Resources3D Printing Design

3D Printing Design

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

Dual extruder 3d printer printing two objects. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Reflexpixel

Article

5 Best Dual Extruder 3D Printers in 2022

By Team Xometry

9 min read

3D printed object made with resin. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Pixel B

Article

8 Best Resins for 3D Printers

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

3D printer printing small yellow house. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Artshake Media

5 Best Cheap 3D Printers for 2022

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

CREO vs. Solidworks® — Software Comparison

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

Close up of engineering using CAD software. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Gorodenkoff

Simplify3D® vs. Cura® – Software Comparison

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

3D printing file type icons. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/aiconsmith

9 Most Common 3D Printing File Types

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Engineer working on CAD software. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Gorodenkoff

Fusion 360® vs. SolidWorks® – Software Comparison

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

Macro photo of wood 3D printing filament. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Jack Soldano

All About Wood 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Red 3D printed object. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/guteksk7

Fusion 360® vs. Onshape® - Software Comparison

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

3D printed object in MSLA resin. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Tanasara

All About Masked Stereolithography Apparatus (MSLA) 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

6 min read

Article

Blue 3D printed sneaker. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu

FreeCAD vs. Fusion 360® — Software Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

3D printing software on a screen. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Oleksiy Mark

22 Best Free 3D Printing Software

By Team Xometry

15 min read

Article

Engineer working with CAD software. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Gorodenkoff

10 Best STL Editors of 2022

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Desktop computer with CAD software open. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Gorodenkoff

Inventor® vs. Fusion 360® - Software Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Fusion 360® vs. SketchUp – Software Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

3D printer printing an object. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Sergi Lopez Roig

10 Things to Consider When Buying a 3D Printer

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

3D printing software. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/cigdem

10 Most Important 3D Printing Slicer Settings

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

AutoCAD® vs. Solidworks® — Software Comparison

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

Thin sheets of rolled up paper. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Sashkin

All About Laminated Object Manufacturing (LOM) 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

4 min read

Article

All About the 3MF File Format for 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

All About the VRML File Format for 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

All About the SLDPRT File Format for 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

All About the AMF File Format for 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

Nylon spools. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Andrey Sasin

All About Nylon 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

PVA vector illustration. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/petrroudny43

All About PVA 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

Red 3D printing filament. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Sahara Prince

All About Flex 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Plastic filament for 3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/vchal

All About Sandstone 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

Multi-colored filaments for 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Eywa

All About ABS 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

White PET chips. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/RecycleMan

All About PET 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

PETG vector illustration. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/petrroudny43

All About PETG 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

3D printed figure. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Reflexpixel

All About Conductive PLA 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

Red polypropylene granules on a white background. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Anastasiia Burlutskaia

All About PP 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Magnetic iron 3D printing filament. Image Credit: www.amazon.com

All About Magnetic Iron 3D Printing Filament: Materials, Properties, Definition

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

Laser cutting on wooden plank. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Skylines

3D Printing vs. Laser Cutting: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

DIY 3D printer extruder design. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Ulas Tigin

5 Best 3D Printer Extruders

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

CAD software on a computer screen. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Gorodenkoff

STEP File: Definition - How to View and Make a STEP File

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

Multicolored filaments of plastic for 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

Types of 3D Printer Filaments

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Yellow 3D printed object. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu

3D Printing vs. CNC Machining: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Large inkjet printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Mumemories

Polyjet vs. Inkjet: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Object printed in 3D. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu

Slicer in 3D Printing: Definition, Features, and How it Works

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

STEP to STL: How to Convert STEP to STL Files

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

CAD software on desktop computer. Image Credit: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com

10 Best Slicer Software for 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

All About PolyJet™ 3D Printing: Advantages, Materials, and Different Types

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

STL file name. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Profit_Image

All About the STL File Format for 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

PLA plastic for 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Yushchuk Myroslava

All About PLA 3D Printing Filament: Composition, Properties, Differences

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

EBM 3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Moreno Soppelsa

All About Electron Beam Melting (EBM) 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

All About DXF File Format for 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

Plastic propeller turbo made from automatic 3d printer - Image Credit: Shutterstock/Surasak_Photo

STL to STEP: How to Convert STL Files to STEP Files

By Team Xometry

6 min read

Article

Dual extruder 3d printer producing two bicolor egg model - Image Credit: Shutterstock/Reflexpixel

