Are you developing a new product and want to test it quickly and reliably? With 3D prototyping, 3iD turns your digital idea into a tangible model within just a few days. This way, you can immediately see, feel, and test whether your concept works – even before investing in expensive production methods.
At 3iD, we support companies, designers, and engineers across Belgium in creating their 3D prototypes. With our industrial 3D printers and extensive material selection, we deliver realistic models suitable for both visual presentation and functional testing.
This is the process in which a digital design (CAD file) is transformed into a physical, tangible 3D prototype.
Launching a new product is always an investment. The earlier in the process errors are discovered, the more time and costs you save. 3D printing a prototype plays a key role in this.
Printing a prototype in 3D allows you to evaluate the look & feel of a product and thoroughly test its functionality. Concretely, 3D printing a prototype means you can:
At 3iD, we use various industrial techniques to create your 3D prototype. Depending on the application, we recommend the right technology:
A prototype must match the way you intend to use it. That’s why we offer a wide selection of materials:
With our finishing options, you receive a prototype that comes as close as possible to the final product.
The lead time depends on the chosen technology, the size, and the complexity of your design. In general, you can expect a turnaround of 2 to 7 working days. For projects with a tight deadline, we are happy to explore expedited delivery options with you.
This depends entirely on your application. For visual models where fine details and a smooth finish are crucial, SLA resins are ideal. Does the prototype need to be functionally tested for strength and durability? Then materials like PA12 and PA11 (via SLS and MJF) or the flexible TPU (via MJF) are excellent choices.
Our industrial machines are calibrated and operate within strict process parameters. In addition, we always carry out thorough quality checks after printing. This ensures that all parts are identical and meet the requirements.
We offer a wide range of materials suitable for series production, including PA12 for strong and durable parts, TPU for flexible applications, and various SLA resins and SLS powders for high precision and special properties.
A visual prototype, often made with SLA, focuses on appearance, precision, and surface quality and is perfect for visual evaluations and presentations.
A functional prototype, usually printed with MJF or SLS, is mechanically much stronger and more robust. This allows it to be intensively tested for fit, strength, and ergonomics under realistic conditions.
Yes, absolutely. One of the unique advantages of our SLA technology is the ability to print fully transparent parts. This is ideal for visual models or prototypes where the internal mechanism must remain visible.
Definitely, this is one of the core advantages of 3D prototyping. Since we work with digital files, you can iterate quickly and cost-effectively. A design adjustment can be applied directly for a new version. This way, you can easily test different variants and perfect your product.
Yes, the security and confidentiality of your intellectual property are of the utmost importance to us. All supplied CAD files are treated strictly confidentially and used solely for the production of your parts.
Do you want to turn your idea into a tangible model that you can immediately test and evaluate? At 3iD, we are ready to transform your design into an accurate and reliable 3D printed prototype.
