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ResourcesBlogThe Complete Xometry Production Guide


THE COMPLETE XOMETRY PRODUCTION GUIDE

Choosing the Right Process for Your Custom Parts

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CNC MACHINING


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XOMETRY'S ONLINE CNC MACHINING SERVICE

Xometry is the industry leader in custom, quick-turn CNC machining services for
rapid prototyping and production parts. Our online Instant Quoting Engine gives
you a CNC machining quote within seconds. Then we make your machined metal or
plastic parts and get them to your door in as few as 2 days. We inspect the
parts and guarantee their quality.


Our massive partner network means that whatever your part, we have a shop and a
machine that can make it. We integrate seamlessly with over 3,000 vetted
manufacturing partners in the U.S. including ITAR qualified facilities and we
are ISO 9001:2015 and AS9100D certified.


With such a high volume of qualified shops and over 40 certified materials
available, using Xometry takes the guesswork out of CNC part sourcing. Our
partners support the latest in CNC machining and turning processes, can support
a high level of part complexity, and provide exceptional surface finishes. We
can also machine and inspect to any 2D drawing, always ensuring you have the CNC
machined parts you need, at-quality and on time.

Learn more about CNC Machining With Xometry
CNC Machining Capabilities


THE BENEFITS OF CNC MACHINING


EXTREME PRECISION AND HIGH QUALITY


CNC Machining is one of the fastest, most accurate methods available to build
market-quality parts for almost any application. CNC removes material using high
speed, precision machines that are programmed to use a wide variety of cutting
tools to create the final design.



FAST DELIVERY


Xometry can machine parts in most common metals and plastics in as little as 6
business days. Our standard lead time for most orders is 10 business days.



ECONOMICAL WITH MINIMAL SETUP

We offer 5-axis CNC Machining to produce appropriate parts quickly and with
minimal setups.


THE TRADE-OFFS WITH CNC MACHINING

Given the cost of material and setup, CNC Machining can be more expensive for
smaller quantities of parts. Certain features, such as those that cannot be
reached by the milling tool, cannot be produced. Sharp interior corners must
have a radius of at least 0.0156”, and square interior corners will have a
corner radius of 1/8 times the depth of the pocket applied.


DESIGNING FOR CNC MACHINING


Learn how to design your parts for CNC machining with our design guide
Download Now


SHEET METAL FABRICATION


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XOMETRY'S SHEET METAL FABRICATION SERVICES

Sheet metal fabrication is the process of forming parts from a metal sheet. 3D
CAD files are converted into machine code, which controls a machine to precisely
cut and form the sheets into the final part. Typical forming tools are brakes,
punches, and dies which can form angular bends and features.

Installing inserts, such as PEM inserts, is standard practice along with welding
and finishing services. Sheet metal parts are known for their durability, which
makes them great for end-use applications (e.g. chassis). Parts used for low
volume prototypes and high volume production runs are most cost-effective due to
large initial setup and material costs.


Our custom sheet metal services offer a cost-effective and on-demand solution
for your manufacturing needs. Fabrication services range from low-volume
prototype to high-volume production runs with significant cost savings.

Learn more about sheet metal fabrication with Xometry
Sheet Metal Capabilities


THE BENEFITS OF SHEET METAL


PRODUCTION QUALITY


We currently offer sheet metal fabrication services including bending, punching,
and cutting many different metals to form your part for either low to high
volume production runs. Parts are well known for their durability and precision,
which makes them perfect for end-use.



DURABLE, UNIFORM THICKNESS


Sheet metal fabrication produces thin-walled, metal parts that can’t be produced
with CNC Machining. Chassis, enclosures, and brackets are perfect for Sheet
Metal Fabrication because they maintain a uniform thickness and need to be rigid
and durable.



QUANTITY DISCOUNTS


As quantity increases, price per part drastically decreases due to the fact that
parts are able to be patterned on the same stock of material.


THE TRADE-OFFS WITH SHEET METAL

Sheet metal may be expensive for lower quantities of parts due to tooling, setup
and material costs. Sheet metal fabrication cannot be used for parts with
non-uniform or large wall thicknesses. Sharp interior corners are incompatible
with this method, as the sheets are bent with machinery that has rounded
corners.


