3D Printing & Plastic Prototyping

Functional plastic parts, enclosures, and prototypes using FDM, SLA, SLS/MJF, and CNC plastic machining.

ISO 9001:2015 Certified

ISO 9001:2015

Made in Canada

Made in Canada

40+

Years of Experience

5K+

Satisfied Customers

Overview

Pearson Manufacturing provides access to professional‑grade 3D printing and CNC plastic machining services for prototyping, custom plastic components, and low‑volume runs. Whether manufactured in‑house or through our Canadian supplier network, we help you move from concept to part quickly.

⚠️ Hybrid fulfillment: some parts are produced at our Ontario facility, others via trusted Canadian partners depending on material, timeline, and volume — all under Pearson QA.

3D printing and plastic machining overview

Quick Specs

Technologies
FDM, SLA, (SLS/MJF by partner), CNC Plastics
Common Materials
PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon (PA12), TPU; SLA standard/tough/clear resins; Delrin/Acetal, UHMW, Nylon (machined)
Typical Print Tolerance
FDM ±0.5% (min ±0.5 mm); SLA ±0.3% (min ±0.15–0.2 mm); SLS/MJF ±0.3% or ±0.2–0.3 mm
Machining Tolerance
CNC plastics to ±0.002″ (±0.05 mm) typical
ProcessStrengthDetailNotes
FDMMediumModerateCost‑effective, many colours & materials; visible layer lines.
SLALow–MediumVery HighFine features, smooth surfaces, clear/tinted options; brittle resins possible.
SLS/MJFMedium–HighHighNylon PA12 strength, no support scars; matte porous finish; partner‑fulfilled.
CNC PlasticsHighHighProduction‑grade accuracy/finish; best for tight fits & durability.

Typical tolerances vary by geometry/material; guidance reflects reputable industry sources (Formlabs/Xometry/Protolabs).

Our 3D Printing & Plastic Machining Capabilities

  • FDM printing in PLA, ABS, PETG, Nylon (PA), and TPU
  • SLA resin printing for high‑detail, clear/tinted, small features
  • Partner SLS/MJF for functional Nylon (PA12) parts
  • CNC machining of Delrin/Acetal, UHMW, Nylon and others
  • Heat‑set/press‑in threaded inserts, tapping & reaming
  • Media tumbling, vapour smoothing (by review), sanding & paint
  • Fast, same‑week iterations and reprints

Design for Manufacturability (DFM)

  • Add **fillets/chamfers** to reduce stress and improve printability; avoid razor‑sharp internal corners.
  • Respect **minimum walls/features** (FDM ≈ 0.8–1.2 mm; SLA ≈ 0.4–0.6 mm; SLS/MJF ≈ 1.0–1.2 mm).
  • For **fits**, leave clearance: FDM ~ +0.2–0.5 mm; SLA ~ +0.1–0.2 mm; SLS/MJF ~ +0.2–0.3 mm (size‑dependent).
  • Orient parts so **critical faces** avoid supports; specify which faces are “A‑side” for best finish.
  • Use **bosses** and solid infill zones for **heat‑set inserts**; keep ≥ 1.5× OD wall around insert.
  • For strength, align load with **continuous material** (SLS/MJF or CNC) or increase perimeters on FDM.

We’ll confirm achievable specs and finishing based on your files (in‑house or partner routing) before kickoff.

Common Applications

  • Prototypes for fit, form, and function testing
  • Plastic enclosures, brackets, jigs, fixtures & soft tooling
  • Short‑run plastic parts (bridge builds)
  • Clear visual models, soft/flexible prototypes

3D Printing FAQs

Is this manufactured in‑house?

Some 3D printing and plastic machining is performed at our Ontario facility; others are fulfilled through trusted Canadian partners based on material, complexity, and turnaround.

What is the typical lead time?

Most FDM/SLA prints finish in 2–4 business days. CNC plastic parts or SLS/MJF Nylon may take longer depending on geometry and finishing.

Should I print or machine my part?

For tight tolerances, wear resistance, or threads in load paths, CNC plastics are often best. For fast concept checks or complex internals, SLA/SLS is efficient; FDM is the most economical.

Do you offer clear or coloured parts?

Yes. FDM offers many colours. SLA resins can be clear or tinted and finish to optical‑style clarity with post‑processing.

Upload Your Files to Get Started

Whether you’re prototyping a new idea or need 10 plastic parts by Friday — we can help.

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