Custom 3D Printing Services for Industrial Applications
RapidPrintParts focuses on manufacturing functional industrial parts that are built to be used. Based in Shenzhen, China, our custom 3D printing services are designed for machinery OEMs, robotics integrators, industrial hardware developers, and maintenance (MRO) teams.
Rather than consumer models or decorative items, we specialize in functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures, mechanical components, replacement parts, low-volume end-use parts, and bridge-production components. Before recommending a specific additive manufacturing process, we evaluate your exact operating requirements to ensure the final part performs as intended.
Core In-House Custom 3D Printing Processes
We operate a dedicated 2,600 m² facility with approximately 85 team members, focusing exclusively on industrial polymer and resin processes. Our in-house capabilities include:
FDM / FFF (18 Machines)
Best suited for fixtures, large structures, and robust equipment parts.
Typical Materials: ABS, ASA, PC, PA, PA-CF, PETG, TPU, PEEK, PEKK, and PEI/ULTEM.
Build Envelope: Up to approximately 1,000 × 600 × 600 mm.
Tolerance Reference: ±0.2 mm or ±0.3%.
SLA (8 Machines)
Ideal for high-detail prototypes, as well as fit and appearance validation.
Typical Materials: Various engineering resins.
Build Envelope: Up to approximately 600 × 600 × 400 mm.
Tolerance Reference: ±0.1 mm or ±0.2%.
SLS (10 Machines)
Used for complex, durable nylon parts and low-volume production without the need for support structures.
Typical Materials: PA12, PA11, and TPU.
Build Envelope: Up to approximately 380 × 380 × 600 mm.
Tolerance Reference: ±0.3 mm or ±0.3%.
MJF (4 Machines)
Designed for low-volume end-use manufacturing and highly functional nylon parts requiring consistent isotropic properties.
Typical Materials: PA12, PA11, PA12 GF, and TPU.
Build Envelope: Up to approximately 380 × 284 × 380 mm.
Tolerance Reference: ±0.2 mm or ±0.3%.
Note: Guaranteed tolerance requires engineering review based on part geometry, material, and orientation.
Industrial Applications and Best-Fit Parts
Custom 3D printing is highly effective for complex geometries or low-volume requirements that are slow or uneconomical to produce with traditional manufacturing methods like injection molding. Typical best-fit applications include:
Manufacturing and Automation
Jigs, fixtures, robot end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), sensor brackets, and assembly aids.
Product Development (EVT/DVT/PVT)
Functional prototypes and engineering validation parts for industrial hardware.
Production and Supply Chain
Low-volume end-use parts, custom housings, ducts, and bridge production before tooling is finalized.
MRO and Spare Parts
Urgent low-quantity replacements for obsolete components to reduce equipment downtime.
Material Selection Factors
Selecting the right material is critical for custom 3D printing in industrial environments. During our evaluation, we look at several performance factors:
Mechanical Load
Does the part require high stiffness (e.g., PA-CF, PA-GF) or impact resistance (e.g., ABS, PC)?
Environmental Exposure
Will the part face high temperatures, chemicals, or UV exposure? Materials like PEEK, PEKK, PEI/ULTEM, and ASA are often evaluated for demanding environments.
Flexibility
Does the application require elastomeric properties, such as custom grippers or seals? TPU is commonly utilized across FDM, SLS, and MJF processes.
Specialized Requirements
We also review requirements for flame retardancy or ESD-safe properties depending on the automation or hardware application.
Design Inputs and Process Limitations
To ensure successful custom 3D printing, technical clarity is required upfront. Simple, very-high-volume parts may be better suited to traditional stamping or molding. For custom 3D printing projects, our engineering team requires specific inputs to provide an accurate evaluation:
Application
The operating environment and what the part is used for.
Quantity
The immediate volume and any repeat demand or batch potential.
Material
Specific polymer or resin requirements.
Tolerances
Critical dimensions and required fits.
Performance
Load, temperature, chemical, flame, or ESD requirements.
Finishing
Required post-processing or surface treatments.
Timeline
Target lead time or project milestones.
Files
STEP/STP files, accompanied by a 2D drawing detailing critical features.
Post-Processing Capabilities
Functional parts often require secondary operations to meet assembly or performance standards. Post-processing and functional finishing at RapidPrintParts may include:
We also support functional additions like heat-set inserts, tapping, drilling, and CNC secondary machining for critical mating surfaces.
Quality Documentation
Our engineering and quality team of approximately 12 people ensures parts meet your specifications. Quality support may include:
- ✓ First article inspection (FAI)
- ✓ Dimensional inspection reports
- ✓ Material documents
- ✓ Certificates of conformity (CoC)
- ✓ Shipment reports when agreed for the project
Request an Engineering Review
If you are developing new industrial machinery, upgrading an automation line, or sourcing low-volume end-use components, RapidPrintParts provides the manufacturing capacity and technical support required.
Contact our team with your STEP/STP files, 2D drawings, and application details to initiate an engineering review and determine the best custom 3D printing process for your project.
Contact RapidPrintParts
Get in Touch
We are here to answer your questions about industrial additive manufacturing and functional 3D printed parts. Reach out to us through the following methods:
Email: [email protected]
Address: No. 17-1, Guanlan Avenue, Longhua District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, Shenzhen 3D Printing Industrial Park