DESIGNING FOR SHEET METAL


Learn how to design for sheet metal fabrication with our design guide.
Download Now


STEREOLITHOGRAPHY (SLA)


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XOMETRY'S SLA 3D PRINTING SERVICES

Stereolithography (SLA) is a powerful 3D printing technology that produces
extremely accurate and high-resolution parts that are capable of being used
directly in end-use, low-volume production, or for rapid prototyping.


Stereolithography is an additive manufacturing process that focuses an
ultraviolet (UV) light on a vat of photopolymer resin. It offers higher
resolution printing than many other 3D printing technologies, allowing customers
to print parts with fine details and surface finishes. Stereolithography 3D
printing is a highly-versatile platform for making custom parts in prototype and
production settings, often acting as a stand-in for injection-molded plastic
parts.


Xometry offers both standard and high-resolution options for fine detail parts,
and can also print larger sized parts and products, offering up to a 29" inch
build area. In addition, Xometry's manufacturing partner network allows us to
offer a larger variety of materials than other 3D printing companies - we offer
a wide range of both Accura and Somos brand materials.

Learn more about SLA 3D printing with xometry


THE BENEFITS OF SLA 3D PRINTING


SMOOTH MOVES


SLA parts are printed with almost glassy finish—smoother than other 3D Printing
processes—due to their UV curing process. (Note: matte finish is also
available.)



PHYSICAL SNAPSHOTS


Combining high resolution prints with speed and versatility, parts printed in
SLA allow product developers to see their designs come to life quickly and
cost-effectively throughout the iterative process.



DETAIL-ORIENTED


SLA's precision and fidelity allows for highly detailed features, such as
embossing, that are not always possible with other 3D Printing processes.


THE TRADE-OFFS WITH SLA 3D PRINTING

Long and broad are subject to uneven curing, which can lead to warping. They are
also more susceptible to distortion caused by heat and moisture which can happen
during post-processing or shipping. As with most 3D Printing processes, there is
a risk of especially small features not resolving. Be sure to meet the minimum
suggested dimensions to avoid resolution errors.


DESIGNING FOR SLA 3D PRINTING


Learn how to design for SLA 3D Printing with our design guide
Download Now


METAL 3D PRINTING (DMLS)


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XOMETRY'S DMLS 3D PRINTING SERVICES

Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is a metal 3D printing technology that
builds prototype and production metal parts from a CAD file using a laser to
selectively fuse a fine metal powder in either stainless steel or aluminum
materials. A DMLS machine is capable of producing highly complex features and
all-in-one assemblies using metal materials that would be difficult to achieve
with subtractive manufacturing techniques. DMLS is often used as a substitution
for aluminum or steel metal casting.


Our Direct Metal Laser Sintering metal 3D printing service typically offers
build volumes up to 250 x 250 x 325 mm, but we may be able to accommodate larger
part volumes upon request in the quote (See our Manufacturing Standards for more
details). Find out the cost of the parts you need using Direct Metal Laser
Sintering or compare the costs of DMLS vs. SLS. Get a free instant quote today.

Learn more about DMLS 3D printing with Xometry
DMLS Capabilities


THE BENEFITS OF DMLS 3D PRINTING


SPEED MEETS DURABILITY


DMLS is a 3D printing technology that uses metal powder and precision lasers to
quickly and accurately create fully-dense parts from a 3D CAD file. DMLS is
great for applications that require robust and complex parts in a short lead
time. Parts typically ship in 4-8 business days!



HIGH-PERFORMANCE MATERIALS


Xometry offers DMLS in Aluminum, Stainless Steel (316L and 17-4), Titanium, and
Copper.



PRODUCTION QUALITY


The durability and strength of DMLS parts up to 980 MPa in stainless steel makes
them perfect for end-use applications. These parts are also useful for injection
molds, and fully functional late-stage prototypes.


THE TRADE-OFFS WITH DMLS 3D PRINTING

DMLS cannot produce the smooth surface finish of a machined part. Pieces can be
manually polished, but the process is time-consuming and makes tolerances
difficult to maintain. Parts require support structure for overhangs greater
than 45 degrees from vertical. Fillets are great to allow surfaces to be
self-supporting and grant more freedom of design.


