Design for 3D Printing Toolkit
Get in-depth design advice to optimize 3D-printed parts. Designing with additive manufacturing in mind can accelerate production time and reduce overall cost.
Design Review for 3D Printing
Our free design review consists of a 30-min. virtual meeting with one of our 3D printing applications engineers to discuss any questions you have with your design for additive manufacturing feedback or other specific technical questions about your quote or part.
Optimizing Part Design
for 3D Printing
There are many design elements involved in creating plastic or metal parts for 3D printing—design for printability is a key one. At Protolabs, we provide automated design analysis on CAD models that highlights features in your part design that can be adjusted for manufacturability. To keep design advisories at a minimum and optimize part design, we created this helpful kit of 3D printing resources.
Designing for 3D Printing Processes
→ Stereolithography (SLA)
→ Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)
→ Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)
→ Carbon DLS
→ PolyJet
→ Silicone 3D Printing
→ Metal 3D Printing
Navigating 3D Printing Advisories
→ Minimum Wall Thicknesses
→ Small Gap Minimums
→ Maximum Part Sizes
→ Inaccessible Surfaces
→ Text
Designing for Additive Manufacturing
Get actionable tips on how to resolve common issues seen in 3D printing designs.
A Definitive Guide to 3D Printing
Our comprehensive guide navigates the entire additive manufacturing process—from prototyping to production. Explore technologies, part design, materials, and tips for additive manufacturing.
Download Guide
Navigating Critical 3D Printing Advisories
| High Resolution* | Normal Resolution* | Process | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum AlSi10Mg | 0.015 in. (0.381mm) | 0.030 in. (0.762mm) |
DMLS |
| X Line (Aluminum AlSi10Mg) | N/A | 0.015 in. (0.381mm) |
DMLS |
| Cobalt Chrome | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) | 0.015 in. (0.381mm) |
DMLS |
| Inconel 718 | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) | 0.015 in. (0.381mm) |
DMLS |
| Inconel 718 (X Line) | N/A | 0.015 in. (0.381mm) |
DMLS |
| Stainless Steel 17-4PH | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) | 0.015 in. (0.381mm) |
DMLS |
| Stainless Steel 316L | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) | 0.015 in. (0.381mm) |
DMLS |
| Titanium Ti-6Al-4V | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) | 0.015 in. (0.381mm) |
DMLS |
| ABS-Like Black | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) |
0.012 in. (0.305mm) |
SLA |
| ABS-Like Gray | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) |
0.012 in. (0.305mm) |
SLA |
| ABS-Like Translucent/Clear | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) |
0.012 in. (0.305mm) |
SLA |
| Abs-Like White | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) |
0.012 in. (0.305mm) |
SLA |
| Ceramic-Like (Advanced High Temp) | 0.012 in. (0.305mm) |
0.012 in. (0.305mm) |
SLA |
| Metal Plated Ceramic-Like (PerFORM) | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) |
0.02 in. (0.508mm) |
SLA |
| MicroFine™ Green | 0.003 in. (0.0762mm)** |
N/A |
SLA |
| MicroFine™ Gray | 0.003 in. (0.0762mm)** |
N/A |
SLA |
| PC-Like Translucent (Advance High Temp) | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) |
0.012 in. (0.305mm) |
SLA |
| PC-Like Translucent Clear (Accura 60) | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) |
0.012 in. (0.305mm) |
SLA |
| PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) |
0.012 in. (0.305mm) |
SLA |
| Carbon ABS-Like Black Rigid Polyurethane (RPU 70) | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
Carbon |
| Carbon PP-Like Black Flexible Polyurethane (FPU 50) | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
Carbon |
| True Silicone Black | N/A | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) |
SLA |
| True Silicone White | N/A | 0.006 in. (0.152mm) |
SLA |
| PA 11 Black | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
SLS |
| PA 12 25% Mineral Filled | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
SLS |
| PA 12 White | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
SLS |
| PP Natural | N/A | 0.04 in. (1.016mm) |
SLS |
| TPU 70-A White | N/A | 0.04 in. (1.016mm) |
SLS |
| PA 12 40% Glass Filled | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
MJF |
| PA 12 40% Glass-Filled Black | N/A | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) |
MJF |
| PA 12 Black | N/A | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) |
MJF |
| Digital Black | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
PolyJet |
| Digital Clear/Translucent | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
PolyJet |
| Digital Overmold | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
PolyJet |
| Digital White | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
PolyJet |
*Thinner walls can be achieved for certain features in stereolithography. If features are critical, please discuss these with an Applications Engineer. **Micro resolution accuracy is available through SLA with MicroFine™ Green and Gray. While maximum part size is 5 in. x 5 in. x 2.5 in. (127mm x 127mm x 63.5mm), parts smaller than 1 in. x 1 in. x 1 in. (25.4mm x 25.4mm x 25.4mm) are ideal. Keep in mind that small gap minimum is 0.015 in. (0.381mm) and wall thickness minimum is 0.003 in. (0.076mm).
