Additive Guide - Xometry's Manufacturing Community
<main> <article class="userContent"> <h2 data-id="approved-3d-printers">Approved 3D Printers</h2><p>This list covers all 3D printer models by material type approved for the Xometry manufacturing platform. We have no plans to approve any other machines or technologies at this time.</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032202/uploads/61OM4Q2Z4BM4/screen-shot-2022-06-15-at-10-19-52-am.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032202/uploads/61OM4Q2Z4BM4/screen-shot-2022-06-15-at-10-19-52-am.png" alt="Screen Shot 2022-06-15 at 10.19.52 AM.png" height="1604" width="1604" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <h2 data-id="additive-quality-on-time-shipping">Additive Quality & On-Time Shipping</h2><p>Unless otherwise specified for a specific technology, partners must maintain: </p><p><strong>On-Time Shipping: </strong>Partners must maintain 96% on-time shipping partner score (OTPS) to our customers.</p><p>This is based on job volume (100% of parts in a job ship on time or else job is late);</p><ul><li>OTPS will only be penalized for late shipments caused by factors within the partner’s control. </li></ul><p>For example:</p><ul><li>Xometry’s failure to provide a shipping label in a timely fashion <strong>will not count against OTPS</strong></li><li>Partner breaking a part in post-processing resulting in a late shipment <strong>will count against OTPS</strong></li></ul><p>Xometry tries to review all late shipments to correct ship dates. You can review jobs affecting your score in the Completed Work section of the Partner Portal. If you wish to dispute your PSS for a certain job, as indicated by the arrows, then select “Request a Review.” </p><p><strong>Quality: </strong>Partners must maintain a 99% customer acceptance rate;</p><ul><li>RMAs due to issues within the control of a partner’s production and shipping operations will count against customer acceptance rate</li><li>We look at partner RMAs on a line-item basis</li><li>If there are 4 line items in a job, and one line item is RMA’d, that's a 25% hit against your score regardless of the number of parts in that line item.</li></ul><p>All parts must be built to the tolerances for the various technologies stated on our <a href="https://www.xometry.com/manufacturing-standards/" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">Manufacturing Standards</a> page which are periodically updated.</p><p>All parts must be built exactly to the CAD model and order specifications, and partners may not modify the parts in any way without prior customer approval or unless specifically instructed in the job notes. The only acceptable modifications are general offsets to be sure that the parts print at the nominal size. (i.e. Oversizing holes so they print as designed in the CAD model.) </p><p>Without customer approval, <strong>Partners may not</strong>:</p><ul><li><strong>Split a part</strong> to fit on a printer, reduce build time, or for any other reason (this is true of all technologies we offer)</li><li>Ship a part that they have <strong>fixed with glue</strong></li><li><strong>Hollow out / honeycomb</strong> parts to decrease build time;</li><li><strong>Substitute a “like” material</strong> for the material listed on the job.</li><li><strong>This list is not exhaustive</strong>, and if you need to request a part modification, please email <a href="mailto:work@xometry.com" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">work@xometry.com</a> to describe the issue.</li></ul><p>All parts must be shipped free from residual powder, support structure, cleaning solvent residue, burns, broken features, STL conversion issues, printing defects, and glued repairs.</p><p><strong>Multiple quantities of similar or same parts, or similar/same parts across multiple orders, must be oriented the same way.</strong></p><h2 data-id="additive-packing-shipping">Additive Packing & Shipping</h2><p>The most important factor in deciding how to pack a part is that part’s <strong>wall thickness</strong>. Parts with 2 mm thickness or less need to be packed more carefully with additional internal support if possible using kraft paper or similar material. A minimum of 2 layers of bubble wrap (3/16” standard small bubble) is needed no matter the size of the part.- “Use Best Judgement” but minimally these small parts need to be put in individual poly bags. <strong>Zip Lock sandwich bags are not an acceptable substitute for poly bags</strong>.</p><p>Download our Machining Packing Guide PDF <a href="https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/340051/Partner%20Assets/Partner%20One-Pagers/20190905-Xometry-Shipping-Procedures-Poster-3DP-V2.