Custom Online 3D Printing Solutions
Receive real-time pricing for 3D printed components in plastics and metals. Produce high-quality rapid prototypes and end-use parts with unmatched accuracy and speed.
- Tolerances as tight as ±0.2 mm.
- ISO 9001:2015 Certified
- Production lead times starting at 24 hours.
Custom 3D Printing Services for Precision Engineering
Samshion offers reliable 3D printing services to support every stage of your product development, from early prototypes to full production. Whether you need functional parts for testing or high-quality components for end use, we deliver accurate, custom 3D-printed parts on demand at competitive pricing.
We operate four additive manufacturing technologies in-house — SLA, SLS, FDM, and SLM — and carry 30+ materials on-site, including engineering-grade resins, PA12 nylon, stainless steel, titanium, and biocompatible grades. All projects include a free DFM review and a quote within 24 hours.
SLA
SLA employs UV lasers to cure liquid resin into ultra-smooth, detailed components, perfect for intricate prototypes and visual models requiring flawless surface finishes.
SLS
SLS uses precision lasers to sinter polymer powders, creating lightweight yet robust parts ideal for complex designs and end-use components in demanding environments.
SLM
SLM melts metal powders layer by layer to craft high-density, precision metal parts optimized for aerospace, medical, and industrial applications requiring extreme durability.
FDM
FDM utilizes heated thermoplastic filaments extruded layer by layer through a precision nozzle, ideal for durable prototypes and functional parts requiring robust mechanical properties.
What is 3D Printing?
3D printing, also referred to as additive manufacturing, constructs objects layer by layer through precise material deposition or curing. Guided by digital instructions, the printer builds successive layers to form complex geometries, enabling the creation of parts from plastics, metals, or specialized materials. While diverse in technologies, all 3D printing methods share core principles of efficiency and customization.
This innovation democratizes manufacturing by offering businesses a streamlined, cost-effective solution. Compact 3D printers operate in office environments with minimal training, while low startup costs and accessible materials make small-batch production feasible. From prototypes to end-use components, 3D printing accelerates workflows and reduces traditional production barriers.
How Does SLA 3D Printing Work?
The SLA 3D printing process begins by importing a 3D model into specialized slicing software, where support structures are strategically added to ensure stability during production. The prepared STL file is then transmitted to the SLA machine, which contains a reservoir filled with liquid photosensitive resin. A build platform descends into the resin tank, and a UV laser, guided by precision optics, traces the cross-sectional contours of the model onto the resin surface. Exposure to the laser rapidly solidifies the resin in the targeted areas, forming a single cured layer. After each layer is completed, the platform lowers incrementally (typically 0.05–0.15mm), allowing fresh resin to coat the surface. This cycle repeats—curing and bonding successive layers—until the final 3D-printed object is fully constructed.
How Does SLS 3D Printing Work?
SLS 3D printing technology starts by spreading a fine layer of polymer powder across a build platform within a temperature-controlled chamber. The powder is preheated to just below its melting point, after which a high-powered laser selectively sinters the powder particles according to the digital cross-section of the model. Unsintered powder remains in place, providing natural support for overhangs and complex geometries. Once a layer is complete, the platform lowers slightly, and a recoating arm deposits a fresh, uniform layer of powder. The laser then sinters the next cross-section, fusing it to the previous layer. This layer-by-layer sintering process continues until the entire object is formed, after which the excess powder is removed to reveal the final part.
How Does SLM 3D Printing Work?
SLM 3D printing technology starts by spreading a thin layer of fine metal powder across a build platform within an inert gas-filled chamber. A high-power laser selectively scans and melts the powder particles according to the cross-sectional contours of the 3D model, fusing them into a solid layer. The surrounding unmelted powder acts as temporary support for overhangs and internal cavities. After each layer is solidified, the platform lowers slightly, and a recoater blade spreads a fresh layer of powder across the surface. The laser then melts the next cross-section, bonding it to the layer below. This cycle repeats until the entire metal component is formed, after which excess powder is removed and recycled, leaving a dense, high-strength final part.
How Does FDM 3D Printing Work?
The FDM 3D printing process begins by loading a thermoplastic filament into the printer, which is fed through a heated extruder nozzle. The nozzle melts the filament and deposits it layer by layer onto a build platform, following the digital design sliced into cross-sections. As each layer is extruded, it cools and solidifies, bonding to the previous layer to form a cohesive structure. Support structures may be added for overhangs or complex geometries, which are either manually removed or dissolved post-printing. The build platform adjusts incrementally (typically 0.1–0.3mm) after each layer is completed, allowing the nozzle to continue depositing material until the final object is fully fabricated.
Why Choose Samshion for 3D Printing?
All four technologies in-house, 30+ materials stocked, free engineering review, and 40–60% cost savings versus US and EU alternatives.