DXF to STL: How to Convert DXF to STL Files

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

Models printed on 3D printer isolated on white background. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

Material Jetting: Applications and Process

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

White 3D printing piece. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Sergi Lopez Roig

3D Printing vs. Traditional Manufacturing: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

.STL file extension. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Profit_Image

Complete Guide to 3D Printing STL Files

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

Extruder machine. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Forance

Material Extrusion: Definition, History, Uses, and Process

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

Digital Light Processing 3D Printer in Action - Image Credit: Shutterstock/luchschenF

All About Digital Light Process (DLP) 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Industrial 3D Printing of Car Wheel in Action. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Go_Stock

4 Types of Metal 3D Printing Processes and Their Materials

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

3D printer manufacturing gray gears. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/R_Boe

Infill in 3D Printing: Definition, Main Parts, and Different Types

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

3D printing machine in lab. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Studio Peace

10 3D Printing Machine Parts and Their Functions

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

3D printing software. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Gorodenkoff

10 Best 3D Printing Software for Beginners

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

3D printer additive manufacturing and robotic automation technology. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu

7 Different Types of Additive Manufacturing

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Alex_Traksel

25 Best 3D Printer Upgrades in 2022

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

3D printer filament spools. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Sashkin

3D Printer Filament: Types, Materials, Uses, and Services

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

File conversion. Image credit: Shutterstock.com/AdresiaStock

OBJ to STL: How to Convert OBJ to STL Files

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

All About OBJ File Format for 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

3D printed metal piece. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/sspopov

4 Best Materials for Metal 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

3D-printer makes bright green shoe sole from flexible plastic filament - Image Credit: Shutterstock/R_Boe

Rapid Prototyping in 3D Printing: Definition, Types, and Methods

By Team Xometry

6 min read

Article

Three-dimensional object created by high-precision 3D printing technologies - Image Credit: Shutterstock/MarinaGrigorivna

All About Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

A 3D printer in action - Image Credit: Shutterstock/Aasharkyu

TPE vs. TPU: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

PLA and ABS filament for 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/luchschenF

PLA vs. ABS: Differences and Comparisons

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

Object printed on metal 3d printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

DMLS vs. EBM: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

3D printer printing metal. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

EBM vs. SLM: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

Red 3D printed object. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu

3D Printing vs. Plastic Injection Molding: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

3D printing food concept. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Angelina Zinovieva

3D Printing in the Food Industry: History, Benefits, Materials, and Examples

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Researchers discussing 3D printed prosthetics. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Frame Stock Footage

3D Printing in Prosthetics: History, Benefits, and Materials

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

Dental technician modeling frame for implant production from a 3d printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu

3D Printing in Dentistry: Applications and Materials

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

Stereolithography 3D printer in process. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/asharkyu

All About Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

Stack of colorful 3D printer filaments. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/cigdem

PETG vs. PLA: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

Large Format 3D Printer in Action - Image Credit: Shutterstock/Aasharkyu

ABS vs. PETG: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Up close of modern 3d printer. Image Credit: asharkyu/Shutterstock.com

13 Best Materials for 3D Printing: Materials Guide

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/leungchopan

SLA vs. DLP: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

3D printing machine. Image Credit: Pixel B/Shutterstock.com

8 Types of 3D Printing Processes

9 min read

Article

3D printing process up close. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Alexander Tolstykh

SLA vs. FDM: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

Multicolored filaments for plastic 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

FDM vs. DLP: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

Plastic 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Alex_Traksel

SLS vs. SLM: Differences and Comparisons

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

A variety of SLS and HP MJF parts, vapor smoothed

SLS vs. MJF: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

PolyJet vs. SLA: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

DLP printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/luchschenF

DLP vs. LCD: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Polyjet 3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Moreno Soppelsa

FDM vs. PolyJet: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

PolyJet vs. SLS: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

3D prototype. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

FDM vs. MJF: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

Object printed in laser sintering machine. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

DMLS vs. SLM: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

An FDM 3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/R_Boe

FDM vs. FFF: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Metal 3D printing. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

SLS vs. DMLS: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

A stereolithography 3d printer in the laboratory. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Scharfsinn

