3D Printing Services
3D printing (additive manufacturing) enables rapid production of prototypes, functional components, and low-volume parts without the need for tooling. It supports complex geometries, internal channels, lightweight lattice structures, and shapes that are impossible or too costly to machine or mould. Across Sourcima's network, you can access a full range of plastic and metal printing processes, from FDM and SLA for fast prototypes to SLS, MJF, and DMLS for production-grade parts. Standard tolerances typically fall around ±0.1-0.3 mm depending on the process, with high-resolution resin and metal printing achieving ±0.05-0.1 mm on critical features. These capabilities make 3D printing ideal for functional prototypes, fixtures, custom enclosures, mechanical mechanisms, jigs, end-use parts, and complex assemblies where speed and flexibility are key.
MJF (HP Multi Jet Fusion)
MJF uses ink agents and infrared energy to fuse nylon powder faster and more uniformly than SLS, producing strong parts with excellent surface quality and improved dimensional accuracy. Typical tolerances are ±0.1-0.2 mm, making it one of the most precise powder-bed polymer processes. MJF is ideal for functional prototypes, end-use parts, housings, gears, lattice structures, fixtures, and mass-customised components. It offers excellent mechanical properties and isotropy, making it a popular choice for production-grade polymer parts.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
SLS uses a laser to fuse nylon powder layer by layer, producing strong, functional parts with no support structures needed. Standard tolerances are ±0.2-0.3 mm, with tighter features possible on thin geometries. SLS excels at durable components, end-use parts, clips, hinges, enclosures, fixtures, and mechanically loaded prototypes. Nylon 12, Nylon 11, and GF-reinforced powders offer excellent strength, wear resistance, and chemical stability, making SLS one of the most production-ready polymer printing processes.
SLA (Stereolithography)
SLA uses a laser to cure liquid resin into highly detailed, smooth parts with excellent surface finish and the highest resolution among polymer processes. Standard tolerances are ±0.1-0.2 mm, with fine features achieving ±0.05-0.1 mm. SLA is ideal for aesthetic prototypes, product housings, visual models, snap-fits, micro-mechanisms, and small detailed components. Engineering resins support added strength, heat resistance, and flexibility, making SLA suitable for precision prototypes, medical devices, small enclosures, and cosmetic parts.
FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling)
FDM uses a heated nozzle to extrude thermoplastic filament layer by layer. It's the most accessible printing method and ideal for fast, cost-effective prototypes, jigs, fixtures, and non-cosmetic parts. Standard tolerances fall around ±0.2-0.3 mm, with premium machines achieving ±0.1-0.2 mm depending on geometry. FDM supports strong engineering plastics like ABS, ASA, Nylon, PETG, PC, and CF-reinforced materials, making it suitable for functional prototypes, brackets, housings, custom tooling, and low-volume production where strength matters more than fine detail.
DMLS / SLM (Metal 3D Printing)
DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) and SLM (Selective Laser Melting) use a high-powered laser to fuse metal powders into fully dense metal components. They deliver exceptional accuracy with tolerances around ±0.05-0.1 mm and are used for high-performance, complex, or lightweight metallic parts. Common materials include aluminium, stainless steel, maraging steel, titanium, cobalt chrome, and Inconel. DMLS/SLM is ideal for aerospace brackets, medical implants, heat exchangers, tooling inserts, intricate mounts, and parts requiring internal channels or advanced geometry.
3D Printing Materials
Sourcima can source specialised metals and engineering plastics upon request through our trusted global manufacturing network. If your project requires unique grades, alloys, or performance materials, get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements.