| High Resolution | Normal Resolution | Process | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum AlSi10Mg | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
DMLS |
| X Line (Aluminum AlSi10Mg) | N/A | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
DMLS |
| Cobalt Chrome | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
DMLS |
| Inconel 718 | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
DMLS |
| Inconel 718 (X Line) | N/A | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
DMLS |
| Stainless Steel 17-4PH | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
DMLS |
| Stainless Steel 316L | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
DMLS |
| Titanium Ti-6Al-4V | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
DMLS |
| ABS-Like Black | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
SLA |
| ABS-Like Gray | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
SLA |
| ABS-Like Translucent/Clear | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
SLA |
| Abs-Like White | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
SLA |
| Ceramic-Like (Advanced High Temp) | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
SLA |
| Metal Plated Ceramic-Like (PerFORM) | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
SLA |
| MicroFine™ Green | 0.015 in. (0.381mm)** | N/A |
SLA |
| MicroFine™ Gray | 0.015 in. (0.381mm)** | N/A |
SLA |
| PC-Like Translucent (Advance High Temp) | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
SLA |
| PC-Like Translucent Clear (Accura 60) | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
SLA |
| PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
SLA |
| Carbon ABS-Like Black Rigid Polyurethane (RPU 70) | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
Carbon |
| Carbon PP-Like Black Flexible Polyurethane (FPU 50) | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
Carbon |
| True Silicone Black | N/A | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
SLA |
| True Silicone White | N/A | 0.025 in. (0.635mm) |
SLA |
| PA 11 Black | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
SLS |
| PA 12 25% Mineral Filled | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
SLS |
| PA 12 White | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
SLS |
| PP Natural | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
SLS |
| TPU 70-A White | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
SLS |
| PA 12 40% Glass Filled | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
MJF |
| PA 12 40% Glass-Filled Black | N/A | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) |
MJF |
| PA 12 Black | N/A | 0.02 in. (0.508mm) |
MJF |
| Digital Black | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
PolyJet |
| Digital Clear/Translucent | N/A | 0.03 in.(0.762mm) |
PolyJet |
| Digital Overmold | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
PolyJet |
| Digital White | N/A | 0.03 in. (0.762mm) |
PolyJet |
**Micro resolution accuracy is available through SLA with MicroFine™ Green and Gray. While maximum part size is 5 in. x 5 in. x 2.5 in. (127mm x 127mm x 63.5mm), parts smaller than 1 in. x 1 in. x 1 in. (25.4mm x 25.4mm x 25.4mm) are ideal. Keep in mind that small gap minimum is 0.015 in. (0.381mm) and wall thickness minimum is 0.003 in. (0.0762mm).
| High Resolution | Normal Resolution | Process | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum AlSi10Mg | 3.8 in. x 3.8 in. x 3.7 in. (96.52mm x 96.52mm x 93.98mm) | 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. x 13.0 in. (245mm x 245mm x 330mm) |
DMLS |
| X Line (Aluminum AlSi10Mg) | N/A | 31.5 in. x 15.7 in. x 19.7 in. (400mm x 800mm x 500mm) |
DMLS |
| Cobalt Chrome | 3.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 2.7 in. (88.9mm x 88.9mm x 68.58mm) | 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. x 13.0 in. (245mm x 245mm x 330mm) |
DMLS |
| Inconel 718 | 3.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 2.7 in. (88.9mm x 88.9mm x 68.58mm) | 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. x 13.0 in. (245mm x 245mm x 330mm) |
DMLS |
| Inconel 718 (X Line) | N/A | 31.5 in. x 15.7 in. x 19.7 in. (400mm x 800mm x 500mm) |
DMLS |
| Stainless Steel 17-4PH | 3.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 2.7 in. (88.9mm x 88.9mm x 68.58mm) | 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. x 13.0 in. (245mm x 245mm x 330mm) |
DMLS |
| Stainless Steel 316L | 3.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 2.7 in. (88.9mm x 88.9mm x 68.58mm) | 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. x 13.0 in. (245mm x 245mm x 330mm) |
DMLS |
| Titanium Ti-6Al-4V | 3.5 in. x 3.5 in. x 2.7 in. (88.9mm x 88.9mm x 68.58mm) | 9.6 in. x 9.6 in. x 13.0 in. (245mm x 245mm x 330mm) |
DMLS |
