3D print service: Innovative 3D printing technology

3D printing is an Additive Manufacturing process in which components are built up layer by layer with the build material. The basis for the first layer of material is the printing plate of the 3D printer, with various processing technologies available. The appropriate technology depends on the mechanical properties, the various advantages of the materials and the aesthetic and dimensional requirements.
By producing the component without the need for moulds or tools, Additive Manufacturing can keep pace with almost any manufacturing process in terms of cost. 3D print service at Ensinger is particularly economical for prototypes and small series. As components become more complex and free-form surfaces are created, 3D printing is expected to become even more cost effective.

Take advantage of the benefits of our 3D print service

Additive Manufacturing makes it possible to create highly complex geometries that cannot be produced with any other processing technology. This opens up applications for high performance plastics that were previously unthinkable:

Free form, honeycomb and grid structures:

With similar strength and stiffness of the components, the unique structure achieves high weight, material and cost savings.

Functional integration:

Parts can now be produced in one operation and from one piece where previously they were produced in several sections.

Production from a batch size of 1:

Additive manufacturing is particularly economical for the production of customer and patient-specific components in small batches (1 - 300) or for prototyping.

High level of design freedom:

Additive manufacturing can also be used to produce complex components. In particular, components with free-form or curved surfaces can be easily produced with consistent high quality. The efficiency and cost-effectiveness of 3D printed components increases significantly as component complexity increases.

3D Print Service For top-Quality parts 

Our qualified production facilities for medical and aerospace parts enable custom geometries and low-volume production to the highest standards of safety and quality. From material selection to the finished 3D printed part, we offer comprehensive and personalised advice based on over 50 years of experience in high performance plastics. 
We guide your project from material selection to the finished product. Our services cover all steps of the additive manufacturing process, from concept and design using advanced CAD software to complete post-processing and finishing of the parts. Product safety, quality and efficient project management are our top priorities.

3D Print Service Promise: Isotropic strength

The layered structure of the part in additive manufacturing usually results in different mechanical properties in the different directions of the applied stress (XY; XZ; ZX), depending on the manufacturing machine and material. This is particularly noticeable when components are loaded transversely to the boundary layers, where lower strength is expected due to the layered structure.
Thanks to our many years of materials know-how and the combination of manufacturing expertise and state-of-the-art machinery, we can produce an isotropic distribution of mechanical strength ratios in components for certain materials.

In addition, our materials such as PEEK & PPSU can produce not only isotropic mechanical properties, but also mechanical strengths equivalent to those of injection moulded components!

By combining our high performance plastics with these strength properties in the component, even complex medical and aerospace applications can be realised without any loss of mechanical properties or compromise in the use of the component.

3D Print Service Promise: Top-Quality Surfaces 

High surface quality is often required for visible components in the vehicle interior, as these are components that can come into direct contact with the occupants and are also in their line of sight. The specially viscosity-optimized materials and our high precision machines are particularly suitable for the production of components such as armrests, ventilation grilles and grab handles. By painting the components, the layered appearance of the additive manufactured component can also be avoided.
As smooth and high quality surfaces are not only perceived as visually cleaner, but also play a role in sterilization and medical reprocessing, we also offer surface refinement in post-processing. Various mechanical and chemical post-processing steps can be used to refine and prepare the surfaces of 3D printed sample implants and bone plates, as well as non-medical applications.

The surface finishes we produce ensure that residues do not adhere to the surface after repeated cleaning or sterilization.

3D Print Service Promise: Pressure tightness & porosity: 

The layered structure of additive manufacturing often leads to porosity and air pockets between the layers. This reduces mechanical strength, but more importantly makes it impossible to use for fluid flow or pressurised systems with air or fluids. Using our materials expertise and special processes with existing 3D printing equipment, it is possible to print PEEK parts that are free of porosity and air entrapment. For example, we can process our materials into completely air- and pressure-tight prototypes or final components without creating porosity and air pockets in the component. They can therefore be considered pressure tight.