FDM, SLA, and SLS printing technologies for prototypes and production parts.
Mavtech Designs operates a dedicated 3D printing lab equipped with professional-grade machines spanning three core additive technologies: Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). This multi-technology approach means we can match the right process and material to your specific application — whether you need a quick concept model, a high-detail visual prototype, or functional end-use parts.
Every print is produced with calibrated machines, validated material profiles, and post-processing workflows that ensure consistent, repeatable results. We do not just press “print” — we optimize orientation, support strategy, infill patterns, and layer height for each part to maximize strength, surface quality, and dimensional accuracy.
From single prototypes to short production runs, we have the equipment and expertise to meet your project requirements on schedule.
Three distinct additive processes, each optimized for different applications and material requirements.
The workhorse of rapid prototyping. Thermoplastic filament is extruded layer by layer to build durable, functional parts. Best for concept models, jigs & fixtures, enclosures, and medium-strength functional prototypes. Fastest and most cost-effective for larger parts.
UV LED light projected through a high-resolution LCD mask cures liquid photopolymer resin with exceptional detail and surface finish. Ideal for visual prototypes, jewelry masters, dental models, miniatures, and any application requiring sharp edges and smooth surfaces. Layer heights as fine as 25 microns deliver near-injection-molded appearance.
A high-powered laser fuses nylon powder into strong, functional parts without support structures. SLS produces parts with near-isotropic mechanical properties, making it the go-to technology for functional prototypes, snap-fit assemblies, living hinges, and low-volume production runs. No support marks means excellent surface consistency on all faces.
Select the right material for your application based on mechanical and thermal properties.
| Material | Technology | Strength | Flexibility | Heat Resistance | Detail Level | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PLA | FDM | ★★★☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Concept models, visual prototypes |
| ABS | FDM | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Functional parts, enclosures |
| PETG | FDM | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Chemical resistance, food-safe |
| TPU | FDM | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | Gaskets, grips, flexible parts |
| Nylon (FDM) | FDM | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | Gears, bearings, structural parts |
| Standard Resin | SLA | ★★☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | High-detail models, miniatures |
| Tough Resin | SLA | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Functional prototypes, snap-fits |
| Castable Resin | SLA | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | Jewelry, investment casting |
| PA12 Nylon | SLS | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | Production parts, living hinges |
| Glass-Filled Nylon | SLS | ★★★★★ | ★☆☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | High-temp, structural components |
Detailed capabilities for each printing technology in our lab.
A five-step workflow ensuring precision and quality on every print job.
Submit your 3D model in STL, STEP, 3MF, or OBJ format. No CAD file? We offer design services to create production-ready models from your sketches or specifications. We review every file for printability and flag any issues before quoting.
We recommend the optimal material and technology based on your part’s function, environment, and budget. Need a flexible seal? TPU on FDM. Ultra-fine detail for a presentation model? Standard Resin on SLA. Functional snap-fit housing? PA12 Nylon on SLS. We guide you to the right choice.
We optimize print orientation, support placement, layer height, and infill density for your specific part geometry. The sliced file is sent to the machine, and printing begins. Complex builds are monitored throughout the print cycle for quality assurance.
Support removal, bead blasting, sanding, vapor smoothing, dyeing, painting, or clear-coating — we apply the finishing steps your application requires. SLA parts are UV-cured to full strength. SLS parts are media-blasted for a clean, uniform texture.
Every part is inspected against your specifications using digital calipers and, when required, a coordinate measuring machine. We photograph finished parts for your records, package them securely, and ship via your preferred carrier with tracking. Local pickup in Michigan is also available.
We accept STL, STEP, 3MF, OBJ, and native Fusion 360 (.f3d) or SolidWorks (.sldprt) files. STL and 3MF are preferred for direct printing, while STEP files allow us to verify dimensions and make adjustments if needed. If you only have a 2D drawing or sketch, we can create the 3D model for you through our CAD design services.
It depends on the technology and material. SLS nylon parts achieve approximately 85–95% of injection-molded nylon strength with near-isotropic properties. FDM parts in ABS or Nylon are strong along the X/Y axes but weaker in the Z direction due to layer adhesion — typically 60–80% of molded strength. We design print orientation and infill to maximize strength where your part needs it most.
Minimum wall thickness varies by technology: FDM requires at least 0.8 mm (2 perimeters with a 0.4 mm nozzle), SLA can achieve 0.4 mm walls reliably, and SLS needs a minimum of 0.7 mm for structural integrity. We review your model for thin-wall issues during the pre-print check and will flag any areas that need reinforcement.
Yes. Our Prusa XL supports up to 5 different filaments in a single print, enabling multi-color and multi-material parts. For example, you could print a rigid housing with integrated TPU gaskets in one operation. SLA and SLS are single-material per print, but we offer painting and dyeing services to achieve multi-color finishes on those technologies.
Upload your 3D model or describe your project. Instant quoting available for standard materials.