3D printing for special purpose machines
In special machine building almost every part is a one-off. That is exactly where printing is strongest: no drawing derivation, no fixturing, and changes after commissioning take days.
Single parts in 2 to 4 working days
Typical parts in special machine building
Parts needed exactly once that have to fit exactly.
Workpiece nests
Contoured nests for assembly and inspection.
Gripper jaws
Jaws that match the workpiece contour exactly.
Feeders
Chutes, diverters and separators.
Sensor mounts
Adjustable mounts for light barriers and cameras.
Suitable materials
PA12-CF for stiff nests, PA12 for guides, TPU for gentle contact faces.
- PA12-CFCarbon-filled nylon 12 - the metal replacement workhorse.
- PA12Tough, low-friction nylon for functional mechanical parts.
- PETG-CFCarbon-filled PETG - affordable structural composite.
- TPUFlexible thermoplastic polyurethane - Shore 95A.
- PCPolycarbonate - high impact, high heat, transparent option.
Details for custom parts
- 01Workpiece data or the contour to be held.
- 02Interface dimensions on the machine.
- 03Cycle rate and wear in operation.
- 04Delivery date for commissioning.
Why special machines and 3D printing fit well
Traditionally, the cost of a one-off part is driven mainly by preparation: deriving a drawing, sourcing stock, fixturing, programming. In printing almost all of that disappears. That is why it is so economical at quantity one.
On top come geometries that are hardly possible to machine: internal vacuum channels, organic nest contours or integrated spring elements.
Where metal is really needed we combine: a printed body with steel inserts at the loaded points.
Manufacturing data at a glance
- Location
- Schleswig, Germany
- Part size
- up to approx. 250 x 250 x 250 mm, larger parts split and joined
- Quantities
- 1 to several thousand, no minimum order quantity
- Tolerances
- approx. ±0.2 mm for PLA, PETG and carbon grades, ±0.3 mm for ABS, ASA and PC
- Layer height
- 0.10 to 0.30 mm
- Materials
- 20 engineering filaments from PLA to PA12-CF and PC FR
- File formats
- STEP, STL, 3MF, OBJ, IGES up to 200 MB
- Lead time
- 2 to 4 working days for samples, 4 to 15 working days for series
Upload Your File for Instant Pricing
Receive fast pricing and manufacturing feedback in minutes. STEP, STL, 3MF and OBJ supported.
Special machine building FAQ
- Do you need a drawing?
- No. A STEP file is enough. You can mark critical dimensions in the model or describe them briefly.
- How fast is a change?
- Upload the new version and we usually print it within a few working days.
- Do printed nests hold up in continuous operation?
- With the right material yes. Heavily loaded areas get reinforcement or replaceable inserts.
- Can you deliver assemblies?
- Simple assemblies with threaded inserts and standard parts we assemble by arrangement.
Read next
Printed Jigs and Fixtures: Where They Pay Off in Production
Tooling is almost always a one-off. That is exactly where printing beats machining.
3D Printing or CNC Machining: How to Decide Per Part
The decision is rarely about the process. It is about geometry, tolerance and quantity.
PA12 Carbon Fiber 3D Printing: When the Material Pays Off
Aluminum-grade stiffness at a fraction of the weight. When PA12-CF justifies the cost, and when it does not.