A hollow part costs less because it uses less material. In powder bed technologies (MJF, SLS), leave at least one 2–3 mm opening in the cavity for powder removal; in SLA – drain holes for the resin to escape.
Price depends heavily on volume. A large solid part can cost several times more than the same part with 2–3 mm walls.
The recommended minimum wall thickness for 3D printing is 0.75 mm (down to 0.5 mm for some designs).…
The smallest recommended hole for 3D printing is about 1–2 mm in diameter; for precise holes (bushings, shafts),…
The most durable thread in a 3D printed part is a metal threaded insert, heat-set into a prepared…
Leave a clearance between separate parts or moving components: MJF and SLS – ≥0.5–1 mm, FDM – 1–2…
MJF and SLS can produce moving assemblies in one piece – hinges, chains, rotating parts – provided you…
For snap-fits choose PA11 or PA12 (MJF/SLS) – they withstand many bending cycles. To prevent breakage, fillet the…