3D-Printing is increasingly establishing itself as the standard for industrial manufacturing. With 1zu1scale, industrial 3D-Printing can be used specifically for series production—without tooling costs, with high flexibility, and direct implementability. The decisive advantage: time to market is reduced to a minimum. This makes 3D-Printing in industry a powerful manufacturing process for modern industrial applications.
3D-Printing for Series Production
Today, series production can also be implemented entirely using 3D-Printing technologies. Through complementary processes such as chemical smoothing of laser-sintered components or dyeing plastic parts by impregnation, 3D-printed series parts achieve a quality that comes very close to the usual series requirements for injection molding—often with no discernible difference in appearance or function.
The decisive factor here is whether the series material used is approved by the customer. For very small quantities, it is advisable to choose 3D-Printing as the series technology from the outset. Quantities of up to 100,000 parts can be produced using industrial 3D-Printing, which is particularly economical for complex geometries.
Typical turnaround time: 2–5 business days
3D-Printing for Industry 4.0
The EOS P500 is an industrial SLS system for processing thermoplastics at the highest level. Three systems of this type are in use exclusively for series components with up to 100,000 pieces or more.
Even though the degree of automation is still rather low at present, the EOS P500 already offers a clear entry point into Industry 4.0. High dimensional accuracy across the entire build space, excellent repeatability across many production batches, and high productivity thanks to dual laser technology make industrial 3D-Printing suitable for series and industrial use – as a modern manufacturing process for industrial production.
Industry Independence
Industrial 3D-Printing is suitable for a wide range of industries—from mechanical and plant engineering to medical technology, consumer goods, electrical goods, and industrial products. The technology can be flexibly adapted to a wide variety of requirements.
Our 3D-Printing Technologies for Series Production
Selective laser sintering (SLS)
Enables versatile, rigid, flame-retardant, and high-strength yet flexible series components in industrial 3D printing.
High-resolution selective laser sintering (SLS-FDR)
Highly intricate, precise components with high strength and smooth surfaces.
Stereolithography (SLA/STL)
Precise, robust, or transparent components with high surface quality.
3D-Printing Mass Production with 1zu1scale
The new generation of industrial laser sintering systems has made true mass production of plastic parts using 3D printing possible for the first time. The EOS P500 achieves a repeat accuracy comparable to that of injection molding—combined with the advantages of tool-free, flexible manufacturing and very short throughput times.
Consistent dimensional accuracy and high detail resolution across the entire build space enable maximum precision even for complex assemblies and components in high volumes. However, the sound design of such applications requires a deep understanding of technologies, materials, and design rules. To this end, the Prototal Group provides a comprehensive document that summarizes all 3D printing technologies, materials, and design guidelines across the group.
Advantages of 3D-Printing Series Production at 1zu1scale
Thousands of ready-to-use series parts in just a few days, rapid customization and variant creation, quickly implementable changes, high precision thanks to state-of-the-art system technology, and repeat accuracy close to that of injection molding.
Industrial 3D-Printing is suitable for small series as well as for series production of up to 100,000 pieces or more.
Yes. Industrial 3D-Printing is an established manufacturing process in industrial production that combines precision, flexibility, and scalability—without the traditional tooling costs.
FAQ – Industrial 3D-Printing
Design changes can be implemented quickly and without tools, variants and complex internal structures can be easily realized, series production is scalable and economical, and starting without tooling costs minimizes risk.
Developers benefit from a high degree of design freedom, precise fits, the ability to integrate complex functions, and fast implementation without lengthy tooling.
Cost-effective production, quick adjustments without tooling costs, stable and reproducible series processes, transparent calculations, and planning reliability.
Machine components, power tools, end products, electronic housings, and components—practically all areas where flexibility and precision are required.
Yes, despite its currently low level of automation, the EOS P500 already enables Industry 4.0-relevant processes thanks to its high precision, repeatability, and scalable series production.
3D-Printing scales from small series to production batches of 100,000 pieces or more, enabling economical series production.
Yes, industrial 3D-Printing can be used in a wide variety of industries, from mechanical engineering, medical technology, and automotive to consumer and electrical products.
Yes, 3D-Printing is a modern manufacturing process for industrial production that offers flexibility, rapid adaptation, and high precision without the need for traditional tools.