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Benefits of Plastic 3D Printing Service
Plastic 3D Printing Service Capabilites
Multi‑Technology
Complex Geometries
Volume Flexibility
Design Support
Post‑Processing
Quality Control
Plastic 3D Printing Service Tolerances
Parameter |
Standard Capability |
Descripton |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Build Size | Up to 24″ × 36″ × 36″ | No splitting or bonding required |
| Minimum Feature Size | 0.030″ – 0.060″ | Finer detail possible with SLA/MJF |
| Minimum Wall Thickness | 0.020″ – 0.060″ | Thicker walls recommended for loads |
| Feature Clearance | Minimum 0.030″ | Ensures proper fit and movement |
| Dimensional Accuracy | ±0.15 – ±0.30 mm typical | SLA: ±0.10 mm; SLS/MJF: ±0.20–0.30 mm; FDM: ±0.25–0.50 mm |
Lead Time for Plastic 3D Printing Service
MXY Machining offer flexible lead times tailored to your project schedule and urgency. All timelines start from full confirmation of design specifications, material approval, and order details. Every schedule already includes time for engineering review, precision machining, strict quality inspection, required surface treatments, and secure packaging. We also provide regular progress updates throughout production, and can arrange custom priority schedules for time‑sensitive projects.
Project Type |
Standard Lead Time |
Express Service |
|---|---|---|
| Prototypes / Simple Parts | 1 – 3 working days | 24‑hour turnaround available |
| Medium Complexity / Batches | 3 – 5 working days | 2 – 3 working days |
| High‑Detail / Large Runs | 5 – 10 working days | Priority scheduling available |
Plastic 3D Printing Service Materials
We work with a wide range of certified, traceable materials selected to match your performance, regulatory, and application requirements. Our engineers provide DFM guidance to optimize your plastic and metal parts design for manufacturing. Contact us or upload a CAD file for material options, instant quotes, and custom production solutions.
Conductive Filament (Graphene / Carbon-Infused)
A specialized PLA or ABS base infused with graphene, carbon black, or carbon nanotubes to produce parts with measurable electrical conductivity. Enables 3D-printed circuits, capacitive touch sensors, EMI shielding, and flexible electrodes.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced (PLA-CF / PETG-CF / Nylon-CF)
A high-performance composite filament infused with chopped carbon fibers (typically 10–30% by weight). Delivers exceptional stiffness, dimensional stability, and heat resistance with reduced weight parts feel and perform like engineering-grade composites.
Metal-Filled Filament (Bronze / Copper / Stainless Steel)
PETG (Solvent Vapor Smoothing)
A PLA base blended with fine wood powder (pine, cedar, bamboo, or cork), producing parts with a genuine wood-like texture, smell, and color that can be sanded, stained, or painted. Color varies naturally from light tan to dark brown depending on printing temperature higher temps produce darker “burned” wood tones.
Glow-in-the-Dark (Phosphorescent) Filament
A PLA or PETG base infused with phosphorescent pigments (typically strontium aluminate) that absorb light and emit a glowing afterimage in darkness for hours. Available in green, blue, aqua, and multi-color variants. Green offers the longest and brightest glow. Slightly abrasive due to mineral pigments hardened nozzle recommended.
Thermochromic (Color-Changing) Filament
A PLA or PETG base infused with thermochromic pigments that shift color at a specific activation temperature (typically 31°C for body-heat reactive, or 45–60°C for heat-reactive). Common transitions: blue→white, pink→clear, black→gold. Parts change color when touched, warmed, or cooled creating interactive and dynamic surfaces.
Magnetic Filament
A PLA or TPU base loaded with iron or ferrite powder (up to 40% by weight), producing parts that are attracted to magnets and some formulations can be magnetized to become permanent magnets themselves. Dark grey or black appearance with a heavy, dense feel. Abrasive requires hardened nozzle.
Ceramic-Filled Filament
A PLA or polymer binder infused with fine ceramic powder (alumina, zirconia, or porcelain), producing parts that can be fired in a kiln to burn out the binder and sinter into solid ceramic or left as-printed for a matte ceramic-like finish. As-printed parts are white, dense, and heat-resistant.
Marble / Stone-Filled Filament
A PLA base infused with powdered marble, limestone, or granite, producing parts with a realistic stone appearance white base with natural grey veining and a smooth, cool-to-the-touch surface. Each print has unique veining patterns, just like natural stone. Heavier than standard PLA but easy to print.
