Minneapolis, MN – EAC Product Development Solutions (EAC), a leading provider of digital engineering and additive manufacturing solutions, today announced a strategic reseller partnership with AMT Post Processing Solutions (AMT), a global leader in automated post- processing technology for additive manufacturing. Through this collaboration, EAC will now offer AMT’s PostPro SFX product line, providing customers with industry-leading finishing solutions designed to accelerate additive manufacturing adoption across aerospace, defense, medical, and industrial markets.

The partnership marks an exciting milestone for both organizations. By working together, EAC and AMT aim to deliver best-in-class post-processing solutions to current and future customers, ensuring that additive manufacturing parts meet the highest standards of quality, repeatability, and compliance.

“As companies across industries continue to scale their additive manufacturing operations, post-processing has become one of the most significant challenges to achieving production readiness,” said Lauren Adey, Director of Additive Manufacturing at EAC. “Partnering with AMT
allows us to deliver cutting-edge solutions like the PostPro SFX, enabling our customers to streamline their workflows, reduce costs, and bring high-quality parts to market faster.”

The PostPro SFX system represents the next generation of sustainable post-processing technology. Built with precision and scalability in mind, it offers users the ability to smooth and finish polymer parts with unprecedented consistency. The system is particularly well-suited for aerospace and defense applications, where lightweight, high-performance parts must withstand demanding environments and comply with rigorous standards.

This partnership underscores EAC’s commitment to helping organizations maximize the value of their additive manufacturing investments. By integrating AMT’s post-processing technology into its solutions portfolio, EAC will provide customers with an end-to-end additive manufacturing experience—from design to print to finished part.

For more information about the EAC and AMT partnership, or to learn more about the PostPro SFX product line, please visit the listing at www.eacadditive.com or www.amtechnologies.com.

When it comes to 3D printing, your design is only as good as the material you choose to build it. The world of 3D printing materials has expanded far beyond early plastic filaments, offering everything from engineering-grade thermoplastics to flexible resins and even metals. Whether you’re prototyping a new product, creating a custom medical device, or manufacturing end-use parts, selecting the right material is crucial to performance, durability, and cost-efficiency.

In this guide, we’ll break down the major categories of 3D printing materials, how to choose the best option for your needs, and what’s new in the evolving world of additive manufacturing.

Types of 3D Printing Materials

The first step in choosing a material is understanding the available options. Different 3D printing technologies—FDM, SLA, SLS, and metal printing—all use distinct types of materials. As the 3D printing industry has matured, the range of usable materials has grown from basic plastics to advanced, application-specific composites and metals. Each category comes with unique mechanical properties, ideal use cases, and print requirements, making it essential to align your choice with your project’s needs.

1. Thermoplastics (FDM/FFF)

Thermoplastics are the most common materials used in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), a popular 3D printing method.

2. Photopolymer Resins (SLA/DLP)

Used in Stereolithography (SLA) and Digital Light Processing (DLP), resins produce high-resolution, smooth-surfaced parts.

3. Powder-Based Materials (SLS/Metal Printing)

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) and metal printing use powdered materials to build parts layer-by-layer.

4. Composite and Specialty Materials

Some materials combine thermoplastics with reinforcements to improve strength or durability.

How to Choose the Right 3D Printing Material

Material selection isn’t just about compatibility—it’s about performance. From prototyping to production, each stage in the product lifecycle can benefit from a different material depending on required strength, finish, or compliance. Choosing the right material can reduce time-to-market, eliminate failures during testing, and lead to more reliable end-use parts. Here’s what to consider:

1. Define Project Requirements

Ask yourself:

2. Match Material to Your Printer

Not all printers support all materials. For example:

Always verify the compatibility of your printer with the material before purchasing.

3. Think About Post-Processing

Some materials, especially resins and metals, require curing, sintering, or polishing. Consider the additional time, tools, and cost involved in post-processing.

What’s New in 3D Printing Materials?

Material science continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with 3D printing. Today’s innovations in 3D printing materials are opening new doors for industries like aerospace, healthcare, and consumer products. These cutting-edge materials allow for stronger, lighter, and more environmentally friendly components that were previously impossible to produce.

