How does the on-demand manufacturing process work?

Mechkonnect’s simplified process includes the submission of design files, selection of material and specifications, production and delivery.

What is on-demand manufacturing?

A service allowing the manufacturing of custom-designed products in small quantities tailored to specific requirements is called as On-Demand Manufacturing. This service is cost-effective as a large investment in equipment and inventory is not necessary.

How do I get started?

To get started, simply sign up for an account on our website, upload your design files, customize your product specifications, and follow the prompts to place your order. If you have any questions, our customer support team is here to assist you.

How long do manufacturing and shipping take?

Manufacturing and shipping times vary based on the complexity of your design, the quantity ordered, and the location of our manufacturing partners. You’ll receive an estimated timeframe during the ordering process.

Can I get a prototype before placing a larger order?

Yes. Many of our manufacturing partners offer prototyping services, allowing you to test and refine your design before committing to a larger production run.

What types of products can I manufacture on demand?

We manufacture a wide range of products, including but not limited to prototypes, custom parts, apparel, accessories, home decor, and more. Feel free to reach out if you have a specific product in mind.

Is my intellectual property protected?

We take intellectual property seriously. Our platform may offer options for secure file sharing and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with manufacturing partners to help protect your designs.

Do you offer international shipping?

Yes, we offer international shipping to many countries. The cost of shipping may vary as per location and time.

Can I cancel an order?

Order cancellation policies vary among manufacturing partners. Typically, if production hasn’t started, you might be able to cancel with a nominal fee. It’s advisable to review the cancellation policy before placing an order.

What are the advantages of casting?

Casting allows for complex shapes, and precision details, and is suitable for both small and large production runs. It can be cost-effective for certain designs.

What is forging, and how does it differ from casting?

Forging involves shaping metal through the application of force using hammers or presses. It creates parts with improved strength and structural integrity compared to cast parts.

Is fabrication ideal for producing custom designs?

Yes, fabrication is well-suited for producing custom-designed products, allowing for flexibility in shape, size, and functionality.

Is 3D printing suitable for large-scale production?

While 3D printing is excellent for prototyping and small-batch production, traditional manufacturing methods may be more efficient for larger quantities.

What types of materials can be used for moulding?

Various materials can be used, including plastics, rubber, and even metals in certain moulding processes.

Guide to Understanding 3D Printing Techniques

87 / 100

A Beginner’s Guide to Understanding Various 3D Printing Techniques

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, has transformed multiple industries by providing the ability to produce intricate objects layer by layer from digital designs. Its undeniable impact has opened up new possibilities for innovation and creativity.

Are you curious about the latest 3D printing technologies? Let’s dive into the fascinating world of 3D printing and explore the various types of 3D printing techniques that are being used today. From Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to Stereolithography (SLA), there’s a lot to discover! Join us on this exciting journey of exploring the different types of 3D printing technologies.

Stereolithography (SLA)

Stereolithography utilizes a vat of liquid photopolymer resin cured by a UV laser to create solid objects layer by layer. The UV laser traces the pattern of the object’s cross-section on the surface of the liquid resin, hardening it. Once a layer is complete, the build platform moves downward, and the process repeats until the entire object is formed. SLA is renowned for its high precision and surface finish, making it suitable for producing prototypes, intricate models, and dental applications.

Example: Prototyping of intricate mechanical parts.

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Selective Laser Sintering employs a high-powered laser to selectively fuse powdered material, typically nylon or metal, into a solid structure layer by layer. The laser sinters the powdered material based on a digital 3D model, allowing for the creation of complex geometries without the need for support structures. SLS is widely used in automotive, aerospace, and medical industries for producing functional prototypes, end-use parts, and tooling components.

Example: Manufacturing custom prosthetics and aerospace components.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fused Deposition Modeling is one of the most common 3D printing technologies, where a thermoplastic filament is heated and extruded through a nozzle onto a build platform layer by layer. The material solidifies as it cools, forming the desired object. FDM is known for its affordability, simplicity, and versatility, making it suitable for rapid prototyping, architectural models, and educational purposes.

Example: Creating functional prototypes and educational models.

Digital Light Processing (DLP)

Digital Light Processing utilizes a digital light projector to cure liquid photopolymer resin layer by layer. Similar to SLA, DLP also employs photopolymerization to solidify the resin, but instead of a laser, it uses a light projector to cure entire layers simultaneously. DLP offers faster print speeds compared to SLA, making it ideal for producing dental appliances, jewelry, and consumer products with intricate details.

Example: Crafting jewelry designs and dental crowns.

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

Multi Jet Fusion is an advanced 3D printing technology developed by HP that utilizes inkjet arrays to selectively apply fusing and detailing agents onto a bed of powdered material. Subsequently, thermal energy is applied to fuse the powder, resulting in high-resolution parts with excellent mechanical properties. MJF is suitable for producing functional prototypes, end-use parts, and custom manufacturing components.

Example: Manufacturing lightweight and durable automotive parts.

PolyJet

PolyJet technology employs inkjet-like printheads to jet layers of liquid photopolymer onto a build platform. The layers are cured instantly using UV light, allowing for the creation of parts with varying material properties and colors within a single print. PolyJet is utilized in industries such as consumer goods, medical, and aerospace for producing detailed prototypes, architectural models, and medical devices.

Example: Creating realistic medical prototypes and architectural models.

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

Direct Metal Laser Sintering utilizes a high-powered laser to fuse metal powder into solid parts layer by layer selectively. DMLS enables the production of complex geometries and functional metal components with high strength and precision. This technology finds applications in aerospace, automotive, and medical industries for manufacturing parts with intricate designs and superior mechanical properties.

Example: Fabricating aerospace components and medical implants.

Electron Beam Melting (EBM)

Electron Beam Melting employs an electron beam to melt and fuse metal powder in a vacuum environment. EBM offers high build speeds and can produce parts with excellent mechanical properties, making it suitable for aerospace, medical, and automotive applications where strength and precision are crucial.

Example: Manufacturing complex aerospace structures and orthopedic implants.

To simplify, let us understand the types of 3D printing through a comparison table.

3D Printing Technology Comparison Table

Technology	Process	Applications	Example
SLA- Stereolithography	UV laser cures the resin	Prototyping, dental, and intricate models	Prototyping of mechanical parts
SLS- Selective Laser Sintering	Laser sinters powder	Automotive, aerospace, medical	Custom prosthetics
FDM- Fused Deposition Modeling	Extrudes thermoplastic	Prototyping, educational models, architectural models	Functional prototypes
DLP- Digital Light Processing	Light projector cures resin	Jewelry, dental, and consumer products	Jewelry designs
MJF- Multi Jet Fusion	Inkjet applies agents	Functional prototypes, end-use parts, manufacturing	Lightweight automotive parts
PolyJet Technology	Inkjet jets photopolymer	Consumer goods, medical, aerospace	Realistic medical prototypes
DMLS- Direct Metal Laser Sintering	Laser sinters metal	Aerospace, automotive, medical	Aerospace components
EBM- Electron Beam Melting	Electron beam melt metal	Aerospace, medical, automotive	Orthopedic implants

Mechkonnect can Support Providing 3D Printing Solutions

Mechkonnect specializes in providing comprehensive 3D printing solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of various industries. With a team of experienced engineers and state-of-the-art technology, Mechkonnect offers a wide range of services, including prototype development, rapid manufacturing, and customized part production. Whether you require high-precision prototypes for testing or functional end-use parts for production, Mechkonnect’s expertise in 3D printing technologies ensures quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.