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Aerospace

Provide efficient production and faster design to delivery.

Automotive

Produce precision parts that exceed industry standards.

Automation

Create and test products quickly to bring them to market.

Consumer Products

Bring new, affordable products to market faster.

Communication

Empower to innovate faster, maximizing performance.

Electronics

Innovation in enclosures for low-volume production.

Industrial Equipment

Deliver machinery that beats the competition.

New Energy

Speed up innovation and development.

Medical Devices

Build prototypes and products that adhere to medical safety.

Robotics

Improve efficiency with precise, fast, and constant part quality.

Semiconductor

Drive time-to-market through on-demand production.

CNC Machining for Aerospace

The extremely high level of precision needed within the aerospace industry makes CNC machining a suitable manufacturing process for the sector.

 

This article provides you with a complete guide to aerospace machining and its importance.

 

Blog

Gain valuable insights into manufacturing processes.

News

Company news, platform updates, holiday announcement.

eBooks

Improve manufacturing know-how with our eBooks collection.

Case Studies

Learn successful stories to inspire your project.

Surface Finishes

Select from 30+ surface finishing options.

Materials

Choose from 50+ metals and plastics for your project.

CNC Machining eBook

If you want to produce high-quality machined parts with a sleek appearance, it’s essential to consider some critical factors related to CNC machining. 

 

Here, we’ve gathered some basic information and important considerations to help you achieve the desired results.

About RapidDirect

Our vision, mission, development history, and dedicated team.

Our Platform

Get instant quotes with our smart online platform.

Quality Assurance

Deliver quality parts that meet requirements and exceed expectations.

Contact Us

Instant Quote for Sheet Metal Fabrication and New Homepage

Exciting news from RapidDirect!  We’ve rolled out two exciting updates to enhance your manufacturing journey. 

  • Instant Quote for Sheet Metal Fabrication
  • A brand-new Homepage Experience

Custom Online
3D Printing Services

Get instant online quotes for 3D printed parts in both plastics and metals. Order high resolution rapid prototypes and production parts with precision.

  • Tolerances as fine as ±0.2 mm.
  • ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, ISO14001:2015, IATF 16949:2016 certified
  • Lead time as fast as 1 day
Start a New 3D Printing Project!
cnc parts
Drag and drop file or click to upload
STEP | STP | STL | IGS | IGES | PRT | SLDPRT | SAT | X_T
Max. file size: ≤15MB

Custom Online 3D Printing Services

Get instant online quotes for 3D printed parts in both plastics and metals. Order high resolution rapid prototypes and production parts with precision. Tolerances as fine as ±0.2 mm. ISO 9001:2015, ISO 13485, ISO14001:2015, IATF 16949:2016 certified.
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Start A 3D Printing Quote

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STEP | STP | SLDPRT | IPT | PRT | SAT files
  All uploads are secure and confidential.

3D Printing Services for Custom Prints

Our custom 3D printing services are designed to meet your exact needs. From rapid prototypes to full-scale production parts, we deliver custom 3D printed parts with speed and precision. Our advanced technologies, including SLA, HP MJF, SLS, and SLM, ensure high-quality 3D printing processes that maintain tolerances as fine as ±0.2 mm. Trust our 3D printing experts for reliable, high-resolution parts that meet your exact specifications.
sla-3d-printing-services

SLA

SLA utilizes a laser to cure liquid resin into solid parts with high precision and smooth surfaces. Ideal for detailed prototypes and intricate designs.

sls-3d-printing-services

HP MJF

HP MJF uses a fusing agent and heat to create strong, functional parts with fine details and excellent mechanical properties.

sls-3d-printing

SLS

SLS fuses powdered material layer by layer using a laser, producing robust and durable parts. It’s excellent for complex geometries and end-use applications.

slm-3d-printing

SLM

SLM melts metal powders with a laser to create high-strength, intricate metal parts. This process is ideal for aerospace, medical, and industrial applications.

How Does RapidDirect 3D Printing Services Work

RapidDirect operates a network of 300+ 3D print shops, using layer-by-layer printing to create both complex prototypes and large runs of production parts. We inspect each component for dimensional accuracy and visual quality, guaranteeing that every custom 3D printed part meets your exact requirements and maintains consistency across all projects.

300+

Sets of Machine

120+

Countries Shipped

20,000+

Customers Served

How Does RapidDirect 3D Printing Services Work

RapidDirect operates a network of 300+ 3D print shops, using layer-by-layer printing to create both complex prototypes and large runs of production parts. We inspect each component for dimensional accuracy and visual quality, guaranteeing that every custom 3D printed part meets your exact requirements and maintains consistency across all projects.

300+

Machines Set

120+

Countries Shipped

20,000+

Customers Served

materials

3D Printing Materials

Our material selection includes plastic and metal options like ABS, PA (Nylon), Aluminum, and Stainless Steel, suitable for various industrial custom 3D printing projects. If you have unique material requirements, simply choose ‘Other’ on our quote configuration page. We’re committed to sourcing exactly what you need.


Aluminium


Lightweight, strong, and naturally resistant to corrosion, aluminum is ideal for 3D printing in aerospace and automotive applications. Its excellent strength-to-weight ratio makes it perfect for parts that need durability without adding excess weight.

