3D Printing Process | Material Options | Precision | Surface Finish | Typical Applications | Cost | Speed |
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Superalloy 3D Printing | Nickel-based superalloys, Inconel | Very high precision, typically ±0.05mm | Ra 1.6 - 3.2 µm (post-processing required) | Aerospace, turbine blades, high-temperature parts | Very high (due to material and process) | Slow to Moderate |
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Titanium 3D Printing | Titanium alloys (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V) | High precision, ±0.05mm to ±0.1mm | Ra 2.0 - 6.3 µm (can be polished) | Aerospace, medical implants, automotive | High | Moderate to Slow |
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Ceramic 3D Printing | Ceramic powders (Alumina, Zirconia, etc.) | Moderate precision, ±0.1mm to ±0.2mm | Ra 1.6 - 3.2 µm (can be smoothed post-firing) | Aerospace, medical devices, art, high-temperature applications | High | Slow |
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Stainless Steel 3D Printing | Stainless steel alloys (e.g., 17-4PH, 316L) | High precision, ±0.1mm | Ra 3.2 - 6.3 µm (post-processing needed) | Aerospace, automotive, tooling, industrial parts | Moderate to High | Moderate |
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Carbon Steel 3D Printing | Carbon steel alloys | Moderate precision, ±0.1mm to ±0.2mm | Ra 3.2 - 6.3 µm (requires post-processing) | Automotive, industrial, functional prototypes | Moderate | Moderate |
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Copper Alloy 3D Printing | Copper, Copper-based alloys | High precision, ±0.1mm | Ra 3.2 - 6.3 µm (post-processing required) | Electrical components, heat exchangers, motors | High | Moderate |
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Plastic 3D Printing | PLA, ABS, Nylon, PEEK, TPU, etc. | Moderate to High precision, ±0.1mm to ±0.5mm | Ra 3.2 - 12.5 µm (post-processing improves finish) | Prototyping, consumer products, low-cost parts | Low to Moderate | High |
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Resin 3D Printing | Photopolymer resins | Very high precision, ±0.05mm | Ra 1.0 - 3.2 µm (smooth, minimal post-processing) | Jewelry, dental, medical, intricate models | Moderate | Moderate to High |
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