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Applications of 3D Printing
3D printing – also known as additive manufacturing – is used across many industries today: from functional prototypes, tool inserts and copper components to series parts and spare parts. On the PROTIQ Marketplace, more than 40 manufacturers produce parts using more than 12 processes and more than 160 materials. PROTIQ itself manufactures mainly with selective laser sintering (SLS) and selective laser melting (SLM) – including pure copper.
Here you will find more than 25 applications – sorted by development stage, by component and by industry – along with suitable processes and answers to frequently asked questions.
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Upload your part: the data is checked automatically, and you instantly see prices from different manufacturers.
Order parts- 40+ manufacturers on the PROTIQ Marketplace
- 160+ materials, from plastics to metals and more
- more than 12 processes – from 3D printing to CNC and injection molding
- 1 to series from prototype to series production
All applications at a glance
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Development & production
From prototype to series: what is 3D printing used for in product development?
Functional prototypes are made directly from 3D data – without tooling and with little effort for design changes. This shortens development times and time to market. With master models and mold inserts, 3D printing bridges the gap to casting processes, and small batches and series parts can also be produced additively.
Prototyping
Functional prototypes and samples made of engineering plastics – with living hinges and snap fits – as well as lightweight metal structures.
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Master models and mold inserts
Detailed master models made with stereolithography (SLA) or PolyJet for casting processes, plus plastic mold inserts for injection molding.
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Series production
From small batches to series: multi-material parts ranging from rubber-like to rigid, as well as metal parts such as spring elements or copper contacts.
Learn moreComponents & functions
Which parts can be 3D printed?
Additive manufacturing plays to its strengths with parts that have complex internal geometries: copper inductors, busbars and heat exchangers, tool inserts with conformal cooling or seals made of flexible TPU. Spare parts, threads and functional surface textures can also be produced directly from 3D data.
Inductors
Custom-fit copper inductors for induction hardening – including geometries that cannot be made by bending and brazing.
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Tool making
Injection mold inserts made of aluminum, copper and steel with conformal cooling – for shorter cycle times. Steel inserts reach up to 52 HRC.
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Busbars
Copper busbars made directly in their final shape – without stamping and bending tools and within a few days.
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Heat exchangers
Complex cooling channels and compact designs made of copper or aluminum for optimized heat transfer.
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Seals
Rubber seals made of TPU or silicone-like material – a flexible alternative to injection-molded seals.
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Threads
Creating threads directly during printing or cutting them afterwards – and the alternatives for screw connections.
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Spare parts
Precisely fitting spare parts for older devices, machines or vehicles – based on 3D data and independent of inventory.
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Knives
Stainless steel knives made using selective laser melting (SLM) – with custom designs and integrated structures.
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Lithophanes
Images as plastic reliefs that only become visible when backlit – for example on a business card.
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Surface textures
Textures for better grip or less glare – integrated directly during printing, for example with Multi Jet Fusion.
Learn moreIndustries
Which industries use 3D printing?
In industry, 3D printing has long been about more than prototyping: aerospace, medical and dental technology and data centers use additive manufacturing for lightweight design, cooling and custom components. Add to that areas such as classic car restoration, architecture, jewelry and food service, where one-offs and personalization matter.
Dental splints
PROTIQ manufactures dental splints from the bio-based plastic PA11 using selective laser sintering (SLS).
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Architecture
Detailed architectural models in a short time – usually made of PA11 or PA12 using SLS.
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Food service
Personalized waffle irons, branding irons with your own logo or custom cookie cutters – in metal or plastic.
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Trade fair exhibits
Detailed exhibits and demonstration models that make products and complex details visible at your booth.
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Model making
Highly detailed parts for miniatures, models and technical prototypes – without expensive casting molds.
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Data centers
Heat sinks, busbars and connectors made of copper for more efficient cooling and fast availability.
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Orthopedic footwear
Shoe lasts made with SLS shorten custom shoe production. With the free last configurator, you can model lasts directly online.
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Aerospace
Complex lightweight parts with optimized material use – made from materials such as aluminum, Inconel or high-performance plastics.
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Medical technology
Aids, instruments and surgical tools are produced quickly and with a precise fit based on 3D data.
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Classic cars
Rare or discontinued spare parts are faithfully reproduced from 3D data – in plastic or metal.