DESIGNING FOR DMLS 3D PRINTING


Learn how to design for DMLS 3D printing with our design guide
Download Now


HP MULTI JET FUSION (HP MJF)


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XOMETRY'S HP MULTI JET 3D PRINTING SERVICES

HP Multi Jet Fusion is a unique 3D printing process that is vastly different
from the others on offer. However, it is no less precise, capable of creating
high-quality parts up to 10X faster than competing 3D printing processes,
allowing you to get to market faster.


Like all powder-based 3D printing processes, HP Multi Jet Fusion builds parts
layer by layer, using a fusing agent and heat to set each layer before moving
onto the next. In the more traditional 3d printing processes — such as Selective
Laser Sintering (SLS), Stereolithography (SLA), or Direct Metal Laser Sintering
(DMLS) — each part is imaged, layer by layer, with a single laser beam. HP’s
Multi Jet Fusion works a bit more like a traditional ink-jet printer with a
printhead that deposits the material, and then a fusing agent, across the entire
build plate in one pass, allowing for improved economies of scale when printing
in bulk.


HP Multi Jet Fusion is an extremely exciting, robust and flexible addition to
Xometry’s manufacturing capabilities. It’s excellent for prototyping,
small-batch production runs or as a bridge process to injection molding,
allowing you to get a feel for how your parts will perform with minimal upfront
costs.

Learn more about HP Multi Jet Fusion with Xometry
HP Multi Jet Capabilities


THE BENEFITS OF HP MULTI JET


THE POWER OF NYLON


HP MJF prints parts in Nylon, making it a robust and “forgiving” process due to
nylon's inherent toughness and flexibility (including a high degree of chemical
resistance). Materials can also be sterilized via steam autoclave, Et0, plasma,
chemical, and gamma methods. We consider HP Multi Jet Fusion to be one of the
best 3D printing processes for both prototyping concept models and for
low-volume manufacturing of end-use parts.



COMPLEXITY WITHOUT SUPPORT


Like SLS 3D printing, HP MJF 3D printed parts are built in a self-supporting
powder bed which allows fine details, overhangs, and lattice structures to grow
easily in all directions. This makes it a great method for complex parts.



ECONOMICAL AND FAST


Because parts are “free-floating” and can be nested together in a bulk build, HP
Multi Jet Fusion is a very cost-effective process--even being more economical
than Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D
printing in most cases where high quantities are needed.



RUGGED BLACK AND GRAY PARTS


HP Multi Jet Fusion parts have a natural gray surface finish but are solid,
jet-black material underneath. The parts can be dyed black and benefit from
being able to “scratch black” in applications where they experience high impact,
wear, or tear. This makes HP MJF parts ideal for rugged electromechanical
enclosures, clips, and prosthetics.


THE TRADE-OFF OF HP MULTI JET 3D PRINTING

Smoothing surface requires sanding, machining, or other post-processing.
Currently, the materials are not available in colors. Larger parts tend to
suffer from thermal stress which causes warping or unpredictable shrink.


DESIGNING FOR HP MULTI JET 3D PRINTING


Learn how to design for HP Multi Jet Fusion 3D printing with our design guide
Download Now


CARBON DIGITAL LIGHT SYNTHESIS (CARBON DLS)


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XOMETRY'S CARBON DLS 3D PRINTING SERVICES

Carbon® uses digital light projection, oxygen-permeable optics, and programmable
liquid resins to produce products with end-use durability, resolution and
surface finish. This technology, along with Carbon’s custom liquid resins,
unlocks new business opportunities and product designs previously impossible,
including mass customization and on-demand inventory. The Carbon platform
enables companies to bring products to market that were never thought possible.


Carbon bridges, and sometimes substitutes, for processes like Urethane Casting
and Injection Molding service production, because the materials are
urethane-based or epoxy-based, giving excellent mechanical properties. There are
even elastomer and silicone resins that outperform most additive manufactured
rubber-like materials.

Learn more about Carbon DLS 3D Printing with Xometry
Learn More


THE BENEFITS OF CARBON DLS


END-USE DURABILITY WITHOUT COSMETIC SACRIFICE


Parts made with Carbon Digital Light Synthesis (Carbon DLS) are great for
applications such as automotive, medical, and commercial goods parts due to
their ability to be produced quickly and at a low price over volume, while
having a smooth surface similar to Stereolithography (SLA) 3D prints. The
urethane and epoxy-based materials can withstand high vibration, stress, and are
wear-resistant.