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">here →</a></p><p>Learn more about <a href="https://community.xometry.com/kb/articles/532-finishing-the-packaging-process-tips#tips-tricks-to-packaging" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">packing & shipping tricks →</a></p><h2 data-id="additive-inspection">Additive Inspection</h2><p>Three different inspection options for the 3D printing processes and their specific requirements are listed below. </p><p>Inspections are available for the following additive processes:</p><ul><li>Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)</li><li>HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF)</li><li>Carbon Digital Light Synthesis (DLS)</li><li>Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)</li><li>Stereolithography (SLA)</li><li>Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS)</li></ul><p> - We do not offer our customers Formal Inspection with Dimensional Report options for the <strong>PolyJet or Metal Binder Jetting</strong> processes. </p><p><strong>Note:</strong> <em>Once completed, the required certifications and inspection reports (indicated on the PO) must be uploaded to the job board, printed</em><strong><em> out, and included in the part shipment</em></strong><em>.</em></p><h3 data-id="standard-inspection">Standard Inspection</h3><p>For a Standard Inspection, Partners should visually inspect the part(s) against the CAD model for missing features and warping and to verify that the material and finish match the requirements specified in the Job PO. We recommend inspecting at least 1 part from each build to verify proper machine function. (i.e., comparing the overall bounding box or any other easily accessible X, Y, and Z dimensions to the standard process tolerances. The supplied CAD file will be the primary reference. Customer-supplied drawings/prints are for feature reference only (e.g., tapped holes, insert information). </p><p><strong>With Standard Inspections, inspection reports are not required to be shipped with the parts or uploaded into the job portal. </strong></p><ul><li><strong>However, any other required documents on the PO, such as material Certs and CoCs, must still be shipped in the box and uploaded into the portal.</strong></li></ul><h3 data-id="formal-inspection-with-dimensional-report">Formal Inspection with Dimensional Report</h3><p>Partners must:</p><ul><li>Use calibrated tools on up to <strong>5 critical dimensions</strong> for a Formal Inspection. The specified critical dimensions may be found in the drawing, CAD file, or job details and must be accessible with calipers or pin gages.</li><li>Take measurements before additional finishes are applied unless otherwise noted.</li><li>Ship a copy of the dimensional inspection report* with the parts.</li></ul><p>*Xometry provides a dimensional inspection report with a correlated ballooned print. Tolerances may not exceed the standard process tolerances defined by Xometry’s<a href="https://www.xometry.com/manufacturing-standards" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc"> Manufacturing Standards</a>. <em>If you plan to ship early, please update the estimated ship date in Workcenter for Xometry to send inspection documentation earlier.</em></p><p>Formal Inspections for additive jobs may require a VQC. <a href="https://community.xometry.com/kb/articles/536-virtual-quality-check-vqc" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">Learn more about VQCs →</a></p><p><strong>ALL Documentation is required to ship with the part(s).</strong></p><h3 data-id="custom-inspection-additive">Custom Inspection - Additive</h3><p>Custom inspections are needed when a job requires a Custom Sampling Plan, AS9102D inspections, GD&T, and the customer provides their inspection datasheet, among other reasons. </p><p><strong>Documentation is required to be shipped with the part(s).</strong></p><h3 data-id="custom-inspection-additive-1">Custom Inspection - Additive</h3><p>Custom inspections are needed when a job requires a Custom Sampling Plan, AS9102D inspections, GD&T, the customer provides their inspection datasheet, among other reasons. </p><p><strong>Documentation is required to be shipped with the part(s).</strong></p><h3 data-id="sampling-plan">Sampling Plan</h3><p>Our Statistical Sampling Plan is based on ASQC Z1.4 2008 Level II with Zero rejects. </p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-medium float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032202/uploads/KO0K2QKS2D2Q/screen-shot-2022-03-10-at-9-05-01-pm.