3D Hubs is now Hubs - custom parts manufacturing for engineers worldwide
3D printing
What is 3D printing? How does 3D printing work? What are the different types of 3D printers? This collection of articles will answer all your most pressing questions about 3D printing and how this technology can work for you.
The additive manufacturing process
Learn about the general additive manufacturing process from design to final part for those who have never 3D printed before.
FDM 3D printing materials compared
Compare the main FDM 3D printing plastics - PLA, ABS, PET, Nylon, TPU (Flexible) and PC - by material properties and find the best option for your application.
What is FDM 3D printing?
Get to know the basics of Fused Deposition Modeling, also known as FDM 3D printing. Learn why this 3D printing technique is so affordable, and why it is an excellent choice for quick, low-cost prototyping. Delve into FDM materials and the advantages and disadvantages for designers and engineers alike.
What is SLA 3D printing?
Get to know the basics of stereolithography, also known as SLA 3D printing. Find out why the original 3D printing technique is still so popular and cost-effective, learn about how SLA printing works and its parameters, and discover which materials and options will best suit your 3D-printed part or project.
Types of 3D printing
Learn about the main categories of additive manufacturing along with a detailed explanation of each of the 3D printing methods that currently exist in industry.
PLA vs. ABS: What's the difference?
PLA and ABS are the most popular materials on Hubs. This comparison will help you select the best option for your project.
SLA 3D printing materials compared
Compare the main SLA 3D printing resins - standard, tough, durable, heat resistant, rubber-like, dental and castable - by material properties and find the best option for your application.
What is SLS 3D printing?
Learn about the basic principles of selective laser sintering, also known as SLS 3D printing. Discover how SLS 3D printing works, the advantages of SLS techniques for rapid prototyping and low-production runs, and the various materials and options available that will suit your part or project.
The advantages of 3D printing
This article discusses the main advantages of 3D printing when compared to traditional manufacturing techniques.
HP MJF vs. SLS: A 3D printing technology comparison
In this article we compare critically HP's Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) with Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) in terms of accuracy, materials, cost and lead time. We cover the current state-of-the-art to help you choose the right technology for your application.
Selecting the right 3D printing process
Decision making tools and generalized guidelines to aid you select the right 3D printing process for your application.
3D printing vs. CNC machining
Learn about the practical differences of CNC machining and 3D Printing and how to select the right technology for manufacturing end-use parts and functional prototypes.
Introduction to material jetting 3D printing
In this introduction to Material Jetting 3D printing, we cover the basic principles of the technology. After reading this article you will understand the fundamental mechanics of the Material Jetting process and how these relate to its benefits and limitations.
Dimensional accuracy of 3D printed parts
This article presents the expected dimensional accuracy of parts produced via 3D printing and discusses why part inaccuracies occur.
What is rapid prototyping?
Rapid prototyping uses 3D computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing processes to quickly develop 3D parts or assemblies for research and development and/or product testing. This is most commonly carried out through additive manufacturing. Rapid prototyping techniques allow a designer to develop multiple iterations of a prototype without the additional cost or time that comes with using traditional manufacturing and design techniques.
Introduction to metal 3D printing
In this introduction to metal 3D printing, we cover the basic principles of SLM and DMLS. Learn the fundamental mechanics of SLM and DMLS and how these relate to the key benefits and limitations of 3D printing.
3D printed injection molds: Materials compared
We compare critically two industrial 3D printing materials used for low-run injection mold manufacturing.
Introduction to binder jetting 3D printing
In this introduction to Binder Jetting 3D printing, we cover the basic principles of the technology. After reading this article you will understand the fundamental mechanics of the Binder Jetting process and how these relate to its benefits and limitations.
Supports in 3D Printing: A technology overview
Learn what a 3D printed support structure is, when support is needed and how support might affect the quality and price of your print.