1. High-Performance Thermoplastics

2. Eco-Friendly and Recycled Materials

3. Affordable Metal Printing

New desktop metal printing solutions are making metal additive manufacturing more accessible to small and mid-sized companies.

4. Multi-Material Printing

Advanced machines can now print multiple materials or colors in a single job, combining flexibility with strength or aesthetics with performance.

Real-World Applications of 3D Printing Materials

Choosing the right material can unlock better functionality and faster product development. From rapid prototyping to custom medical implants, different industries require different performance benchmarks—and the right material choice is key to achieving those goals. By understanding the strengths and limitations of each material, you can improve your production process and reduce costly iterations.

1. Engineering Prototypes

2. Medical and Dental Devices

3. Consumer Products

4. Industrial and Aerospace

Taking the Next Step: Match Material to Application

Material choice is central to 3D printing success. Investing time upfront to evaluate the material’s behavior under stress, exposure, or heat can lead to far better end results. With the right combination of material and method, you’ll not only optimize part quality but also save costs across the product lifecycle.

Before you begin your next project:

Still unsure? Work with a 3D printing expert or materials consultant to test different options and reduce your time to market.

Need Help Selecting the Right 3D Printing Material?

At EAC Product Development Solutions, we help engineers, designers, and manufacturers select the ideal 3D printing materials for every application. Whether you’re prototyping, producing, or exploring additive for the first time, our team can guide you toward the right solution. Explore the options available to you in our library today!

In today’s rapidly evolving design and manufacturing landscape, additive manufacturing (AM) has become a transformative force. Commonly known as 3D printing, this technology is revolutionizing how products are developed, customized, and brought to market. But what many overlook is the critical role computer-aided design (CAD) plays in unleashing the full potential of additive manufacturing. CAD and 3D printing go hand-in-hand—and understanding how they work together is essential for any modern engineering or manufacturing team.

What Is Additive Manufacturing?

Additive manufacturing is a process of creating three-dimensional objects by building them layer by layer from a digital model. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing, which cuts away material from a solid block, AM adds only what is needed. This approach enables designs that are impossible or impractical to produce using conventional methods.

Advantages of additive manufacturing include:

Industries such as aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer products have adopted AM for everything from tooling to production parts, showing its versatility and broad application.

The Role of CAD in Additive Manufacturing

Every 3D printed part starts with a digital design—and that’s where CAD software becomes indispensable. CAD tools allow engineers and designers to create precise models, define tolerances, simulate behavior, and prepare files for printing. When it comes to 3D printing, not all CAD platforms are created equal. Software like PTC Creo offers features specifically designed for additive workflows, including:

Designing for additive manufacturing (DfAM) requires different considerations than traditional manufacturing. Engineers must account for build orientation, layer bonding, and material constraints. CAD platforms that integrate DfAM best practices help ensure parts are not only functional but also optimized for printability.

Benefits of Integrating CAD and Additive Manufacturing Early

Integrating CAD and additive manufacturing (AM) early in the product development process can streamline design, reduce errors, and significantly shorten time to market. By aligning digital design with 3D printing constraints from the start, teams can eliminate costly rework and ensure print-ready geometry. This proactive approach also fosters better cross-functional collaboration and optimizes part performance by leveraging AM-specific features like lattice structures and internal channels:

When CAD and AM tools work in harmony, teams can experiment with new ideas more freely, minimize errors, and speed up time-to-market.

Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

While the benefits of CAD-driven additive manufacturing are compelling, there are several common challenges teams must address to realize its full potential. These include geometry errors, file compatibility issues, and lack of design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) expertise. Fortunately, many of these pitfalls can be avoided with early planning, the right software tools, and close collaboration between designers, engineers, and manufacturing teams throughout the process.

Common pitfalls include:

To avoid these issues:

Real-World Use Cases: CAD and 3D Printing in Action

The combined power of CAD and 3D printing is being used across industries to create lighter, stronger, and more complex parts than ever before. From aerospace brackets and medical implants to rapid tooling and custom fixtures, additive manufacturing is unlocking innovation that traditional methods can’t match. These real-world applications demonstrate how early CAD integration directly leads to faster prototyping, reduced waste, and entirely new design possibilities.