SLS vs. SLA: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

3D printer. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/Pixel B

PolyJet vs. Multijet: Differences and Comparisons

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Metal 3D printed object. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

SLS vs. FDM: Differences and Comparisons

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

DLP vs. SLS: Differences and Comparison

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

5 Ways to Reduce the Cost of 3D Printing

By Nathaniel Miller

1 min read

Article

3d plastic printer. Image Credit: Alex_Traksel/Shutterstock.com

Everything You Need to Know About 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

Understanding and Preventing Vapor Smoothing Defects

By Joel Schadegg

5 min read

Article

Metal 3D printing. Image Credit: Nordroden/Shutterstock

Metal 3D Printing Technologies Are Rapidly Evolving: Here's How You Can Take Advantage Without Risk

By Team Xometry

12 min read

Article

Product Update : Additive Inspection Reports are Now Available

By Team Xometry

1 min read

Article

A part being 3D printed. Image Credit: Phonlamai Photo/Shutterstock.com

3D Print Warping with PLA, PETG and ABS - Causes and Fixes

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

a ceramic-filled SLA part, made from Somos® PerFORM

When to Use Ceramic-Filled SLA Materials

By Nathaniel Miller

3 min read

Article

a collection of 3D printed Xometry logos

Complete Guide to the Pros and Cons of 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

10 Cool Things to 3D Print in 2021

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

The Best 3D Printing Software in 2021

By Team Xometry

6 min read

Article

Understanding Lattice Structure for 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

5 min read

Article

How Much Does a Metal 3D Printer Cost?

By Team Xometry

5 min read

Article

PLA vs. ABS: What is the difference?

By Team Xometry

4 min read

Article

Thermoplastics vs. Thermosets - What's the Difference?

By Team Xometry

5 min read

Article

The Best 3D Printing Software: Top 10 Free and Professional Options

By Team Xometry

10 min read

Article

3D printed metal lattice structures in DMLS stainless steel

Three Important CAD Design Principles for 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

2 min read

Video

On-Demand Webinar: How to Design for 3D Printing

By Serena Ngoh

January 22, 2021

Article

SLS nylon 3D prints with brass threaded inserts

Additive Manufacturing Guidelines for Food Products

By Greg Paulsen

8 min read

Article

When Should You Use 3D Printing for Production?

By Serena Ngoh

6 min read

Video

On-Demand Webinar: Approaching Additive Manufacturing Design with Professor Tim Simpson

By Serena Ngoh

October 9, 2020

Video

Video: Will It Beat the Heat?

By Serena Ngoh

October 9, 2020

Article

Applications of Carbon DLS in the Medical Industry

By Greg Paulsen

6 min read

Video

Video: Engineering Challenges - "Will It" Series Highlights

By Serena Ngoh

October 9, 2020

Article

Stereolithography (SLA) Quick Clear Now Instantly Quotes for Faster 3D Printed Transparent Parts

By Serena Ngoh

2 min read

Article

Now Available: 3D Printing Sample Cube

By Serena Ngoh

1 min read

Video

Video: Will It Vibe? 3D Printing Vibration Test

By Serena Ngoh

October 9, 2020

Video

The X-Tiles Video Series: Clear and Nickel-Plated 3D Prints, Pt. 3

By Greg Paulsen

October 9, 2020

Video

The X-Tiles Video Series: Our Most Popular 3D Printing Processes, Pt. 2

By Greg Paulsen

October 9, 2020

Video

The X-Tiles Video Series: Our Most Popular 3D Printing Processes, Pt. 1

By Greg Paulsen

October 9, 2020

Article

Product Update: New Materials for HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

By Serena Ngoh

2 min read

Article

How to Select an Online 3D Printing Service

By Greg Paulsen

4 min read

Video

On-Demand Webinar: Introducing Carbon DLS™ at Xometry

By Serena Ngoh

October 9, 2020

Video

Video: Understanding 3D Printing Surface Finishes

By Serena Ngoh

October 9, 2020

Article

Infographic: 3D Printing Process and Material Decision Guide

By Team Xometry

1 min read

Video

Stereolithography SLA materials have a variety of engineered properties for function and cosmetics

