Plastic & metal printing on demand - the fastest way to get your prototypes and production parts
Rapid prototyping to manufacturing
What is 3D printing?
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a general term for a range of rapid prototyping technologies that make the transition from concept design to physical prototypes quick, simple and cost-effective. 3D printing helps to identify potential problems in the early development stages and solve them before large-scale production, thus avoiding high costs. 3D printing modifications can be completed in hours or days, which means that designs can be iterated quickly, accelerating the rapid prototype development cycle. 3D printing technology can produce complex geometries. 3D printing can use a variety of materials, including plastics, resins, metals, ceramics, etc. Due to the reduced need for tools and molds, 3D printing is particularly economical in small batch production and custom pieces. 3D printing is changing the way we design and manufacture products, providing unprecedented design freedom and production efficiency, and is widely used in many industries such as medical, automotive, aerospace, etc.As a leader rapid prototype manufacturing company in China, Brightstar specializes in providing custom 3D printing services, including Metal Powder Sintering (SLM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). Our professional team, composed of experienced engineers and project managers, works closely with clients to ensure the accuracy of CAD designs, the perfection of product functions, and the precision of dimensional tolerances, meeting the high standards of our clients in prototype design and production. As a professional prototyping company, Brightstar is committed to providing comprehensive prototype development and production services for businesses. We are capable of quickly delivering everything from individual prototypes to thousands of production-level parts, ensuring that our global customers receive timely and cost-effective solutions.
2015
ISO 9001 CERTIFIED
100+
CNC machines
10K+
CNC machined parts/ month
100+
Plastic & metal materials
Advantages of 3D Printing
Customization and personalization: 3D printing allows parts and products to be easily customized to meet individual needs.
High degree of design freedom: It is possible to create complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to manufacture with traditional manufacturing techniques.
Rapid prototyping: Designers and engineers can quickly print out prototypes, accelerating the product development process.
Reduced material waste: 3D printing uses only the required materials, reducing material waste.
Reduced tooling costs: No expensive molds or tools are required, especially for complex parts.
Versatility: The ability to print in a variety of materials and colors increases design flexibility.
Our 3D printing capabilities
At brightstar, Brightstar provides professional rapid prototyping 3D printing services, including metal powder sintering (SLM), SLA 3D printing and SLS 3D printing technology. SLM is suitable for the manufacture of metal parts, SLA is suitable for small parts with high precision and complex geometry, and SLS is suitable for parts with high durability and functionality requirements.
Selective Laser Sintering
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) technology is a 3D printing technology based on a powder bed.
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Stereo Lithography Appearance
SLA (Stereo Lithography Appearance) is the earliest commercialized 3D printing technology.
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SLM，Selective Laser Melting
Metal powder sintering (SLM, Selective Laser Melting) is an advanced metal 3D printing technology that can produce complex shapes and high-precision parts without any hard tools or models.
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Why choose brightstar? Because when you choose 3D printing services, you may need to consider the following key factors:
Quality has always been the guideline for Brightstar Behavior, which is the biggest reason for customers to choose and trust Brightstar and maintain stable cooperation. We strictly follow the ISO 9001 certified quality management system standards and have also obtained the iso 9001 2015 certification. Through rigorous inspection methods such as IPQC, FAI, and FQC, a series of quality inspections and controls, and the use of advanced detection tools, we ensure that the precision and quality of each product meet or even exceed customer requirements.
