Applications
3D Printing – Technology of the Future
Additive manufacturing has been experiencing rapid growth for years. Thanks to the development of versatile new materials and the continuous optimization of manufacturing processes, 3D printing is constantly opening up new application areas across a wide range of industries.Especially in industrial environments, prototyping remains a key application area. At the same time, the production of end-use products, for example for the automotive industry or tool and mechanical engineering, is becoming increasingly important.
Advantages of 3D Printing
Innovation Through Design Freedom
The key advantages of 3D printing become clear when compared with conventional manufacturing processes. While subtractive or forming techniques such as milling, forging, welding, drilling, or soldering reach their limits when producing complex geometries, additive manufacturing can easily create undercuts, cavities, and internal structures. The resulting design freedom drives innovation across a wide range of industries.
Professional 3D Printing for Industry
Companies benefit from accelerated product development. The direct production of functional prototypes from 3D data shortens development cycles and ultimately reduces time-to-market. Desired modifications to the design or finished product can be transferred directly to the 3D model and implemented with minimal effort.
This makes it easy to meet customer-specific requirements. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) also benefit from our additive manufacturing processes by taking advantage of cost and efficiency benefits.
Induction Hardening
Inductors Designed to Individual Specifications
In the production of metal workpieces, hardening processes are used to increase the durability and load-bearing capacity of components. While furnace hardening or flame hardening heats entire components, induction hardening allows specific areas of a workpiece to be selectively hardened. The following applies: the more precisely the inductor matches the geometry of the component, the better the process can be controlled.
The manual production of copper inductors by bending and soldering, however, only enables relatively simple shapes. At the same time, the workpieces to be hardened often feature more complex geometries. Using industrial 3D printing, PROTIQ manufactures precisely fitting inductors for individual component geometries – quickly and cost-effectively.3D Printing in the Automotive Industry
From Classic Cars to Future Vehicles
The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, with electric mobility, autonomous driving, and sustainability creating new challenges, while modern manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing are opening up entirely new possibilities. From the development of innovative electric vehicles to the production of customized components and spare parts for rare classic cars, 3D printing is establishing itself as a key factor in the mobility of the future.
Toolmaking
3D Printing of Injection Moulds After Topology Optimisation
We use 3D printing following topology optimisation for structurally efficient lightweight design. The advantages include reduced lead times and costs, while lowering weight by up to 75%. Integrated conformal cooling can reduce cycle times and therefore lower production costs.
3D-Printed Injection Mould Inserts Made of Aluminium, Copper and Steel
Take advantage of 3D printing for your injection-moulded series components. Conformal cooling significantly reduces cycle times in injection moulding while improving product quality. Steel inserts achieve a very long service life with hardness values of up to 52 HRC.Learn more about toolmaking >
3D-Printed Dental Aligners
Faster and More Cost-Effective Supply
Custom (Small-Scale) Series Production
Multi-Material Components with Rubber-Like and Rigid Areas
We combine different materials to produce multi-material components. This allows us to professionally implement complex requirements. You can define the hardness of your prototype – from rubber-like flexible to rigid. In this way, multi-component parts can exhibit different properties while still being produced in a single printing process. The production of transparent components is also possible.
Metallic Components of All Kinds
3D printing with metal can be used to manufacture objects for demanding applications. From spring elements and solid components to copper contacts with high electrical conductivity, a wide range of applications is possible. If you are unsure whether 3D printing is suitable for your component, contact us. The PROTIQ Marketplace team will be happy to provide you with personal advice.3D Printing in Orthopaedic Footwear Technology
Last Production in Footwear Technology
The custom production of orthopaedic footwear often takes several weeks, primarily due to the individual manufacture of shoe lasts. Additive manufacturing can significantly accelerate this process. Particularly in orthopaedics, 3D printing offers improved fit and precision. PROTIQ relies on Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) to produce robust plastic components.
3D Printing in Medicine
Advanced Medical Technology
Additive manufacturing has evolved from a prototyping technology into an established part of medical technology. Thanks to continuous advancements, it now meets the highest quality standards. The growing variety of materials enables new applications every day: hearing aids, surgical instruments, custom prosthetics, and surgical tools can be produced quickly and precisely from 3D data and have already become an integral part of modern medical practice.
3D-Printed Busbars
Custom Busbars for Every Application
Additive manufacturing of busbars offers numerous advantages, including increased design freedom, improved performance, and greater flexibility. Thanks to this technology, components can be produced within just a few days without the need for complex tooling such as punching and bending machines. The busbars are manufactured directly in their final shape using 3D printing, making it possible to quickly produce, test, and implement prototypes as well as one-off custom parts.
Prototyping
Functional Prototypes, Samples and Series Parts Made from Engineering Plastics
Our experienced teams produce mechanically durable components from engineering plastics that can be painted and dyed in various colours. Typical applications include housing components and fixtures that can even incorporate functional elements such as film hinges and snap hooks.
Generation of Lightweight Structures Through Selective Laser Melting
Industrial components must meet increasingly diverse requirements while becoming smaller and lighter wherever possible. This results in geometrically complex structures featuring honeycomb, diamond-shaped and other support geometries, into which media channels can be integrated as part of functional integration. Thanks to our many years of experience, we understand the technical requirements of such components and manufacture them directly from the CAM system.Learn more about prototyping >
3D-Printed Threaded Connections
The Right Threads for Every Application
Screws are a widely used method for joining components. They are easily accessible and allow parts to be separated without damage. Additive manufacturing makes it possible to create threads directly during the printing process, provided that the key considerations are taken into account.
In addition to conventionally machined threads and directly 3D-printed threads, several alternative solutions are available, which we have compared for you.
