Journal

Filament 3D printer partway through printing a blue part

The Seven Categories of 3D Printing

FDM, resin, SLS and MJF, metal powder bed fusion, PolyJet, binder jetting, DED and sheet lamination: how each 3D printing method works and what it's for.

The Seven Categories of 3D Printing

FDM, resin, SLS and MJF, metal powder bed fusion, PolyJet, binder jetting, DED and sheet lamination: how each 3D printing method works and what it's for.

Assorted carbon fiber tubes and automotive parts

Composite Manufacturing Processes

How carbon fiber and composite parts are made: wet layup, infusion, RTM, prepreg, autoclave, compression molding, filament winding, pultrusion and more.

Composite Manufacturing Processes

How carbon fiber and composite parts are made: wet layup, infusion, RTM, prepreg, autoclave, compression molding, filament winding, pultrusion and more.

Triangle mesh of a scanned T-handle part on a computer screen

How to Prepare a File for 3D Printing

File formats, STL export settings, units, wall thickness, holes, threads and clearances: how to prepare a CAD file so it prints right the first time.

How to Prepare a File for 3D Printing

File formats, STL export settings, units, wall thickness, holes, threads and clearances: how to prepare a CAD file so it prints right the first time.

Metal 3D printed part with a lattice section

3D Printing Cost Factors

What drives 3D printing cost: process, material, part volume, build height, supports, quantity and finishing, plus practical ways to lower the price.

3D Printing Cost Factors

What drives 3D printing cost: process, material, part volume, build height, supports, quantity and finishing, plus practical ways to lower the price.

Filament 3D printer printing a blue spiral-walled part

FDM vs SLA vs SLS vs MJF: Which Process to Use

How FDM, resin SLA, SLS and MJF compare on cost, strength, accuracy and finish, which plastics each one prints, and which process fits which part.

FDM vs SLA vs SLS vs MJF: Which Process to Use

How FDM, resin SLA, SLS and MJF compare on cost, strength, accuracy and finish, which plastics each one prints, and which process fits which part.

CNC machining centers on a factory floor

Umbrella vs Arm Tool Changers

How umbrella and side-mount arm tool changers work, how they compare on speed, capacity and tool size, and the common causes of tool change problems.

Umbrella vs Arm Tool Changers

How umbrella and side-mount arm tool changers work, how they compare on speed, capacity and tool size, and the common causes of tool change problems.