As Fast as 24 Hours for SLA Parts
Simple SLA resin parts can be printed, post-cured, cleaned, and handed to DHL within 24 hours of order confirmation. Most FDM and SLS orders ship within 2–4 days.
Free Design Review on Every Order
Upload your STL or STEP file and receive a free printability check covering wall thickness, overhangs, drainage holes for hollow parts, and orientation recommendations — before any money changes hands.
40–60% Below US and EU Pricing
Professional-quality additive manufacturing at Guangdong cost structure. Same or better machines and materials as Western providers, at significantly lower operating costs. Savings include door-to-door DHL freight.
One Piece to 1,000 — No Minimums
Single prototypes, 5-piece validation sets, 200-piece pre-production runs — all accepted at the same price per part. No arbitrary minimum order requirements and no extra setup fees for small quantities.
How to Choose the Right 3D Printing Process
Selecting the optimal 3D printing technology requires aligning project goals with process capabilities. Our additive manufacturing experts guide you through consultation and planning, evaluating design requirements, material properties, and application needs. Whether FDM, SLA, SLS, or SLM, each method demands tailored CAD file optimization for peak performance.
Submit your 3D CAD files for review, ensuring compatibility with your chosen process. Design adjustments may refine structural integrity, surface finish, or tolerance compliance. By collaborating with our team, you unlock the full potential of additive manufacturing, balancing precision, durability, and cost-efficiency for your unique project.
SLA — Stereolithography
An ultraviolet laser traces each cross-section on the surface of a liquid photopolymer resin, curing it solid. The platform lowers by one layer thickness and the next layer is cured on top. Layer by layer, highly detailed parts emerge from the resin vat with exceptional surface smoothness.
Advantages
- Finest surface detail of any 3D printing process
- Excellent for clear and optically transparent parts
- Ideal for appearance models and investment casting patterns
- Wide resin range: standard, dental, engineering, high-temp
SLS — Selective Laser Sintering
A CO₂ laser selectively sinters powdered nylon layer by layer. The unfused powder surrounding each layer acts as a self-supporting bed, enabling SLS to print complex geometries, interlocking parts, and living hinges without any support structures — a fundamental advantage over all other processes.
Advantages
- No supports — print any complex geometry freely
- Isotropic strength — equal in all three directions
- PA12 properties comparable to injection-molded nylon
- Can print pre-assembled mechanisms and snap-fit assemblies
FDM — Fused Deposition Modeling
A heated nozzle extrudes thermoplastic filament along programmed paths, building parts layer by layer. The most widely understood 3D printing process, FDM offers the broadest material range — from PLA concept models to PEEK aerospace-grade engineering parts — and is best suited for large, structurally simple components.
Advantages
- Widest material selection — PLA through PEEK
- Best option for high-temperature engineering thermoplastics
- Cost-effective for large, simple structural parts
- Easy to switch materials for multi-material builds
SLM — Selective Laser Melting
A high-power fiber laser fully melts metal powder layer by layer inside an inert argon atmosphere. Each layer fuses at full melt temperature, producing fully dense metal parts with mechanical properties matching wrought or cast material. Metal support structures are required and removed by CNC or EDM after build.
Advantages
- Full metal density — properties equal to wrought/cast material
- Internal channels, conformal cooling, and lattice structures impossible to machine
- Tolerances ±0.1mm — tighter than casting or investment casting
- 5 alloys available: SS 316L, Ti TC4, AlSi10Mg, Inconel, Tool Steel
3D Printing Materials
Our comprehensive material portfolio includes industrial-grade plastics and metals such as ABS, PA (Nylon), Aluminum, and Stainless Steel, tailored for custom 3D printing projects across diverse sectors. For specialized material requests, select the “Other” option during quote customization. We prioritize sourcing rare or bespoke materials to meet your exact technical and performance specifications.
