The Complete 3D Printing Service Handbook: How Welch Plastics Helps Bring Ideas to Life.
3D printing is more than just a word; today, 3D printing represents a solution for innovation in a fast-paced economy, rapid prototyping, complex part construction, or manufacturing assembled parts economically. Welch Plastics is a proven plastic manufacturer in Las Vegas. We have decades of experience in custom plastic fabrication and plastic manufacturing, along with state-of-the-art 3D printing capabilities, to help individuals and companies bring ideas to life.
3D Printing delivers quality and service to customers looking to launch a product, improve a process, or make a custom object, and this guide covers how 3D printing works, the difference between 3D printing and traditional injection molding, and how Welch Plastics, a trusted provider, can help you with 3D printing solutions that are reliable and professional.
What is 3D printing?
3D printing, also called additive manufacturing, is when an object is created by adding material to a 3D object in layers based on information in a digital file. 3D printing creates an object by adding material in the place where it is needed, rather than traditional subtractive manufacturing, which removes material from a block of material (sometimes also called the part). 3D printing tends to have less waste and can produce more complex geometries in a part.
The 3D printing process consists of:
- Design - A 3D model is created with CAD software.
- Slicing - The model is sliced into hundreds of thin layers with slicing software.
- Printing - A 3D printer builds the object by adding layers of material.
- Post Processing - The object is cleaned, cured, and finished to meet visual and functional requirements.
How 3D Printing is Changing Modern Manufacturing
3D printing is much bigger than a fad—it's a game changer across multiple industries such as automotive, aerospace, healthcare, architecture, and consumer products. Advances in 3D printing will give you:
- Faster prototyping: Prototype and iterate faster without incurring expensive tool changeover costs.
- On-demand production: Cut down on required inventory and lead times.
- Mass customization: Manufacture a unique product for a specific need.
- Material flexibility: Use plastics, metals, resins, and composites.
At Welch Plastics, we utilize 3D printing to enhance traditional processes, such as CNC-machined components and injection molded components, while offering our customers the flexibility to choose the right process for their product.
Benefits of Working With a Professional 3D Printing Service
While consumer 3D printers have become widely available, they cannot offer the same level of quality, efficiency, value, and flexibility offered through professional 3D printing services. Here are a few key differences when working with Welch Plastics:
Industrial Equipment
We utilize an advanced 3D printer designed to yield high-resolution, quality, and consistent outcomes regardless of project size.
Design Support
Our knowledgeable team is here to review your files and ensure their printability, strength, and visual appeal, saving your organization's precious time and material costs.
Scalability
We manufacture a single prototype or 100s of similar components, and everything in between, all based on your organization's production goals. Selecting the material
Choose from a variety of material options such as:
- PLA, ABS, PETG – for anything plastic and general use.
- Nylon - TPU – for flexible or durable products.
- Carbon fiber composites – for strength but still lightweight.
- Resins – for high-detail applications.
Welch Plastics End-to-End 3D Printing Services
As a plastic fabrication company, we offer an array of 3D printing services, including:
Rapid Prototyping
Within hours, you can have a physical part of your concept, in a time frame of weeks at the very least. Prototyping helps clients visualize and subsequently test their designs, improve upon them before full-scale production.
Custom Part Fabrication
We produce functional parts, e.g., automotive components, enclosures, and brackets made of plastics etc. We often help clients bridge the manufacturing or sourcing of hard-to-find parts.
CAD & Design
We have numerous clients who did not have a 3D model – we can help. Our designers can either model for you, or our designers can redesign an old part, or recreate the original model to optimize for print, especially on hard-to-print geometries.
Finishing & Post Processing
We have numerous finishing options, for instance, to give you the professional final result of parts, including:
- Smoothing & sanding
- Priming & painting
- UV curing (resin parts)
- Support removal
- Custom assembly
3D Printing vs. Injection Molding
Many of our clients ask: 3D printing or injection molding?
| Feature | 3D Printing | Injection Molding |
| Best for | Prototype & low-volume production | High-volume production |
| Tooling Cost | None | High initial mold cost |
| Production Speed | Slower per part | Faster once the molds are ready |
| Design Flexibility | Extremely high | Moderate |
| Customization | Easy | Limited |
| Per unit cost | Higher for large runs | Lower for large runs |
At Welch Plastics, we assist you in determining which option works best for you. If you are responding to several parts from a high-volume order and will eventually be producing parts in high-volume tooling, the most efficient option may be to have the part molded. If you need to prototype, test, or have custom parts, you will get the most flexibility by using 3D printing.
Industries We Service
As an established manufacturer of plastics, we have extensive experience with custom fabrication in Las Vegas and have serviced an expansive list of industries such as:
- Automotive – Custom housings, brackets, engine components
- Medical & Dental – Surgical guides, prosthetics, orthotic devices
- Consumer Products – Custom enclosures, home products, fashion items
- Education & Research – 3D models, props for demonstrations or displays
- Art & Architecture – Scale models, sculpture, custom signage
- Manufacturing – Jigs, fixtures, replacement parts, production aides
Success Stories
🔧 Custom Automotive Components
A local mechanic shop was exploring a variety of lightweight heat-resistant parts to modernize a performance car. We designed carbon fiber-infused 3D-printed parts that not only gave better performance than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, but also resulted so that was a fraction of the cost.
🧪 Lab Equipment Prototyping
A biotech startup contacted us and had an idea for a hand-held testing device. We assisted them in optimizing their CAD design, printing functional prototypes, and ultimately producing pilot units for investor demos, all in less than 2 weeks.
🎨 Artistic Sculptures
An artist wanted to produce small reproductions of detailed sculptures for a public exhibition. By utilizing high-resolution resin printing with custom finishes, we produced beautiful, life-like sculptures that amazed the audience and all the press covering the exhibit.
Why Welch Plastics?
We are so much more than a 3D printing company, and with over 20 years of experience with custom plastic fabrication, Welch Plastics has the positioning and expertise to be your full-service plastic manufacturing partner with quality, speed, and value.
- Trusted Manufacturer in Las Vegas
- In-House Customer Design and Engineering
- Industrial-Grade Technology
- Material Variety and Customization
- Honest Pricing and Quick Turn Around
We don't just print parts; we create partnerships. We work with your team from design consultation to delivery, with honesty, experience, and detail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What file formats do you accept?
We can accept STL, STEP, OBJ, and 3MF file formats. If you need your file converted or created, our design team can help.
Q2: How fast can you fulfill my order?
Most prototypes are completed in 3–7 business days. We can accommodate rush orders and expedited shipping.
Q3: Can I place an order for multiple parts or volume production?
Yes! We can accommodate your volume; whether you need 1 or 1,000 pieces, you will receive consistent quality.
Q4: Do you provide local services in Las Vegas?
Yes, we are proud to be a leader in plastic manufacturing in Las Vegas and partner with local businesses and inventors for turn-key services and rapid turnaround, and support.
Get Started with Welch Plastics Today!
If you're ready to turn your idea into an actual product, Welch Plastics is here to help. Whether you require a prototype, short-run production, or a completely custom plastic component, our 3D printing services provide flexibility and precision to suit your project.
Take advantage of custom plastic making capabilities with Welch Plastics, your innovation partner in Las Vegas and beyond! Contact us for a free quote.
