3D Printing Services
XC Machining provides 3D printing services for US engineers and product teams. We run five industrial technologies in house: SLS, SLA, FDM, MJF and metal SLM. They make functional prototypes, end-use parts and bridge production runs in 30+ polymers and metals. Prototypes ship in 2 to 5 business days, with layer resolution from 25 μm.
All uploads are secure and confidential.
- All uploads are secure and confidential
How Our Online 3D Printing Service Works
Our online 3D printing services start with one upload. Send your STL, STEP, OBJ or 3MF file, and you receive a quote within 12 hours. We quote every 3D printing prototype and production part from that file. Our engineers review your geometry and pick the best technology: SLS, SLA, FDM, MJF or SLM. The quote lists material pricing and lead time. Parts ship worldwide from our Dongguan facility by DHL, FedEx or UPS.
Large Format and Batch 3D Printing
Our 3D printing services build large parts up to 914 x 610 x 914 mm (36 x 24 x 36 in) on FDM machines. SLS and MJF powder bed machines hold 380 x 284 x 380 mm (15 x 11 x 15 in). They build hundreds of parts in one run. Engineers use large format FDM for tooling, jigs and automotive prototypes. Batch SLS and MJF suit 50 to 500+ end-use parts per order.
Which 3D Printing Technology Fits Your Part?
Each technology fits a different part shape, material and volume. Use the table as a starting point, and our engineers confirm the choice in DFM review.
Technology | Best for | Materials | Lead time |
SLS | Functional parts and batch production | Nylon PA12 and PA11 | 3 to 5 days |
SLA | Fine-detail visual prototypes and dental models | Standard, tough and flexible resins | 2 to 5 days |
FDM | Large parts, tooling and high temperature parts | ABS, ASA, PLA, PETG, PC and ULTEM | 2 to 5 days |
MJF | End-use nylon production parts | Nylon PA12 and PA11 | 3 to 5 days |
SLM | Functional metal parts | 316L, AlSi10Mg, Ti64, Inconel 718, maraging steel | 5 to 10 days |
Volume also decides the process. Choose 3D printing for 1 to 100 parts with no tooling. Move to CNC machining when tolerances need to be tighter than ±0.1 mm or quantities pass 100 parts.
3D Printing Tolerances and Build Volumes
XC Machining holds the tolerances below. Accuracy varies by technology. SLA reaches the tightest tolerance (±0.1%), and FDM gives the largest build volume.
Specification | SLS | SLA | FDM | MJF | SLM (metal) |
Precision tolerance | ±0.3% (min ±0.3 mm) | ±0.1% (min ±0.15 mm) | ±0.2 to 0.5 mm | ±0.3% (min ±0.3 mm) | ±0.1 mm |
Layer resolution | 100 to 150 μm | 25 to 100 μm | 100 to 300 μm | 80 μm | 30 to 60 μm |
Minimum wall thickness | 0.7 mm | 0.5 mm | 1.0 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.4 mm |
Minimum feature size | 0.5 mm | 0.2 mm | 0.8 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.2 mm |
Maximum build volume | 380 x 284 x 380 mm | 335 x 200 x 300 mm | 914 x 610 x 914 mm | 380 x 284 x 380 mm | 280 x 280 x 365 mm |
Minimum part size | 5 x 5 x 5 mm | 5 x 5 x 5 mm | 10 x 10 x 10 mm | 5 x 5 x 5 mm | 5 x 5 x 5 mm |
Surface finish (as printed) | Ra 6 to 10 μm | Ra 1.5 to 3 μm | Ra 10 to 25 μm | Ra 6 to 10 μm | Ra 6 to 15 μm |
Lead time | 3 to 5 days | 2 to 5 days | 2 to 5 days | 3 to 5 days | 5 to 10 days |
Why Choose XC for 3D Printing
Our 3D printing services run five industrial additive manufacturing technologies under one roof with ISO 9001:2015 procedures. You upload one file and receive one quote that covers every technology that fits your part.
We run SLS 3D printing for nylon powder and SLA 3D printing for UV resin. FDM 3D printing extrudes thermoplastic, and MJF 3D printing fuses powder with infrared heat. Metal parts use SLM metal 3D printing, which melts metal powder with a laser. All run in house on industrial machines.
Polymers include nylon PA12 and PA11, ABS, PLA, PETG, ASA, PC, ULTEM 9085 and 1010, TPU, and standard, tough and flexible resins. Metals include stainless steel 316L, AlSi10Mg, Ti64, Inconel 718 and maraging steel. Flame retardant grades are available. Our materials page lists every option.
Our engineers review each STL or STEP file for minimum wall thickness, support needs and orientation for surface quality. They also recommend a technology based on geometry, tolerance and volume. DFM feedback arrives within 12 hours.