SLA Resins
Standard White / Gray Resin
General-purpose, smooth surface, good for most prototypes
High-Clarity Transparent
≥90% optical clarity, ideal for lenses and fluidic parts
High-Toughness ABS-like
Improved impact resistance, reduced brittleness
High-Temperature HDT Resin
Heat deflection ≥100°C for engine bay or oven testing
Castable Resin
Burns out cleanly for investment casting applications
Dental / Biocompatible Grade
ISO 10993 certified for surgical guides and orthodontics
SLS Powders
PA12 Standard Nylon
Most versatile SLS material — best balance of all properties
PA11 Bio-based Nylon
More flexible and impact-resistant than PA12
TPU Flexible (40D–95A)
Elastic, rubber-like — excellent for seals, grips, living hinges
PA12-GF Glass-Filled
Higher stiffness and dimensional stability under load
PA12 + Aluminum Filler
Metallic surface appearance, improved thermal conductivity
PEBA (Sport Performance)
Ultra-light, highly flexible — footwear and sports applications
FDM Filaments
PLA
Biodegradable, easiest to print, best for concept models
ABS / ASA
Impact resistant; ASA adds UV stability for outdoor use
PETG
Clear, food-safe, chemical resistant, easy to print
Nylon PA12 / PA6
Flexible, tough, wear-resistant engineering thermoplastic
PC Polycarbonate
High-impact, optically clear, excellent heat resistance
PEEK
250°C heat resistance, chemical inertness, aerospace grade
SLM Metal Powders
Stainless Steel 316L
Corrosion resistant, weldable, food-safe and medical grade
Titanium TC4 (Ti-6Al-4V)
Highest strength-to-weight ratio, biocompatible, aerospace standard
AlSi10Mg Aluminum
Lightweight, good thermal conductivity, automotive and aerospace
Inconel 625
High-temperature corrosion resistance, up to 980°C service temp
Inconel 718
Age-hardenable superalloy — superior strength at elevated temp
Tool Steel 1.2709
Pre-hardened maraging steel — mold inserts and tooling
3D Print Post-Processing and Surface Finishing
As-Printed
All technologies
Straight from the printer with supports removed. Fastest and lowest cost — suitable for quick functional validation and first-fit checks.
Progressive Sanding
SLA · FDM
180 → 400 → 800 → 1500 → 2000 grit progression delivers a smooth surface ready for painting or direct use as appearance sample.
Primed and Painted
All technologies
Primer coat → color coat (any RAL) → clear coat. Matte, satin, or gloss. Achieves near-production visual quality indistinguishable from molded parts.
Bead Blasted
SLS
Uniform matte surface texture on SLS nylon parts. Removes loose powder, improves tactile quality, and provides a clean base for dyeing or painting.
Shot Peened (SLM)
SLM
Shot peening improves the fatigue life of SLM metal parts by inducing compressive residual stress. Standard post-process for aerospace and structural SLM components.
Epoxy Infiltrated
SLS
Epoxy or cyanoacrylate infiltration closes SLS porosity, increases strength by 25–40%, and slightly improves surface smoothness and appearance.
Vapor Smoothed
ABS / ASA FDM
Acetone vapor chamber dissolves and re-flows the surface of ABS/ASA FDM parts to near-injection-molded smoothness. Best for complex curved forms.
Assembly Delivery
All technologies
Multi-piece 3D-printed assemblies bonded, fastened, or press-fitted in-house and delivered as complete, tested product samples.
Quality Control — Every Part Verified
File Verification
Every STL/STEP file checked for watertight geometry, minimum wall thickness compliance, and printability before production is scheduled.
In-Process Monitoring
Print parameters — laser power, exposure time, temperature — logged for every build. Failures detected and re-queued before shipment.
Dimensional Inspection
Calipers and CMM used to verify critical dimensions against engineering drawings. Formal dimensional reports available on request.
Visual QC + Photo Archive
100% visual inspection of every part before packing. High-resolution photographs archived with every order and available for download.
Why 3D Printing for Your Next Project?
When speed, geometry freedom, and iteration cost matter — 3D printing is the answer.
Zero Tooling Cost
No molds, no dies, no setup charges — just upload an STL and start printing.
Unlimited Geometry
Internal channels, undercuts, lattice structures, living hinges — geometries impossible to machine.
1-Day Turnaround
SLA and FDM parts printed, cleaned, and handed to DHL within 24 hours of order confirmation.
Free to Iterate
A design change costs nothing extra. Update the STL file and re-print the same or the next day.
No MOQ Required
Single prototype or 500-piece pre-production run — no minimum order quantity, ever.
Full Capability Comparison
Side-by-side technical comparison of all four 3D printing processes available at Samshion.
| Parameter | SLA | SLS | FDM | SLM |
| Layer Resolution | 0.05–0.1mm | 0.1mm | 0.1–0.3mm | 0.02–0.05mm |
| Dimensional Tolerance | ±0.2mm | ±0.3mm | ±0.5mm | ±0.1mm |
| Max Build Volume | 700×700×400mm | 340×340×600mm | 400×400×600mm | 250×250×300mm |
| Surface Finish (as-built) | Excellent | Good | Fair | Rough (post-machined) |
| Part Strength | Moderate | High | Moderate | Full metal |
| Supports Required | Yes (resin tree) | No (powder bed) | Yes (breakaway) | Yes (metal supports) |
| Material Type | Photopolymer resins | Nylon powders | Thermoplastic filaments | Metal powders |
| Fastest Lead Time | 1 day | 2 days | 1 day | 3 days |
| Best Application | Appearance / clear parts | Functional / snap-fits | Engineering plastics | Metal brackets / aerospace |
3D Printing Design Guidelines
SLA Design Guidelines
Minimum wall thickness ≥ 1mm
Walls thinner than 1mm may fail to cure fully or warp during post-cure. Freestanding features below 0.5mm are high-risk.