Organizations across industries are already reaping the rewards of integrated CAD and AM workflows:

By streamlining the design-to-production process, companies can reduce costs, improve product quality, and stay ahead of competitors.

Future Trends in CAD and Additive Manufacturing

As both CAD software and additive manufacturing technology evolve, the integration between the two will become more seamless and intelligent. Innovations like AI-driven design, real-time simulation, and cloud-based collaboration are shaping the next era of digital product development. Understanding these trends today helps companies future-proof their processes and stay ahead in a competitive and rapidly changing manufacturing landscape.  

Key trends include:

Additionally, digital thread and PLM (product lifecycle management) integration will ensure seamless data flow from concept to production and beyond.

Final Thoughts: Getting the Most from CAD and 3D Printing

As additive manufacturing becomes a staple in modern product development, the importance of choosing the right CAD tools cannot be overstated. Teams that embrace CAD platforms designed for additive workflows gain a competitive edge through faster iterations, better products, and reduced waste.

Looking to leverage the full potential of 3D printing? EAC can help. From advanced CAD tools like Creo to expert guidance and integration support, we provide everything you need to build smarter, faster, and more efficiently.

Explore how 3D printing is evolving in our blog, How Does Additive Manufacturing Move Beyond Prototyping to Provide Production-Ready Solutions?

Formlabs has announced new pricing for educational institutions. Their goal with this initiative is to drive innovation and creativity in academia and beyond. The price drop will enable teachers, students, and researchers across all manner of schools and colleges. But who is included in Formlabs updated educational pricing? And what does the pricing include? Let’s dive in. 

Formlabs Updated Educational Pricing 

Formlabs, the largest supplier of professional stereolithography (SLA) and selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printers, just announced new pricing for educational institutions. According to their announcement, this pricing applies to accredited school from any level of education including K-12.  

So what does the Formlabs updated educational pricing include? This transformative program includes a 10% discount on Formlabs 3D printer packages and complimentary access to Open Material Mode (OMM) for eligible institutions. Making these cutting-edge tools more accessible empowers your institution to explore new frontiers, foster creativity, and drive innovation. 

Formlabs 3D Printer Packages

What 3D printers does the updated educational pricing apply to? The discount encompasses the entire array of Formlabs exceptional printers, including the Form 4 and Form 4B, which boast a remarkable 99% reliability rate as verified by independent third-party testing. The offerings also extend to the Form 4L and Form 4BL for large-format SLA 3D printing and the Fuse 1+ 30W, an SLS 3D printer engineered for maximum output with minimal waste. 

Open Material Mode

Each educational printer package purchase also comes with complimentary access to Formlabs Open Material Mode, a feature valued between $2,499 and $4,999 based on the printer model. This access grants unparalleled material versatility, allowing users to experiment with a diverse range of 405 nm resins (SLA) and 1064 nm powders (SLS). Such versatility opens the window to both a deeper exploration of material science and significantly expands research possibilities, enabling educational institutions to push the boundaries of innovation and discovery. 

3D Printing Materials

Formlabs provides a wide variety of materials: powders and resins with varying applications. While the new pricing for educational institutions does not apply to these materials, all Formlabs customers are eligible for bulk material discounts. Departments can reduce research project and classroom instruction costs by purchasing larger amounts of printing materials upfront. 

Bringing Innovation Into the Classroom and Beyond

From research to classroom learning, the Formlabs updated educational pricing opens the door to opportunities. With access to these high-quality SLA and SLS printers, students and faculty alike can learn, create, and grow to shape not just their future, but ours as well. There is, however, more to the process than simply purchasing a Formlabs 3D printer package. There’s also set up, materials, and troubleshooting. That’s where EAC comes in. 

What does EAC bring to the table? 

Ordering through us doesn’t just mean you get industrial-grade Additive Manufacturing equipment. We also provide the expertise crucial to realizing your newest machine’s true benefits. From support services and material sourcing to consulting and assessments, we enable you to make the most of your 3D printer. 

Achieve fast time-to-value on your printer and ensure it stays fully functional through daily use. One printer or many, we’re here to help you reach your full 3D printing capability so you can stay focused on business goals. 

