3D Printing Design Parameters and Tolerances

The engineering limits below are what our factory can reliably hold: layer heights, minimum wall thickness, minimum feature size, tolerance, support requirements and maximum build size per process. Design within these numbers and the part prints without a redesign cycle.

Design rules that apply to every process

Keep walls above 1.2 mm and never below 0.8 mm for a reliable, printable part.
Keep embossed or engraved detail at 0.3 mm or larger where the process allows it.
Leave clearance between moving parts and tell us if the assembly must move after printing.
Parts larger than the build envelope are split and assembled or welded; the quote states which.

SLA - Stereolithography

SLA - Stereolithography
Layer Height	0.05 mm (fine) / 0.1 mm (standard) — Finer layers give smoother surfaces and sharper details.
Minimum Wall Thickness	0.8 mm — We recommend at least 1.2 mm for reliable parts.
Minimum Feature Size	0.3 mm — Embossed or engraved details down to 0.3 mm.
Tolerance	+/-0.1 mm — Or +/-0.3% for dimensions over 100 mm.
Support Structure	Required — Supports are removed and the surface ground/sanded.
Max Build Size	600 x 600 x 400 mm — Larger parts can be split and assembled.
Lead Time	From 24 h — Batch lead time depends on quantity and finish.

SLS - Selective Laser Sintering

SLS - Selective Laser Sintering
Layer Height	0.1 - 0.12 mm — Consistent, isotropic mechanical properties.
Minimum Wall Thickness	1.0 mm — For moving parts or living hinges use at least 1.2 mm.
Minimum Feature Size	0.7 mm — Small features may fill in due to powder sintering.
Tolerance	+/-0.3% — With a minimum of +/-0.2 mm.
Support Structure	Not required — Powder bed self-supports overhangs and internal channels.
Max Build Size	380 x 380 x 580 mm — Larger parts can be split and assembled.
Lead Time	From 48 h — Batch lead time depends on quantity and finish.

MJF - Multi Jet Fusion

MJF - Multi Jet Fusion
Layer Height	0.08 mm — Fast build speed with good surface quality.
Minimum Wall Thickness	1.0 mm — Recommended 1.2 mm for functional parts.
Minimum Feature Size	0.5 mm — Fine textures and engraved details supported.
Tolerance	+/-0.3 mm — For most standard geometry.
Support Structure	Not required — Powder bed self-supports the part.
Max Build Size	380 x 284 x 380 mm — Larger parts can be split and assembled.
Lead Time	From 48 h — Batch lead time depends on quantity and finish.

FDM - Fused Deposition Modeling

FDM - Fused Deposition Modeling
Layer Height	0.16 / 0.2 / 0.3 mm — Thicker layers print faster; thinner layers are smoother.
Minimum Wall Thickness	1.2 mm — At least two wall perimeters are recommended.
Minimum Feature Size	1.0 mm — Text and details smaller than 1 mm may blur.
Tolerance	+/-0.2% — With a minimum of +/-0.3 mm.
Support Structure	Required for overhangs > 45 deg — Supports are removed and surfaces sanded.
Max Build Size	400 x 400 x 450 mm — Larger parts can be split and assembled.
Lead Time	From 24 h — Batch lead time depends on quantity and finish.

Metal SLM / DMLS

Metal SLM / DMLS
Layer Height	0.02 - 0.05 mm — Fully dense metal parts, typically 99.9% dense.
Minimum Wall Thickness	0.5 mm — Recommended 1.0 mm for structural parts.
Minimum Feature Size	0.4 mm — Small holes may require post-drilling.
Tolerance	+/-0.1 mm — Or +/-0.2% for dimensions over 100 mm.
Support Structure	Required — Supports are removed by CNC or EDM.
Max Build Size	250 x 250 x 325 mm — Larger parts can be split and welded.
Lead Time	From 5 days — Includes support removal and post-processing.

How to order custom 3D printing

Samples start from 1 piece so the print can be approved before a bulk run.
Bulk pricing tiers start at 10 pieces and step down again at higher quantities.
A proof is sent for approval before the batch is produced.
Upload STL, STEP, STP, OBJ, 3MF, GLB or GLTF. Up to 20 files per request, 100 MB per file.
Keep walls above 1.2 mm and never below 0.8 mm for a reliable, printable part.
Your files stay confidential and are used only to quote and print your order.
Printed in our own factory, so no tooling is required and MOQ stays low.
Shipped worldwide by express courier, air or sea freight with tracking.

Printing processes · Material library · Upload a file for a quote