Color:
Silver  
Subtypes: Stainless Steel 316L Silver Grey
Price: $$$
Lead Time: About 6 business days

Stainless Steel


Highly durable, corrosion-resistant, and heat-tolerant, stainless steel is great for both functional parts and intricate, high-strength components. It's commonly used in industries requiring robustness, such as aerospace, automotive, and medical devices.

Color:
Silver  
Subtypes: Stainless Steel 316L Silver Grey
Price: $$$
Lead Time: About 6 business days

ABS


Known for its strength, durability, and resistance to heat and impact, ABS is a popular choice for 3D printing functional prototypes and end-use parts. It's widely used in automotive, consumer goods, and industrial applications due to its toughness and versatility.

Color:
Yellow  
Black  
Creamy White  
Subtypes: ABS-Like Resin Black ABS-Like Resin Creamy White
Price: $
Lead Time: About 4 business days

PA (Nylon)


Flexible, tough, and resistant to wear and abrasion, nylon is perfect for parts that need to withstand heavy use. It's lightweight, has a low friction coefficient, and is often used in industrial applications, gears, and mechanical components.

Color:
Black  
White  
Subtypes: Nylon Black (High Temperature Resistant 110 ℃) Nylon Black (High Temperature Resistant 140 ℃) Nylon PA12 White Nylon PA12-Black
Price: $$
Lead Time: About 5 business days

3D Printing Post Processing

Post-processing enhances the appearance and functionality of 3D prints, providing a smooth finish, vibrant colors, or added durability. It’s ideal for visible or functional components but may be unnecessary for rough prototypes or internal parts where aesthetics are not a priority.

Ideal for functional prototypes or internal components without aesthetic requirements.

Enhances visual appeal and durability with various color options and surface protection.

Polishing

polishing

Reduces roughness for a smoother, more visually pleasing surface on visible parts.

Adds a metal coating to increase strength, wear resistance, and conductivity.

RapidDirect
3D Printing Solutions

3D Printing

Start your project with our fast 3D printing service. Ideal for creating detailed prototypes and custom parts quickly, we use advanced technologies to deliver high-quality, high-resolution prints with precise tolerances. 

  •  Iterate and refine your designs rapidly to ensure perfect results.
3d-printing-design-validation

Vacuum Casting

Our urethane casting service bridges the gap between prototyping and mass production. Perfect for low to medium-volume production, creating durable, high-quality parts with excellent surface finish and detail.

  • For market testing and initial product launches.
vacuum-casting-for-prototyping

Injection Molding

For large-scale production needs, our injection molding service is the optimal choice. It is capable of producing high volumes of parts efficiently, maintaining consistent quality and precision. 

  • Cost-effective process for mass production.
injection-molding-for-production

RapidDirect
3D Printing Capabilities

We provide a comprehensive overview of each 3D printing process’s unique standards, aiding in informed decisions for your printing needs.

SLAMJFSLSSLM
Min. Wall Thickness0.6mm for unsupported walls, 0.4mm for supported walls on both sidesAt least 1mm thick; avoid overly thick wallsFrom 0.7mm (PA 12) to 2.0mm (carbon-filled polyamide)0.8 mm
Layer Height25 µm to 100µmAround 80µm100–120 microns30 – 50μm
Max. Build Size1400x700x500mm264x343x348mm380x280x380mm320x320x400mm
Dimension Tolerance±0.2mm (For >100mm, apply 0.15%)±0.2mm (For >100mm, apply 0.25%)± 0.3mm (For >100mm, apply 0.35%)±0.2mm (For >100mm, apply 0.25%)
Standard Lead Time4 business days5 business days6 business days6 business days
rapid direct Platform
Get Fast
Online 3D Printing Services

Need 3D printed parts quickly? Start effortlessly by uploading your 3D model files; our platform supports formats like [.STP], [.STEP], and [.STL], ensuring seamless integration. Receive an instant, custom quote as our algorithms assess your design for optimal manufacturability.

 

Choose from a vast selection of materials and finishes, guided by our experts to balance cost, functionality, and aesthetics. Utilizing high-resolution 3D printers, we deliver your vision with exceptional accuracy. Each print is rigorously inspected to meet your specifications. Enjoy rapid delivery—receive your high-quality prints as soon as the next day.

instant-quote-3d-printing

3D Printing
for Various Industries

Our services cover automotive, aerospace, and healthcare industries, providing customized solutions for each.

Success Stories of
3D PrintingProjects

Why
Choose Us

Solid Strategy aligned with business needs and robust data analysis are fundamental ingredients to extract actionable insights.
/01
High Resolution
3D Prints

Advanced materials, cutting-edge technology, and stringent quality control processes. This commitment results in quality product durability and precision, minimizing rework and enhancing your project’s success.

/02
Fast Lead
Time

Streamlined processes and state-of-the-art equipment, addressing your urgent needs by delivering high-quality 3D printed items quickly. This efficiency reduces wait times, enhancing your project’s pace and productivity.

