PRODUCTION PRINTING
End-Use Parts Without the Cost of Tooling
Not every part needs an injection mold. When you need 1 to 100+ finished parts, production 3D printing delivers durable, end-use components with no mold or tooling costs and fast turnaround. It's the smart way to make short runs, custom parts, replacement parts and shop tooling.
1 to 100+ parts per order | No tooling costs | Threaded inserts and finishing
What Is Production 3D Printing?
Production printing uses the same additive manufacturing technology as prototyping, focused on finished parts that go straight into use: on a vehicle, inside a product or on your shop floor.
We dial in the material, print settings and orientation for strength and consistency, then finish each part with support removal, cleanup, curing and threaded inserts as needed. Because there is no mold, you can change the design between batches or customize individual parts with no extra setup cost.
When Production Printing Makes Sense
Low volumes
For runs of 1 to 100+ parts, the cost of an injection mold is hard to justify. Printing has no upfront tooling cost, so you pay only for the parts.
Fast turnaround
No waiting weeks for a mold or a machining setup. Parts can be in your hands in days.
Complex shapes
Internal channels, organic curves, lightweight structures and combined assemblies that are difficult or impossible to machine.
Design changes
Update the design between batches without scrapping expensive tooling.
Custom and one-off parts
Every part in a run can be different, with no added setup cost.
Bridge production
Make parts while waiting on injection-mold tooling, or while a new product is still proving its demand.
On-demand spare parts
Print replacements when you need them instead of stocking inventory.
Common Production Applications
Manufacturing and Shop Floor
Jigs, fixtures, drill guides, soft jaws, check gauges, part nests, robot end-of-arm tooling, tool holders and organizers.
Motorsports and Automotive
Brackets, mounts, ducting, wiring clips, harness guides, switch panels, gauge pods and interior trim pieces.
Products and Equipment
Enclosures, housings, covers, knobs, handles, spacers and cable management.
Replacement Parts
Discontinued or hard-to-find components for machines, vehicles and equipment.
Custom and Small-Batch Products
Limited runs, custom-branded parts and low-volume specialty components.
Materials for End-Use Parts
Carbon-Fiber PPA (Nylon)
High strength, stiffness and heat resistance for demanding mechanical parts.
Carbon-Fiber ASA and ASA
Stiff, UV-stable and weather resistant for outdoor and exterior parts.
ABS and Glass-Filled ABS
Tough, impact resistant and heat tolerant for housings, fixtures and automotive parts.
PETG
Durable and chemical resistant for everyday functional parts.
TPU 95A
Flexible and rubber-like for gaskets, bumpers, grips and protective covers.
Formlabs Tough 2000 and High Temp Resins
Precise, detailed parts that need strength or heat resistance.
PLA
An economical choice for low-stress fixtures, organizers and display parts.
Not sure which material fits your application? Tell us about the load, heat and environment, and we will recommend one.
Finishing and Add-Ons
✓ Heat-set threaded inserts for strong, reusable threads
✓ Support removal and cleanup
✓ SLA washing and UV post-curing
✓ Inspection for consistent, repeatable quality from part to part
3D Printing vs. Traditional Manufacturing
Injection Molding
Best for thousands of identical parts, but requires an expensive mold and weeks of lead time. Production printing is the better choice for 1 to 100+ parts, with no tooling and delivery in days.
CNC Machining
Best for metal parts and very tight tolerances, but costs climb quickly with complexity. With 3D printing, complex shapes cost little more than simple ones, and plastic parts are lighter and less expensive.
Why Produce with Product Path 3D
✓ 20 years of engineering experience
✓ Two technologies, FDM and SLA, so every part gets the right process
✓ Expedite, Standard and Economy turnaround options
✓ Local pickup in Mooresville or shipping anywhere in the U.S.
Ready to Produce Your Parts?
Send us your file with the quantity and material you need, and get a free quote within one business day.
Or call 980-317-4981