Post-processing covers sanding to Ra 1.6 to 3.2 μm and vapor smoothing of ABS and nylon to Ra 1 to 2 μm. We also dye SLS and MJF parts in Pantone colors, plate, paint and CNC machine critical surfaces to ±0.05 mm. Our surface finishing page lists more options.
Materials for 3D Printing
XC Machining prints polymers, engineering thermoplastics, elastomers, photopolymer resins and metals. Each block below names the technology that prints the material, its typical parts and a design note. Strength figures for printed parts depend on technology and orientation, so ask for the datasheet of your grade.
Aluminum prints in AlSi10Mg on our SLM machines. It is light and resists corrosion. It suits brackets, housings and enclosures for aerospace, automotive and industrial use.
• Technology: SLM. Grade: AlSi10Mg. Color: Silver.
• Design note: printed aluminum needs supports and a stress relief step, so plan time for both.
Stainless steel 316L prints on our SLM machines. It resists corrosion and stays strong. It suits medical equipment parts, food processing machinery, marine fittings and industrial parts.
• Technology: SLM. Grade: 316L. Color: Silver gray.
• Design note: machine the critical faces afterward when a bore or seal surface needs a tight fit.
ABS is a tough, light and low cost plastic with good impact resistance. It suits prototypes, electronic housings, fixtures, enclosures and functional plastic parts. ASA is the outdoor grade.
• Technology: FDM. Grades: general purpose, impact modified, flame retardant ABS, and ASA. Color: Black, white, natural.
• Design note: ABS parts take paint, sanding and vapor smoothing well.
Nylon resists wear, stays tough and runs with low friction. It suits gears, bushings, bearing components, rollers and precision mechanical parts that need smooth movement.
• Technology: SLS and MJF. Grades: PA12 and PA11. Color: Natural white, black, or dyed.
• Design note: PA12 reaches about 48 MPa tensile and approaches injection molded nylon in strength.
Materials for 3D Printing
XC Machining prints polymers, engineering thermoplastics, elastomers, photopolymer resins and metals. Each block below names the technology that prints the material, its typical parts and a design note. Strength figures for printed parts depend on technology and orientation, so ask for the datasheet of your grade.
Nylon prints with a smooth, slightly grainy surface. It takes dye and post-processing, so it suits end-use parts and batch runs on SLS and MJF.
Metal prints have a metallic finish. They polish well and can be machined, so critical surfaces can reach tight fits after printing.
ABS and ASA have a matte to semi-gloss finish. Both are paintable and sandable, which suits cosmetic prototypes and housings.
Multi-material and full-color parts come in glossy or matte finishes with several textures. They suit visual models and design reviews.
ULTEM has a matte finish, resists high temperature and stays durable. We print it on FDM machines for tooling, fixtures and aerospace interior parts. ULTEM 9085 reaches about 72 MPa tensile, and ULTEM 1010 handles temperatures up to 216°C.
TPU and other rubber-like materials are flexible, with a soft texture and a range of durometers. TPU at Shore A 88 suits seals, gaskets and grips.
We also print PLA, PETG and PC on FDM, and standard, tough and flexible resins on SLA. Metals include Ti64, Inconel 718 and maraging steel on SLM. Ti64 reaches about 1,100 MPa tensile.
Post-Processing Finishes for 3D Printed Parts
We apply these finishes to improve the surface quality, durability and look of 3D printed parts.
removes layer lines from FDM and SLS parts with 120 to 400 grit abrasives. It prepares surfaces for painting, plating or assembly and costs the least.
a gloss finish on SLA resin parts and sanded FDM and SLS parts. It suits visual prototypes, master patterns and marketing samples.
a 5 to 25 μm nickel or chrome layer on ABS or SLA parts after a conductive primer. It gives a real metal look, EMI shielding and corrosion protection.
primer and topcoat with RAL or Pantone color matching and UV protection, for consumer prototypes, trade show models and housings.
solvent vapor melts the layer lines on ABS or nylon SLS parts for a sealed, semi-gloss surface. It suits fluid ducts and cosmetic enclosures.
Pantone colors for SLS and MJF nylon parts.
stress relief and HIP (hot isostatic pressing) for SLM metal parts. They remove residual stress and raise density to 99.9%. Specify them for aerospace and medical metal parts.
an even matte texture that hides layer lines and prepares the surface for coating.
a directional grain on accessible SLM metal surfaces.
a protective oxide layer and color options on aluminum SLM parts.
a durable colored coat on suitable SLM metal parts.
bores, threads and sealing faces machined to ±0.05 mm after printing.