Add drain holes to hollow parts
Enclosed hollow SLA parts need at least two 3mm holes to allow uncured liquid resin to drain out during printing.
Orient to minimize support marks
Discuss build orientation with your engineer before production. Visible-surface faces should face up to avoid support witness marks.
Allow clearance for mating features
SLA: 0.3–0.5mm clearance for press-fit assemblies; 0.5–1.0mm for slide-fit. SLA dimensions may change ±0.2% after cure.
SLS Design Guidelines
Minimum wall thickness ≥ 0.7mm
SLS can achieve finer walls than FDM, but walls below 0.7mm risk incomplete sintering and fragility after build.
Hollow out large solid sections
Thick cross-sections take longer and may warp during cool-down. Add lightening pockets to reduce mass and improve dimensional accuracy.
Allow 0.3mm clearance for assemblies
Pre-assembled mechanisms and moving joints need at least 0.3mm clearance between mating surfaces to move freely post-build.
Geometry is virtually unconstrained
No supports are needed — focus on functional design, not printability. Undercuts, overhangs, and complex internal geometry are all fine.
FDM Design Guidelines
Build orientation determines strength
FDM is strongest in the XY plane, weakest in Z. Orient critical load-bearing features so primary stress runs in the XY direction.
Minimum wall = 2× extrusion width
For a standard 0.4mm nozzle, structural walls should be at least 0.8–1.2mm wide. Thinner walls risk delamination under load.
Design overhangs ≤ 45° where possible
Overhangs steeper than 45° require support structures that leave rough marks on supported surfaces. Design them out where feasible.
Use heat-set inserts for fastener threads
Heat-set brass inserts (M3–M8) are far stronger and more durable than printed threads for any mechanical fastening application.
SLM Design Guidelines
Minimum wall thickness ≥ 0.5mm
Metal conducts heat aggressively during sintering — walls below 0.5mm are prone to warping, lack of fusion, or delamination from thermal stress.
Design for support access and removal
Every metal support structure must be accessible to a cutting tool or EDM wire after build. Trapped supports inside closed cavities cannot be removed.
Minimum hole / channel diameter ≥ 0.5mm
Smaller internal features tend to fill with partially melted powder that cannot be evacuated. Add powder evacuation ports to all hollow sections.
Add CNC stock on critical surfaces
SLM as-built surface is Ra 6–15μm — too rough for sealing or precision fits. Add 0.3–0.5mm extra stock on mating faces for post-machining.
3D Printing — Frequently Asked Questions
What file format should I submit for 3D printing?
STL is the standard 3D printing format and is accepted by all four of our technologies. STEP (.stp) is also accepted and allows us to check geometry more thoroughly during DFM review. OBJ, 3MF, and AMF are also supported. For SLA and SLS, STL is preferred. For mixed CNC + 3D printing orders, provide STEP files throughout.
How do I choose between SLA, SLS, FDM, and SLM?
Best surface quality or transparent parts → SLA. Functional strength, snap-fits, living hinges, or complex geometry with no supports → SLS. Widest material range or engineering thermoplastics like PEEK → FDM. True metal parts with complex internal geometry, aerospace-grade strength, or biomedical implant requirements → SLM. If you’re unsure, upload your file and we’ll recommend the optimal technology free of charge within 24 hours.
Can you print very large parts?
SLA parts up to 700×700×400mm, SLS up to 340×340×600mm, FDM up to 400×400×600mm, and SLM up to 250×250×300mm. Parts larger than these build volumes can be split, printed in sections, and welded or fastened together. Our engineers can advise on the best split strategy to maintain structural integrity.
Is SLS nylon strong enough for real functional testing?
Yes. SLS PA12 has a tensile strength of approximately 48 MPa and elongation at break around 20% — performance comparable to injection-molded nylon. It is widely used for functional prototype testing including snap-fit cycle testing, assembly stress testing, and basic load-bearing validation. For higher loads or more demanding test conditions, CNC-machined aluminum or steel is recommended.
Can 3D-printed parts be used for production quantities?
3D printing is most economical for quantities up to 50–100 pieces, depending on part size and complexity. For volumes above that threshold, injection molding typically becomes more cost-effective per part. We offer rapid tooling (aluminum molds in 7–15 days) to bridge the gap between prototype 3D printing and full production injection molding — ask for a comparative quote.
What is the surface finish quality straight from the printer?
SLA produces the finest as-built surface of any 3D printing process — typically Ra 1.5–3.0μm before any post-processing, which is very smooth compared to other additive methods. SLS nylon has a characteristic slightly grainy surface (Ra 8–15μm) that can be significantly improved with bead blasting or epoxy infiltration. FDM shows visible layer lines (Ra 20–50μm) that require sanding or vapor smoothing for appearance applications.