On-Demand Webinar: Selecting the Right 3D Printing Material

By Serena Ngoh

October 9, 2020

Video

On-Demand Webinar: 3DP Trends and Design Tips

By Serena Ngoh

October 9, 2020

Video

Manufacturing Xpert Chats with Gerald of BeraTek Industries

By Serena Ngoh

October 9, 2020

Article

Emerging Trends in 3D Printing: 2019 and Beyond

By Serena Ngoh

6 min read

Article

Getting Your Part Ready for Binder Jetting

By Team Xometry

2 min read

Video

On-Demand Webinar: When to Select Stereolithography (SLA) 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

October 9, 2020

Article

Choosing The Right Additive Manufacturing Process for Your Project

By Team Xometry

7 min read

Article

MJF printed abstract models. Image Credit: Shutterstock.com/MarinaGrigorivna

All About Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

8 min read

Article

Tips For Designing Custom Parts With SLS 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

2 min read

Article

To DMLS or not to DMLS

By Team Xometry

2 min read

Video

On-Demand Webinar: Should You Take 3D Printing to Production?

By Team Xometry

October 8, 2020

Video

3D Printed Lacrosse Balls: Will It Break or Bounce?

By Team Xometry

October 8, 2020

Article

6 Most Popular Stereolithography (SLA) Materials

By Team Xometry

3 min read

Article

3D Printing is Not a Cheat Code

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

Our Fantasy Football Inspired "CAD of the Month"

By Team Xometry

3 min read

Video

Video: 3D Printing Complexity Paradox

By Team Xometry

October 8, 2020

Article

Comparing Infill Options for FDM

By Team Xometry

2 min read

Article

Infographic: Reinventing the Wheel with 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

1 min read

Article

Trends in 3D Printing for 2020

By Greg Paulsen

14 min read

Article

Glass-Filled Nylon: 4 Things You Need to Know

By Team Xometry

2 min read

Article

6 Advantages of Rapid Prototyping

By Serena Ngoh

4 min read

Article

Maximum Print Sizes for 3D Printed Parts

By Team Xometry

1 min read

Article

The 3D Printing “Complexity Paradox”

By Greg Paulsen

4 min read

Article

Manufacturing Rubber-Like Materials

By Team Xometry

2 min read

Article

Here’s How to Get Your Multi-Material Part Ready to Print

By Team Xometry

2 min read

Article

All About Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

6 min read

Article

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) Mini-Guide

By Team Xometry

5 min read

Video

Fused Deposition Modeling vs Selective Laser Sintering Watertightness Test

By Team Xometry

October 5, 2020

Article

Top 5 Reasons Fortune 500 Firms Outsource 3D Printing Projects

By Team Xometry

3 min read

Article

Pick the Right Process for Small Features: The “Wicked-Small Cylinder Test”

By Team Xometry

5 min read

Article

Bring an Idea to Market Using SLS 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

2 min read

Article

Visual Guide to SLS 3D Printing Finishes

By Team Xometry

1 min read

Article

Comparing 3D Printing Processes

By Team Xometry

4 min read

Article

3D Printed Prototype – Test & Iterate

By Team Xometry

2 min read

Article

Additive Manufacturing Series: The Basics of AM

By Greg Paulsen

3 min read

Article

The Advantages of Additive Manufacturing

By Greg Paulsen

6 min read

Article

PolyJet vs CNC vs Something Else?

By Greg Paulsen

2 min read

Video

What is SLS 3D printing?

By Greg Paulsen

October 2, 2020

Article

Testing and Designing Part Features for Volume Production

By Team Xometry

3 min read

Video

Video: Will It Break?

By Greg Paulsen

September 29, 2020

Article

5 Easy Ways to Reduce 3D Printing Costs

By Greg Paulsen

7 min read

Article

All About Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D Printing

By Team Xometry

9 min read

Article

The Ultimate Guide to 3D Printed Text

By Team Xometry

3 min read

Article

Video: Will It Wrench?

By Team Xometry

1 min read

Article

Video: What Will It Look Like?

By Team Xometry

1 min read

Article

Video: Will It Fit?

By Team Xometry

3 min read

Article

Video: How Will It Grow? Part 2

By Team Xometry

3 min read

Video

Video: Will It Melt?

By Team Xometry

September 18, 2020

Article

A metal 3D printed aluminum part with its support structures

Video: How Will It Grow?

By Team Xometry

3 min read