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Jewelry
One-of-a-kind pieces such as cufflinks or belt buckles made of stainless steel using selective laser melting (SLM).
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Eyewear
Lightweight, sturdy eyeglass frames in many shapes – tailored to the wearer and the design.
Learn moreWhat are the benefits of 3D printing compared to conventional manufacturing?
Additive processes build parts layer by layer directly from 3D data. This makes undercuts, cavities and internal channels possible that reach their limits with milling, drilling or bending – and no tooling is required. That makes 3D printing particularly cost-effective for prototypes, one-offs and small batches.
Design freedom
Complex geometries, internal structures and conformal cooling channels can be realized in a single part.
Fast, without tooling
Prototypes are made directly from 3D data. Design changes are simply made in the 3D model – this shortens time to market.
Lightweight design & function integration
Topology-optimized parts save weight – up to 75% for injection molds – and combine several functions in one part.
Cost-effective in small quantities
One-offs, small batches and spare parts are produced on demand – without the minimum quantities that tooling requires and without inventory.
Processes & materials
Which 3D printing process is right for which application?
Plastic parts for prototypes and functional parts are usually made with selective laser sintering (SLS), while metal parts made of copper, aluminum or stainless steel are produced with selective laser melting (SLM). Stereolithography (SLA) and PolyJet are suitable for fine details and transparent parts. The overview shows typical combinations.
| Application | Typical process | Materials (examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Functional prototypes, housings, fixtures | Selective laser sintering (SLS) | Engineering plastics such as PA12 and PA11 |
| Dental splints, shoe lasts, architectural models | Selective laser sintering (SLS) | PA11, PA12 and other plastics |
| Seals and flexible parts | Including selective laser sintering (SLS) | TPU, silicone-like materials |
| Inductors, busbars, heat sinks, heat exchangers | Selective laser melting (SLM) | Copper, also aluminum for heat exchangers |
| Injection mold inserts | Metal 3D printing | Steel, aluminum, copper |
| Knives and jewelry | Selective laser melting (SLM) | Stainless steel |
| Master models and transparent parts | Stereolithography (SLA), PolyJet/MultiJet modeling | Resins, including transparent ones |
| Multi-material parts from rubber-like to rigid | PolyJet/MultiJet modeling | Combined resins (Digital Materials) |
| Parts with surface textures | e.g. Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) | Plastics |
After uploading, the configurator shows you which processes and materials are suitable for your part. You can request other combinations from us at any time.
↑ Back to overviewHow to put your application into practice
With finished 3D data, you instantly get prices and production times from different manufacturers on the PROTIQ Marketplace and order directly online. For series, technical drawings or special requirements, submit a project request.
- Upload 3D data Your file is checked automatically, for example whether the part fits into the build space.
- Choose material and manufacturer You compare prices and production times and decide for yourself who manufactures your part.
- Order or request Order directly online – or submit a project request for individual quotes.
Frequently asked questions about 3D printing applications
Which industries use 3D printing?
3D printing is used in aerospace, medical and dental technology, tool and mold making, electrical engineering and data centers, among others. It is also used for classic car spare parts, architecture, model making, jewelry and food service. On the PROTIQ Marketplace, more than 40 manufacturers produce parts for these applications.
Is 3D printing also suitable for series production?
Yes. Small batches and series parts can be produced additively, especially when parts are complex, customized or needed in changing variants. For large quantities of simple parts, processes such as injection molding are often more cost-effective. For series, submit a project request and receive individual quotes.
What materials are available for 3D printing?
More than 160 materials are available on the PROTIQ Marketplace – including plastics such as PA12, PA11 and TPU and metals such as stainless steel, aluminum and copper. After uploading, the configurator shows which materials are suitable for your part.
Can I have spare parts 3D printed?
Yes. If 3D data of the part is available, spare parts can be produced with a precise fit and on demand – including for older devices, machines or vehicles for which original parts are no longer available.
How much does a 3D-printed part cost?
The price depends on the material, process, part size and quantity. On the PROTIQ Marketplace, you upload your 3D file and instantly see prices from different manufacturers. The account and price calculation are free of charge.
How do I know whether my part is suitable for 3D printing?
When you upload your data, the PROTIQ Marketplace checks it automatically, for example against the build space of the process. If you have questions about design, material or process, the PROTIQ Marketplace team will advise you personally.
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