Contact Us today to verify your eligibility. Together, let’s empower the next wave of leaders and thinkers, driving forward the vision of more efficient and innovative product development.

For teams working with large-scale 3D printing, the Formlabs Form 4L and Form 3L offer high-quality, reliable options for producing larger parts with detailed finishes. Both models bring high precision to industrial and commercial applications, but with different features that suit various needs. While the Form 3L is a solid choice for in-house, office-friendly production, the Form 4L takes large-format printing to a new level with even faster speeds and enhanced capabilities for intensive workflows.

Here’s a detailed look at how the Form 4L and Form 3L compare.

1. Build Volume and Applications

Form 3L

With a build volume of 33.5 × 20 × 30 cm (13.2 × 7.9 × 11.8 in), the Form 3L supports a range of larger prototypes and models, making it versatile enough for office or factory environments. Ideal for businesses looking to move large-scale prototyping in-house, the Form 3L is capable of printing life-sized models and complex parts that were previously outsourced.

Form 4L
With a build volume of 35.3 x 19.6 x 35.0 cm (13.9 × 77 × 138 in), the Form 4L offers a similar build volume but with enhancements in speed and material options that make it ideal for high-throughput production. Designed for faster turnarounds on large or intricate parts, it’s well-suited for users with greater volume needs or those who require extensive material compatibility.

Winner: Draw – Both models offer substantial build volumes, but the Form 4L adds performance advantages that may benefit high-demand environments.

2. Printing Technology

Form 3L
Utilizing Low Force Stereolithography (LFS), the Form 3L incorporates two Light Processing Units (LPUs) to ensure consistent detail across the entire build platform. This technology minimizes peel forces, resulting in smoother surfaces and reliable print success, even on complex parts.

Form 4L
The Form 4L employs Low Force Display (LFD) technology, which speeds up production by curing entire layers in one go. This layer-by-layer curing allows for faster prints without compromising accuracy, making it an efficient choice for production settings where time is essential.

Winner: Form 4L – The Form 4L’s LFD technology offers a speed advantage, especially for large-format prints.

3. Speed and Throughput

Form 3L
The Form 3L is optimized for high-quality prints, with a balanced speed suitable for most in-house prototyping needs. Draft Resin and other materials can be used to accelerate print times, though complex or large parts will take more time.

Form 4L
With its LFD engine, the Form 4L provides significantly faster print speeds. This capability makes it a better option for users needing rapid production cycles, especially in industries where large parts or quick turnarounds are critical.

Winner: Form 4L – The speed boost of the Form 4L enables faster production, making it ideal for businesses with high demands.

4. Material Compatibility

Form 3L
The Form 3L supports a wide selection of Formlabs resins, ranging from standard prototyping materials to engineering resins. Its dual-cartridge system allows for uninterrupted printing, particularly useful for long or multi-day prints.

Form 4L
The Form 4L goes further, expanding material compatibility to include third-party resins and more specialty materials, such as ceramics and polyurethanes. This open-material platform makes it highly adaptable for industries requiring specialized properties in their parts.

Winner: Form 4L – The broader range of certified materials provides greater flexibility for complex applications.

5. Ease of Use and Workflow Integration

Form 3L
With features like automatic resin dispensing and the PreForm software, the Form 3L is designed for intuitive use with minimal supervision. In-field repairs for components like the Light Processing Units and the optics window add to its practicality in various work environments.

Form 4L
The Form 4L includes similar user-friendly features but also integrates more advanced diagnostic tools and remote monitoring through Formlabs’ Dashboard. This setup allows users to track and manage prints from anywhere, ideal for larger operations requiring remote oversight.

Winner: Form 4L – Additional diagnostic and monitoring capabilities make the Form 4L better suited for busy production workflows.

6. Reliability and Maintenance

Form 3L
Designed for reliability, the Form 3L includes user-replaceable components that support 24/7 uptime. Integrated sensors help maintain optimal print conditions, allowing for consistent results even during lengthy print jobs.

Form 4L
The Form 4L’s fewer moving parts and advanced sensors provide a higher success rate, with less maintenance required over time. Its re-engineered consumables are built to last, adding to its suitability for demanding production schedules.

Winner: Form 4L – Enhanced reliability features and lower maintenance demands make the Form 4L preferable for continuous operations.

