3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file. The creation of a 3D printed object is achieved using additive processes. In an additive process an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created. Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced horizontal cross-section of the eventual object.

3D printing is the opposite of subtractive manufacturing which is cutting out / hollowing out a piece of metal or plastic with for instance a milling machine.

With Pipeline’s suite of FDM and SLA 3D Printers, we have the technology to rapid prototype parts to expedite projects and even deliver parts strong enough to be used as low volume functional production components.

One unique capability of the FDM printers used at Pipeline is the ability to infuse carbon fiber into the plastic matrix of any part. The result produces a part that is strong enough to replace aluminum at half the weight in a timely manner only achievable with 3D printing.