Prototype Your Ideas with Our Advanced Plastic 3D Printing Service
Introduction to Rapid Plastic Prototyping
Plastic 3D printing enables fast and cost-effective prototyping with complex geometries, functional accuracy, and minimal lead times. From early-stage design to functional validation, it's the ideal solution for iterative development and low-volume testing.
At Neway Aerotech, our plastic 3D printing service helps transform concepts into tangible, high-resolution parts using SLA, FDM, SLS, and MJF technologies.
Plastic 3D Printing Technology Overview
Classification of Plastic 3D Printing Processes
Process | Layer Thickness (μm) | Tolerance (mm) | Surface Finish (Ra, μm) | Typical Applications | Max Build Volume (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FDM | 100–300 | ±0.2–0.5 | 10–20 | Mechanical test models, jigs, mounts | 300 × 300 × 400 |
SLA | 25–100 | ±0.05–0.15 | 1–5 | Aesthetic models, fit-checks | 145 × 145 × 175 |
SLS | 80–120 | ±0.1–0.3 | 8–12 | Snap-fit parts, flexible components | 320 × 320 × 600 |
MJF | 70–100 | ±0.1–0.25 | 6–10 | Functional prototypes, production | 380 × 284 × 380 |
Note: Results vary depending on orientation, part size, and material.
Process Selection Strategy
FDM: Fast, budget-friendly method for basic validation and early-stage mechanical testing.
SLA: Ideal for precision visual models and parts with fine surface details.
SLS: Used for production-like functional parts with internal features and flexible joints.
MJF: Excellent for engineering prototypes with consistent strength and scalable small-batch runs.
Plastic Materials for Prototyping
Material Comparison for Prototyping Applications
Material | Strength (MPa) | H.D.T (°C) | Features | Common Prototype Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
PLA | ~60 | ~55 | Easy to print, environmentally friendly | Product models, education, visual aids |
ABS | ~45 | ~96 | Durable, machinable, chemically stable | Enclosures, automotive mockups |
PETG | ~50 | ~70 | Tough, weather-resistant, translucent | Housings, brackets, medical test parts |
PA12 (Nylon) | ~50 | ~180 | Flexible, abrasion resistant | Snap fits, clips, stress tests |
Resin (Standard) | ~40 | ~50 | Smooth surface, detail-rich | Consumer product mockups, jewelry |
Material Selection Strategy
PLA: Suitable for early-stage visual concepts and fast iterations.
ABS: Used when mechanical properties and chemical resistance are important.
PETG: Offers a great balance between strength, ductility, and finish.
Nylon PA12: Ideal for functional, moving prototypes requiring real-world durability.
SLA Resin: Best for visual appeal and fine-detail verification in consumer-grade designs.
Case Study: Prototyping Wearable Device Housings with SLA and MJF
Project Background
A wearable electronics startup approached us to prototype outer casings for a biometric wristband. The client needed precise geometry, fast iterations, and end-use quality simulation.
Manufacturing Work Flow
Design Optimization: Wall thickness refined to 1.5 mm, fillets added to reduce layer stress concentrations.
Technology Used: SLA printing for aesthetic front cases, MJF printing for structural backplates.
Material Chosen: SLA resin for surface clarity; MJF PA12 for snap-fit functionality and heat resistance.
Post-Processing: SLA parts polished and UV-cured; MJF parts bead-blasted and drilled to fit electronics.
Fit Validation: Electronics inserted, buttons and ports checked to ±0.15 mm tolerance under real assembly conditions.
Post Process
Surface Refinement: SLA front shells polished to <5 μm Ra, ready for showroom presentation.
Dimensional Tuning: Snap-fit tolerances hand-finished within ±0.1 mm for secure, repeatable assembly.
3D Scanning: Non-contact inspection ensured consistency across 20-unit pilot run.
Results and Verification
Each prototype enclosure fit all PCB and mechanical constraints with no deformation or warping after 5 hours of thermal testing.
Parts exceeded aesthetic goals, eliminating the need for external painting and reducing cost by 22% over traditional machining.
Client approved the design and continued with MJF production using the validated prototype STL with no changes required.
Prototype turnaround from CAD to test-ready sample was completed in 4 working days.
FAQs
What’s the typical lead time for prototype 3D printed plastic parts?
How accurate are the dimensions of SLA, FDM, and MJF parts?
Can you combine multiple materials in one prototype build?
What’s the best method for functional prototypes with hinges or threads?
Are high-heat resistant plastics available for working prototypes?
