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Discover the Future of Manufacturing with Craftcloud

3D printing enables anyone to bring an idea from a design to a physical product. It offers unparalleled design flexibility, rapid prototyping, accessible customization, reduced material waste, and cost-saving on-demand production capabilities.

Our main goal at Craftcloud is to offer easy, efficient, and high-quality 3D printing services. Our vetted partners provide advanced additive manufacturing technologies to ensure the highest quality parts, with the extensive material catalog and range of post-processing options meeting your specific project requirements.

Our team is here to guide you through the process, offering support and advice to ensure your ideas are realized just as you envision them, whether for a personal gift, a prototype in a venture, or a final product for your professional goals.

What is 3D Printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, makes physical objects from digital files. Typically, 3D printing involves laying down successive layers of material until the entire part is made. These materials can range from plastics and resins to metals and ceramics, depending on the printer type and the technology.

3D printing enables the production of complex shapes and structures that would be difficult or even impossible to make using traditional manufacturing methods. It's widely used across various industries for prototyping and manufacturing custom parts and finished products. There are several distinct types of 3D printing, and each offers flexibility in design and production, spurring innovation in fields like engineering, architecture, medicine, and art.

The main 3D printing technologies include:

  • FDM: Lays down a strand of filament layer by layer.
  • SLA: Uses a laser to cure liquid resin into finely detailed, smooth-finished objects, layer by layer.
  • SLS: Uses a high-powered laser to fuse powdered material into a solid structure.
  • MJF: Fuses powdered material into a final part using a liquid binding agent and an infrared heat source.
  • DMLS/SLM: Produces solid metal parts by using a laser to melt metal powder together.

The Technologies

From design considerations to material choices, each 3D printing technology offers different advantages, catering to varied manufa

FDM

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a process that builds objects layer by layer by extruding melted thermoplastic through a nozzle. It is valued for its accessibility and wide material range, allowing for the creation of durable parts and functional prototypes from plastics like ABS, TPU, and carbon-fiber nylon.

FDM is particularly effective for producing consumables and functional prototypes where cost-effectiveness and speed are primary considerations.

SLA

Stereolithography (SLA) is a resin-based 3D printing technology that uses an ultraviolet (UV) laser to solidify liquid photosensitive resin layer by layer.

It is renowned for producing parts with exceptionally smooth surface finishes and fine details. For example, high-detail resins can produce high-resolution prototypes, while flexible resins are ideal for elastic components, making SLA the go-to solution for jewelry patterns and medical models.

SLS

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powder bed fusion technology that uses a high-powered laser to sinter small particles of polymer powder into a solid structure.

By sintering polymer powders (such as PA12 Nylon) without the need for support structures, this technology offers the geometric freedom needed for complex mechanical parts and durable housings.

MJF

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is an advanced additive manufacturing technology developed by HP. MJF fuses thermoplastic powders (like nylon PA12 or PA11) with remarkable speed, and it requires no support structures, allowing for the creation of intricate internal geometries and highly efficient part nesting.

MJF is characterized by its remarkable speed and the ability to produce parts with consistent mechanical properties and high detail resolution.

DMLS/SLM

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) are industrial metal 3D printing technologies that use a high-powered laser to fuse fine metal powder layer by layer. They are now called LPBF (Laser Powder Bed Fusion) as the official, universal name for using a laser to weld metal powder into a solid part.

SLM is frequently used for pure metals like titanium and aluminum, producing parts with near-100% density and superior mechanical properties. DMLS is valued for its exceptional material versatility, particularly with complex alloys such as Inconel or specialized stainless steels.

3D Printing Technologies Offer...

  • Ease of Design
  • Broad Material Versatility
  • Sustainability
  • Solutions for All Projects

Ease of Design & Support

To design successfully for 3D printing, your CAD models must respect the physical limits of the "additive" process.

The most critical technical specification is wall thickness, which should generally be no less than 0.8 mm to 1.0 mm for structural integrity, though specialized resins can go as thin as 0.2 mm. Your design should minimize or strategically place overhangs (angles greater than 45° from the vertical), as these require temporary support structures that can leave marks on the finished part.

Craftcloud and CADmore have partnered to provide a seamless workflow that transforms your initial ideas or sketches into professional, print-ready 3D models. This collaboration removes the technical barriers of 3D modeling, allowing you to focus on your project while guaranteed high-quality production results.

Broad Material Versatility

At Craftcloud, you have access to one of the most extensive material catalogs in the industry.

For projects requiring polymers, our selection ranges from affordable, durable ABS for functional prototypes to high-performance carbon-fiber nylon, which offers exceptional strength-to-weight ratios. For flexibility, we offer TPU alongside specialized materials like biocompatible resins and food-safe nylons to meet strict professional standards.

The range of metals is just as comprehensive, accommodating industrial needs with materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, and titanium. These are ideal for producing finished components that require structural integrity, while complex alloys like Inconel provide specialized solutions for advanced engineering.

Craftcloud's catalog also features an array of ceramics and specialized industrial materials. Whether you require the high-temperature resistance of ceramics or the specialized performance of composite materials, our global network of partners is equipped to deliver industrial-grade results for any niche requirement.

Sustainability

3D printing represents a significant shift toward sustainable manufacturing by prioritizing efficiency and resource conservation.

