What is Additive manufacturing (3D printing)?

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a production technology that creates three-dimensional parts by successively layering material based on a digital model. Unlike traditional subtractive processes (such as machining), where material is removed from a block, additive manufacturing builds the part using only the necessary material—reducing waste, shortening lead times, and enabling significant design freedom.

In the plastics industry, additive manufacturing (3D printing) has become a key tool for rapid prototyping, short-run production, design validation, and in some cases, the creation of final parts with complex or customized geometries. Thanks to its versatility, it is especially useful during development phases where fast design iterations are needed before transitioning to processes like injection molding.

The most common additive manufacturing (3D printing) methods for plastics include FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling), SLA (Stereolithography), and SLS (Selective Laser Sintering). Each technique uses different materials and offers specific features in terms of precision, surface finish, mechanical strength, and cost. Popular thermoplastics in 3D printing include PLA, ABS, PETG, nylon, and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).

One of the main advantages of additive manufacturing (3D printing) is its ability to produce complex shapes that would be very costly—or even impossible—with conventional methods. It also enables immediate design iteration, internal structure optimization (like mesh infills), and faster product development. Additionally, it supports localized production without requiring dedicated tooling or long lead times.

At Plásticos Lezo, we use additive manufacturing (3D printing) as a strategic support tool in our engineering and mold development process. It allows us to validate concepts, create functional prototypes, and quickly refine designs before producing the final mold. This approach improves communication with the client, speeds up industrialization, and reduces costs associated with design errors or misfits.

In some projects, we also use 3D printing to manufacture auxiliary components such as fixtures, supports, assembly tools, or temporary inserts. Additive manufacturing lets us test various part configurations to optimize features like air evacuation, mold filling, or structural strength before injection molding the final version.

Additive manufacturing (3D printing) also contributes to more sustainable production processes. By minimizing material waste and enabling on-demand production, it supports a more flexible and efficient economy. Looking ahead, this technology is expected to keep evolving—integrating recycled materials, advanced composites, and new functional applications across industries like medical, automotive, and electronics.

In summary, additive manufacturing (3D printing) is a powerful, complementary tool in plastic transformation. Its adaptability, development speed, and design innovation potential make it a strategic asset for companies committed to quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement. At Plásticos Lezo, we integrate this technology to deliver comprehensive solutions—from concept to full-scale production.