INDUSTRIAL 3D PRINTING SERVICE PERTH
Production 3D Printing for Organisations in Perth & Wider Australia
Afaridan Plastics provides industrial 3D printing services from our Perth manufacturing facility, producing functional prototypes, custom plastic components and repeat production batches for businesses across Australia.
Using commercial-grade SLS, SLA and FDM 3D printing equipment, we manufacture components for demanding applications where material performance, dimensional accuracy and reliable production are important.
Our engineering team can assist with material selection, design and manufacturing requirements, from individual components through to ongoing production.
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY INDUSTRIAL 3D PRINTING?
Industrial 3D printing is an additive manufacturing process which produces functional components directly from a digital 3D model by building the part layer by layer.
Unlike conventional manufacturing processes that remove material or require dedicated tooling, 3D printing can produce complex parts directly from CAD files, often with less setup cost.
While 3D printing is widely associated with prototyping, modern industrial systems can produce durable, end-use components using engineering thermoplastics and specialist filaments, resins, and/or powders.
The appropriate technology and material will depend on the part's mechanical requirements, operating environment, dimensions, production quantity, and budget.
ADVANTAGES OF INDUSTRIAL 3D PRINTING
Industrial additive manufacturing provides several advantages over conventional manufacturing methods, particularly for complex components and lower production volumes.
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No tooling or moulds required
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Easily produce strong, complex geometries
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Change your design easily between prints
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Manufacture quickly and efficiently
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Minimal wasted material
These advantages can make 3D printing an effective alternative for some projects compared to conventional manufacturing like injection moulding, CNC machining, or other traditional processes.
Holder For Automation Project
Core Sample Drill Assembly
OUR INDUSTRIAL 3D PRINTING PROCESSES FOR LOCAL PRODUCTION
Afaridan operates a fleet of commercial 3D printers, using different technologies to suit the required material properties, dimensions and level of detail. The best printing process depends on the part, mechanical properties, and quantity required. Our team considers geometry, material, finish and your application before production starts.
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In general, Afaridan often recommends SLS 3D printing for high-strength industrial parts. Although the powder is more expensive than FDM filament, the ability to stack a build chamber with many parts, make it our first pick for many applications. Meanwhile, SLA can produce strong parts with a great surface finish using engineering resins. Lastly, FDM is a cost effective way to print big parts or large batches.
SLS, SLA AND FDM PRINTING
SLS produces strong, UV resistant, printed parts without needing support structures. It is our preferred process for functional parts and repeat batches.
SLA produces detailed resin parts with a fine surface finish. It can suit small components and applications with specific or niche requirements.
FDM can provide an economical option for larger parts which do not need high strength, good UV resistance, or a smooth surface finish.
INDUSTRIAL 3D PRINTING MATERIALS
Choosing the correct material is just as important as selecting the manufacturing process or 3D printing technology.
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Nylon 12 (PA12) is widely used in industrial SLS printing due to its combination of strength, toughness, chemical resistance and dimensional stability. It is suitable for many functional components and production applications. All SLS materials do not require supports, allowing for higher quantity batches and zero wasted material.
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Nylon 11 (PA11) is another SLS material that is more compliant or flexible than Nylon 11. It is often used in orthotics, compliant mechanisms, flexible brackets and strong parts that require impact resistance. All SLS materials are powders that get fused (or sintered) together to create very strong bonds.
Engineering resins offer a range of properties, from high stiffness and precision to improved toughness, flexibility or temperature resistance. These SLA materials are commonly used for detailed prototypes, end-use housings and specialised engineering components.
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Medical or Dental resins can be biocompatible and sterilizable for certain medical or intraoral applications. These applications include surgical guides, medical devices, custom trays, splints, models, and even permanent crowns.
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FDM thermoplastics, such as PETG, ABS, ASA and select nylon grades, provide options for practical prototypes, larger components and manufacturing aids. PLA is another common filament but is less useful as an industrial material. Furthermore, FDM's layer lines are prone to splitting, so the exact application should be considered before choosing filament.
Not all materials are suitable for every environment. Factors such as UV exposure, operating temperature, repeated loading and chemical contact should be assessed before selecting a material. This is where Afaridan Plastics can help, reach out to our engineering team to discuss your requirements.
Spray Painted SLS Face Plate
SLS 3D Printed Manufacturing Aid
Custom SLA 3D Prints in Curing Unit
FDM 3D Printed Small Custom Signs
INDUSTRIAL 3D PRINTING APPLICATIONS
Industrial 3D printing is used across mining, manufacturing, agriculture, transport, defence and product development, particularly where conventional manufacturing is impractical or expensive.
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Functional Components
Engineering-grade materials can be used to manufacture brackets, enclosures, housings, covers, ducting and other components for machinery and equipment. Material selection is important where parts are subject to impact, chemicals, heat or sustained mechanical loads.
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Replacement Parts and Reverse Engineering
3D printing can be useful for low-volume or obsolete plastic components where original tooling or replacement stock is unavailable. Afaridan's 3D scanning services can help reverse engineer an existing component.
Jigs, Fixtures and Manufacturing Aids
Custom assembly fixtures, drilling guides, positioning tools and other manufacturing aids can be produced without dedicated tooling. These parts can be designed for a particular task and adjusted as requirements change.
Using 3D scanning and CAD modelling, existing components can be reproduced or redesigned before manufacturing, provided their application and performance requirements are understood.
SLS Enclosure Back (1 of 1000)
SLS Industrial Filter Assembly
Clear Resin Junction Cover
BATCH PRODUCTION AND HIGH-VOLUME 3D PRINTING
Afaridan Plastics provides production 3D printing services from our Perth facility. We produce end-use components and repeat batches using SLS, SLA and FDM additive manufacturing. Industrial 3D printing is not limited to one-off prototypes. It can also be a viable manufacturing method for repeated batches of finished plastic components.
SLS is especially suited to batch manufacturing because many components can be arranged within the same powder bed, allowing multiple parts to be produced together without printed supports. Afaridan's industrial SLS equipment enables the production of nylon components in repeat batches, with the flexibility to modify designs without investing in new tooling.
For larger quantities, production efficiency depends on component size, geometry, build density, material consumption and finishing requirements.
Batch of Clips Produced on SLS Printer
Batch of Drone Shells Produced on SLS Printer
ENGINEERING AND MANUFACTURING SUPPORT
Afaridan has been in business for over 30 years and been 3D printing for more than a decade. As just one example of our work, see our custom core-sample drill for the mining industry. Using the customer's design as a starting point, we modelled and adapted the drill to suit their needs. Then, after 3D printing the plastic components, we machined the alignment tube and drive spigot, and hardened the stainless cutter teeth.
For lower quantities or designs requiring frequent changes, 3D printing can avoid a large investment in tooling.
For larger production volumes, injection moulding may be more economical. As we offer both services, alongside other manufacturing capabilities, we can help determine the most practical approach for your project.
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Based in Malaga, Western Australia, Afaridan supports customers across Perth and wider Australia with material selection, CAD modelling, 3D scanning, reverse engineering and design for manufacture.
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Start discussing your requirements with our engineering team today.