Manufacturing guides

What really drives the price of a 3D printed part, starting prices by technology, real example parts, and practical ways to lower your cost.

The practical design rules for FDM, SLA, SLS and MJF parts, with one table you can keep open while you model.

A plain comparison of FDM and SLA on detail, strength, accuracy, materials and price, with clear rules for picking one.

PA12 is the stiff, stable all-rounder; PA11 is the tougher, more flexible, bio-based option. Here is how to choose between them.

SLS and MJF both print strong nylon parts without supports. Here is how they differ in detail, finish, color, tolerance and price.

6061 is the all-round default; 7075 is the high-strength option. Here is how they compare and when the extra cost of 7075 is worth it.

What drives the price of a CNC machined part, starting prices by material, real example parts, and design changes that lower your cost.

Simple rules for laser-cut and bent parts that come out right the first time, using thickness (T) as your ruler.

Which CAD file format to upload for each process, and why STEP beats STL for anything machined or bent.

What a tolerance really is, the typical numbers for CNC, 3D printing and sheet metal, and how to specify only what you need.