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032202/uploads/KO0K2QKS2D2Q/screen-shot-2022-03-10-at-9-05-01-pm.png" alt="Screen Shot 2022-03-10 at 9.05.01 PM.png" height="1324" width="1176" loading="lazy" data-display-size="medium" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <h2 data-id="additive-part-markings">Additive Part Markings</h2><p>It is acceptable to proceed to print any file in which the only issue is the functional part marking. If a functional marking fails to resolve properly, it is acceptable to move to Bag & Tag, and proceed to shipment. It is not required to notify Xometry prior to taking this course of action.</p><h2 data-id="additive-threads">Additive Threads</h2><p>Standard thread taps for additive jobs are listed <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QNOWl5afwwS9Nv_8kuFZvik6m4S0PqEeHOYzVkAzn9c/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">here</a>. </p><p>All additive parts with threads modeled should proceed to production. Xometry understands there is no functionality guarantee. It is unnecessary to reach out to Xometry for permission to proceed when printing threads or ship when threads fail to resolve fully.</p><h2 data-id="additive-hardware">Additive Hardware</h2><p>Standard inserts for additive jobs are listed <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QNOWl5afwwS9Nv_8kuFZvik6m4S0PqEeHOYzVkAzn9c/edit?usp=sharing" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">here</a>.</p><p>Xometry expects that partners will stock the standard taps and inserts that are listed in the document above.</p><p>Any non-standard hardware should be factored into the price - if you receive a job where this has been missed, please notify us immediately by using the chat feature at the bottom right of the and we will adjust the PO if necessary.</p><h2 data-id="getting-paid-for-additive-work">Getting Paid for Additive Work</h2><p>Payments for orders will be paid out automatically according to Xometry’s <a href="https://community.xometry.com/kb/articles/515-payouts#payout-schedule" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">Standard Payout Schedule</a>.</p><p>Payments can be <a href="https://community.xometry.com/kb/articles/515-payouts#tracking-payouts" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">tracked in the Shop Finances section</a> of the Partner Portal.</p><h2 data-id="additive-process-specifics">Additive Process Specifics</h2><p>Unless specifically requested by us, additive part inspection is <strong>not</strong> required. The only exception is DMLS parts, for which we require photographs to be uploaded prior to shipping.</p><h2 data-id="dmls">DMLS</h2><h3 data-id="xometry's-dmls-manufacturing-standards">Xometry's DMLS Manufacturing Standards</h3><p>+/- 0.005” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter. However, Xometry does not guarantee tolerances on the first attempt of a new design. Tolerance expectations can vary across different materials (e.g. stainless versus aluminum).+Internal stresses during build, support strategy, and other geometry considerations may cause deviation in tolerances and flatness.</p><ul><li>Items and geometries which require strict flatness are not a good fit for this process.</li><li>The expected surface roughness is 150-400 µin RA, depending on the build orientation and material used for the build. </li><li><strong>Tolerances after secondary heat treat or HIP:</strong> Expected tolerances are +/-.008” +.002”/inch. </li></ul><p>Specific not included in MFG Standards</p><ul><li><strong>THREADS:</strong> Threads “as-built” will have limited functionality. If functional threads are required post-machining will be necessary.</li><li>Due to the layerwise nature of the build process, general Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing (GD&T) principles such as flatness, hole concentricity, and parallelism may vary based on build orientation.</li></ul><h3 data-id="dmls-machine-settings">DMLS Machine Settings</h3><p>Standard layer thickness should be between 20-40 microns. </p><ul><li>If layer thickness needs to deviate from this range, please let us know in advance.</li></ul><h3 data-id="dmls-inspection">DMLS Inspection</h3><p>Partners are expected to verify at least 2-3 dimensional spot checks. In XY and Z direction after build.</p><p>Acceptable Warpage (Dimensions(in)):</p><ul><li><2”🡪 .010”</li><li><4”🡪.020”</li><li>4”+🡪 .030” </li></ul><p>Inspection reports are not required for DMLS, but Xometry expects pictures of the parts to be uploaded during the shipping workflow.</p><h3 data-id="dmls-best-practices">DMLS Best Practices</h3><p>Build Orientation Considerations by priority:</p><ul><li>The best resolution of Critical features identified by the customer –OR- customer dictated orientation via drawings</li><li>Orient to minimize thermal distortion(i.e. Best overall accuracy).