MECHANICAL PROPERTY RANGE


Depending on the material, Carbon DLS parts can be either rigid, flexible, or
rubber-like. Material properties compare to urethane cast or injection molded
components and some speciality materials offer best-in-class heat resistance.



ECONOMICAL AT SCALE


Carbon Digital Light Synthesis can print parts in production at low costs with a
shorter lead time compared to traditional tooling methods. Pricing quickly
amortizes as the part quantity increases.


THE TRADE-OFFS WITH CARBON DLS

The platform size is limited, being most suitable for parts under 6” x 4” x 4”
and the best economy-of-scale with multiple parts below 3” x 2” x 1”. The
support material may leave more pronounced bumps where removed. Single-unit
costs are higher than other 3D printing processes.


DESIGNING FOR CARBON DLS


Learn how to design for Carbon DLS 3D Printing with our design guide
Download Now


SELECTIVE LASER SINTERING (SLS)


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XOMETRY'S SLS 3D PRINTING SERVICES

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is a powerful 3D printing technology that
produces highly accurate and durable parts that are capable of being used
directly in end-use, low-volume production, or for rapid prototyping. SLS is one
of the most inexpensive options for industrial 3D printing services because it
can build parts in bulk without support structure requirements.


An additive manufacturing layer technology, Selective Laser Sintering involves
the use of a high power laser (for example, a carbon dioxide laser) to fuse
small particles of plastic powders into a mass that has a desired
three-dimensional shape. The laser selectively fuses powdered material by
scanning cross-sections generated from a 3-D digital description of the part
(for example from a CAD file or scan data) on the surface of a powder bed. After
each cross-section is scanned, the powder bed is lowered by one layer thickness,
a new layer of material is applied on top, and the selective laser sintering
process is repeated until the part is completed.

Learn more about SLS 3D Printing with Xometry
Learn More


THE BENEFITS OF SLS 3D PRINTING


THE POWER OF NYLON


SLS prints parts in Nylon 12, making it a robust and “forgiving” process due to
nylon's inherent toughness and flexibility (including a high degree of chemical
resistance). Nylon can also be sterilized via steam autoclave, Et0, plasma,
chemical, and gamma methods. We consider SLS to be one of the best general-use
processes for both prototyping concept models and for low-volume manufacturing
of end-use parts.



COMPLEXITY WITHOUT SUPPORT


SLS parts are built in a self-supporting powder bed which allows fine details,
overhangs, and lattice structures to grow easily in all directions. This makes
it a great method for complex parts.



ECONOMICAL AND FAST


Because parts are “free floating” and can be nested together in a build, SLS is
a very cost-effective process.



WATERTIGHTNESS AND SEALING


Parts that are over 0.040” tend to be water tight and fully dense. Sealing
surfaces may require manual smoothing due to the matte finish of sintered
plastic.


THE TRADE-OFFS WITH SLS 3D PRINTING


Learn how to design for SLS 3D Printing with our design guide
Download Now


FUSED DEPOSITION MODELING (FDM)


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XOMETRY'S FDM 3D PRINTING SERVICES

Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a 3D printing technology widely known for its
speed, accuracy, and competitive cost. An FDM machine precisely extrudes melted
plastic filament to create a part. Parts are very rigid, especially compared to
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and can be lightweighted through multiple
infill options.


When ordering through Xometry, you get the benefits of Industrial 3D Printing
without the costs associated with buying and maintaining entire machines.
Combined with our Instant Quoting Engine, our online 3D Printing service can
turn around your FDM parts in as little as 1 day.


Additionally, Xometry's FDM solution offers large build volumes, a variety of
colors, and a diverse selection of production-grade thermoplastics — from ABS to
Polycarbonate to Ultem. Our full list of plastic material capabilities is
constantly being expanded and updated to fit your unique manufacturing needs.

Learn more about FDM 3D Printing with Xometry
Learn More


THE BENEFITS OF FDM 3D PRINTING


ALL-AROUND MVP


FDM is widely known for its speed, accuracy, and competitive cost. These factors
make it a good choice for concept models, prototypes, and end-use parts.



