Industrial 3D Printing Services
Professional 3D printing for manufacturing tooling, jigs, fixtures, and functional production parts. Reduce setup time and costs compared to traditional machining. Engineering-grade materials for industrial environments. Based in Modesto, CA - we ship anywhere in the United States.
Why Manufacturing Plants Are Switching to 3D Printing
Industrial 3D printing has evolved beyond prototyping - it's now a legitimate manufacturing tool for production tooling, jigs, fixtures, and end-use parts. The technology delivers what traditional manufacturing can't: complex geometries, rapid turnaround, zero tooling costs, and economic production of low volumes.
Manufacturing plants waste thousands on custom machined jigs and fixtures that take weeks to deliver. Setup times are lengthy, changeovers are expensive, and lead times kill agility. 3D printing changes the economics: what costs $2,000 and takes 3 weeks to machine can be 3D printed for $300 in 3 days.
We serve manufacturers who need reliable industrial parts, not hobbyist prints. We use professional equipment and engineering-grade materials that hold up in production environments. Our clients include automotive plants, aerospace manufacturers, medical device companies, and industrial operations across the United States.
Industrial 3D Printing Applications
Jigs & Fixtures
Custom work-holding, assembly fixtures, inspection jigs, drilling guides, welding fixtures, and alignment tools. Reduce setup time from hours to minutes. Custom fit for your specific parts. Typical cost savings: 70-90% vs machined fixtures.
Production Tooling
Soft-jaw inserts for vises, vacuum forming molds, injection molding inserts (low-volume), thermoforming molds, composite layup tools, and casting patterns. Bridge tooling for pilot production before investing in hard tooling.
Custom Manufacturing Aids
Protective caps and covers, storage trays, bin dividers, tool holders, cable management, machine guards, safety shields, and organizational systems. Improve factory floor efficiency and worker safety with custom solutions.
Ergonomic Tools & Handles
Custom tool handles, ergonomic grips, safety equipment, and worker assistance devices. Reduce repetitive strain injuries and improve productivity. Form-fit to specific applications or worker needs.
End-Use Production Parts
Low-volume production parts (10-10,000 units), customized components, spare parts inventory replacement, and on-demand manufacturing. Skip the expensive tooling for low-volume runs. See our Low-Volume Manufacturing service.
Quality Control & Inspection Tools
Go/no-go gauges, measurement fixtures, dimensional inspection tools, calibration fixtures, and quality check stations. Ensure consistent quality with custom inspection tools matched to your specifications.
3D Printing vs Traditional Manufacturing
| Factor | Traditional (CNC/Machining) | 3D Printing |
|---|---|---|
| Lead Time | 2-4 weeks typical | 3-5 days typical |
| Setup Cost | $200-500 per setup | $0 setup cost |
| Minimum Order | 5-10 pieces (economical) | 1 piece (no MOQ) |
| Design Changes | Expensive, restart from scratch | Free, just edit CAD file |
| Complex Geometry | Limited, expensive | No extra cost |
| Custom Fit | Programming time adds cost | Easy customization |
| Material Waste | High (subtractive process) | Minimal (additive process) |
| Best For | High volumes, metal parts | Low volumes, complex parts, rapid delivery |
Cost Example: Assembly Fixture
Traditional CNC: $1,500-2,500 cost + 2-3 weeks lead time + setup costs for changes
3D Printing: $200-400 cost + 3-5 days lead time + free design iterations
Savings: 70-85% cost reduction + 80% faster delivery
Engineering-Grade Materials for Industrial Use
High-Strength Materials
- Nylon (PA12): High strength, wear resistance, impact resistance (gears, fixtures)
- Polycarbonate: Extremely high impact strength, heat resistant to 110°C
- Carbon Fiber Reinforced: Maximum strength-to-weight, structural applications
- ABS: Industrial standard, good all-around properties, automotive use
Specialized Materials
- ASA: UV resistant, weatherproof, outdoor applications
- PETG: Chemical resistant, food-safe options available, easy to work with
- TPU (Flexible): Gaskets, seals, vibration dampening, protective parts
- ESD-Safe Materials: Conductive/dissipative for electronics manufacturing
Material Selection Guidance
Not sure which material fits your application? We help you select based on operating environment (temperature, chemicals, UV exposure), mechanical requirements (strength, flexibility, wear), and cost considerations. Include application details in your quote request.
Industries We Serve
Automotive & Transportation
Assembly fixtures, soft jaws, inspection gauges, protective covers, custom tool holders
Aerospace & Defense
Composite layup tools, drilling guides, assembly jigs, protective tooling, inspection fixtures
Electronics Manufacturing
Test fixtures, soldering jigs, PCB holders, ESD-safe trays, cable management
Medical Device Manufacturing
Assembly fixtures, sterilization trays, surgical tool holders, quality inspection tools
Food & Beverage
Food-safe fixtures, packaging tools, bottle handling, production line aids (FDA materials)
General Manufacturing
Work-holding, machine guards, safety equipment, storage solutions, process optimization
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 3D printed parts strong enough for industrial use?
Yes, when designed properly and printed with appropriate materials. Nylon, Polycarbonate, and Carbon Fiber reinforced materials have mechanical properties comparable to many machined plastics. We orient parts for maximum strength along load-bearing directions. Many of our clients have been using 3D printed jigs and fixtures in production for years.
How much can I save vs machined fixtures?
Typical savings are 70-90% on cost and 80% on lead time. Example: A machined aluminum fixture costing $2,000 and taking 3 weeks can be 3D printed in Nylon for $300-400 in 3-5 days. For fixtures changed frequently (product updates, line changeovers), the economics are even better since design changes are free.
Can you help with design optimization for 3D printing?
Absolutely! Many parts designed for CNC can be optimized for 3D printing: reduce material usage, eliminate assemblies (print in one piece), add complex features for free, optimize for strength. We review your CAD files and suggest improvements. See our CAD Modeling service for custom design.
What if I need metal parts instead of plastic?
For most jigs and fixtures, engineering plastics provide adequate strength at lower cost. For applications requiring metal, we can coordinate metal 3D printing (aluminum, stainless steel) or CNC machining through our partner network. Many clients prototype in plastic first, then order metal if needed.
Do you offer volume discounts for multiple parts?
Yes! For recurring orders, multiple fixtures, or ongoing manufacturing support, we offer volume discounts and preferred customer pricing. Many clients establish monthly purchase orders for consistent pricing and priority scheduling.
Can you scan our existing fixtures and recreate them?
Yes! If you have fixtures that work well but need duplicates or slight modifications, we can 3D scan them and recreate the CAD files. This is perfect for replacing worn tooling or adapting existing fixtures for new products. See our Reverse Engineering service.
What's your typical turnaround time?
Standard turnaround is 5-7 business days from quote approval. Rush service (2-3 days) available for urgent needs. For large or complex fixtures, we provide realistic timelines upfront. Local Modesto customers can often get same-week service.
How do I get started?
Submit a quote request with your CAD files (or sketches/photos of what you need). Include the application, operating environment, and any special requirements. We'll review and provide a fixed quote within 24 hours. For complex projects, we can schedule a consultation call to discuss your needs.
Get Custom Quote
Free quote within 24 hours. Competitive pricing for manufacturing tooling.
Request Custom Quote (256) 322-3403📍 Based in Modesto, CA
🚚 Ship Anywhere in USA