| ABS-Like Black | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) |
SLA |
| ABS-Like Gray | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) | 29 in. x 25 in. x 21 in. (736mm x 635mm x 533mm) |
SLA |
| ABS-Like Translucent/Clear | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) | 29 in. x 25 in. x 21 in. (736mm x 635mm x 533mm) |
SLA |
| Abs-Like White | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) | 29 in. x 25 in. x 21 in. (736mm x 635mm x 533mm) |
SLA |
| Ceramic-Like (Advanced High Temp) | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) |
SLA |
| Metal Plated Ceramic-Like (PerFORM) | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) |
SLA |
| MicroFine™ Green | 5 in. x 5 in. x 2.5 in. (127mm x 127mm x 63.5mm)** | N/A |
SLA |
| MicroFine™ Gray | 5 in. x 5 in. x 2.5 in. (127mm x 127mm x 63.5mm)** | N/A |
SLA |
| PC-Like Translucent (Advance High Temp) | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) |
SLA |
| PC-Like Translucent Clear (Accura 60) | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) | 29 in. x 25 in. x 21 in. (736mm x 635mm x 533mm) |
SLA |
| PP-Like Translucent White (Somos 9120) | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) | 10 in. x 10 in. x 10 in. (254mm x 254mm x 254mm) |
SLA |
| Carbon ABS-Like Black Rigid Polyurethane (RPU 70) | N/A | 7.4 in. x 4.6 in. x 12.8 in. (89mm x 118mm x 326mm) |
Carbon |
| Carbon PP-Like Black Flexible Polyurethane (FPU 50) | N/A | 7.4 in. x 4.6 in. x 12.8 in. (89mm x 118mm x 326mm) |
Carbon |
| True Silicone Black | N/A | 4.7 in. x 2.8 in. x 3.9 in. (119.38mm x 71.12mm x 99.06mm) |
SLA |
| True Silicone White | N/A | 4.7 in. x 2.8 in. x 3.9 in. (119.38mm x 71.12mm x 99.06mm) |
SLA |
| PA 11 Black | N/A | 10.6 in. x 12.6 in. x 16 in. (269.24mm x 320.04mm x 406.4mm) |
SLS |
| PA 12 25% Mineral Filled | N/A | 10.6 in. x 12.6 in. x 16 in. (269.24mm x 320.04mm x 406.4mm) |
SLS |
| PA 12 White | N/A | 19 in. x 19 in. x 17 in. (482.6mm x 482.6mm x 431.8mm) |
SLS |
| PP Natural | N/A | 10.6 in. x 12.6 in. x 16 in. (269.24mm x 320.04mm x 406.4mm) |
SLS |
| TPU 70-A White | N/A | 10.6 in. x 12.6 in. x 16 in. (269.24mm x 320.04mm x 406.4mm) |
SLS |
| PA 12 40% Glass Filled | N/A | 10.6 in. x 12.6 in. x 16 in. (269.24mm x 320.04mm x 406.4mm) |
MJF |
| PA 12 40% Glass-Filled Black | N/A | 11.1 in. x 14.9 in. x 14.9 in. (281mm x 378mm x 378mm) |
MJF |
| PA 12 Black | N/A | 11.1 in. x 14.9 in. x 14.9 in. (281mm x 378mm x 378mm) |
MJF |
| Digital Black | N/A | 19.3 in. x 15.4 in. x 7.9 in. (490mm x 391mm x 200mm) |
PolyJet |
| Digital Clear/Translucent | N/A | 19.3 in. x 15.4 in. x 7.9 in. (490mm x 391mm x 200mm) |
PolyJet |
| Digital Overmold | N/A | 19.3 in. x 15.4 in. x 7.9 in. (490mm x 391mm x 200mm) |
PolyJet |
| Digital White | N/A | 19.3 in. x 15.4 in. x 7.9 in. (490mm x 391mm x 200mm) |
PolyJet |
**Micro resolution accuracy is available through SLA with MicroFine™ Green and Gray. While maximum part size is 5 in. x 5 in. x 2.5 in. (127mm x 127mm x 63.5mm), parts smaller than 1 in. x 1 in. x 1 in. (25.4mm x 25.4mm x 25.4mm) are ideal. Keep in mind that small gap minimum is 0.015 in. (0.381mm) and wall thickness minimum is 0.003 in. (0.0762mm).
Certain areas of your part may be difficult to access, clean, and finish in a manner that is consistent with the rest of the part. Here are a few examples of how an inaccessible surface could affect your finished part based on 3D printing process.
| SLA, Carbon DLS, or Silicone | If the inaccessible surface contains a support structure, remaining stubble can prove challenging to grit blast or sand away. |
| DMLS | It is difficult to shot peen or grit blast inaccessible surfaces on metal parts, which could yield a non-uniform finish. |
| SLS, MJF | Trace powder may be left over in inaccessible surfaces after grit blasting. |
| PolyJet | A wax-like support residue may remain in inaccessible surfaces. |
You may see 3D printing advisories related to text on parts. For optimal text resolution, please following the following guidelines: Recommended depth for extruded or embossed lettering is 0.012 in. (0.3048mm).
Explore 3D Printing Sample Quote
Sample quotes let you test drive our digital manufacturing platform to get a feel for how to navigate through the system. You can adjust things like quantity and turn time and see pricing implications as well as explore interactive design analysis on various parts. Our 3DP quote even lets you compare the cost of additive processes, materials, and resolutions.
3D-printed Parts on Your Schedule
Our lead time options lend you flexibility. Need printed parts lightning fast? Select Expedite at checkout. Not in a rush? Choose Economy to save on cost. For reliable delivery on-time, select Standard. Your parts when you need them.
