3DWK Resource Center

Practical manufacturing knowledge for better parts and better RFQs.

Compare processes, understand cost and tolerance drivers, prepare design files, and plan repeat production with concise guidance linked to 3DWK capabilities.

3DWK Official Resources

Company updates, engineering articles, and media from our team

This content is published by 3DWK administrators and kept separate from user conversations in Community.

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Featured Guides

Start with the decisions that shape cost, lead time, and quality

CNC machining equipment in an industrial workshop
CNC Machining · 8 min

What Is CNC Machining?

A practical introduction to subtractive manufacturing, machine motion, tooling, workholding, and the information needed for a useful quote.

Read CNC overview
01Process Selection

Types of CNC Machining

Compare milling, turning, Swiss machining, routing, and EDM by geometry, volume, and feature access.

Compare CNC processes
02CNC Fundamentals

Milling vs. Turning

Understand which process moves the cutting tool, which rotates the workpiece, and when a part may need both.

See machining options
03Materials

CNC Materials and Selection

Review common metals and engineering plastics, including how machinability, strength, corrosion, and cost affect selection.

Browse materials
04Tolerance Planning

Achievable CNC Tolerances

Learn why tolerance depends on size, geometry, material, setup, inspection method, and which dimensions are truly critical.

Review design guidance
05Cost Planning

What Determines CNC Cost?

Setup count, machine time, stock removal, tools, tolerance, material, quantity, finish, and inspection all influence price.

Request a CNC quote
06Process Selection

When CNC Is Not the Best Fit

Complex internal channels, very high material waste, extremely high volume, or thin formed geometry may point to another process.

Compare all services
Industrial 3D printer producing prototype parts
Process Comparison · 7 min

CNC Machining vs. 3D Printing

Compare strength, accuracy, surface finish, geometry freedom, material range, setup cost, and quantity before choosing a route.

Compare additive processes
07Design Guide

3D Printing Design Guidelines

Plan wall thickness, holes, unsupported features, clearances, orientation, support marks, and post-processing.

Read the design guide
08Precision Machining

Micro Machining Guidance

Prepare small-feature parts by identifying tool access, aspect ratios, burr control, workholding, and inspection requirements.

Explore micro machining
Sheet metal fabrication workshop with formed parts
Fabrication Design · 9 min

Sheet Metal Design Guidance

Account for bend radius, reliefs, hole-to-edge distance, hardware, weld access, coating, and flat-pattern requirements.

Read fabrication guidance
09Molding and Tooling

Injection Molding and Tooling

Understand draft, wall uniformity, ribs, undercuts, gates, tooling choices, validation, and production ramp-up.

Explore molding and tooling
10Secondary Operations

Surface Finishing Guide

Select anodizing, powder coating, plating, passivation, blasting, polishing, or marking based on function and appearance.

Browse finishing options
11Order Management

Repeat Orders and Part Revisions

Use the prior RFQ number, current drawing revision, change summary, quantity, and supplier preference to reduce ambiguity.

Read the repeat-order guide
12Procurement

Supplier and Procurement Guidance

Build a more useful sourcing package with capability needs, quality records, delivery priorities, and clear commercial scope.

Explore enterprise workflow
13RFQ Preparation

Manufacturing RFQ Checklist

Include CAD, drawings, quantity, material, finish, tolerance, inspection, packaging, delivery, and revision information.

Start an RFQ

Quick Answers

Frequently asked manufacturing questions

What information produces the most useful quote?

Share the latest 3D model and drawing, quantity, material, finish, critical tolerances, inspection needs, target timing, and any prior RFQ or revision information.

Do I need an account to request a quote?

No. A guest can submit contact details and project files through the RFQ form. A user account is required only to publish Community posts or comment on Resources.

How should I choose between prototype and production services?

Use the rapid prototyping line for design validation and short development cycles. Use full-service manufacturing for recurring, multi-process, assembled, or production-oriented work.

Can 3DWK support more than one manufacturing process?

Yes. The service catalog covers additive manufacturing, machining, molding and casting, sheet and tube fabrication, finishing, assembly, and related secondary operations.

How are exact capabilities confirmed?

Capability, material, tolerance, certification, documentation, lead time, and supplier availability are reviewed for each RFQ. Website guidance is not a substitute for project-specific confirmation.

Need Project-Specific Guidance?

Send your files for engineering review.

Use the resource center to prepare your project, then submit the actual requirements for pricing and capability confirmation.