3D Printing Services — SLA, SLS, SLM & MJF
- Plastic and metal 3D printing
- For Prototypes and Low-volume production
- Global Delivery in a Few Days
Manufacturing Experience
SLA Tolerance
SLS / MJF Tolerance
SLM Metal Options
Additive Manufacturing
RpProto, based on Xiamen, China, has more than 600 industrial-grade large-scale 3D printing machines, offering a wide range of high-quality 3D printing services, including SLA, SLS, SLM, MJF, and DLP. Plastic and metal materials are available, making them ideal for rapid prototyping and low-volume manufacturing.
3D printing is widely used across industries such as consumer electronics, aerospace, medical devices, and automotive. It enables the production of one-off parts and small batches with complex geometries that are difficult or impossible to achieve using traditional manufacturing methods.
3D Printing Technologies at RpProto
Select a technology below to see full technical specifications, materials, and typical applications. Not sure which fits your project? Send us your drawings and we’ll recommend.
SLA 3D Printing Service
Stereolithography (SLA) is the highest-precision plastic 3D printing technology available. A UV laser traces each layer of a liquid photopolymer resin, curing it into a solid part with layer thicknesses as fine as 0.05 mm. SLA delivers the smoothest surface finish of any additive process — ideal for appearance models, master patterns for vacuum casting, and parts requiring fine detail reproduction.
SLA parts can be sanded, primed, painted, or polished to optical clarity. Our engineering team uses SLA as the primary process for producing master patterns that feed downstream urethane vacuum casting runs.
SLA Materials
| Standard resin (white/grey) | Brittle, smooth | Appearance models |
| ABS-like resin | Tough, matte | Functional prototypes |
| Clear / transparent resin | Optically clear | Lenses, light guides |
| High-temperature resin | HDT 200°C+ | Engine / heat parts |
| Flexible / rubber-like resin | Shore A 40–80 | Seals, gaskets |
| Castable resin | Clean burnout | Investment casting |
Technical Specifications
| Layer thickness | 0.05 – 0.15 mm |
| Dimensional accuracy | ±0.10 mm |
| Surface roughness Ra | 0.2 – 0.8 µm |
| Max build volume | 500 × 500 × 500 mm |
| Minimum wall thickness | 0.5 mm |
| Tensile strength (ABS-like) | 38 – 65 MPa |
| Standard lead time | 1 – 3 business days |
Best For
⚡ Fastest turnaround of all 3D printing processes. Ideal when you need parts in hand within 48 hours.
SLS 3D Printing Service
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) uses a CO₂ laser to fuse thermoplastic powder — most commonly Nylon PA12 — in a heated chamber. Because unsintered powder supports the part during printing, no support structures are needed. This makes SLS uniquely capable of producing complex geometries, snap-fit assemblies, internal channels, and interlocking parts with no support witness marks.
SLS parts reach tensile strengths approaching injection-molded nylon — making them the right choice for functional testing, drop tests, and load-bearing evaluation. Up to 75% of unused powder can be recycled, reducing material waste.
SLS Materials
| PA12 (Nylon 12) | 48 MPa, tough | Functional parts |
| PA11 (Nylon 11) | Ductile, flex | Wearable / ducts |
| PA-GF (Glass-Filled Nylon) | High stiffness | Structural / jigs |
| TPU (Thermoplastic PU) | Shore A 85–95 | Grips / gaskets |
Technical Specifications
| Layer thickness | 0.10 – 0.15 mm |
| Dimensional accuracy | ±0.20 – 0.30 mm |
| Surface roughness Ra | 6 – 10 µm (as-printed) |
| Max build volume | 340 × 340 × 605 mm |
| Minimum wall thickness | 0.8 mm |
| Tensile strength (PA12) | ~48 MPa |
| Standard lead time | 3 – 5 business days |
Post-Processing Options
Best For
SLM Metal 3D Printing Service
Selective Laser Melting (SLM) fully melts fine metal powder using a high-power fiber laser, producing fully dense metal parts with mechanical properties approaching wrought material. Unlike binder jetting or DMLS which sinter particles, SLM achieves near-100% density, resulting in exceptional tensile strength, fatigue life, and corrosion resistance.