Quality
Material Selection
Speed
Customization
Reliability
Customer Service
Price
Scale
Innovative Technology
Security
Industry certification
Customer reviews
Technical strength
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3D Prototypes Examples
Process: CNC turning+ milling
Material: stainless steel 316
Tolerances: ⌖0.05mm
Finishes: As machined (Ra0.8μm/1.6μm)
automation-cnc-turning--stainless-steel-joint--rod
Process: CNC turning
Material: stainless steel
Tolerances:◎ 0.05mm;
Finishes: Bead blasted, Clear anodized
automation-machine-aluminum-cnc-machining-cooling-plate
Process: CNC milling
Material: aluminum alloy
Tolerances: //0.2; ⌖0.05mm
Finishes: Bead blasted, Clear anodized
5-Axises-CNC-Machining-Metal-Precise-and-Complex-Prototypes
Process: CNC milling
Material: aluminum alloy
Tolerances: ISO 2768-m
Finishes: As machined 1.6μm
cnc-turning-aluminum-part-motor-front-cover
Process: CNC turning + milling
Material: aluminum 6061
Tolerances: ISO 2768-m
Finishes: Bead blasted, Clear anodized
Custom-Cnc-Mechanical-Aluminum-Plate
Process: CNC milling
Material: Aluminum 5083
Tolerances: ISO 2768-F
Finishes: Polishing
custom-non-standard-stainless-steel-cnc-parts-precision-shaft
Process: CNC turning + milling
Material: stainless steel 304
Tolerances: H6(0.016mm); h6(0.025mm); G5(0.018mm); ⌖(∅0.2mm)
Finishes: As machined Ra0.8μm
high-persion-aluminum-cnc-machining-medical-parts
Process: CNC milling
Material: aluminum 7075
Tolerances: ISO 2768-F, ▱ 0.1mm
Finishes: Polishing
Materials used for 3D printing
SLM 3D printing materials
The materials used in SLM technology are mainly metal powders, including stainless steel, mold steel, titanium alloy, aluminum alloy, cobalt-chromium alloy, nickel alloy, copper, etc. The entire printing process is carried out in a closed chamber filled with inert gas (such as argon) to prevent metal powder oxidation. , the laser system usually uses a fiber laser with a wavelength of 1064nm and a laser power range of 200 to 1000 watts
SLA 3D printing materials
Stereolithography prototyping （SLA）3D printing technology is a photosensitive resin material, usually ABS-like white (Accura Xtreme White 200), ABS-like gray (Accura Xtreme gray), ABS-like black (Accura 7820)
ABS-like translucent/transparent (WaterShed XC 11122), MicroFine™ (gray and green), PP-like translucent white (Somos9120)
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SLA 3D printing materials
Usually PA 12 or glass filled PA 12, polystyrene (PS), polycarbonate (PC), nylon and its composites, TPU, PPS, PEEK and PP are used.
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3D Printing Post Processing
SLM post-processing is an important step to improve the surface quality and physical properties of printed parts. Common SLM post-processing methods include:
| name | Can BeApplled with | ||
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Removal of support structures | Use mechanical tools or chemical methods to remove support structures added during the printing process. |
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Surface treatment | Such as grinding, polishing or sandblasting to improve the surface finish of parts. |
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Heat treatment | Including annealing, normalizing, quenching, tempering, carburizing/nitriding treatment, etc., to eliminate internal stress, improve material uniformity and optimize microstructure. |
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Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) | Improve the density and mechanical properties of parts. |
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Machining | Such as milling and grinding to achieve more precise dimensions and complex geometric features. |
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Non-destructive testing | Use technologies such as CT scanning or X-ray inspection to detect internal defects. |
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Surface roughness improvement | Directly reduce the roughness of printed parts by optimizing laser scanning strategies and post-processing technologies such as laser shock peening and abrasive flow. |
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SLA surface treatment | Cleaning,Post-curing,Sanding,Polishing,Coating,Dyeing. |
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SLS Surface Treatment: | Powder Recycling,Sandblasting,Vibration Grinding,Vapor Smoothing,Dyeing,Coating. |
Begin creating 3D printed prototypes? Start a new quote
3D Printing General Tolerances
In 3D printing technology, tolerance refers to the deviation range between the size of the printed object and the designed size. Different 3D printing technologies, materials, and printer accuracy will affect the size of the tolerance.SLM can achieve a high level of dimensional accuracy because it uses metal powder, which has minimal deformation during the cooling and solidification process after melting. Depending on different printing requirements and post-processing technologies, the tolerance of SLM printing can usually be within the following ranges: Linear dimension tolerance: can reach ±0.1mm to ±0.2mm, or better accuracy. Angular dimension tolerance: usually between ±0.1° and ±0.5°. It is worth noting that the shrinkage and deformation that may occur during SLM printing need to be corrected by subsequent heat treatment or machining to meet more stringent tolerance requirements
For SLA technology, tolerances can usually be controlled within a relatively small range.SLS technology generally offers a slightly wider tolerance range, with a dimensional tolerance of about ±0.3% (±0.3 mm)
Surface roughness level comparison and application
International Marking
Rz
Ra
Surface Shape Characteristics
Processing Methods
N12
200
50
Clearly visible tool marks
Sawing, rough turning, rough milling
N9
25
6.3
Visible tool marks
Cold drawing, fine turning
N6
6.3
0.8
Identifiable tool mark direction
Grinding, diamond turning tool finishing
N3
0.8
0.1
Matt gloss finish
Grinding, polishing, fine grinding
If you want to start a new 3D printing project, the usual steps are:
01
Upload 3D model
You need to upload the designed 3D model file to our quote page
02
DFM analysis and quote
After uploading the file, we will give you a quick quote and DFM analysis drawing
03
Place an order for printing
After confirming the quotation, you can place an order and we will start the printing work.
