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3D Printing Design, Materials & Finishing
Prepare wall thickness, supports, orientation and material selection together; finishing changes fit and should be specified before the build.
Updated October 11, 2026 · 26 focused articles
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Metal 3D Printing Cost: Where the Money Goes, and When Machining Wins
Where the Money Goes, and When Machining Wins
Selective Laser Sintering Materials: PA12, PA11, TPU and Glass-Filled Nylon
PA12, PA11, TPU and Glass-Filled Nylon
MJF Materials and Finishing: PA12, PA11, TPU and Dyeing Options
PA12, PA11, TPU and Dyeing Options
Build Orientation and Anisotropy in FDM Parts: Designing for Load Paths
Designing for Load Paths
3D Printing for Medical Devices: Applications, Materials, and Validation
Applications, Materials, and Validation
3D Printing Materials: Polymers, Metals, and How to Select
Polymers, Metals, and How to Select
SLA Resin Selection: Standard, Tough, Heat-Resistant, and Clear
Standard, Tough, Heat-Resistant, and Clear
Nylon (PA) for SLS and MJF: Properties, Finishes, and Applications
Properties, Finishes, and Applications
Metal 3D Printing Costs: How Geometry, Powder, and Post-Processing Drive Price
How Geometry, Powder, and Post-Processing Drive Price
3D Printing Tolerances by Process: What Designers Should Specify
What Designers Should Specify
3D Printing Post-Processing: Support Removal, Sanding, Dyeing, and Coating
Support Removal, Sanding, Dyeing, and Coating
Designing for 3D Printing: Overhangs, Wall Thickness, and Lattice Structures
Overhangs, Wall Thickness, and Lattice Structures
TPU and Flexible Materials in 3D Printing: Seals, Gaskets, and Soft-Touch Parts
Seals, Gaskets, and Soft-Touch Parts
3D Printing for Architectural and Display Models: Detail, Scale, and Materials
Detail, Scale, and Materials
Designing Parts for Metal 3D Printing: Supports, Orientation, and Powder Removal
Supports, Orientation, and Powder Removal
Designing Snap Fits for 3D Printed Parts: Tolerances, Layer Orientation, and Materials
Tolerances, Layer Orientation, and Materials
Designing Watertight 3D Printed Enclosures: Sealing Ribs, Gaskets, and Layer Adhesion
Sealing Ribs, Gaskets, and Layer Adhesion
Hybrid Prototypes: Combining 3D Printed Parts with Machined Metal and Inserts
Combining 3D Printed Parts with Machined Metal and Inserts
What Affects 3D Printing Cost: Volume, Material, Finish, and Post-Processing
Volume, Material, Finish, and Post-Processing
Metal 3D Printing Post-Processing: Support Removal, Heat Treatment, and Finishing
Support Removal, Heat Treatment, and Finishing
Transparent Resin 3D Printing: Getting Optical Clarity That Survives Polishing
Getting Optical Clarity That Survives Polishing
SLS Surface Finish and Design Limits: Wall Thickness, Holes and Warpage
Wall Thickness, Holes and Warpage
MJF 3D Printing: Repeatable Nylon Parts From Prototype to Bridge Production
Repeatable Nylon Parts From Prototype to Bridge Production
SLA Prototype Parts: Detail, Orientation and Where Resin Reaches Its Limit
Detail, Orientation and Where Resin Reaches Its Limit
3D Printing Tolerance Test: Building a Coupon That Tells You the Real Numbers
Building a Coupon That Tells You the Real Numbers
3D Printing Tolerance for Tight Fit: Clearances That Actually Snap Together
Clearances That Actually Snap Together
Before you release the project
- Define the function, environment and the question this batch must answer.
- Specify material grade, geometry, quantity, finish and the dimensions that control fit.
- Agree the inspection method and the evidence required to accept the parts.
- Record the drawing revision and approval before production begins.
Common planning questions
Which printing process is best?
There is no single best process. Define the part’s use, loads, temperature, detail and finish first, then compare the supported process and material combinations.
Does a printed material behave like the same material after molding?
Not necessarily. Build orientation, density, post-processing and the material formulation affect performance. Validate the properties that matter for the intended use.
Move from guidance to a reviewed project
Send the CAD model and drawing with material, quantity, finish and inspection requirements. Use the relevant service page to review the available manufacturing route.