SLM is the correct choice when metal parts must withstand high loads, elevated temperatures, or aggressive chemical environments — and when geometry complexity makes CNC machining impractical. Typical applications include aerospace brackets, medical implant components, heat exchangers, and tooling inserts with conformal cooling channels.
SLM Materials
| Stainless Steel 316L | 540–640 MPa | General / medical |
| Stainless Steel 17-4 PH | 1000+ MPa | High-strength parts |
| Aluminum AlSi10Mg | Lightweight | Aerospace / auto |
| Titanium Ti6Al4V | High strength, bio | Medical / aerospace |
Technical Specifications
| Layer thickness | 0.02 – 0.08 mm |
| Dimensional accuracy | ±0.10 – 0.20 mm |
| Surface roughness Ra | 4 – 12 µm (as-built) |
| Max build volume | 280 × 280 × 365 mm |
| Relative density | >99.5% |
| Tensile strength (316L) | 540 – 640 MPa |
| Standard lead time | 5 – 10 business days |
Post-Processing Options
SLM requires support structures for overhanging features. Our engineers optimize build orientation to minimize supports and post-processing cost at the quoting stage.
MJF 3D Printing Service
Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) is an HP-developed powder bed fusion technology that thermally fuses nylon powder using a printhead that simultaneously deposits fusing and detailing agents across an entire build layer. Because the entire layer is processed in a single pass rather than traced by a laser, MJF is up to 10× faster than SLS for equivalent part volumes.
MJF delivers more isotropic mechanical properties than SLS — meaning strength is more uniform across X, Y, and Z axes. The resulting parts have a dark grey appearance and a finer surface texture than SLS, making them well-suited for functional prototypes, end-use components, and bridge production runs up to several hundred pieces.
MJF Materials
| PA12 (Nylon 12) | Balanced props | General-purpose |
| PA11 (Nylon 11) | High ductility | Flexible / wearable |
| PP (Polypropylene) | Chemical resist. | Fluid-contact parts |
| TPU | Elastomeric | Flexible parts |
Technical Specifications
| Layer thickness | 0.08 mm |
| Dimensional accuracy | ±0.20 – 0.30 mm |
| Surface roughness Ra | 5 – 8 µm (as-printed) |
| Max build volume | 380 × 284 × 380 mm |
| Minimum wall thickness | 0.6 mm |
| Tensile strength (PA12) | ~48 MPa |
| Standard lead time | 3 – 5 business days |
Best For
MJF offers the best price-per-part ratio for functional nylon parts in quantities of 10–300 pieces — often 30–50% cheaper than equivalent SLS at mid-volume runs.
SLA vs SLS vs SLM vs MJF: Full Comparison
Choosing the wrong print technology costs time and money. Use this table to match your requirements — resolution, material, cost, and lead time — to the right process before you quote.
| Parameter | SLA | SLS | SLM (Metal) | MJF |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material type | Photopolymer resin | Nylon powder (PA12, PA11, TPU) | Metal powder (SS, Al, Ti) | Nylon powder (PA12, PA11, PP, TPU) |
| Dimensional accuracy | ±0.10 mm Best | ±0.20–0.30 mm | ±0.10–0.20 mm | ±0.20–0.30 mm |
| Surface roughness Ra | 0.2–0.8 µm Best | 6–10 µm | 4–12 µm | 5–8 µm |
| Layer thickness | 0.05–0.15 mm | 0.10–0.15 mm | 0.02–0.08 mm | 0.08 mm |
| Tensile strength | 38–65 MPa | ~48 MPa | 540–640 MPa Best | ~48 MPa |
| Support structures | Required (removed) | None — powder supported | Required (metal) | None — powder supported |
| Lead time (standard) | 1–3 days | 3–5 days | 5–10 days | 3–5 days |
| Cost (1–5 pcs) | Low ($20–$150/pc) | Medium ($40–$200/pc) | High ($100–$800/pc) | Medium ($40–$200/pc) |
| Optimal quantity range | 1–10 pcs | 1–30 pcs | 1–20 pcs | 1–300 pcs |
| Ideal applications | Appearance models, casting masters | Functional prototypes, testing | High-strength metal parts | Production-grade functional parts |
3D Printing Materials at RpProto
We stock a broad material library across all four 3D printing processes. If you need a specific material not listed below, contact our team — we work with custom material requirements regularly.
