Reference4 min
FDM 3D Printing
FDM is one of the most common 3D printing methods, building parts by depositing melted thermoplastic filament layer by layer.
3D PrintingFDMPLA
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Reference4 min
SLA 3D Printing
SLA is a 3D printing process that produces high-detail parts by curing liquid photopolymer resin with light, layer by layer.
3D PrintingSLAResin
Reference5 min
CNC Machining
CNC machining makes precise parts by removing material from a solid workpiece with computer-controlled cutting tools.
CNCMachiningAluminum
Reference4 min
Manufacturing Tolerances
Tolerance is the acceptance range that defines how far a manufactured dimension may vary from its nominal design value.
ToleranceTechnical DrawingDFM
Reference4 min
Infill in FDM Printing
Infill defines the internal pattern and density created between the outer shells of an FDM part.
FDMInfillSlicing
Reference4 min
STL File Format
STL is a common manufacturing file format that represents a 3D model's outer surface as a triangle mesh.
STL3D PrintingFile Format
Reference4 min
STEP File Format
STEP is a neutral exchange format used to carry precise CAD geometry between engineering and manufacturing systems.
STEPCADCNC
Reference5 min
Design for Manufacturing (DFM)
DFM is the practice of improving a design so it can be manufactured reliably, economically, and repeatedly with the selected process.
DFMManufacturabilityDesign
Reference3 min
RFQ
An RFQ is the quote request a customer sends with production files and requirements.
RFQQuoteOrder
Guide6 min
Preparing an STL File for FDM Printing
The essential checks to run before sending an STL file for FDM production.
STLFDMDFM
Guide6 min
Choosing the Right Manufacturing Process: FDM, SLA, or CNC
A step-by-step guide to choosing between FDM, SLA, and CNC based on your part's purpose, material, and tolerance.
FDMSLACNC
Guide6 min
Preparing Files for a CNC Quote
The checks to run on your STEP model and technical drawing before sending them for a CNC quote.
CNCSTEPTechnical Drawing
Guide5 min
Creating Your First RFQ
A step-by-step guide to your first production request on Fabberworks, from file upload to comparing quotes.
RFQOrderGetting Started
Material5 min
PLA
PLA is one of the most common thermoplastics for FDM prototypes thanks to its low cost and easy printability.
PLAFDMMaterial
Material5 min
Photopolymer Resin
Photopolymer resin is a material family cured by light in SLA and related processes to create high-detail parts with smooth surfaces.
ResinSLAPhotopolymer
Material6 min
Aluminum
Aluminum is a metal family widely used for CNC parts because of its low density, machinability, and strength-to-weight balance.
AluminumCNCMetal
Blog7 min
10 Things to Watch When Ordering FDM Manufacturing
A practical checklist for getting better FDM quotes and fewer print surprises.
FDMOrderingChecklist
Blog6 min
From Prototype to Small Batch: How Cost Changes as Quantity Grows
An editorial look at balancing process, unit cost, and lead time when moving from a single prototype to a 100-part batch.
Small BatchCost3D Printing
Handbook5 min
Getting Started as a Creator
The first checklist for getting your profile, machine, and quote flow ready on Fabberworks.
CreatorOnboardingMachine
Handbook5 min
Order Production Workflow and Photo Proof
A guide to carrying an accepted order through production steps, status updates, and photo proof to delivery.
CreatorProductionPhoto Proof
Handbook5 min
Managing Machine Profiles and Rate Cards
A guide to defining your machines, supported materials, and rate card so you receive the right matches.
CreatorMachineRate Card