7. Part Quality and Finish

Form 3L
The Form 3L delivers a smooth surface finish and precise detail across large parts, thanks to its dual LPUs and refined resin management system. Printed parts resemble injection-molded quality, making it a great choice for high-fidelity prototyping.

Form 4L
In addition to matching the Form 3L’s quality, the Form 4L offers sharper details with LFD technology. The highly collimated light source and anti-aliasing features allow for subpixel-level precision, producing parts that require minimal post-processing.

Winner: Form 4L – Superior optics ensure the highest quality, particularly on intricate or production-grade parts.

8. Which Printer Should You Choose?

Choose the Form 3L if:

Choose the Form 4L if:

The Form 3L and Form 4L are both strong contenders for large-format printing, each with distinct advantages depending on your needs. The Form 3L offers robust, affordable large-scale printing, ideal for prototyping and occasional production. Meanwhile, the Form 4L is built for higher productivity, with enhanced speed, material flexibility, and reliability. For businesses focused on scaling production or working with diverse materials, the Form 4L is likely the better investment, while the Form 3L remains an excellent choice for those prioritizing quality and cost-efficiency.

For businesses and professionals in need of fast, high-quality 3D printing, the Formlabs Form 4 and Form 4L each offer distinct advantages. Both models are known for precision and reliability, making them well-suited for industrial prototyping and production applications. The Form 4L, however, provides a larger build volume, allowing for more efficient production of larger parts as well as the ability to print larger quantities of smaller parts.

Here’s an overview of their key features and how each printer may suit different production requirements.

1. Build Volume and Part Size

The Form 4 is a powerful choice for small to medium-sized parts with detailed features, but the Form 4L is designed for larger applications.

Winner: Form 4L – Perfect for large parts and batch printing without compromising on quality.

2. Print Speed

Both the Form 4 and Form 4L use Low Force Display (LFD) technology for fast and precise printing. The Form 4L’s larger build area can handle larger layers more quickly, which speeds up the printing process for big parts.

Winner: Form 4L – Efficient for larger parts and quick prototyping of multiple parts simultaneously.

3. Print Quality and Surface Finish

Both printers offer high-quality finishes and exceptional detail, with anti-aliasing and advanced optics for smooth, sharp edges.

Winner: Draw – Both printers offer exceptional quality, with Form 4L retaining the same precision on larger parts.

4. Materials and Versatility

Both models support a vast range of Formlabs resins and are compatible with certified third-party materials, adding to their versatility.

Winner: Draw – Both printers provide robust material compatibility, giving users flexibility across applications.

5. Ease of Use and Workflow Integration

Formlabs prioritizes ease of use and smooth workflow with PreForm software, integrated cameras, and remote monitoring options for both printers. The Form 4L adds features like a 5L Resin Pumping System and automatic resin dispensing to handle the demands of large-scale printing.

Winner: Form 4L – Simplified for high-volume work with advanced resin management.

6. Reliability and Consumable Management

The reliability of both the Form 4 and Form 4L is reinforced by intelligent control systems, validated print settings, and re-engineered consumables for long-lasting performance.

Winner: Draw – Both printers are engineered for dependable performance, with the Form 4L optimized for bigger prints.

7. Post-Processing

Both printers integrate with Formlabs’ Form Wash and Form Cure systems Both machines also offer a flexible build plate (Form 4L Flexible Build plate available soon).

Winner: Draw – Both printers offer flexible build plates for easy part removal..

8. Pricing and Value

The Form 4 offers a cost-effective solution for small to medium-sized parts with high-quality output. The Form 4L, while more expensive, justifies its price with a larger build volume, faster production times for big prints, and lower operational costs for batch production.

Winner: Depends on need – Form 4 for affordability, Form 4L for large-scale production and batch printing.

Which Printer Should You Choose?

Both the Form 4 and Form 4L offer outstanding value for different production needs. The Form 4 provides a powerful, affordable option for precise smaller parts, while the Form 4L enables faster, large-scale production without compromising on quality.

Whether you’re focused on cost-effective prototyping or large-scale production, you can find both models on EAC Additive’s e-store to fit your specific manufacturing goals.