</li><li>Orient for best overall surface finish.</li></ul><p>Part removal from build plate via Bandsaw -or- Wire EDM is acceptable.</p><h3 data-id="dmls-quality-guide">DMLS Quality Guide</h3><p>Common Surface Defects which are not acceptable to ship:</p><ul><li>Visible cracks, layer seams, or shifts</li><li>Missing or incomplete features</li><li>Warping </li></ul><p>Finish Definitions:</p><ul><li>Standard<ul><li>In addition to the removal of support structures, the part surface is media blasted to provide a uniform finish.</li></ul></li><li>Custom<ul><li>Additional DMLS post-processing, such as CNC Machining of features and polishing, are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. For examples of our additional finishes, please refer to the DMLS section of our photo gallery. Any Custom finished projects will have been reviewed by Xometry’s engineering team prior to order initiation.</li></ul></li></ul><h2 data-id="sla">SLA</h2><h3 data-id="xometry's-sla-manufacturing-standards">Xometry's SLA Manufacturing Standards</h3><p>Tolerances for standard resolution:</p><ul><li>X/Y planes: +/- 0.005” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.</li><li>Z plane: +/- 0.010” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.</li><li>Minimum linear feature size: under 0.030” are at risk and under 0.020” will not build.</li><li>Minimum radial feature size: 0.035"</li><li>Guaranteed tolerances may be possible with a manual quote review, and must be approved on a case-by-case basis.</li></ul><p>Tolerances for high resolution:</p><ul><li>X/Y planes: +/- 0.005” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.</li><li>Z plane: +/- 0.010” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter.</li><li>Minimum linear feature size: under 0.020” are at risk and under 0.010” will not build.</li><li>Minimum radial feature size: 0.030"</li><li>Guaranteed tolerances may be possible with a manual quote review, and must be approved on a case-by-case basis.</li></ul><p><strong>Terminology - finish definitions</strong></p><ul><li>“Standard” Accura ABS Black parts have a secondary coating to cover the sanded, gray, supported surfaces, and make the parts matte black. <ul><li><strong>Partners should use the following (or equivalent to be approved by Xometry):</strong><ul><li>HRB9700 Hot Rod Black<strong> </strong></li><li>PPG Black Base Coat</li></ul></li></ul></li></ul><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/HBRA2OQ0VFSF/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/HBRA2OQ0VFSF/image.png" alt="image.png" height="565" width="661" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><strong>Strip and ship</strong></p><ul><li>SLA parts are cleaned, UV post-cured, and stripped of supports. Supported areas will show small grid-like dots or surface blemishes as a result of support removal.</li></ul><p><strong>Natural </strong></p><ul><li>SLA parts are cleaned, UV post-cured, and stripped of supports. Supported surfaces will be lightly sanded with 220 or 320 grit sandpaper for improved surface quality. Sanding scratches will be visible on supporting surfaces.<ul><li>Natural finish - Built horizontally</li></ul></li></ul><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/HCHO8ORKZOLD/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/HCHO8ORKZOLD/image.png" alt="image.png" height="1000" width="1000" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><strong>Matte (recommended)</strong></p><ul><li>SLA parts are cleaned, UV post-cured, and stripped of supports. Supported surfaces will be lightly sanded with 220 or 320 grit sandpaper, then media blasted for a uniform matte finish.</li></ul><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/E7EPF9SIF7YS/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/E7EPF9SIF7YS/image.png" alt="image.png" height="1000" width="1000" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p><strong>Custom</strong></p><ul><li>Xometry provides additional SLA finishing options, including but not limited to sanding, polishing, painting, post thermal processing.</li><li>Custom Finish Example - <strong>Quick Clear</strong> - Only supported surfaces are sanded. Parts will still have visible layering. Quick-dry clear coat is applied to enhance natural clarity.</li></ul><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/6WH8RLKU5U9R/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/6WH8RLKU5U9R/image.png" alt="image.png" height="1000" width="1000" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <h3 data-id="sla-machine-settings">SLA Machine Settings</h3><p>Resolutions:</p><ul><li>High resolutions is .002" layers</li><li>Standard resolutions is .004" layers</li></ul><h3 data-id="sla-inspection">SLA Inspection</h3><p>Partners are expected to verify at least 2-3 dimensional spot checks in XY and Z direction after build.