TRUSTED MATERIALS WITH EXCELLENT MECHANICAL PROPERTIES


FDM 3D printing builds parts layer by layer using an extruded thermoplastic
filament. Its robust material options make it a great fit for applications that
require proven, high-performance plastics such as ABS, Polycarbonate, PPSF, and
Ultem.



COLOR CUSTOMIZATION


We offer an enormous amount of customization for FDM parts with 16 colors to
choose from, depending on the material.


THE TRADE-OFFS WITH FDM 3D PRINTING

Bead thickness causes FDM to sweat the small details, and have noticeable layer
stepping. As a result, small holes, text, very narrow pegs and lips may not
resolve (for these types of features we recommend SLS or PolyJet).


DESIGNING FOR FDM 3D PRINTING


Learn how to design for FDM 3D Printing with our design guide
Download Now


POLYJET 3D


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XOMETRY'S POLYJET 3D SERVICES

PolyJet 3D is a 3D printing technology known for its customizable material
properties and excellent surface finish. It works by jetting UV curable resin
onto a build tray in a process that is somewhat similar to inkjet printing.
PolyJet 3D printing offers one of the most advanced industrial 3D printing
solutions available, producing parts with incredible precision and speed. It
also supports the ability to print in multiple materials at once and can
simulate rubber materials and overmolds.


Xometry’s massive U.S.-based partner network offers a range of higher-end
PolyJet machines to support your unique manufacturing requirements, including
many multi-material overmold options. Combined with our Instant Quoting Engine,
our online 3D Printing service can turn around your Polyjet printing prototypes
in as little as 1-2 days, delivering high-quality PolyJet printed parts quickly
and at excellent quality.

Learn more about PolyJet 3D Printing with Xometry


THE BENEFITS OF POLYJET 3D PRINTING


INCREDIBLE SPEED AND PRECISION


PolyJet 3D printing builds parts layer by layer using UV light to cure a jetted
resin. It offers one of the most advanced industrial 3D Printing solutions
available and, due to its simple pre- and post-processing procedures, allows for
quick lead times.



SMOOTH FINISH


This process is known for resolving very fine details and producing a smooth
surface finish. Polyjet builds parts in fine layers using a UV-cured
photopolymer deposited through jetting print heads. It is widely used for
models, prototypes, and (low-heat) molds.



A WIDE VARIETY OF PROPERTIES


Parts in PolyJet can be printed in materials with many different properties from
rigid to rubber-like, and even translucent. PolyJet machines can also run
multiple materials simultaneously or blend materials together! This drastically
increases the variety and characteristics a part can come in.


THE TRADE-OFFS WITH POLYJET 3D PRINTING

PolyJet materials tend to be more fragile than FDM or SLS parts. We recommend
using it for fit-checks, “feel” checks, trade-show models, and other uses that
do not involve harsh environments or impact. Small features on PolyJet parts
pose a high risk of breaking off during post-processing. We recommend adding
drafts, fillets, and ribs to strengthen the part. Thin and narrow sections of a
part are most vulnerable to break. Support material is needed for certain
features, which could reduce the freedom of design because removal of support
may risk breaking fragile features.


DESIGNING FOR POLYJET 3D PRINTING


Learn how to design for PolyJet 3D Printing with our design guide
Download Now


INJECTION MOLDING


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XOMETRY'S INJECTION MOLDING SERVICES

Xometry delivers high-quality, on-demand injection molded parts. Injection
molding is the cheapest process to make a plastic part at scale by offering
consistent quality for mid-to-high volume manufacturing. Molding also has the
highest variety of materials, colors, and configurations compared to CNC
machining or even 3D printing. Beyond materials, injection molded parts can have
custom cosmetics, polishes, or surface textures.


Xometry takes a “have it your way” approach to molding. We specialize in complex
projects, typically requiring side action or hand loaded inserts. Our goal is to
provide a long term solution, moving beyond rapid prototyping, with dedicated
project managers and engineering experts to communicate through all project
stages from design to production.

Learn more about Injection Molding with Xometry
Learn More


THE BENEFITS OF INJECTION MOLDING


VARIETY OF MATERIAL PROPERTIES


The Injection Molding process offers a vast array of plastic resins to work
with. These materials have been developed to meet specific requirements for
strength, high temperature and chemical resistance, abrasion resistance, and low
friction.