Plastic Materials
| Material | Process | Key Properties |
|---|---|---|
| PA12 (Nylon 12) | SLS / MJF | 48 MPa, tough, low moisture |
| PA11 (Nylon 11) | SLS / MJF | Ductile, bio-based |
| PA-GF Glass-Filled | SLS | High stiffness, HDT 180°C |
| PP (Polypropylene) | MJF | Chemical resistant, living hinges |
| TPU | SLS / MJF | Shore A 85–95, flexible |
| Standard Resin (SLA) | SLA | Smooth, brittle, appearance |
| ABS-like Resin | SLA | Tough, matte, functional |
| Clear / Transparent Resin | SLA | Optically clear, polishable |
| High-Temp Resin | SLA | HDT up to 200°C+ |
| Flexible Resin | SLA | Shore A 40–80, rubber-like |
Metal Materials (SLM)
| Material | Tensile Strength | Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel 316L | 540–640 MPa | Medical, marine, general |
| Stainless Steel 17-4 PH | 1000–1200 MPa | High-strength components |
| Aluminum AlSi10Mg | 300–400 MPa | Lightweight aerospace / auto |
| Titanium Ti6Al4V | 900–1100 MPa | Medical implants, aerospace |
| Maraging Steel 1.2709 | 1900+ MPa | Tooling, die inserts |
| Cobalt Chrome CoCrMo | 1200+ MPa | Dental, medical, wear parts |
How to Order 3D Printing from RpProto
Four steps from drawing to delivered parts. No sales calls required — our engineers do the technical qualification for you.
Upload Your Drawing
Send us your STEP, STL, or IGES file along with quantity and any special requirements via our quote form.
Engineering Review
A Senior Engineer reviews your file, confirms process and material recommendations, and sends a detailed quote within 24 hours.
Production Begins
Once approved, we begin printing. We proactively notify you of any production milestones or issues before they affect your schedule.
Quality Check & Delivery
Parts are dimensionally inspected before shipment. We provide a quality report with every order. Global express delivery in 1–3 days.
Advantages of Industrial 3D Printing
Complex Structures
Produce complex internal channels, lattice structures, undercuts, and organic geometries that are impossible or prohibitively expensive with CNC machining or injection molding.
No Tooling
Eliminate the weeks and thousands of dollars spent on molds and fixtures — iterate freely across every revision.
Cost-Effective for Low Volumes
Traditional injection moulding becomes cost-competitive only above tens of thousands of units. 3D printing delivers the lowest cost-per-part for quantities from 1 to ~10,000 — ideal for bridge manufacturing and pilot production.
True Mass Customisation
Every part can differ without changing setup or cost. Patient-specific medical implants, personalised consumer products, and batch-of-one engineering components are all economically viable with additive manufacturing.
Minimal Material Waste
As an additive process, material is deposited only where the part requires it. SLS and MJF processes recycle unused powder, while metal DMLS uses only what the geometry demands — dramatically reducing scrap vs. subtractive machining.
Rapid 3D Printing Applications
Our services support a wide range of industries and part types — from first-concept prototypes to certified flight hardware. Select an industry below to explore real-world applications.
Custom End-Effectors
Gripper jaws, suction cup arrays, and compliant mechanisms tailored to exact product geometries — rebuilt cheaply when product lines change.