As an additive process, it uses only the specific amount of material required to build a part, which drastically lowers raw material waste. This production is further enhanced by the ability to opt for advanced materials with eco-friendly properties, including recycled plastics and thermoplastics that can be repurposed for future projects.

By enabling cost-saving, on-demand production, businesses can also reduce the environmental footprint associated with overproduction and excessive inventory storage.

Solutions for All Projects

With properties such as fire retardant, conductive, lightweight, and recycled, among many others, your ideas won't be bound by a handful of materials. No matter where your project's needs take you, at Craftcloud you will find the most appropriate option.

And if you can't find the material or post-processing option that you are after, let our team know. We want to help you bring your ideas to life, just like you envision them.

3D Printing or CNC Machining?

If you are working on the goals and budget of your project and don't know which manufacturing method is most suitable, the following can present a general overview of which one might be best according to your needs.

3D Printing

This generally encompasses fused deposition modeling (FDM), resin-based printing (SLA, MSLA, DLP), binder jetting (MJF), powder bed fusion (SLS), and more.

  • Additive process
    An object is created layer by layer.
  • Complex geometries
    Designs with complex geometries are easier to create through additive manufacturing.
  • Wide material range
    Because there are more additive manufacturing technologies, there are more material and finish options.
  • Quick turnaround time
    From design to post-processing, 3D printing production has faster workflows.
  • More accessible
    Given the variety of 3D printing technologies and materials, more budget-friendly options are available.
  • For prototypes and consumables
    If you need fewer models or those in materials that cannot be CNC machined, because of the general lower price point, additive manufacturing would be more suitable.

CNC Machining

We use this term to generally refer to manufacturing processes that include milling, turning, and electrical discharge machining (EDM).

  • Subtractive process
    An object is created by removing parts from the original material.
  • Dimensional accuracy
    The subtractive manufacturing process allows for tight tolerances – with a standard ±0.125 mm.
  • Durable parts
    Parts machined from aluminum, stainless steel, and more, will provide long-lasting results.
  • Larger size
    Because there is no restriction to a print bed, larger models can be manufactured without the need to split and merge them.
  • Large volume orders
    CNC machining is most cost-effective for large volume orders.
  • For industrial purposes
    Depending on the material, the impact-, heat-, and chemical-resistance make CNC machined parts ideal for functional and demanding use.

Why Choose 3D Printing

Rapid Prototyping

Iterate on prototypes quickly or test unique materials with our global network of pre-vetted 3D printing partners.

Models & Minis

Produce high-detail models of 3D designs to view every angle or 3D print miniature collectibles or figurines.

Wide Material Range

With a variety of technologies available, our material range is unmatched. Whatever your project, you'll find the most suitable option.

Every Project Is Unique

That's why we're proud to offer 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, CNC machining, and casting and molding services. We're here to guide you toward optimal outcomes, in terms of speed, cost, and quality, ensuring your vision is realized in its best possible form.

Why Craftcloud

  1. Transparent Pricing

    No hidden costs. You get a competitive quote upfront, ensuring budget clarity from the start.

  2. Instant Price Comparison of 3D Printing Services Worldwide

    For the best price on high-quality 3D prints, Craftcloud compares prices in real-time from among manufacturers in your area and around the world.

  3. The Most Technologies on the Market

    We are always expanding our network in order to offer as many cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and materials as possible, which now include FDM, SLA, SLS, DMLS/SLM, MJF, CNC, laser cutting, and many more. 

  4. Vetted Manufacturing Partners

    Craftcloud's manufacturing partners have been hand-selected and thoroughly evaluated based on their history of providing high-quality services and competitive prices.

Let Us Help You Make Your Project a Reality!

At Craftcloud, getting a quote for your 3D printing project is quick and easy. Simply upload your design and choose your materials, and our system will provide an instant, transparent quote.

We're committed to offering competitive pricing and clear communication, ensuring a smooth start and end to your project.

Explore Our Other Manufacturing Services

CNC Machining Services

Craftcloud delivers precision CNC machining services for both intricate prototypes and large-scale production, backed by our global manufacturing network.

Casting & Molding Services

At Craftcloud, we excel in advanced casting and molding services, including vacuum casting and injection molding, delivering precision and quality for all project sizes.

Sheet Metal Fabrication Services

We offer specialized sheet metal fabrication services, tailored to meet the unique demands of your projects with precision and quality.

What Our Customers Say

Wolfgang Schröppel
Wolfgang Schröppel
Equipment Development Manager
"Craftcloud provides immediate pricing so you can decide on the spot what material and finish you want to choose. The service is always flawless and prompt."
Susan Kawa
Susan Kawa
Artist & Etsy Merchant
"I 3D print basic pieces for miniature baskets, which students weave with authentic natural materials. Craftcloud has provided superior ongoing service, working with me patiently through low quantity print iterations to get quality, fit, and price point just right!"
Patrick Jreijiri
Patrick Jreijiri
Founder, JIRI
"Craftcloud is an amazing service for 3D printing. You can get quotes for your parts, with the materials that you need and place orders literally in seconds. Prototyping has not been easier for us. I advise anyone who has a 3D printing job to be done to go to Craftcloud and get started there."

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