Master Models
High-Precision Plastic Prototypes and Master Models for Casting Processes
Using stereolithography or PolyJet/MultiJet Modelling processes, sophisticated and highly detailed prototypes and master models are produced for subsequent casting processes. All objects can be painted in the desired colour. Transparent components for lenses, light guides, and similar applications are also possible.
3D-Printed Plastic Injection Mould Inserts
We manufacture 3D-printed mould inserts for your tooling that can be replicated using injection moulding processes. This allows you to begin production of your products using series materials within a very short time. We will be happy to advise you on the feasibility of your project.Learn more about injection moulding >
3D-Printed Seals
3D-Printed Rubber Seals Made from TPU and Silicone-Like Materials
Using 3D printing, rubber seals can be produced from flexible TPU and silicone-like materials, offering an effective alternative to conventional seals manufactured by injection moulding. The additive manufacturing of rubber seals provides advantages such as rapid production, a high degree of customisation and adaptability, as well as extensive design freedom during the development phase.
3D-Printed Eyewear
Custom and Creative Eyewear Frames Overnight
With 3D printing, eyewear frames can be produced that are not only lightweight and durable but also offer enormous freedom in shape and design. The technology allows eyewear to be individually customised to match the wearer's specific requirements and preferences. The result is eyewear that is functional, comfortable, and visually appealing.
3D Printing for the Hospitality Industry
Custom Solutions for Food and Beverage Applications
Additive manufacturing opens up exciting possibilities for the production of customised kitchen and hospitality equipment. This technology makes it possible to manufacture tailored products such as personalised waffle irons, branding irons with custom logos, or custom cookie cutters with precision and cost efficiency. By using additive manufacturing, specific customer requirements and creative designs can be realised. This not only offers a high degree of design flexibility but also enables rapid adaptation to individual needs. Key advantages include short production times and the ability to create complex geometries that would be difficult to achieve using conventional manufacturing methods.
3D-Printed Lithophanes
Three-Dimensional Images Made from Plastic
A lithophane is a three-dimensional relief representation of an image that becomes visible when illuminated from behind. The varying thickness of the material creates light and dark areas, producing a unique visual effect when light passes through it. This allows images to be displayed creatively as reliefs.
In the past, producing lithophanes was a complex manual process that required a great deal of skill. Today, this process can be significantly simplified through the use of 3D printing.
3D-Printed Trade Fair Models
Custom Exhibits for Trade Shows
3D printing has revolutionised the creation of trade fair exhibits. With this technology, companies can produce highly detailed and high-quality models in a very short time. This makes it possible to present products and prototypes in an impressive way while clearly showcasing complex details. As a result, your trade show presence becomes a real eye-catcher that attracts visitors' attention.
3D Printing for Data Centers
Additive Manufacturing Drives Innovation
3D printing is fundamentally transforming the architecture and construction of data centers. With custom-designed components, it enables more efficient cooling and faster deployment, especially in response to the rapid growth of hyperscale data centers.
Additively Manufactured Heat Exchangers
Maximum Efficiency - Minimum Weight.
Additive manufacturing creates new opportunities in the production of heat exchangers, particularly where conventional manufacturing processes reach geometric or production-related limitations. The layer-by-layer manufacturing approach enables the creation of complex cooling channels, organic structures, and compact designs that optimise heat transfer.
3D Printing for Model Making
Custom Components for Every Project
Model making thrives on attention to detail and precision. Whether architectural models, miniatures for tabletop games, or technical prototypes, the requirements for customised components are high. Conventional manufacturing methods often reach their limits: manual modelling is time-consuming, traditional casting processes require expensive moulds, and not every component can be manufactured easily.
Additively Manufactured Jewelry
Brilliant Ideas - Jewelry in a New Dimension
3D printing has fundamentally transformed the world of jewelry in recent years. Rather than relying solely on traditional methods such as casting, forging, or engraving, additive manufacturing offers a completely new approach. From a digital design, a piece of jewelry is created layer by layer, with virtually unlimited possibilities in form and detail.
Surface Textures for a Realistic Appearance
Creative Possibilities of Surface Texturing in 3D Printing
Surface textures on 3D-printed components are patterns that enhance both aesthetics and functionality. They can range from smooth finishes to complex structures and provide benefits such as improved grip or reduced glare. Modern technologies such as Multi Jet Fusion enable these textures to be integrated directly into the printing process with high precision, reducing the need for post-processing while opening up new design possibilities.
Spare Parts from the 3D Printer
Perfectly Matched Replicas of Original Components
When suitable spare parts are unavailable or expensive, additive manufacturing offers an innovative solution. With 3D printing, components can be produced quickly, cost-effectively, and true to the original design - ideal for older devices, machines, or vehicles. Whether based on a 3D scan or CAD model, digital manufacturing enables customised adaptations and reduces dependence on mass production or warehouse stock.
3D Printing in Aerospace
Lightweight Design Potential Through Additive Manufacturing
3D-Printed Knives
Durable and Long-Lasting Custom Knives
3D printing makes it possible to manufacture knives in a completely new way. Instead of forging the blade from a single piece of metal, knives can now be produced directly from digital 3D models. This opens up a wide range of possibilities in both knife design and functionality.
3D Printing in Architecture
Custom 3D Models in the Shortest Possible Time
In recent years, 3D printing has become an important technology in the architectural industry. In the past, architects had to create models by hand, a process that required significant time and effort. Today, 3D printing enables faster and more precise model production, allowing architects to present their ideas more effectively and make decisions more quickly.
Architectural models can be produced using a variety of materials, including plastics, metals, ceramics, and even glass. The most commonly used materials, however, are plastics such as PA11 and PA12, as they are lightweight, cost-effective, and durable. These properties make them particularly suitable for printing prototypes and concept models in this field.
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