The most widespread is FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling), which uses thermoplastic filaments that are melted and deposited layer by layer. It is the most common technology in educational, domestic and prototyping environments.

Another widely used technology is SLA (Stereolithography), which uses liquid resins that solidify under UV light. It stands out for its high precision and fine finishes, making it common in jewellery, dental applications and detailed modelling.

There is also SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), which uses powder (normally polymers) fused layer by layer using a laser. It is widely used in industry for functional parts without the need for supports.

In advanced manufacturing, we also find technologies such as Binder Jetting, which uses a liquid binding agent to join powder particles layer by layer, and LAM (Laser Additive Manufacturing), a group of additive manufacturing processes using laser energy, particularly aimed at the production of high-performance metal parts.

Within this industrial field, LFAM (Large Format Additive Manufacturing) also stands out, a large-format technology that enables the manufacture of large parts, normally through the extrusion of polymers or composites, and which is used in sectors such as automotive, aerospace and industrial moulds.

In metal manufacturing, processes such as Metal DMLS (Direct Metal Laser Sintering) are also used, which fuses metal powder using a laser to obtain dense, high-performance parts, as well as Metal FFF, which extrudes metal-filled filaments that subsequently require debinding and sintering processes.

👉 Each technology requires specific equipment and materials, which you can find in our categories of 3D printers, consumables and specialised accessories.

In 3D printing, different materials are used depending on the manufacturing technology and the final application of the part.

In FDM technologies, the most common materials are 3D filaments, such as PLA, PETG or ABS, as well as technical materials such as nylon, polycarbonate or fibre-reinforced composites. These materials are supplied in the form of spools or refills and are melted during the printing process.

In resin technologies such as SLA or DLP, photopolymer resins are used, which solidify under UV light. There are standard resins, but also technical versions such as tough, flexible or castable resins, widely used in jewellery and dentistry.

In industrial processes such as SLS or Binder Jetting, polymeric or metallic powders are used, such as polyamides (PA12, PA11) or metal powders that are subsequently sintered or infiltrated to obtain functional parts.

In the field of advanced manufacturing, pellets (granules) are also used, especially in large-format systems or direct extrusion, helping to reduce costs in large-scale production.

3D printing offers several advantages over traditional manufacturing methods, especially in terms of flexibility, customisation and development times.

One of the main advantages is design freedom, as it allows the creation of complex geometries that would be difficult or impossible to manufacture using conventional processes such as machining or injection moulding.

It also stands out for the reduction in development times, since prototypes and functional parts can be produced directly from a digital file, without the need for moulds or specific tooling.

Another important advantage is on-demand manufacturing, which reduces stock storage and makes it possible to produce only what is needed, optimising costs and resources.

In addition, 3D printing enables product customisation, adapting each part to specific requirements without significantly increasing production costs.

Finally, in certain cases it can also lead to material optimisation, as only the material required to manufacture the part is used, reducing waste compared to subtractive processes.

👉 These advantages explain its growing adoption in sectors such as industry, medicine, education and design.

3D printing enables the manufacture of a wide range of products, from functional parts to design elements or technical components, depending on the material and technology used.

Among the most common are product prototypes, widely used in engineering and design to validate shapes, fits and functionality before final production.

It is also used to manufacture technical and functional parts, such as gears, brackets, housings or mechanical components, especially in industrial or maintenance environments.

In the educational field, the creation of didactic models, mock-ups and STEM learning parts is common, helping to understand complex concepts more easily.

In sectors such as medicine and dentistry, anatomical models and surgical guides are produced, used for training or procedural planning.

In design, architecture and fashion, models, customised parts and creative objects are generated, enabling exploration of complex forms and advanced customisation.

👉 In short, 3D printing adapts to both technical and creative applications, offering flexible solutions across multiple industries.

The maintenance of a 3D printer depends on the type of technology (FDM, SLA, etc.), but in general it is based on simple periodic tasks that ensure print quality and extend the service life of the equipment.

In the case of FDM printers, the most common tasks include nozzle cleaning, print bed calibration, checking belts and axes, and the occasional replacement of wear parts such as the hotend or PTFE tube. It is also important to keep the machine free from dust and material residues.

In technologies such as SLA, maintenance includes cleaning the resin tank, taking care of the LCD screen or light source, and correctly handling the resin to avoid contamination or unwanted curing.

In addition, in any 3D printing system it is advisable to use high-quality consumables (filaments, resins, etc.), as they have a direct impact on component wear.

👉 You can find spare parts, tools and compatible consumables in our 3D printer categories and accessories to keep your equipment in optimal condition.