Industrial 3D printing

Martan Gummi supports industry and trade with additive manufacturing: from the component idea through design-compliant dimensioning to reproducible production. Focus: robust components, plannable quality and reliable delivery capability for technical applications.

Typical goals in industrial 3D printing: short development cycles, functional prototypes, economical small series and series components with consistent properties. For projects with alternative manufacturing routes, we supplement 3D printing with plastic machining as a second route for geometry, tolerance and quantity.

• Scope of use: prototype, pre-series, small series, series
• Project scope: data check, manufacturing coordination, production, rework
• Result: technical components with documentable reproducibility

From prototype to series production – additive manufacturing rethought

Additive manufacturing has developed from a pure prototyping technology into a robust production process. Today, it can be used to economically produce both functional individual parts and small-series and series components with reproducible quality.

Compared with classic processes such as injection moulding or CNC machining, industrial 3D printing specifically supplements existing manufacturing strategies where complex geometries, short development times or a flexible quantity are required. Clear advantages arise particularly with variant-rich components or functional integration.

Martan Gummi covers the entire scope of use – from initial functional samples through pre-series and small series to series production with high quantities. Depending on geometry, load and target costs, we also examine alternative processes such as CNC machining of rubber as a supplementary or downstream manufacturing route.

For series production, we rely on selective laser sintering (SLS). This process enables consistent component quality, high dimensional accuracy and stable material properties across large quantities. Production is efficient, scalable and with clearly defined process parameters.

Materials in industrial 3D printing

The choice of material determines the function, load capacity and service life of a 3D-printed component. In an industrial environment, mechanical properties, dimensional accuracy, temperature and media resistance are the main priorities.

Martan Gummi processes a broad range of plastics for different requirements – from functional prototypes to series-ready components. The selection is always application-related and matched to geometry, load and operating environment.

Typical materials and areas of use

• PLA: Suitable for prototypes, models and concept components with low mechanical load.
• ABS: Robust plastic with good temperature resistance for functional components.
• Synthetic resins: For components with fine details and high surface quality.
• Nylon: Versatile material for technical applications with increased stress.
• PETG: Impact-resistant and chemically resistant, suitable for functional housings and covers.
• TPU: Elastic material for flexible components, damping elements and protective components.
• TPU Ultrasint: High-performance TPU for industrial series applications with defined elasticity.
• PA11, PA12: Polyamides with very good mechanical properties and high chemical resistance.
• PA12 GF / GB: Glass-fibre or glass-bead reinforced polyamides for increased rigidity and strength.

For applications where alternative materials or manufacturing processes are sensible, we additionally examine solutions from plastics engineering in order to implement component requirements economically and technically optimally.

Advantages of industrial 3D printing

Industrial 3D printing opens up new degrees of freedom in design and manufacturing. Components can be functionally optimised, production processes made more flexible and development times significantly shortened.

Complex geometries

Additive manufacturing enables geometries that can only be realised with great effort using machining or shaping processes. Hollow structures, undercuts or function-integrated channels can be created directly in the component.

Lightweight construction and material efficiency

Through load-appropriate design and internal structures, weight and material use can be specifically reduced without impairing the mechanical function. This is particularly relevant for moving or assembly-critical assemblies.

Functional integration

Several components or assemblies can be combined into a single 3D-printed part. This reduces assembly effort, tolerance chains and potential error points.

Flexible quantities

3D printing allows economical production of individual parts, small series and series without tool-specific fixed costs. Adjustments to geometry or quantity remain possible during the project.

For components where classic processes are economically sensible, we additionally evaluate alternatives such as rubber injection moulding and derive the appropriate manufacturing strategy from this.

Optimised design for industrial 3D printing

The quality and cost-effectiveness of additively manufactured components depend essentially on the design dimensioning. Components that were developed for classic processes often cannot be efficiently implemented in 3D printing without specifically adapting the design.

Martan Gummi supports print-appropriate dimensioning already in the early development phase. The aim is to design component geometries in such a way that material use, build time and post-processing remain plannable while at the same time fulfilling the functional requirements.

Design priorities

• Optimisation of wall thicknesses and transitions
• Reduction of support and post-processing effort
• Functional integration instead of assemblies
• Alignment of the components for reproducible quality

Our experience shows that many technical components can only be implemented in the desired complexity through additive manufacturing. In cases where higher quantities or tight tolerances are required, we additionally examine processes such as the manufacture of moulded parts to drawing.

Full service for industrial 3D printing projects

Industrial 3D printing only unfolds its full added value when all process steps are properly coordinated with one another. Martan Gummi accompanies projects holistically – from the first technical assessment to reproducible series production.

Even before the actual printing, we check geometry, material and manufacturing strategy. The aim is a stable process chain with clearly defined parameters that safeguards quality and delivery capability.

Scope of services at a glance

• Technical review and data preparation
• Design consulting and production-appropriate optimisation
• Material selection matched to application and load
• Industrial production using the SLS process
• Post-processing such as blasting and surface treatment
• Quality control and documentation

Particularly in series projects, we attach importance to stable workflows, traceable quality and constant material properties. In addition, where required we evaluate alternative manufacturing routes such as the series production of rubber components in order to optimally achieve economic and technical targets.

Cross-industry applications of industrial 3D printing

Industrial 3D printing is used in numerous industries in which technical components must be manufactured flexibly, functionally and reproducibly. Depending on the industry, different requirements for material, geometry and process reliability are the focus.

Automotive industry

Manufacture of functional components, fixtures, assembly aids and small series. 3D printing enables short development cycles and rapid adaptation to new vehicle variants.

Aerospace

Manufacture of lightweight components with complex geometries for the interior and non-structural applications. Weight saving and reproducible quality are the main priorities.

Medical technology

Production of individual components such as prostheses, orthoses or holders. Additive manufacturing allows a precisely fitting implementation with consistent material quality.

Industrial and mechanical engineering

Technical components, housings, covers and functional elements for machines and systems. 3D printing supports both spare part strategies and series solutions.

For applications with special requirements for elasticity or damping, we additionally examine solutions from the field of rubber moulded parts in order to optimally coordinate the functional dimensioning.

Frequently asked questions about industrial 3D printing

For which quantities is industrial 3D printing suitable?

Industrial 3D printing is suitable for individual parts, small series and series production. Depending on the component geometry and material, high quantities can also be realised economically, particularly with the SLS process.

When is 3D printing more sensible than injection moulding or CNC machining?

3D printing offers advantages with complex geometries, variant-rich components and short development times. Classic processes remain relevant for very high quantities or tight tolerances and are examined on a project-specific basis.

Which tolerances are achievable in industrial 3D printing?

The achievable tolerances depend on the process, material and component geometry. With the SLS process, reproducible and practical dimensional accuracies can be implemented for many industrial applications.

Are 3D-printed components series-ready?

Yes, with suitable design and material selection, 3D-printed components are series-ready. Stable process control and coordinated post-processing are decisive.

Does Martan Gummi also support with the design?

Martan Gummi accompanies projects already in the design phase and specifically optimises components for additive manufacturing in order to control quality, costs and production reliability.

Which alternatives are there to industrial 3D printing?

Depending on quantity, material and load, we additionally examine processes such as CNC machining of rubber or classic series production in order to choose the economically and technically suitable solution.