3D printing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the entire object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object.
3D printing is the fastest and cheapest way to produce a rapid prototype, within hours your prototype is finished, currently we have installed 4 3D printers in our factory.
A great advantage of 3d printing is the cost, when you want us to produce a prototype for you, the price will start at just 10USD. Another advantage is the speed at which prototypes can be produced. Due the price and the speed, 3D printing is perfectly suitable for initial rapid prototyping. Disregarding the shipping time and costs, you can have a real physical sample in your hands in no-time at a minimal cost.
The main disadvantage of 3D printing is the material quality of the printed parts. Unlike other, more professional rapid prototyping techniques, parts derived from 3D printing are relatively weak and don't have a smooth surface finish. Although the range of materials that can be used for 3D printing is expanding, at the moment, the choice is still limited. Limited printing size is an issue as well, but it is possible to glue several parts together to form one prototype.