Video Series: Comparing 3D Printing Processes with Xometry’s X-Tiles 

Overchoice is a real thing; when there are dozens of 3D printing materials to choose from it can become a challenge to know which material to choose, let alone what options are available.

Xometry, which is a one-stop marketplace for buying 3D printed parts, has over sixty printed materials available through six 3D printing processes. You can instantly price your 3D CAD file for all these materials in real time. To combat choice anxiety, Xometry’s Director of Application Engineering, Greg Paulsen (aka Xometry Greg), has built a miniseries called the X-Tiles. In this series of 2-3 minute videos, he highlights processes vs. processes, materials vs. materials, to highlight the strengths and trade-offs which can help drive decisions.

The videos feature when to choose:

• SLS vs HP MJF
• Polyjet vs SLA
• DMLS: Stainless Steel vs Aluminum
• SLS vs FDM

“Sometimes you have to flip the question and ask, ‘Why not use laser sintered Nylon 12?’ for a project. Commoditized materials selective laser sintering (SLS) nylon serve a general purpose, with decent resolution, a matte surface, and low price,” Paulsen stated. “If surface finish is a concern, maybe look at SLA or PolyJet, if it’s a specific plastic, take a look at FDM options.” 

Looking to dive deeper? Check out Xometry’s on-demand webinar on Selecting the Right 3D Printing Material as well as their various Design Guides for each process.

About Xometry

Xometry is your one-stop shop for manufacturing on demand. Xometry works with 32% of Fortune 100 companies, offering 24/7 access to instant pricing, expected lead times and manufacturability feedback. Xometry’s nationwide network of 2,500+ partner manufacturing facilities guarantees consistently fast lead times across a broad array of capabilities, including CNC Machining, 3D Printing, Sheet Metal, Metal Stamping, Die Casting, Extrusion, Urethane Casting, and Injection Molding.