/03
3D Printing
Experts

We have team of experienced engineering experts providing personalized guidance for every project. Resolve complex design challenges, enhancing print success and customer satisfaction, according to your unique specifications.

Ultimate Guide to 3D Printing

What’s 3D Printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a revolutionary technology that creates three-dimensional objects from digital files. This process involves adding material layer by layer until the final object is formed. Unlike traditional manufacturing methods, which often involve subtracting material from a larger block, 3D printing allows for the creation of complex geometries and intricate details with minimal waste. It’s used in various industries, from prototyping and product development to medical implants and aerospace components. 3D printing offers significant advantages in customization, speed, and cost-effectiveness, making it an essential tool in modern manufacturing.

what-is-3d-printing

Advantages of 3D Printing

3D printing has many advantages over traditional methods:

  • Customization: Easily create custom items without added cost or complexity—perfect for personalized or bespoke solutions.
  • Complex Geometries: Make intricate designs and structures that are impossible with traditional manufacturing, enabling advanced features.
  • Reduced Waste: Only the material needed is used, cutting down waste compared to subtractive methods.
  • Rapid Prototyping: Quickly create prototypes to test design, fit, and function, speeding up development.
  • Cost-Effective for Small Runs: Ideal for low-volume production, saving on tooling and molds.
  • Speed to Market: Cut production lead times, enabling faster iteration and quicker product launch.

Custom 3D Printing Applications

3D printing offers a wide range of applications for different types of parts:

  • Prototypes: Quickly turn design concepts into functional and visual prototypes.
  • Custom Tools & Fixtures: Make production-specific tools and jigs that boost efficiency.
  • Medical Implants & Prosthetics: Create custom implants and prosthetics for improved fit and comfort.
  • End-Use Parts: Produce ready-to-use parts for various applications.
  • Architectural Models: Build detailed models for design and planning.
  • Customized Consumer Goods: Create one-of-a-kind items like jewelry, phone cases, and home products.
  • Educational Models: Make accurate models for research and teaching.
  • Replacement Parts: Print rare or obsolete components for maintenance and repairs.

FAQs

3D printing can achieve remarkably high levels of accuracy, ensuring that your parts meet stringent specifications. At RapidDirect, our standard tolerance for 3D printing is ±0.1mm. However, the exact tolerance can vary depending on the complexity and design of your part. For highly detailed or intricate components, tolerances might need to be adjusted to ensure optimal results. To provide you with the most accurate assessment, you can upload your 2D design files through our platform. Our expert team will evaluate your design and determine the specific tolerances required to achieve the best possible outcome for your project.

The time required to 3D print parts depends on several key factors, including part size, height, complexity, and the chosen printing technology. Larger or more complex parts naturally take longer to print than smaller, simpler ones. At RapidDirect, we understand the importance of fast turnaround times. Leveraging advanced 3D printing technologies and efficient processes, we can complete many 3D printing projects in as little as one day. For precise time estimates tailored to your specific project, you can upload your design files, and our team will provide a detailed timeline based on your unique requirements.

It depends on the specifications of the 3D printer used. At RapidDirect, we offer a wide range of 3D printing machines to accommodate various sizes and requirements.

  • Large Format FDM Printers: Capable of printing up to 36 x 24 x 26 inches, ideal for large parts and prototypes.
  • Large SLA Printers: Can produce prints up to 29 x 25 x 21 inches, perfect for high-detail and smooth-surface applications.
  • SLS Printers: Unfilled SLS machines have a maximum build dimension of 13 inches, while glass-filled SLS machines can handle up to 26 x 15 x 23 inches.
  • Industrial Polyjet Printers: Offer a build area of up to 19 x 15 x 7 inches, suitable for high-resolution and multi-material prints.

This diverse selection ensures we can meet your project’s specific size and detail requirements.

At RapidDirect, we accept a variety of file formats to ensure compatibility with our 3D printing systems. The recommended file formats are STEP (.stp) and STL (.stl), as they provide the best accuracy and detail. If your design file is in a different format, we advise converting it to either STEP or STL to ensure optimal results. These formats preserve the geometric data and intricate details necessary for precise and high-quality prints. Should you need assistance with file conversion or have questions about specific formats, our support team is always ready to help.

The cost of our 3D printing service depends on several factors. These include the type of 3D printer chosen, the size and design complexity of the model, the material used, and the volume of parts required. Larger and more intricate designs typically require more resources and time, influencing the overall cost. Material choice also plays a significant role; different materials vary in price based on their properties and suitability for specific applications. At RapidDirect, we provide detailed quotes tailored to your project’s specifications. Understanding these variables helps you manage capital effectively while achieving high-quality results.

Choosing the right 3D printing technology depends on your project’s specific requirements. Consider factors such as the desired material, part complexity, surface finish, strength, and budget. For high-detail and smooth finishes, SLA is ideal. For strong, functional parts, SLS or HP MJF might be better suited. FDM is great for large, durable parts at a lower cost, while SLM is perfect for high-strength metal components. Consulting with our 3D printing experts can help you make an informed decision. Provide your design specifications, and we’ll recommend the best technology to meet your needs efficiently and cost-effectively.

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now, for free