3iD | 3D idea printing

Series production

Are you looking for a way to apply series production of 3D prints to your products? At 3iD, we specialize in series 3D printing – from small batches to thousands of pieces. 
Thanks to our industrial 3D printing techniques and years of experience, we make series production with 3D printing accessible, affordable, and of top quality.
Forget the high start-up costs and long lead times of traditional production methods. 

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What is series production with 3D printing?

Traditionally, 3D printing was mainly used for prototyping and single pieces. Today, that has changed: with techniques such as MJF (Multi Jet Fusion), SLS (Selective Laser Sintering), and SLA (Stereolithography), we can now also print in series.

This means we not only create prototypes, but also functional end parts in larger quantities. Whether you need 10 pieces, 100 pieces, or 10,000 parts, we can deliver them efficiently and reliably.

The benefits of series 3D printing at 3iD

  • Fast delivery times – no expensive molds or long lead times, you often receive your parts within just a few days.
  • Lower cost per piece – the larger the batch, the more cost-effective it becomes.
  • Flexibility – design adjustments remain possible, even during different production runs.
  • Sustainable – less material waste, reuse of powder, and production powered by solar energy.
  • Local production in Belgium – short communication lines and reliable delivery.

Series 3D printing vs. traditional mold-based production

Series 3D printing offers a combination of design freedom, speed, and flexibility. The biggest advantage is that we can move directly from a digital design to a functional end product – without expensive setup costs. This makes it the ideal solution for small to medium-sized batches, ranging from 10 to 10,000 pieces.

With traditional production methods such as injection molding, high mold costs are unavoidable. That investment only becomes profitable with very large series. Moreover, every design adjustment requires a new, costly modification of the mold.

With series 3D printing, a design change can simply be made in the digital file and produced again immediately. This makes the process faster and more efficient, while maintaining much greater flexibility to adjust parts along the way.

Technical specifications

 

Aspect

3D series production

Traditional mold-based production (injection molding)

Startup costs

No mold costs – low entry barrier

High investment in molds

Lead time

Several days to weeks

Often weeks to months

Flexibility

Digital design adjustments immediately possible

New or modified mold required

Batch size

Ideal for small to medium-sized series (10 – 10,000 pieces)

Suited for very large volumes (+50,000 pieces)

Complexity

Hollow structures and internal channels easily achievable

Complex shapes often impossible or costly

Cost efficiency

Cost-effective starting at 10 pieces

Only profitable for mass production

 

For which applications is 3D series production ideal?

3D series production is especially suitable for companies that need small to medium batches quickly and reliably. Think of technical parts for industry, functional components for machines, or spare parts that are no longer available. Thanks to the combination of flexibility, short lead times, and consistent quality, it is the ideal solution for projects where time pressure and customization are crucial.
We used series production for a rapid manufacturing of 1,500 plastic plates.

Read more about this case

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

From how many pieces is 3D print series production possible?

Although we are flexible, we generally start from 10 pieces. This can range from small batches to thousands of parts, depending on the application. There is no real maximum limit – our technology scales seamlessly with demand.
 

Is series production with 3D printing cheaper than injection molding?

For small and medium batches, 3D printing is usually cheaper. You avoid high mold costs and long preparation times. As a result, it is possible to produce series faster and at lower cost.
 

How do you guarantee consistency between the parts in a series?

Our industrial machines are calibrated and operate within strict process parameters. In addition, we always carry out thorough quality control after printing. This ensures that all parts are identical and meet the requirements.
 

With which materials can you do series 3D printing?

We offer a wide selection 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. 

What is the average lead time for a series?

The lead time depends on the number of parts, the chosen material, and the complexity of the design. On average, you can expect 5 to 10 working days. If you have a tight deadline, we will look together at the possibilities for an urgent delivery.

Ready to accelerate your production?

Do you have a project where speed, flexibility, and quality are crucial? At 3iD, we are ready to turn your ideas into tangible results, from small batches to thousands of parts.
 

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