CNC Materials for Printed Part Follow-Up
A printed prototype can move to CNC machining for production, and a printed part can get CNC finished faces. Our CNC machining services supply these metals and plastics in machinable stock.
Metals
Light, corrosion resistant and machinable.
Grades
6061, 6061-T6, 6082, 7075, 7075-T6 and 2024.
High electrical and thermal conductivity.
Grades
C110 and C101.
Easy to machine with a good surface finish.
Grades
C360, C260 and C280.
Hard and wear resistant for tooling.
Grades
D2, A2 and H13.
Strong for load-bearing parts.
Grades
1018, 1020, 1045, 4140, EN8 and EN19.
Corrosion resistant for industrial, food and medical parts.
Grades
304, 304L, 316, 316L, 303 and 17-4 PH.
An ultra-light metal for weight-critical parts.
Grades
AZ31 and AZ91.
High strength to weight with good corrosion resistance.
Grades
2 and 5.
Plastics
Impact resistant for enclosures and functional parts.
Grades
Natural, black and antistatic.
High impact strength for protective and structural parts.
Grades
Clear and black.
Rigid with excellent optical clarity.
Grades
Clear and black.
Low friction and stable size for precision parts.
Grades
POM-C and POM-H.
Strong and wear resistant for mechanical parts.
Grades
PA6, PA66 and glass filled PA.
Very low friction and high wear resistance for sliding parts.
Grades
UHMW natural.
A high performance plastic for extreme temperature and chemical conditions.
Grades
Virgin, glass filled and carbon filled.
Light and chemical resistant for non-structural parts.
Grades
PP homopolymer.
Our 3D Printing Prototype Manufacturing Capabilities
Provides injection molding for prototypes and custom parts, emphasizing expert support, competitive pricing, and faster production cycles.
Get reliable vacuum casting services for high-quality prototypes and production parts at competitive prices. XC Machining offers highly detailed casting parts with consistent quality.
Uses cutting, bending, and forming techniques to produce precision metal components suited for industrial, commercial, and manufacturing applications.
Industries That Use Our 3D Printed Parts
XC Machining prints functional parts for automotive engineers (SLS nylon intake manifold prototypes) and aerospace teams (SLM titanium brackets). Medical device companies order SLA surgical planning models. Consumer electronics brands order MJF production enclosures. Industrial equipment makers order FDM ULTEM tooling and fixtures.
Automotive Industry
Semi Conductor
Energy Industry
Industrial Machinery
Electronics
Communications
Robotics
Medical Devices
Bring Your Designs to Life with XC Machining
Experience precision engineering with XC Machining. From detailed prototypes to high-volume production, we’re here to turn your concepts into reality. Contact us today to discuss your project needs!
- 50+ CNC machines in-house
- 60+ materials in stock
- 120+ countries shipped
- 15+ DFM engineers on staff
- All uploads are secure and confidential
3D Printing FAQs
What 3D printing technologies does XC Machining offer?
XC Machining offers five technologies. SLS fuses nylon powder for functional parts and batches. SLA cures UV resin for fine-detail prototypes and dental models. FDM extrudes thermoplastic for large parts, tooling and ULTEM. MJF fuses nylon powder with infrared heat for end-use parts. SLM melts metal powder into stainless steel, aluminum, titanium and Inconel parts.
How do you select the right 3D printing material?
Start with five factors. Check strength: PA12 reaches 48 MPa, ULTEM 9085 72 MPa and Ti64 about 1,100 MPa. Check heat: ULTEM 1010 handles up to 216°C. Check chemical exposure, since PA11 and 316L resist most chemicals. Check flexibility: TPU at Shore A 88 bends. Check surface quality. Our engineers confirm the choice in DFM review.
What layer resolution does each technology achieve?
SLA is finest at 25 to 100 μm, with Ra 1.5 to 3 μm. SLM runs 30 to 60 μm and MJF 80 μm. SLS runs 100 to 150 μm, and FDM 100 to 300 μm with visible layer lines. Finer layers raise print time and cost, but they give smoother surfaces and sharper features.
How durable are 3D printed parts next to molded or CNC parts?
SLS nylon PA12 approaches injection molded nylon in strength. SLM titanium reaches the strength of wrought titanium. To raise durability, orient layer lines across the main load and thicken walls to 1.5 times the minimum. Heat treat SLM metal parts for stress relief. Vapor smooth SLS nylon to seal the surface.
When should you choose 3D printing over CNC machining?
Choose 3D printing for geometry a cutter cannot reach, such as internal channels and lattices. It also fits jobs with no tooling budget, 1 to 100 parts, or lead times under 5 days. Choose CNC machining for tolerances tighter than ±0.1 mm, production-grade metals or quantities above 100. XC Machining offers both.
CNC Manufacturing Resources
