dean McClements
  8 min read
Article
3D printer printing metal. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

EBM vs. SLM: Differences and Comparison

By Dean McClements
  7 min read
Article
3D bioprinted organ and tissue. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Iaremenko Sergii
Article
3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Sergi Lopez Roig
Article
Striking standard size test pieces for impact test. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Thaweesak Thipphamon

All About the IZOD Impact Test

By Kat de Naoum
  5 min read
Article
A part being 3D printed. Image Credit: Phonlamai Photo/Shutterstock.com
Article
Direct energy deposition. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Zyabich
Article
Metal 3D printer in action - Image Credit: Shutterstock/asharkyu

10 Best Metal 3D Printers on the Market Today

By Dean McClements
  11 min read
Article
Robotic arm. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu
Article
AutoCAD logo on computer screen. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/monticello
Article
CAD software on desktop computer. Image Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com

10 Best Slicer Software for 3D Printing

By Dean McClements
  7 min read
Article
DLP printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/luchschenF

DLP vs. LCD: Differences and Comparison

By Dean McClements
  9 min read
Article
PVA vector illustration. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/petrroudny43
Article
Dual extruder 3d printer printing two objects. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Reflexpixel

5 Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers

By Dean McClements
  9 min read
Article
Compressive test bulk modulus. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Tohsurat
Article
3MF file type icon. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/IYIKON

All About the 3MF File Format for 3D Printing

By Dean McClements
  8 min read
Article
Designer working with CAD file. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/FERNANDO BLANCO CALZADA

Revit® Vs. AutoCAD® - Software Comparison

By Dean McClements
  9 min read
Article
Ways to prevent heat creep in 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/FabrikaSimf

10 Ways To Prevent Heat Creep in 3D Printing

By Dean McClements
  10 min read
Article
Object printed in 3D. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu
Article
Low carbon steel that has been applied fracture test. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/bartu
Video
Xometry Image
Article
3D printed part with lattice structure
Article
A clear polyjet part after polishing and clear coating.

Achieving Clarity With Polyjet

By Joel Schadegg
  4 min read
Article
Xometry Image

Top 5 Design Tips for Nexa3D LSPc

By Joel Schadegg
  1 min read
Article
3D printing software. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Gorodenkoff

10 Best 3D Printing Software for Beginners

By Dean McClements
  8 min read
Article
Jet engine. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/andrewvect

All About Jet Engine Major Components

By Dean McClements
  11 min read
Article
3D printed object with support structures. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/HZH Visual
Article
Metal 3D printed aircraft turbine. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Sergii Chernov

8 Metal 3D Printing Applications

By Dean McClements
  7 min read
Article
A variety of SLS and HP MJF parts, vapor smoothed

SLS vs. MJF: Differences and Comparison

By Dean McClements
  8 min read
Article
Xometry Image

6 Advantages of Rapid Prototyping

By Serena Ngoh
  5 min read
Article
Stereolithography 3D printer in process. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu

All About Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing

By Dean McClements
  6 min read
Article
An FDM 3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/R_Boe

FDM vs. FFF: Differences and Comparison

By Dean McClements
  8 min read
Article
Direct metal deposition. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Zyabich family

8 Possible Futures of 3D Printing

By Dean McClements
  10 min read
Article
Laser cutting on wooden plank. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Skylines
Article
Close up image of the infill pattern of an FDM 3D print.

3D Printing Infills Explained With Examples

By Dean McClements
  9 min read
Article
Multi material polyjet 3D printing services

PolyJet vs. SLA: Differences and Comparison

By Dean McClements
  8 min read
Article
3D printing process up close. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Alexander Tolstykh

SLA vs. FDM: Differences and Comparison

By Dean McClements
  7 min read
Article
3D printed jet engine. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu
Article
Polyjet 3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Moreno Soppelsa

FDM vs. PolyJet: Differences and Comparison

By Dean McClements
  7 min read
Article
SLS parts
Article
STEP to STL conversion illustration

STEP to STL: How to Convert STEP to STL Files

By Dean McClements
  8 min read
Article
White 3D printing piece. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Sergi Lopez Roig
Article
CAD software on a computer screen. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Gorodenkoff

STEP File: How to View and Make a STEP File

By Dean McClements
  6 min read
Article
White PET chips. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/RecycleMan

All About PET 3D Printing Filament

By Dean McClements
  4 min read
Article
Tensile and yield strength testing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Tohsurat

Learn All About Yield Strength

By Kat de Naoum
  6 min read
Article
.STL file extension. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Profit_Image

Complete Guide to 3D Printing STL Files

By Dean McClements
  6 min read
Article
3d plastic printer. Image Credit: Alex_Traksel/Shutterstock.com

Everything You Need to Know About 3D Printing

By Dean McClements
  8 min read
Article
STL file icon. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Vector Stall

STL vs. OBJ: What Are the Differences?

By Dean McClements
  7 min read
Article
Sintering oven. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Artem Furman

What is Sintering in Manufacturing?

