Match your quantity, geometry, material performance, appearance, and production stage to 3D Printing, CNC Machining, Vacuum Casting, or Injection Molding before committing time or tooling budget.
MJF nylon part
Vacuum cast set
CNC enclosure
Injection molded partQuantity requirements process match
One workflow for prototype, trial batch, and production ramp-up.
Start with the quantity range from the selection guide, then refine by what matters most: appearance, precision, complex geometry, or cost control.
Four routes, organized by the demand pattern users actually bring to a low-volume plastic project.
Best first route when you need rapid concept validation, complex geometry, or frequent design iterations without tooling.
Best balance of appearance, replication efficiency, and cost for trial production and exhibition samples.
Best when dimensional accuracy, real engineering plastics, or end-use performance matter more than replication economics.
Preferred when the design is stable and the tooling strategy can match the production volume.
Use this section as an early routing guide. 3D Printing is flexible at tiny quantities, CNC is driven by programming and machine time, Vacuum Casting spreads master-pattern cost across a silicone-mold batch, and Injection Molding depends on whether aluminum or steel tooling fits the volume target.
Cost structure shifts from low-setup prototype routes to higher-setup tooling routes with lower unit cost at volume.
Values below are for early route selection only. Tolerance, surface finish, size range, minimum wall thickness, and lead time all depend on material, geometry, finish, and engineering review.
| Specification | 3D Printing | CNC Machining | Vacuum Casting | Injection Molding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tolerance | SLA/DLP: ±0.2%/mm, lower limit ±0.1 mmPolyJet: ±0.2%/mm, lower limit ±0.2 mmSLS/MJF: ±0.3%/mm, lower limit ±0.2 mm | ISO 2768-m default; custom tight tolerances down to ±0.0002" / ±0.005 mm | ±0.2%/mm, lower limit ±0.2 mm | ISO 20457 default |
| Surface Roughness | FDM: Ra 12.7 μmSLS/MJF: Ra 6.3 μmSLA: Ra 3.2 μmDLP/PolyJet: Ra 1.6 μm | As-machined: Ra 0.4-3.2 μmPolished: Ra 0.8 μmMirror polish: Ra 0.2-0.4 μm | As-cast: Ra 1.6-6.3 μm | Depends on aluminum or steel mold finish |
| Maximum Size | SLA: 2100 × 700 × 800 mmFDM: 914 × 610 × 914 mmSLS: 350 × 305 × 400 mm | Up to 4000 × 1500 × 600 mm | Up to 1500 × 1000 mm | Up to 1436 × 960 × 223 mm |
| Minimum Wall | 0.5-1.0 mm | 0.5 mm | 0.75 mm; 1.5 mm recommended | 0.3 mm |
| Standard Lead Time | 2-7 days | 7-15 days | 7-10 days | 20-30+ days; varies by aluminum or steel tooling |
3D/2D design files, quantity, material preference, and intended use.
3D printing supports automated DFM and instant quoting. Other processes are currently reviewed manually within 24 hours.
Production starts through the confirmed route and material system.
Inspection, packing, and shipment with clear delivery expectation.
3D Printing, Vacuum Casting, CNC Machining, or Injection Molding - confirmed to your quantity, geometry, appearance, and cost requirements. Process match includes DFM feedback before production starts.
Produced by the confirmed process, with material system and finish aligned before production starts. Suitable for prototyping, trial batches, or volume production.
Dimensional inspection report when required. Material certificate on request. DFM feedback and engineering notes before production. Labeled batch packing for delivery.
Path: SLS (PA12 Nylon) + vibrant pink custom dyeing
Path: SLS / MJF (PA12 Nylon) + matte black dyeing
Path: SLS (PA12 Black) + vapor smoothing
To ensure the most accurate process recommendation and quote, provide 3D/2D design files, order quantity, material preference or intended use, and whether the parts are for functional testing, exhibition, or end-use production.
Unionfab is China's Largest 3D Printing Manufacturing Company for Rapid Prototyping and On-Demand Production Parts.