Glass Fiber Reinforced (PETG-GF / PP-GF / Nylon-GF)
A polymer base (PETG, PP, or Nylon) reinforced with chopped glass fibers (10–30%), delivering improved stiffness, dimensional stability, and heat resistance over the base polymer at a lower cost than carbon fiber alternatives. Translucent or natural white appearance with a subtle fibrous texture.
Plastic 3D Printing Surface Finishes
As-Printed (Standard)
Passivation process
The raw, unprocessed finish straight from the 3D printer. Characteristic visible horizontal layer lines and stair-stepping texture, with a matte surface in the material’s native color. No post-processing suitable for functional prototypes, fit-and-assembly testing, internal components, and parts where surface appearance is secondary to dimensional accuracy and cost efficiency.
Sanded & Smooth
Passivation process
Post-printing manual sanding with progressively finer grit sandpaper (typically 120–600 grit) removes layer lines, stair-stepping, and surface imperfections, producing a smooth, matte, uniform surface. Labor-intensive but flexible ideal for resin prints, FDM parts, and prototypes requiring a smooth base for painting or a refined matte finish without chemical processing.
Vapor Smoothed
Passivation process
Chemical post-processing that exposes ABS, ASA, or compatible 3D printed parts to solvent vapor, melting the surface micro-layer to dissolve and completely eliminate layer lines, producing a smooth, glossy, non-porous finish. Seals surface porosity, improves chemical resistance and mechanical strength the most widely used smoothing finish for functional prototypes and end-use 3D printed parts requiring a production-quality surface.
Primed & Painted
Passivation process
Combined post-processing where 3D printed parts are first sanded and primed, then spray painted in any custom RAL/Pantone color, including metallic, matte, satin, or gloss finishes. The primer fills micro-porosity and layer lines, creating an ideal substrate for uniform paint adhesion resulting in a flawless, production-quality paint finish with no visible print texture. Used for consumer products, automotive prototypes, and showcase models.
Dyed
Passivation process
Post-printing dyeing process for SLS, MJF, or sintered nylon parts where the porous nylon substrate absorbs dye in any custom color (black, blue, red, purple, etc.), producing uniform, colorfast coloring throughout the surface. No painting required the dye penetrates the material for durable, scratch-resistant color. Ideal for functional nylon parts, consumer products, and components requiring custom color with the natural sintered texture.
High-Gloss Polished
Passivation process
Post-printing hand or mechanical polishing with progressively finer abrasive compounds and buffing wheels removes all layer lines and surface imperfections, producing a mirror-like, highly reflective glossy surface. Achieves the highest possible gloss on 3D printed resin, acrylic, or polished plastic parts. Used for optical components, cosmetic prototypes, premium consumer products, and display models requiring a flawless, reflective, production-quality finish.
Metal Electroplated
Passivation process
Post-printing electroplating process that deposits a metallic layer (copper, nickel, chrome, gold, or silver) onto a prepared 3D printed plastic substrate (typically ABS or PC/ABS), producing a smooth, reflective, metallic finish. Transforms lightweight plastic prints into parts with the appearance, weight, and conductivity of metal. Used for decorative figurines, jewelry, automotive emblems, hardware, and functional parts requiring metallic aesthetics or electrical conductivity.
Hydro Dipped / Water Transfer
Passivation process
Post-printing decoration process that transfers printed patterns (carbon fiber, wood grain, camouflage, marble, custom designs) from a water-soluble film onto the entire 3D surface of 3D printed parts, including complex curves and recesses. Produces a seamless, full-coverage decorative pattern with excellent adhesion. Used for automotive interior trim, consumer electronics, sporting goods, and any 3D printed part requiring a premium patterned finish that conforms to complex geometries.
Clear Coated / Resin Coated
Passivation process
Post-printing application of a transparent clear coat or epoxy resin layer over a prepared 3D printed part, producing a high-gloss, smooth, protective finish with depth and shine. The clear coat fills micro-porosity, seals the surface, enhances underlying paint or dye color, and provides a durable, scratch-resistant, UV-stable top layer. Used for consumer products, display models, art pieces, and parts requiring a premium, deep-gloss protective finish.
Custom Textured
Passivation process
Post-printing or print-integrated custom surface texture created by 3D modeling the texture directly into the part (knurling, diamond grip, stipple, geometric patterns) or applying it post-print via etching, texturing, or abrasive blasting. Adds tactile grip, hides surface defects, and provides a premium custom feel. Used for ergonomic grips, handles, consumer product enclosures, tool handles, and any 3D printed part requiring a specific textured surface for ergonomic, anti-slip, or aesthetic purposes.
