Polymer 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing

Durable, functional plastic parts — tooling-free production.

We manufacture functional parts from engineering polymers using SLS, MJF and SLA technologies. From prototype to series production, without any mold investment, we build complex geometries with repeatable accuracy. Our EOS P770 (SLS), EOS Formiga P110 Velocis (SLS), HP Jet Fusion 5210 (MJF) and Formlabs 3B+ (SLA) systems deliver a turnkey solution under one roof, with post-processing and dimensional verification included.

In SLS, the part forms inside the unsintered powder itself. That means no separate support structures are needed, and geometries such as internal channels, lattices and nested assemblies can be built freely. The result is a durable, functional part that behaves similarly in every direction (near-isotropic). On our EOS P770 and EOS P110 systems we build in PA 2200, PA 3200 GF and TPU (Shore A 86).

Engineering Note

SLS parts can have a micro-porous internal structure. Applications that need a seal require a coating or paint. We discuss this at the design stage and plan the right post-processing from the start. We secure the part's function in the design, not at delivery.

Which Polymer Technology Suits Which Part?

Technology How It Works Strengths / Materials

SLS Selective laser sintering of polymer powder Isotropy, durability, support-free complex geometry — PA 2200, PA 3200 GF, TPU (Shore A 86)

MJF Binder jetting onto the powder bed with heat fusion High throughput, consistent surfaces and series parts — PA12

SLA Light-cured liquid resin, layer by layer High resolution, smooth surfaces — Clear, Flexible (Shore A 80)

In polymer additive manufacturing, the right result starts with choosing the technology that fits the part. We build with different materials to deliver the mechanical strength and surface quality your application needs.

From Powder Bed to Functional Part (How SLS Works)

SLS relies on fusing powder together, layer by layer, using heat. The process runs inside a controlled chamber where the powder is pre-heated to just below its melting point.

Pre-heating: The powder bed is heated to just below the material’s melting temperature, so the laser only needs a small amount of additional energy to trigger sintering.
Powder spreading: A recoating arm spreads a thin, uniform layer of powder across the build platform.
Laser scanning: The laser scans that layer’s cross-sectional geometry, sintering the powder. The sintered region also bonds to the layer beneath it.
Platform lowers: The build platform drops by one layer thickness, a new layer of powder is spread, and the cycle repeats.
Cooling and powder removal: Once the build is complete, the platform holding the printed parts is cooled in a controlled manner. Unsintered powder is sieved out and recovered.

Because the unsintered powder itself supports the part, no separate support structures are needed — SLS’s most defining advantage. In MJF, energy is delivered to the entire layer at once via infrared rather than locally by laser; the shorter build time improves throughput for series production.

System Specifications (EOS P770 / SLS)

These figures are typical ranges for guidance only and are not binding. They vary by part and machine, and are confirmed at the quoting stage.

Build volume 700 x 380 x 580 mm

Layer thickness 120 µm

Dimensional tolerance ±0.2–0.3 mm or ±0.3% (for larger parts)

Minimum wall thickness ~0.8–1.0 mm

Polymer Portfolio and Selection Criteria

Mechanical properties vary by material, orientation and post-processing; the figures below are approximate and non-binding. We agree on target values together at the quoting stage, and recommend sample testing for critical parts.

PA 2200 (PA12) — SLS, Polyamide

A durable, isotropic and versatile engineering polymer. Preferred for: housings, covers, clamps, drones, functional prototypes and series parts.

PA 3200 GF — SLS, Glass-Filled Polyamide

Glass-fiber reinforcement gives higher stiffness, wear resistance and thermal stability. Preferred for: parts requiring shape retention under load and thermal stability.

TPU 1301 (Shore A 86) — SLS, Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Stands out for its flexibility, high elasticity and wear resistance. Resistant to impact and repeated deformation. Preferred for: flexible, impact-absorbing and wear-resistant parts.

PA12 — MJF, Polyamide

A versatile material with mechanical strength and a balanced surface finish. Preferred for: end-use parts, housings and complex geometries.

Clear Resin — SLA, Rigid Photopolymer

Delivers light-transmitting surfaces at high resolution. Preferred for: fluid-flow models, visual prototypes, lenses and light-guide models.

Flexible 80A Resin — SLA, Flexible Photopolymer

Rubber-like behavior with elasticity and impact resistance. Preferred for: gaskets and sealing elements, grips and ergonomic surfaces.

Design for Additive Manufacturing Rules (DfAM)

When you send us your 3D model file, we assess the part for manufacturability and come back with concrete revision suggestions.

Minimum wall thickness Very thin walls sinter weakly; a lower limit is observed for functional parts.

Orientation and isotropy Near-isotropic mechanical properties mean parts perform consistently regardless of build orientation.

Powder removal A drain hole is planned for enclosed cavities so unsintered powder can be removed.

Threads, fits and hinges Functional features can be printed directly; extra tolerance is left for critical fits.

Surface expectations As-printed surfaces are matte/textured; post-processing can achieve a smooth or colored finish.

From Production to Delivery

1

Manufacturability pre-check (DfAM)
Technology and material selection, wall thickness, powder removal and surface expectations are assessed before production.
2

3D printing
The part is built layer by layer — with a laser in SLS, with binder and infrared fusion in MJF, and by light-curing in SLA.
3

Powder/resin removal
Unsintered powder is removed, or resin is washed and post-cured; parts are separated.
4

Post-processing
Surface finishing (sanding, blasting), painting, brass insert installation and assembly are carried out.
5

Measurement and reporting
A quality control report is prepared after measurement by 3D scanning or CMM. On request, an FAI report and Certificate of Conformance (CoC) are issued.

When Polymer, When Metal?

When lightness, complex geometry, cost and fast delivery are the priority, polymer additive manufacturing is often the right choice. When a part demands high strength, temperature resistance, wear resistance and tough operating conditions — or a metallic property such as conductivity or hardness — we point you toward metal 3D printing. Our goal is to build your part, at the volumes you need, with the technology best suited to its function.

Next step

Let's assess your part first.

Share your part's 3D model; let's map out a plan together, with our recommendation on technology (SLS / MJF / SLA), material and post-processing. We typically get back to you within two business days.

Manufacturability Assessment