Technologies overview
| PRO | AGAINST | |
| 3D printing SLS Selective Laser Sintering |
Economic Quick implementation Stable over time Any geometry From small to large formats Resistant Also rubbery material |
Porous (but waterproof after treatment) |
| 3D printing SLA stereolithography |
Accuracy Any geometry For small and medium formats Waterproof Great variety of available materials (rigid, elastic, transparent, high temperature) |
Expensive |
| 3D printing with FDM wire | Economic For small and medium formats Final material (ABS of various colors) |
Low Speed Low Resolution |
| Thermoforming | Series and pre-series Final material For small and medium formats Print volume: 800×600 (Or 1000x500x100) |
Must be demouldable (no undercuts) |
| Control milling Numerical Computerized CNC |
Materials: wood, resins, aluminum | Must be demouldable (no undercuts) |
| Silicone molds | Preseries For small and medium formats Great availability of materials (transparent, rigid, soft, rubber, etc.) |
Must be demouldable |
| Laser cutting | Cutting up to 20mm thick (Transparent Plastic) Great availability of materials (plastic, wood, leather, etc.) |
For sheet material only |
| Metal castings | For small quantities it is cheaper than the traditional clay mold Speed of Execution |
Mechanical recovery by the customer |
| Structural reinforcements | Increased mechanical strength of otherwise fragile plastic parts | Not aesthetic |
| Traditional Model | Maximum Versatility Ability to assemble prototypes using multiple technologies Ability to modify or repair existing models |
None |
| Aesthetic Treatments (Varnish, Cubication, Metallization) |
Maximum customization of prototypes Aesthetic finish suitable for Fairs and Marketing |
Expensive |
| Reverse Engineering | Reduced design time starting from existing models (clay, objects, etc.) Possibility of replicating works of art Very cheap point cloud (STL) return. |
High travel costs |