Design for Additive Manufacturing
A practical additive-manufacturing hub for FDM/FFF, SLS, SLA, materials, clearances, orientation and release.
Start with the design logic
Additive manufacturing removes some tooling constraints but introduces others: build orientation, support access, anisotropy, minimum features, post-processing and machine-specific dimensional behavior.
FDM / FFF Design Rules
Account for orientation, anisotropy, support, walls, holes and interfaces.
Open →PLA vs PETG vs ABS vs ASA
Compare common FDM polymers by use case rather than a single “best” material.
Open →STEP vs STL vs 3MF
Choose the right design-master and print-delivery file formats.
Open →3D Printing Clearance
Estimate starting clearance values by process and intended fit.
Open →Material Finder
Shortlist materials using process and property priorities.
Open →Manufacturing Hub
Compare additive routes with machining, molding and other processes.
Open →Use DIVE-LD as a workflow
Read the concept, use a transparent calculator where useful, then verify the actual design against material data, process capability, supplier feedback and the standards that govern the release.