</p><h3 data-id="sla-quality-guide">SLA Quality Guide</h3><p>Common Surface Defects which are not acceptable to ship:</p><ul><li>Significant warping</li><li>Parts that have been broken and repaired without customer approval</li><li>Parts with missing features.</li><li>Excessive bubbles on clear parts</li><li>Delamination of the downfacing surface</li></ul><p>Finish</p><ul><li>Support remnants on the downfacing surfaces (except for strip and ship)</li><li>Inconsistent media blasting</li></ul><h3 data-id="sla-best-practices">SLA Best Practices</h3><p>Build Orientation Considerations by priority:</p><ul><li>Best resolution of Critical features identified by customer –OR- customer dictated orientation via drawings</li><li>Orient for best overall resolution or cosmetic appeal as long as it is appropriate for the price. </li></ul><p>In the event there are significant concerns with pricing, please reach out to the Xometry team via <a href="mailto:work@xometry.com" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">work@xometry.com</a>. We can confirm with the customer if they prefer the lower price, or if they would be open to a price adjustment for optimal build orientation.</p><ul><li>Example : A 6 inch long hollow pipe can be built on it’s side for a low price. Optimal orientation would be standing the part with the 6 inch dimension in the Z-direction for best quality, (but it may require a higher price.)</li></ul><p>The partner can exercise discretion in these scenarios, as needed, to avoid Customer rejections</p><h2 data-id="sls">SLS</h2><h3 data-id="xometry's-sls-manufacturing-standards">Xometry's SLS Manufacturing Standards</h3><p>+/- 0.005” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter. </p><ul><li>+Parts with thicker geometries, flat or broad parts, and parts with uneven wall thicknesses will be prone to significant deviations or warp due to variable thermal shrinkage and stress. </li><li>Guaranteed tolerances may be possible with a manual quote review, and must be approved on a case-by-case basis.</li></ul><h3 data-id="sls-machine-settings">SLS Machine Settings</h3><p>Layer height - .120 mm(.0047”) or better.</p><h3 data-id="sls-best-practices">SLS Best Practices</h3><p>Media Tumbling Guide</p><ul><li>We use the Bel-Air FMT-06 tumbler with their Ruf-7 cone media</li><li>We will tumble for a minimum 60 minutes, or until the rough “sugar cube” like granular texture has been worn smooth.</li></ul><p>Shipping</p><ul><li>Individually bag all dyed parts so they don’t damage each other in shipping</li></ul><p>Machine safety</p><ul><li>Do not let your machine warm up for longer than a few hours</li></ul><p>Planning</p><ul><li>Ensure you have simple and clear communications between you and the customer, and are on the same page. (This applies to every process)</li><li>Be aware of the constraints while setting up a build.</li><li>Make sure build time fits within your schedule.</li><li>Try to stay under 8% density.</li></ul><p>Orientation</p><ul><li>Orient 10° off of recoater in order to prevent drag and short spreading.</li><li>Bottom part should always have a soft stepping on the bottom for a smoother part.</li><li>If your part is shaped like a cone, print it face down, as it helps anchor the part.</li></ul><p>Printing</p><ul><li>Check for vertical lines while printing</li></ul><p>Post Processing</p><ul><li>Let your builds cool for as long as you can.</li><li>When removing a hot build, keep as much powder on the part as possible in order to prevent it from cooling too fast.</li><li>When opening holes, dip the drill bit to prevent part from overheating.</li><li>Don’t try to fix the warping until all processes (such as dyeing / media tumbling) are done, as it will just warp again.</li></ul><p>Depowdering Parts</p><ul><li>Powder that sticks to the surface of parts MUST be thrown away, not recycled.</li></ul><p>In the event of a machine crash, you must throw away all the powder within the machine, as it will be thermally damaged.</p><h4 data-id="sls-quality-standards">SLS Quality Standards</h4><h4 data-id="standards%3A">Standards:</h4><p>Xometry considers “standard” SLS parts to be the unfinished white with all holes opened to +/- .005” of designed nominal hole size.</p><ul><li>For holes designed between .040” and .50”.</li><li>All SLS parts will be free from any printing or post-processing defects.