THIN WALLS? NO PROBLEM


Unlike many other manufacturing methods, thin walls actually benefit Injection
Molded parts by reducing cycle time and, by extension, part cost.



PRECISE SURFACE FINISH


Molded parts will carry the exact surface finish of their molds, allowing for
greater control over the finished product.



ECONOMY OF SCALE


Since large numbers of uniform parts can be produced from a single mold,
Injection Molding is an excellent choice for production runs—the more you buy,
the less you spend per unit.


THE TRADE-OFFS WITH INJECTION MOLDING

Shrinkage varies based on material and must be compensated for in the mold.
Cost-prohibitive in small quantities, Injection Molding is best for low-volume
production runs. The molded part will pick up even the smallest imperfection in
the mold surfaces, so additional finishing of the mold may be required.


DESIGNING FOR INJECTION MOLDING


Learn how to design for Injection Molding with our design guide
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URETHANE CASTING


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XOMETRY'S URETHANE CASTING SERVICES

Urethane casting provides end-use, rigid or flexible plastic parts with
production-level quality. Built without expensive and time-consuming hard
tooling, our urethane casting process uses a 3D printed master pattern and
silicone molds to deliver high-quality, short-run parts up to 30” long. The
finished dimensions of urethane cast parts depend on the accuracy of the master
model, part geometry and casting material. In general, a shrinkage rate of +
0.15% is expected.


Xometry supports any urethane casting process, material or finish you could
need. Our extensive network of SLA and Polyjet 3D printing partners means we can
handle everything from the master pattern and mold-making, to the production
casting of parts and custom finishes. With more than 4,000 vetted manufacturing
partner facilities across the U.S., Xometry is able to pair your part order with
the machine shop best suited to handle the quality, surface finishes,
performance, and color requirements you need — resulting in competitive prices
and ideal lead times for your projects.

Learn more sbout Urethane Casting with Xometry
Learn More


THE BENEFITS OF URETHANE CASTING


END-USE DURABILITY


Parts made with urethane casting are great for applications such as automotive
and aircraft parts due to their ability to be produced quickly and at a low
price, while being durable enough for end-use.



MECHANICAL PROPERTY RANGE


Depending on the mixture, urethane casted parts can be either rigid, flexible,
or rubber-like and are even sufficient for end-use applications due to this
method’s high impact strength, abrasion resistance, and resistance to heat.



FASTER THAN INJECTION MOLDING


Urethane casted parts are known for “bridge tooling” or “soft tooling” when
compared to Injection Molded parts because of the faster rate of production and
lower fixed cost.


THE TRADE-OFFS WITH URETHANE CASTING

Quantities are limited by both time and durability of the silicone molds, due to
the fact that parts need to solidify and can only be manufactured one at a time.
Shrinkage may be unpredictable depending on the geometry of the part.


DESIGNING FOR URETHANE CASTING


Learn how to design for Urethane Casting with our design guide
Download Now


LIGHTNING-FAST FINISHING SERVICES


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THE BENEFITS OF XOMETRY'S FINISHING SERVICES


COMPETITIVE PRICING


Access a deep network of world-class finishers, helping you find the suppliers
you need at competitive prices.



SAVE TIME


Free up your team to focus on high-value projects and let our tech handle the
time-consuming RFQ process.



ONE-STOP SHOP


Xometry's new lightning-fast finishing services guarantees two-hour quoting,
competitive pricing, and two-day delivery on standard finishing services without
expediting fees.


FINISHING SERVICES FROM CERTIFIED SUPPLIERS


Learn more about Xometry's Lightning-Fast Finishing Services
Learn More

DISCLAIMER


The content appearing on this webpage is for informational purposes only.
Xometry makes no representation or warranty of any kind, be it expressed or
implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or validity of the information. Any
performance parameters, geometric tolerances, specific design features, quality
and types of materials, or processes should not be inferred to represent what
will be delivered by third-party suppliers or manufacturers through Xometry’s
network. Buyers seeking quotes for parts are responsible for defining the
specific requirements for those parts. Please refer to our terms and conditions
for more information.

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