By Dean McClements
  7 min read
Article
Simple Charpy impact test. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Ali Balayev

All About the Charpy Impact Test

By Dean McClements
  7 min read
Article
PLA and ABS filament for 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/luchschenF

PLA vs. ABS: Differences and Comparisons

By Dean McClements
  7 min read
Article
3D printed dental bridge. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Andy Dean Photography
Article
STL file icon. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Vector Stall

15 Best STL File Converters

By Dean McClements
  10 min read
Article
Impact strength test. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Thaweesak Thipphamon
Article
CAD blueprint. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/FERNANDO BLANCO CALZADA

All About Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Modeling

By Dean McClements
  11 min read
Article
Multicolored filaments of plastic for 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

Types of 3D Printer Filaments

By Kat de Naoum
  7 min read
Article
Carbon fiber fabric. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Composite_Carbonman

What is Composite Material?

By Dean McClements
  12 min read
Article
Xometry Image

All About Polycarbonate 3D Printing

By Kat de Naoum
  7 min read
Article
FDM infill options

Comparing Infill Options for FDM

By Greg Paulsen
  2 min read
Article
Models printed on 3D printer isolated on white background. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna
Article
Multi-colored filaments for 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Eywa

All About ABS 3D Printing Filament

By Kat de Naoum
  5 min read
Article
Plastic 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Alex_Traksel

SLS vs. SLM: Differences and Comparisons

By Dean McClements
  6 min read
Article
Xometry Image

The Ultimate Guide to 3D Printed Text

By Joel Schadegg
  3 min read
Article
3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

How To Create 3D-Printed Molds for Casting

By Kat de Naoum
  8 min read
Article
Xometry Image

5 Easy Ways to Reduce 3D Printing Costs

By Greg Paulsen
  7 min read
Article
TPU bend

TPE vs. TPU: Differences and Comparison

By Dean McClements
  8 min read
Article
Rope being torn apart in the middle. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Haoka

Tensile Stress 101

By Aaron Lichtig
  7 min read
Article
a Xometry X-Tile with colors added in
Article
Bright filament for 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Grigoryeva Photo Video

PLA vs. PLA+: Differences and Comparisons

By Dean McClements
  7 min read
Article
3D printed jet engine. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu

3D Printing Aerospace Structural Components

By Kat de Naoum
  13 min read
Article
3D printing filament

Maximum Print Sizes for 3D Printed Parts

By Joel Schadegg
  1 min read
Article
Models printed on 3D printer isolated on white background. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

Material Jetting: Applications and Process

By Dean McClements
  6 min read
Article
Worker operating guillotine shears machine. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Dmitry Kalinovsky

All About Shear Modulus

By Dean McClements
  8 min read
Article
3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/leungchopan

How to Compare SLA and DLP

By Dean McClements
  8 min read
Article
Resin 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Pixel B
Article
STL to STEP conversion illustration
Article
3D printed prosthetic. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Reshetnikov_art

3D Printing in Medicine and Healthcare

By Kat de Naoum
  14 min read
Article
fillet and chamfer
Article
Example of an STL file
Article
PETG vector illustration. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/petrroudny43

All About PETG 3D Printing Filament

By Dean McClements
  5 min read
Article
File conversion. Image credit: Shutterstock.com/AdresiaStock

How to Convert OBJ to STL Files

By Dean McClements
  6 min read
Article
Digital Light Processing 3D Printer in Action - Image Credit: Shutterstock/luchschenF
Article
Multicolored filaments for plastic 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

FDM vs. DLP: Differences and Comparison

By Dean McClements
  6 min read
Article
Yellow 3D printed object. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu
Article
Researchers discussing 3D printed prosthetics. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Frame Stock Footage

All About 3D Printing Prosthetics

By Dean McClements
  4 min read
Article
a collection of 3D printed Xometry logos
Article
3D printing white object. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Sergi Lopez Roig

All About Heat Creep in 3D Printing

By Dean McClements
  6 min read
Article
a ceramic-filled SLA part, made from Somos® PerFORM

When to Use Ceramic-Filled SLA Materials

By Nathan Miller
  3 min read
Article
Industrial 3D Printing of Car Wheel in Action. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Go_Stock
Article
FDM 3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/R_Boe

6 Alternatives to 3D Printing

By Dean McClements
  10 min read
Article
Xometry Image
Article
3D printing file type icons. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/aiconsmith

9 Most Common 3D Printing File Types

By Aaron Lichtig
  6 min read
Article
Xometry Image
Article
SLS finishes

Visual Guide to SLS 3D Printing Finishes

By Joel Schadegg
  1 min read
Article
an illustration of the selective laser sintering 3D printing process
Article
SLA Accura ClearVue Quick Clear finish
Article
Xometry Image

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Mini-Guide

By Joel Schadegg
  5 min read
Article
Xometry Image

ESD Safe Materials for 3D Printing

By Joel Schadegg
  2 min read
Article
3D printing machine. Image Credit: Pixel B/Shutterstock.com

8 Types of 3D Printing Processes

By Kat de Naoum
  8 min read
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vapor smoothed 3D printed parts, each in a different color.
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3D Printed Parts
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a collection of 3D Printed Parts

5 Ways to Reduce the Cost of 3D Printing

By Nathan Miller
  1 min read

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