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Large 3D Printing

Large 3D Printing

Technologies for Any Size Model 

Fathom Manufacturing lets you take advantage of a full spectrum of in-house additive manufacturing technologies to print large-scale 3D partsLarge-scale printing allows for visualization and fully functional demonstration models and prototypes which need to measure up to the same rigor and abuse real-world parts do—and sometimes more. Fathom tailors large 3D printed parts to specific needs, time constraints and budgets. Working with Fathom provides immediate and comprehensive access to the most relevant equipment and experience in advanced manufacturing, engineering and prototyping. 

Services For Large 3D Printed Parts Include //   

Typical Uses of Large 3D Printed Parts //  

  • Demonstration & Exhibition Models for Tradeshows 
  • Engineering & Mechanical Design for Validation Tests 
  • Advanced Military Equipment Testing 
yellow color body part design with production system

Types of Large 3D Printed Parts //

There are many different uses for large-scale 3D printed parts. Across industries, there are four distinct use cases which include visual, working, user experience and functional. Depending on what stage your project is in, the product development process will help determine which type of use is needed. 

  • Visual Parts / / A visual part can illustrate a product’s color, size and geometric features, but not the texture, feel, or weight of a product. Visual parts are primarily used in marketing for product photoshoots. 
  • Working Parts / / A physical part allows a brand to test a finished product’s functionality, but does not have the same appearance as the finalized product. The purpose of a physical part is to determine if the final product will serve its purpose/function or if any design changes are needed 
  • User Experience Part / / A user experience part has the same appearance and functionality as the final product. It can be presented to the end-user for research to allow for consumer testing to determine if a product is user-friendly and provides customer satisfaction. Customers can interact with the part, allowing valuable data to be gathered. Learnings from consumer testing can then be integrated into the design. 
  • Functional Part / / A functional part has the same appearance and full functionality as the final product. However, it may be made using different materials and/or manufacturing methods than the final product. Functional parts are often used to gain funding for mass production or for licensing purposes 

Fathom’s Build Volume Capacity //

Fathom offers six different additive technologies for your next 3D printing job. Large 3D printed parts can be produced from one Computer-Aided Design (CAD) file or several separate large or small components can be printed and then assembled by Fathom technicians 

The max build volume for any 3D printer should never constrain your product development or design. By focusing on how a product should function rather than how it’s made, companies can drive greater innovation and push the limits of manufacturing. Whether manufactured traditionally, additively or a hybrid of both, Fathom promotes an “outside-in” approach for rapid manufacturing services. 

By leveraging the outsidein approach, Fathom can help you navigate around blind spots (traditional manufacturing constraints) and maximize product possibility. Fathom is driven to augment conventional manufacturing using advanced technologies and unique processes. 

Max Build Volumes by Technology Per Part (in Inches) //

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) / / 26.6 x 15 x 22.9 

PolyJet //19.7 x 15.7 x 7.9 

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) / / 36 x 24 x 36  

Stereolithography (SLA) / / 25.6 x 29.5 x 21.6 

Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) / / 15 x 11.2 x 15 

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) / / 11 x 11 x 13.8

How to Create Parts Bigger Than a 3D Printer’s Max Build Volumes //

Designing your large 3D printed part as several smaller components that can be assembled or combined after printing is a common approach to building large-scale prototypes and models.  

Segmentation / / Segmenting a part design is the process of dividing the part into smaller sections better suited to the max build volume. Before determining the segments, consider how segmenting the part will impact the functionality, aesthetics or mechanical properties to avoid any critical junctures.  

Joints / / Once the ideal placement for segmentation has been determinedthe next step is to consider how to shape the component edging to allow for assembly. Sub-assemblies can be joined with a variety of components—screws, nuts and bolts, and fasteners. If hardware isn’t an option, joinery techniques like dovetail, dado or dowel joints, or adhesives may be the better option. 

Printing / / After the best joining process was been decided upon, consider how the components should be printed. It’s important to not place the joint at the base of the print because the weakest point of a 3D printed part is along the direction of the z-axis. Instead print the component with the joint at an angle to the z-axis.  

classic car designed by fathom - 3d manufacturing

Why Choose Fathom to Make Your Large-Scale Parts 

  • Comprehensive Prototyping & Manufacturing Services  
  • State-Of-the-Art Equipment & Technology  
  • Expertise in Many Different Industries  
  • Technology Agnostic Approach 
  • Design & Engineering Assistance 
  • Finishing & Assembly Capabilities 
  • Quick Turnaround Times—As Soon As Same-Day Delivery Times

Fathom is proud to offer same-day and next-day options for its high-end digital fabrication services. Fathom is an advanced manufacturer and 3D printing expert with expedited additive manufacturing options to support quick turnaround project needs. Fathom’s Same-Day and Next-Day 3D printing services are ideal for speeding up the product development process—go from concept to prototype to manufacturing in an accelerated way that was not previously possible.  

Get an instant 3D printing quote on any project today or contact a Fathom expert to discuss your project needs. 

Manufacturing Locations Across National Time Zones
Manufacturing Locations Across National Time Zones
The Fathom Advanced Manufacturing Platform
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HEADQUARTERS

1050 Walnut Ridge Drive
Hartland, WI 53029
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016
ITAR

ARIZONA

444 W. 21st St. Ste. 101
Tempe, AZ 85282
ISO 9001:2015
NIST800-171 Compliant
ITAR

COLORADO

7770 Washington St.
Denver, CO 80229
ISO 9001:2015
ITAR

MINNESOTA

13758 Johnson Street NE
Ham Lake, MN 55304

TEXAS

1801 Rowe Lane
Pflugerville, TX 78660
ISO 9001:2015
AS9100:2016

1513 Sam Bass Rd
Round Rock, TX 78681
ISO 9001:2015
ISO 13485:2016

CALIFORNIA

46758 Lakeview Blvd,
Fremont, CA 94538
ISO 9001:2015 Design Certified
NIST 800-171 Compliant
ITAR

FLORIDA

14000 N.W. 58th Court
Miami Lakes, FL 33014

NEW YORK

1920 Slaterville Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
ITAR

401 W. Shore Blvd.
Newark, NY 14513
AS9100:2016
ISO 9001:2015
ITAR

ILLINOIS

1207 Adams Drive
McHenry, IL 60051
ISO 9001:2015

1401 Brummel Ave
Elk Grove, IL 60007
ISO 9001:2015 Design Certified

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