3D printing has revolutionized the way we design, manufacture, and solve problems in sectors such as industry, education, healthcare, and automotive. Since its origins in the 1980s, additive manufacturing has become a key tool for innovation and product personalization.

At INTECH3D, as a leading 3D printing consultancy in Spain, we help businesses and educational institutions to implement this technology strategically, efficiently, and tailored to their real needs.

What is 3D printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a process that creates three-dimensional objects from a digital model. Unlike traditional manufacturing, which is a subtractive process where material is removed, 3D printing builds layer by layer, allowing great freedom in design and personalization.

One of the main advantages of 3D printing is that it allows the production of customized, complex, or geometrically impossible parts, using conventional methods, without the need for molds or tooling. What’s more, it can be faster, more efficient, and more sustainable in certain contexts.

Most used 3D printing materials

Choosing the right 3D printing material is key to ensuring the functionality, durability, and finish of printed parts. There are multiple options depending on the type of 3D printer, the final application, and the desired mechanical properties. 

Below, we present the most common materials in 3D printing:

• PLA and ABS: Easy-to-print bioplastics, ideal for prototypes, decorative objects, and non-functional parts. They are also biodegradable.
• PETG: Combines the printability of PLA with the strength of ABS. It is a durable and resistant material with good layer adhesion, ideal for parts subjected to stress.
• PP: A lightweight material with excellent chemical resistance. Its elasticity and durability make it useful in industrial applications, especially for components with frequent mechanical use, such as hinges or containers.
• FLEX: This is a material with exceptional resistance to abrasion and deformation. It also allows the printing of elastic parts that absorb impacts, such as cases, seals, or soles.
• BVOH or PVA: Used as temporary supports in dual extrusion prints, allowing parts with complex geometries to be created, which, once printed, are submerged in water to remove the supports without damaging the final model.
• Photopolymer resins (SLA): Offer a high level of detail and smooth finishes. Ideal for sectors such as dentistry, jewelry, or miniature creation, although they are generally more brittle than thermoplastic materials.
• Nylon or PEEK: These materials offer high mechanical, thermal, and chemical resistance. They are also suitable for industrial environments where high performance is required.

How does a 3D printer work?

A 3D printer transforms a digital design into a physical three-dimensional object through an automated, progressive, layer-by-layer process. It starts with a 3D file, usually in STL (Standard Tessellation Language) format, though formats such as OBJ or 3MF can also be used. This file contains all the information about the geometry of the object to be manufactured.

Before printing, this file must go through software known as slicing software (slicer), which converts the 3D model into a series of instructions readable by the printer. This software slices the model into thousands of horizontal layers, generating a G-code file with all the movements the machine needs to make, including temperatures, speeds, print positions, and infill patterns.

However, the exact operation of the 3D printer depends on the printing technology used, as not all work in the same way.

At INTECH3D, we work with a range of 3D printing technologies to provide solutions tailored to every need, from rapid prototyping to full-scale production.

Advantages and benefits of 3D printing

3D printing has become a strategic tool in many sectors thanks to its ability to transform traditional processes, reduce costs, and shorten development times. Its implementation brings direct improvements to efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness for any business that embraces it intelligently.

Some of its advantages include:

But what are the uses and applications of 3D printers?

3D printing has gone from being a tool exclusive to prototyping to becoming a strategic technology in numerous productive sectors. More and more businesses are integrating additive manufacturing into their daily processes as a strategic part of their value chain. Some sectors in which it is applied:

This versatility of applications not only brings innovation to each sector but also improves sustainability and efficiency in production chains.

What 3D printing services do we offer?

At INTECH3D, as a leading 3D printing company, we support you throughout the process of adopting and integrating technologies such as 3D printing and scanning.

Our mission is to facilitate our clients’ technological transition through a comprehensive service that takes care of everything from start to finish. This includes consultancy and personalized advice, expert training, effective integration, and technical support and maintenance with care within less than 24 hours.

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