</li><li>If printed parts are excessively warped, not to specification or are damaged in any way:<ul><li>Immediately contact Xometry’s designated point of contact to provide details and photos of the issues</li><li>If Xometry can’t resolve the issue with the customer within 2 hours, plan to reprint defective part(s) and split ship all the good parts in the order</li></ul></li></ul><h2 data-id="pj3d">PJ3D</h2><h3 data-id="xometry's-pj3d-manufacturing-standards">Xometry's PJ3D Manufacturing Standards</h3><p>+/- 0.004” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter. </p><ul><li>Minimum feature size of 0.050” can be built with consistency.</li><li>Rubber-like materials represent an approximation of shore A values and may vary between geometries.</li></ul><h3 data-id="pj3d-machine-settings">PJ3D Machine Settings</h3><p>60 micron layers (for digital materials).</p><h3 data-id="pj3d-best-practices">PJ3D Best Practices</h3><p>Printer maintenance </p><ul><li>Perform routine PM per OEM recommendation </li><li>Keep your part, printheads, and roller bath clean in order to have a successful print.</li><li>Watch the first layers of print to make sure there is no dragging.</li></ul><p>Post Processing</p><ul><li>Recommended tools include<ul><li>Wooden (not metal) tools to remove support</li><li>Use scotchbrite to finish cleaning out the port, it’s the best tool to pick the little bits out.</li></ul></li><li>Never sandblast polyjet, it’ll leave your part burned and eats away at it. (It does give a smooth finish though.)</li></ul><h2 data-id="mjf">MJF</h2><h3 data-id="xometry's-mjf-manufacturing-standards">Xometry's MJF Manufacturing Standards</h3><p>+/- 0.012” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.003” for every inch thereafter. </p><ul><li>Parts with thicker geometries, flat or broad parts, and parts with uneven wall thicknesses will be prone to significant deviations or warp due to variable thermal shrinkage and stress.</li><li>Natural grey color may be inconsistent depending on feature size and build orientation. Dyed black is recommended for production parts.</li><li>Guaranteed tolerances may be possible with a manual quote review, and must be approved on a case-by-case basis.</li></ul><h3 data-id="mjf-machine-settings">MJF Machine Settings</h3><p>Standard resolution is 0.003” (80 Microns).</p><h3 data-id="mjf-best-practices">MJF Best Practices</h3><p>Build Orientation Considerations by priority:</p><ul><li>Best resolution of Critical features identified by customer –OR- customer dictated orientation via drawings</li><li>Orient to minimize warpage or distortion.</li><li>Orient for best overall surface finish.</li></ul><p>Post Processing:</p><ul><li>Let your builds cool for as long as you can.</li><li>When removing a hot build, keep as much powder on the part as possible in order to prevent it from cooling too fast.</li><li>When opening holes, dip the drill bit in isopropyl or water to prevent part from overheating.</li><li>Don’t try to fix the warping until all processes (such as dyeing) are done, as it will just warp again.</li></ul><p>Depowdering Parts:</p><ul><li>Powder that sticks to the surface of parts MUST be thrown away, not recycled.</li></ul><h3 data-id="mjf-quality-guide">MJF Quality Guide</h3><p>Common Surface Defects which are not acceptable to ship:</p><ul><li>Warping </li><li>Overhangs</li><li>Delamination of the downfacing surface</li><li>“Orange peeling”</li><li>“Elephant skin”</li></ul><p>Finish Definitions:</p><ul><li>Standard<ul><li>MJF parts are de-powdered and left with a surface finish comparable to a sugar cube and a distinct grey color. Natural grey color may be inconsistent depending on feature size and build orientation.</li></ul></li><li>Dyed Black<ul><li>Parts go through the standard de-powdering process and are then in a heated dye solution. Dyed parts will have a consistent matte black look and are highly recommended for production consistency.</li></ul></li></ul><h2 data-id="fdm">FDM</h2><h3 data-id="xometry's-fdm-manufacturing-standards">Xometry's FDM Manufacturing Standards</h3><p>Parts are produced within an accuracy of ± .127 mm (± .005 in.) or ± .0015 mm/mm (± .0015 in./in.), whichever is greater)." - Fortus 450</p><p>Parts are produced within an accuracy of +/- .089 mm or +/- .0015 mm per mm, whichever is greater (+/- .0035 in. or +/-.0015 in. per in., whichever is greater)." - Fortus 900</p><ul><li>Xometry chooses optimal build orientation taking into consideration overall surface quality and minimum build time unless otherwise specified.</li><li>Minimum resolvable feature size, including positive text features, is at least 0.035” (0.045” or greater is safest).</li><li>Nylon 12 parts with thicker geometries, flat or broad parts, and parts with uneven wall thicknesses will be prone to significant deviations or warp due to variable thermal shrinkage and stress. </li><li>Guaranteed tolerances may be possible with a manual quote review, and must be approved on a case-by-case basis.