Manufacturing tolerances, measurements and 3D data requirements

Production tolerances for custom printing

HP MULTI JET FUSION TECHNOLOGY

For PA12 and PA12GB materials, the parts we supply achieve an accuracy of ± 0.2 mm, applicable to dimensions up to 100 mm. For parts larger than 100 mm, deviations of ± 0.2% from the measured dimension apply. For PA11 material, deviations of ± 0.3 mm apply for dimensions up to 100 mm and ± 0.3% of the measured dimension for larger dimensions.

FDM TECHNOLOGY

For prints using FDM technology, deviations of ± 0.2 mm apply (for dimensions up to 100 mm). For larger dimensions above 100 mm, deviations of ± 0.2% of the measured dimension apply.

Recommendations for serial production

When printing larger quantities or larger orders, we recommend first producing a small sample series. Sample production allows you to test the design of the part and verify that it meets the requirements for functionality and dimensional accuracy. If necessary, the actual printability of the parts is also verified. This allows you to detect and correct any design errors before investing in the production of larger quantities of parts.

Final inspection

During the final inspection, we use sliding gauges to randomly measure 10% of the printed parts from the entire build chamber, typically 1-3 dimensions per part. Due to their shape, some parts cannot be checked in this way, and we assume that they achieve the same accuracy as the other measured parts in the chamber.

If necessary, we can also scan parts using Zeiss metrological 3D scanners. However, this service is subject to a fee and is handled individually for each project.

Requirements for 3D data

Data in .stl or .3mf format is required for 3D printing. We are also able to process CAD data in .step format, which we convert to .stl in-house.

Our online portal allows you to upload .stl, .3mf and .step data. However, .step data is automatically converted, and we cannot guarantee 100% that the resulting .stl file will be error-free. Therefore, please upload parts for production exclusively in .stl or .3mf format.

Information on how to best set up the export of .stl files in your modelling software is described in the Design and Printing Guidelines manual.