How Additive Manufacturing Works

Rapid ManufacturingAdditive ManufacturingAdditive Manufacturing

From rapid prototyping to high-volume production, additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a disruptive manufacturing technology that requires no tooling, can produce parts in a matter of days, offers design freedom and mass customization capabilities, as well as much more. With the advancement of disruptive 3D printing technologies, we can help your product team make changes during production without incurring delays or tooling modifications. Additionally, additive material and equipment technologies have evolved into a viable solution for at-scale production, achieving manufacturing production improvements that aren’t possible with traditional methods.

Our Additive Manufacturing Capabilities

For any stage and at any scale, we’re the strategic supply chain partner you can count on to deliver precision, quality, and repeatability. Our advanced 3D printing solutions for manufacturing leverage a wide range of technologies and expertise to increase your speed to market and drive efficiency at scale.

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)
FDM allows us to scale part design with speed and precision. With FDM, you’ll be able to optimize your part design with controlled FDM printer specifications to reduce material and labor waste.
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HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)

Multi Jet Fusion
As an HP Digital Manufacturing Network Partner, we can assist you with fast, quality MJF builds ideal for testing and production, including highly customized parts for runs of less than 1000 units.
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Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Selective Laser Sintering
With the ability to control the material melting degree for complex geometries, SLS is a cost-effective way to create powerful, malleable end-use parts that can withstand extreme temperatures.
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Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)

Direct Metal Laser Sintering
Who says your metal can’t be versatile? DMLS can quickly build geometrically-complex prototypes or production-ready parts from a wide variety of advanced metal materials.
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Additive Manufacturing Processes Comparison

ProcessMaterialsIdeal forFinishesMax Part Size/VolumeMin Feature SizeToleranceMin Lead Time
HP Multi Fusion (MJF)PA12, PA12G, PP, TPU, TPA, PA11Functional prototypes, end use parts, customized applications, jigs+fixtures, end of arm toolingVapor smoothing, dyeing, painting, coating, inserts, texturing, machining380mm x 284mm x 380mm0.3mm XY 0.5mm Z+/- 0.2mmAs little as One Day
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)ABS, ESD7, ABS, M30, ASA, Nylon 12CF, Nylon Black, PC, Ultem 1010, Ultem 9085Cost effective prototyping, manufacturing tools, colorized parts, educational models, replacement partsSanding, vapor smoothing, painting, tumbling, hydro dipping, inserts915mm x 610mm x 915mm0.5mm XY 0.5mm Z+/- 0.127mmAs little as Two Days
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)Nylon White, TPU-PA12, Alumide, Nylon CFLow volume production, tooling aids, medical applications, housings and ductingVapor smoothing, dyeing, painting, coatings, sanding/polishing500mm x 500mm x 500mm0.1mm XY 0.1mm Z+/- 0.1mm for first 100mm3 Days
Direct Metal Laser Sinterding (DMLS)AM Aluminum 6061, AM ALSi10Mg, AM Inconel 625, SS 17-4, SS 316L, Cobalt Chrome, Maraging Steel, TitaniumAerospace, structural components, medical, surgical instruments, tooling, high-strenght light weight usesBead blasting, machining, sanding/polishing, anodizing, heat treating250mm x 250mm x 250mm0.1mm XY 0.1mm Z+/-0.1mm for first 25mm10 Days

Multi Jet Fusion (MJD) Design Guide

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is a revolutionary HP additive technology that enables you to quickly print complex and intricate parts.  Download this design guide to learn more about HP MJF manufacturing options.

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Why Customers Choose UPTIVE

  • "Hi Trent, just an FYI. I just got to see the machined lens your company made for us. Wow! I am very impressed! Thank you!"
    Drew, Fortune 500 Electrification Company
  • "Thank you guys so much! I’m not sure what you guys are doing over there or how you do it, but UPTIVE (Previously GoProto) has been a saving grace for us recently when most shops are quoting 5 week+ long lead times. Keep it up!"
    Dakota, Engineering Consulting Firm

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