</li></ul><h3 data-id="fdm-machine-settings">FDM Machine Settings</h3><p>Xometry settled on the following tip size standards in order to balance between print speed and small feature resolution. </p><ul><li>Parts which will fit on 400s or 450s require T16 (0.010”) tips</li></ul><p>This includes any part which can fit on the 400 / 450 build platforms: </p><ul><li>406 x 355 x 406 mm, or 16 x 14 x 16 in</li></ul><p>This is also true of 400 sized parts when run in a 900</p><ul><li>900 Parts: <ul><li>A T20 tip (0.013”) is required for parts larger than 406 x 355 x 406 mm unless you receive specific instructions that a larger part can be printed at a smaller tip size. </li></ul></li></ul><p>The infills we sell on our site are:</p><ul><li>Solid</li><li>Light = Sparse Double Dense in Insight</li><li>Ultralight = Sparse in Insight</li></ul><h3 data-id="fdm-material">FDM Material</h3><p>Unless otherwise specified, partners must use Stratasys Materials.</p><ul><li>At this time, we are not permitting 3rd party materials that are compatible with the Fortus platform.</li></ul><h3 data-id="fdm-quality-guide">FDM Quality Guide</h3><p>Common FDM Defects </p><ul><li><strong>These are NOT permissible to ship without customer approval:</strong></li></ul><p>Voids / Dimples in part surface:</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/I2VTJKRNZFFG/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/I2VTJKRNZFFG/image.png" alt="image.png" height="463" width="600" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p>Poor layer adhesion:</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/1V0UR0J1P31S/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/1V0UR0J1P31S/image.png" alt="image.png" height="617" width="799" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p>Residual bath solution - this is NEVER acceptable:</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/2OV6PHLXPTVO/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/2OV6PHLXPTVO/image.png" alt="image.png" height="736" width="783" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <p>Stringy surface defects - check your tip wipes and check your material for moisture:</p><div class="embedExternal embedImage display-large float-none"> <div class="embedExternal-content"> <a class="embedImage-link" href="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/WN26QA3ZH9HF/image.png" rel="nofollow noreferrer noopener ugc" target="_blank"> <img class="embedImage-img" src="https://us.v-cdn.net/6032209/uploads/WN26QA3ZH9HF/image.png" alt="image.png" height="291" width="596" loading="lazy" data-display-size="large" data-float="none"></img></a> </div> </div> <h2 data-id="carbon">Carbon</h2><h3 data-id="xometry's-carbon-manufacturing-standards">Xometry's Carbon Manufacturing Standards</h3><p>+/- 0.005” for the first inch is typical, plus +/- 0.002” for every inch thereafter. However, Xometry does not guarantee tolerances on the first attempt of a new design. Tolerance expectations can vary across different materials (e.g. elastomeric versus rigid materials).</p><ul><li>Stresses during build, support strategy, and other geometry considerations may cause deviation in tolerances and flatness.</li><li>Parts with thicker geometries, flat or broad parts, and parts with uneven wall thicknesses maybe prone to significant deviations or warp.</li><li>Improved tolerances may be possible with a manual quote review, after successful completion of a prototype build, and must be approved on a case-by-case basis.</li></ul><h3 data-id="carbon-machine-settings">Carbon Machine Settings</h3><p>Standard resolution is .004”.</p><h3 data-id="carbon-best-practices">Carbon Best Practices</h3><p>Build Orientation Considerations by priority:</p><ol><li>Best resolution of Critical features identified by customer –OR- customer dictated orientation via drawings</li><li>Orient to minimize warpage or distortion.</li><li>Orient for best overall surface finish.</li></ol><ul><li>In the event there are significant concerns with pricing, please reach out to the Xometry team via <a href="mailto:work@xometry.com" rel="nofollow noreferrer ugc">work@xometry.com</a> </li><li>We can confirm with the customer if they prefer the lower price, or if they would be open to a price adjustment for optimal build orientation.</li></ul><p>Example : A 6 inch long hollow pipe can be built on its side for a low price. Optimal orientation would be standing the part with the 6 inch dimension in the Z-direction for best quality, (but it may require a higher price.)</p> </article> </main>