Structural Link Arms
SLS nylon or carbon fibre composite arms with integrated cable management channels — lighter than aluminium extrusions, faster to deploy.
Sensor & Camera Mounts
Precision brackets for vision systems, LiDAR, and force-torque sensors with built-in wire routing and snap-fit assembly features.
Collaborative Robot Covers
Impact-absorbing TPU skin panels and cosmetic covers for cobots — designed for rapid replacement in high-cycle environments.
Patient-Specific Implants
Custom bone scaffolds, skull plates, and spinal cages designed from CT scan data and printed in biocompatible Ti-6Al-4V.
Surgical Planning Models
Anatomical replicas in SLA resin for pre-surgical rehearsal, reducing OR time and improving patient outcomes.
Dental Prosthetics & Guides
Castable resin patterns for crowns, bridges, and clear aligners — with 25 µm resolution for perfect occlusion.
Prosthetics & Orthotics
Custom-fitted limb prosthetics and orthotics in flexible TPU or rigid nylon, personalised to each patient's anatomy.
Functional Prototypes
Wind tunnel models, powertrain mounts, and HVAC ducts tested in FDM engineering-grade materials within 72 hours of design sign-off.
Lightweight End-Use Parts
Carbon fibre-reinforced brackets and clips replacing cast or stamped components — saving weight without sacrificing structural performance.
On-Demand Spare Parts
Heritage vehicle components and limited-edition replacement parts printed to original specification — no minimum order required.
Assembly Jigs & Fixtures
Custom ergonomic tooling for production lines that previously required months of lead time and five-figure tooling budgets.
Jewellery & Wearables
Castable resin masters for precious metal casting, and direct-print nylon or TPU wearable accessories with complex organic surfaces.
Electronics Enclosures
Consumer device housings, smart home product shells, and custom PCB enclosures in SLA or MJF with snap-fit lids and EMI shielding inserts.
Footwear & Ergonomics
Custom insoles, performance shoe midsoles, and ergonomic grip components tailored to individual biomechanical profiles.
Market-Test Runs
Bridge-manufacture 50–500 units for retail testing without injection mould investment — validate demand before scaling to production.
Assembly Jigs & Fixtures
Ergonomic assembly guides, torque fixtures, and go/no-go gauges produced at a fraction of traditional machining costs — reprinted instantly when tolerances change.
Replacement Spare Parts
Legacy machine components, obsolete OEM parts, and low-volume spares manufactured on-demand from original drawings or reverse-engineered geometry.
End-of-Arm Tooling
Custom EOAT for robotic assembly and pick-and-place cells — integrated vacuum channels, mounting interfaces, and part-specific geometry in a single print.
Soft Jaws & Collets
CNC soft jaws and custom collets for short runs — printed in engineering nylon or high-temp resin. Avoid weeks of leadtime on conventional tooling.
Why Choose RpProto for 3D Printing?
Full Suite of Industrial Technologies
FDM, SLA, SLS, MJF, DMLS, and PolyJet — all under one roof. Our engineers match your geometry, material, and budget to the optimal process.
Prototype to Production
From single concept prototypes to low-volume production runs of 10,000+ parts, RpProto scales with your programme.
Fast Turnaround
Streamlined in-house workflows mean we can manufacture and dispatch custom 3D-printed parts as fast as 48 hours.
Dedicated Engineering Support
Every order is reviewed by a mechanical engineer — not an algorithm. We flag printability issues, suggest geometry optimisations.
Combine 3D Printing with Other Services
Urethane Vacuum Casting →
Use SLA-printed masters to produce 15–100 injection-mold-quality parts in polyurethane resins. Lower cost per part than 3D printing at mid-volumes.
CNC Machining →
For features requiring tighter tolerances than 3D printing can achieve, we offer CNC post-machining as a secondary operation on 3D printed parts, or standalone CNC for metal and plastic.
Plastic Injection Molding →
When your validated prototype is ready for production scale, we transition your project to injection molding — with the same engineering team throughout.