When you design a model that will be created by additive manufacturing (e.g. 3D printing), an issue you may receive a notification on involves wall thickness. Wall thickness refers to how thick the perimeter or shell of a 3D printed part is. It’s a crucial aspect of the design, as it can mean that the…
At Craftcloud®, we offer a variety of manufacturing services: 3D printing, CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, and casting and molding. While each technology addresses different needs, CNC machining can be the ideal choice when taking the step between rapid prototyping and high-volume manufacturing. 3D printing is normally the first choice for rapid prototyping because of…
Among the different 3D printing technologies offered at Craftcloud®, Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) stand out because of their accessible pricing and complete geometric freedom respectively. But which is more suitable for your project? The Technologies in a Nutshell FDM builds parts layer-by-layer by extruding thermoplastic filament (e.g. PLA, PETG, ABS)…
In CNC machining, choosing the right material is a critical decision that considers cost, performance, and manufacturability. While engineers have thousands of alloys at their disposal, one particular grade consistently rises to the top: Aluminum 6061. Often referred to as the “workhorse” of the industry, this versatile magnesium and silicon-alloyed aluminum has become the default…
When moving from a digital design to a physical object, small errors in the 3D model that are invisible on screen can lead to failures on the build plate. Read about the most common issues that might go by overlooked when designing for 3D printing – and why you’ll want to make sure they are…
CNC machining is a subtractive manufacturing process where material is carved away using rotating tools that move along various paths. Choosing the right configuration – 3-axis, 4-axis, or 5-axis – is a balancing act between the complexity of your part, the required precision, and your budget. Understanding these differences is essential for engineers and designers…
When you upload a file to Craftcloud® to 3D print it, the project may require reevaluation. This is because, while a model may be composed of different parts, each segment has to be uploaded as an individual file. Imagine that you want to 3D print a dinosaur, with the rock and base it stands on…
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing is a popular choice for Craftcloud® customers because of its wide material range and accessible price point. While under some conditions it can achieve a layer height of 0.08 mm, the average is 0.12 mm. This can (sometimes) be good enough. However, on specific occasions, an investment on a…
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) are two additive manufacturing technologies offered at Craftcloud®. They each offer advantages, but which one is more suitable for your project? The Technologies in a Nutshell MJF is an industrial additive manufacturing process developed by HP® that uses a sweeping inkjet array to fuse plastic powder…
CNC machining and 3D printing are two different manufacturing methods: the former is subtractive, the latter is additive. This means that with CNC, you start from a block of material and you mill or turn away the excess until you finish with the design. With 3D printing, depending on the specific technology, a base material…
