The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a 3D Printing Service

by Aurum 3D 3D Printing Services

3D printers produce three-dimensional objects physically from digital files by depositing materials layer by layer. But you need to invest in a 3D printer and 3D printing filaments to convert digital files into solid items on your own. Professional 3D printing services enable you to convert your ideas into a reality without buying either 3D printers or filaments.

You can share your ideas and requirements with the 3D printing service provider in the form of a digital file. The provider will produce and deliver a solid three-dimensional item based on your digital file. Also, providers allow you to choose from multiple 3D printing technologies and filaments while uploading the digital file.

But you can streamline and boost the 3D printing process only by availing of customized 3D printing services. Also, you must remember that the quality of 3D printing services varies across providers. That is why; it becomes essential to compare the 3D printing services using a slew of parameters while keeping in mind your precise project needs.

8 Things You Must Consider to Choose the Right 3D Printing Service

3D Printing Technology

While planning a 3D printing project, you have the option to choose from many3Dprinting technologies, including Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM 3D printing services), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Each of these widely used 3D printing technologies produces solid objects by depositing and curing materials in a specific way. Also, each 3D printing technology has its pros and cons. That is why; you must finalize the 3D printing technology and shortlist providers that offer the required 3D printing service.

3D Printing Filament

You have the option to choose from a wide range of materials or filaments according to the nature and properties of the 3D-printed item. Most providers allow you to choose from conventional 3D printing materials like Polyastic Acid (PLA), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA). But there are certain companies that allow you to choose from a slew of special materials – multicolor filament, metal-filled filament, wood filament, and color-changing filament. That is why; you must decide the right filament for your project and choose a 3D printing company that allows you to choose the particular filament.

Design Expertise

You cannot use a 3D printer to convert any digital model into a solid object. You must consult the provider to check if your design can be converted into a physical object using 3D printing technologies. There are also chances that you may need assistance to combine the right 3D printing technology and filament according to your precise project needs. You must look for niche 3D printing services to print prototypes and functional parts for industrial projects.

Design Assistance

You must use 3D modeling software to create a three-dimensional model that will represent the object digitally. You have the option to choose from a wide range of 3D modeling software applications. But there are always chances that you will need assistance and guidance to produce the digital file. The leading companies offer 3D printing, 3D scanning, and 3D designing services. Hence, you can avail of design assistance by opting for both 3D designing and 3D printing services.

Post Processing

Some 3D printers produce parts with a rough surface finish. You need to refine or enhance the 3D-printed item to boost its appeal, quality, and usability after it leaves the 3D printer. Most 3D printing service providers deliver items to clients after performing common post-processing activities like cleaning, coloring, sanding, excess material removal, and smoothening. The post-processing activities often escalate 3D printing costs. You need to decide if the 3D-printed item needs post-processing. It is always important to opt for a 3D printing service that includes post-processing.

Cost

Some 3D printing technologies are more cost-efficient than others. Likewise, certain 3D printing filaments are more expensive than others. That is why; the printing cost will vary according to your choice of 3D printing technology and filament. Also, the costs of 3D printing services vary across providers. You need to choose a 3D printing service that complements your needs as well as your budget. However, you must ensure that the quality of the 3D-printed item is not impacted while comparing printing costs.

Idea Protection

3D printing technologies create opportunities for you to evaluate original ideas and experiment with multiple concepts. You will share your ideas or concepts with the 3D printing service provider in the form of a digital file. Hence, you can protect your original ideas only when the provider keeps your data secure. It is always important to check the security tools and encryption technologies used by the provider to protect your ideas fully.

Partnership

Individuals often avail of 3D printing services for one-off projects. On the other hand, enterprises form long-term partnerships with the provider to get customized 3D printing services in the long run. If you are planning to 3D-print specific items, you may not emphasize the provider’s experience, expertise, and reputation. But you must form a partnership with an expert and reputable 3D printing company that has been providing services to businesses from your industry.

Professional 3D printing services help you convert your ideas into solid three-dimensional items without escalating upfront and recurring costs. But you can get standout 3D-printed items only by availing of high-quality 3D printing services. That is why; you must use the right parameters to compare the 3D printing services according to your precise project needs.

Description

3D printing service enables you to convert digital files into solid three-dimensional objects without investing in 3D printers and buying filaments. But you must remember that the quality of 3D printing services varies across providers. Hence, you can get quality 3D printing services only by comparing the providers and companies using the right parameters.

Author Info

Aaliyah Choudhury passionately believes in boosting the popularity and adaption of cutting-edge technologies like 3D printing. She has been helping engineers, enthusiasts, and hobbyists avail of customized 3D printing services by writing well-researched articles and blogs.