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3D Printing Process & Material Design Guide

With this guide, you can quickly find the right additive process and material for your next big idea by comparing each of our 3D printing processes based on the intended application of your part.

vapor smoothed 3D printed parts, each in a different color.

3D printing, otherwise known as additive manufacturing, has become a cornerstone manufacturing process for industries worldwide that use it to create plastic and metal parts with geometries that are impossible to achieve through more traditional manufacturing methods like CNC machining or injection molding.


At Xometry, we offer nine different 3D printing processes  - giving you an incredible amount of choice when it comes time to build your next big idea. But with so many options, how can you quickly decide which additive process is right for your project?


With this 3D Printing Process & Material Design Guide, you can quickly compare each of our 3D printing processes based on the intended application of your part. Whether you need a sleek aesthetic prototype or a functional part with specific material characteristics, this guide will help you quickly decide. Once you discover the right fit, click on our recommended process to learn more about how Xometry can help you build it.

About Xometry

Xometry offers instant pricing for manufacturing, including precision CNC machining, 3D printing, sheet metal fabrication, injection molding, and urethane casting services. Xometry also provides live engineering support from our team of experts. Upload a 3D CAD file to get an instant quote.

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Team Xometry
This article was written by various Xometry contributors. Xometry is a leading resource on manufacturing with CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, 3D printing, injection molding, urethane casting, and more.