04
Get Your Parts
When the product is completed, we will deliver it to you as soon as possible by international express or according to your requirements.
Designing 3D Printed Parts
There are many aspects to consider when designing 3D printed parts to ensure a smooth printing process and the quality and functionality of the final product. Here are some basic guidelines for designing 3D printed parts:
Understand the printing technology
First, you need to understand the characteristics of the 3D printing technology used, such as SLM, SLA, or SLS. Different technologies have different design requirements, such as the need for support structures, layer thickness, and resolution.
Design simplification
Keep the model design as simple as possible and reduce complex geometries, which helps reduce printing time and material usage, while also reducing the risk of errors during the printing process.
Wall thickness and strength
Ensure that the wall thickness of the part is uniform and avoid too thin walls, which helps improve the strength of the part and the success rate of printing.
Avoid closed spaces
Make sure there are no closed cavities in the part, which may cause the material to not fill or cause bubbles during printing.
Support structure
For overhanging parts, support structures need to be designed. These support structures need to be removed after printing, so consider how to remove them easily.
Part orientation
Consider the orientation of the part on the print bed when designing, which can affect the quality and time of printing. For example, try to minimize the overhang area to reduce the need for support structures.
FAQ about 3D printing
Here are some common questions and answers about 3D printing technology:
What are the advantages of 3D printing compared to machining
3D printing and machining (including CNC machining) are two important technologies in modern manufacturing, each with unique advantages and limitations.
3D printing is suitable for complex design and small batch production, with limited material selection but fast production and low cost. machining has high precision, is suitable for large-scale production, and has a wide range of material selection. When choosing, you need to consider design, batch, material, precision and cost.
What is prototyping?
Prototyping is the process of creating a physical model based on a product design or concept, a prototype is this model actually, can be used to test the feasibility, functionality, durability, and other performance characteristics of the design. It can also be used for display, market research, or as a reference before production. Prototyping can use a variety of materials and techniques, such as 3D printing prototyping, CNC machining, and hand-made production, with the goal of actually testing and adjusting the design before the product is mass-produced.
What types of objects are suitable for SLS printing?
SLS printing is very suitable for printing parts with complex internal structures, such as lattice structures, moving parts, etc.
What materials can be used for SLS printing?
The most commonly used material for SLS printing is nylon, but other engineering plastics such as PP, TPU, etc. can also be used.
Does SLS printing require post-processing?
After SLS printing is completed, excess powder needs to be removed, sandblasting may be required to improve surface quality, and heat treatment may be required to improve mechanical properties.
How strong are SLS printed objects?
Objects printed by SLS have high strength and durability, comparable to injection molded parts.
What types of objects are suitable for SLA printing?
SLA printing is suitable for making fine, complex prototypes, jewelry, artwork, and some functional parts.
Do SLA printed objects require support structures?
Yes, complex geometries during SLA printing often require support structures in order to properly print overhanging parts.
What post-processing steps are required after SLA printing?
After SLA printing is completed, washing is usually required to remove uncured resin, and post-curing may be required to complete the polymerization process, as well as possible grinding, polishing, and painting processes.
What post-processing steps are required after SLA printing?
After SLA printing is completed, washing is usually required to remove uncured resin, and post-curing may be required to complete the polymerization process, as well as possible grinding, polishing, and painting processes.
How much does an SLM machine cost?
The cost of an SLM system ranges from $300,000 to $1,000,000+, depending on size, features, and options
What are the advantages of SLM compared to other manufacturing technologies?
The advantages of SLM include high design freedom, no hard tooling, reduced material waste, suitability for complex and small batch production, reduced development time, and improved performance
What are the typical applications of SLM?
Typical applications of SLM include turbine blades in the aerospace field, orthopedic implants in the medical field, and lightweight components in the automotive field
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