DeutschUnderstand printing processes
AVAILABLE AT UNIKE
PEEK, PPS and multi-material printing.
Our capabilities for engineering prototypes, functional parts and jigs include PEEK, PPS and multi-material printing. We match rigid and flexible functions, including combinations involving TPU or EPDM, to the part and its operating conditions.
Filament, liquid resin or powder: the starting material and how layers are built determine the strengths of each process.
FFF / FDM
A nozzle deposits plastic along defined paths. Each completed layer is followed by the next.
Resin / MSLA
A light mask exposes a resin layer. The platform lifts the part for the next step.
Powder / SLS
A laser fuses selected regions in the powder bed. New powder is spread layer by layer.
Simplified motion illustration without real process parameters. With reduced motion enabled, the drawing remains static.
FFF / FDM
A heated nozzle deposits melted plastic, one path at a time.
- Advantages
- A broad range of thermoplastics; economical for many models and fixtures.
- Limitations
- Visible layers; strength depends on direction and interlayer bonding. Overhangs may require supports.
- Example parts
- Housings, assembly aids, form and fit models.
SLA / MSLA
Licht härtet flüssiges Harz schichtweise aus: bei SLA punktweise mit einem Laser, bei MSLA flächig durch eine belichtete Maske.
- Advantages
- Fine detail and smooth surfaces; specialised engineering resins.
- Limitations
- Washing, post-curing and support removal are part of the process. Sustained loads and ageing behaviour depend heavily on the resin.
- Example parts
- Detailed models, fit checks and precise housing prototypes.
SLS
A laser fuses selected regions of a powder layer. The surrounding powder supports the part.
- Advantages
- Complex geometries without conventional supports; multiple parts can be combined in the build volume.
- Limitations
- Cooling and depowdering are required; consider grainy surfaces and accessible powder outlets.
- Example parts
- Functional housings, brackets and complex ducts.
HP Multi Jet Fusion
Fusing and detailing agents are selectively applied to a powder layer. Heat then bonds the intended regions of that layer.
- Advantages
- Processes an area at a time; useful for functional parts and combined production batches.
- Limitations
- Powder handling and finishing are part of the process. Clarify access to internal channels and the required colour and surface finish beforehand.
- Example parts
- Housing batches, connectors and brackets.
What does your part need to do?
Surface finish, loads, temperature, quantity and finishing all matter. No process is universally better. The requirements of the part decide.
Further reading: Formlabs process comparison, HP process description. Original schematic drawings, not reference photographs.
EXPLORE THE ENGINEERING
Build orientation, supports and dimensional accuracy
Toolpaths and layer bonding affect filament-printed parts. In resin printing, orientation, supports and post-curing influence shape. We match process and design to the function of your polymer part.