Post #1: What Is 3D Printing? A Complete Guide to Modern Manufacturing (11-18-24)
3D printing has quickly evolved from a prototyping tool into a powerful manufacturing solution. Whether you're developing a new product, replacing a broken part, or creating custom tooling, 3D printing offers speed, flexibility, and cost savings that traditional manufacturing can’t match.
If you're searching for 3D printing near you, understanding how the process works — and what it can do — is the first step.
What Is 3D Printing?
3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the process of building parts layer by layer from a digital model. Unlike traditional subtractive methods, which remove material, 3D printing only uses what’s needed.
This results in:
Less waste
Faster turnaround
More design freedom
Types of 3D Printing
There are several methods, but the most common for functional parts include:
FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling)
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering)
SLA (Resin-based printing)
At Design Solutions, we focus on FDM and SLA with engineering-grade materials for strong, real-world applications.
What Can You Make with 3D Printing?
Functional mechanical parts
Automotive components
Custom tools and fixtures
Prototypes for product development
Replacement parts
Why 3D Printing Is Growing
Businesses are turning to 3D printing because it:
Reduces lead times
Eliminates tooling costs
Enables rapid design changes
Supports low-volume production
Local 3D Printing Services Matter
Working with a local provider ensures:
Faster turnaround times
Easier communication
Better quality control
If you're in Connecticut, choosing a local engineering-driven provider can make a significant difference in your results.
3D printing is no longer just for hobbyists — it’s a powerful manufacturing tool. Whether you need a prototype or a functional part, working with the right provider ensures your design performs in the real world.
Post #2: How Much Does 3D Printing Cost?
- A Real Pricing Breakdown (3-27-25)
One of the most common questions we get is:
“How much does 3D printing cost?”
The answer depends on several factors — but understanding them can help you estimate your project and avoid overpaying.
Key Factors That Affect Cost
1. Material
Material is one of the biggest cost drivers.
Basic plastics → lower cost
Engineering materials (like PA6-CF) → higher cost but significantly stronger
2. Print Time
The longer a part takes to print, the more it costs.
Complex parts = more time = higher cost
3. Part Size & Weight
Most services charge based on:
Material used (grams)
Machine time
4. Design Complexity
More complex designs may require:
Supports
Longer print times
Post-processing
Typical Pricing Model
At Design Solutions, pricing is simple and transparent:
Material cost (per gram)
Machine time (hourly rate)
This ensures you only pay for what you actually use.
How to Reduce Cost
Simplify geometry
Reduce unnecessary material
Optimize design for printing
(We help with this — this is where engineering matters.)
Is 3D Printing Worth It?
For:
Prototyping → absolutely
Low-volume production → often
Custom parts → one of the best options available
3D printing costs vary, but with the right design and material, it’s one of the most cost-effective ways to produce functional parts quickly.
Post #3: PA6-CF vs PLA: Which 3D Printing Material Is Better? (7-16-25)
Not all 3D printing materials are created equal. If you’re choosing between PLA and PA6-CF (carbon fiber nylon), the difference is massive — especially for functional parts.
What Is PLA?
PLA is a common, beginner-friendly material.
Pros:
Easy to print
Low cost
Good for visual prototypes
Cons:
Weak under stress
Poor heat resistance
Not ideal for functional parts
What Is PA6-CF?
PA6-CF is a carbon fiber reinforced nylon, designed for strength and durability.
Pros:
Extremely strong
Heat resistant
Excellent for mechanical applications
Lightweight with high stiffness
Cons:
More expensive
Requires advanced equipment
When to Use PLA
Concept models
Visual prototypes
Non-functional parts
When to Use PA6-CF
Automotive parts
Mechanical components
Load-bearing applications
Real-world use
Why Material Choice Matters
Choosing the wrong material can lead to:
Part failure
Warping
Increased costs
This is where working with an experienced provider makes a difference.
If your part needs to perform — not just look good — PA6-CF is the clear winner. PLA has its place, but for real-world applications, engineering-grade materials are essential.
Post #4: The UniFi Device Bridge Pro Wall Mount (10-04-26)
Why a wall mount?
The Ubiquiti UniFi Device Bridge Pro comes with a pole mount, which doesn't help when you want it flat on a wall, fascia, or soffit. This guide shows how to wall mount a UniFi Device Bridge Pro cleanly, using a printed mount and a drilling template.
I designed this mount for my own install, and it's now available for sale. If you'd rather skip the DIY, the ready-made option is at the end of this post.
Not affiliated with Ubiquiti. UniFi and Ubiquiti are trademarks of their respective owners.
What you'll need
A UniFi Device Bridge Pro
A wall mount for it (the one from Design Solutions includes the screws and drilling template)
A drill and a bit sized for your screws
Wall anchors if you're mounting into drywall, stucco, or masonry
A pencil, a level, and a tape measure
An ethernet cable, and a way to power the bridge
How to wall mount a UniFi Device Bridge Pro
Pick the spot. Choose a location with a clear view toward the other end of your link, and where the ethernet cable can reach. Hold the bridge against the wall to check before you drill anything.
Tape up the template. Position the drilling template on the wall and check it with a level. It marks the two mounting holes and the ethernet cable hole.
Mark and drill. Mark through the template with a pencil, remove it, and drill the mounting holes. Add wall anchors if you're not going into solid wood or a stud.
Run the cable. If the cable passes through the wall, drill the ethernet hole at the marked spot and feed the cable through before you mount.
Screw on the mount. Fasten the mount to the wall with the two included screws, snug but not overtightened.
Attach the bridge. Seat the Device Bridge Pro on the mount, connect the ethernet cable, and power it up.
Check the link. Confirm the bridge is online in UniFi before you call the job done.
Tips for a reliable install
Aim before you drill. Wireless bridges generally perform best with a clear line of sight, so confirm the placement works before committing to holes.
Match the fasteners to the wall. Wood, drywall, brick, and stucco each need different screws or anchors.
Seal outdoor penetrations. If the ethernet cable goes through an exterior wall, seal around it so water can't follow it in.
Check the specs for your location. Look at Ubiquiti's documentation for the Device Bridge Pro to see how it should be installed in your environment.
Why carbon-fiber nylon? PA6-CF (carbon-fiber-filled nylon) is stiff and durable, which is why I use it for mounts that need to hold a device in place for years.
Skip the DIY: the Design Solutions wall mount
If you don't want to design and print your own, the UniFi Device Bridge Pro Wall Mount from Design Solutions does the job. It's 3D printed in the USA from PA6-CF, mounts the Ubiquiti UniFi Device Bridge Pro on any flat surface in place of the stock pole mount, and ships with two mounting screws and a template for the mounting holes and the ethernet hole.
Design Solutions is a design and engineering shop in New Hartford, Connecticut, specializing in 3D CAD, design for manufacturability, and 3D printing. Questions about the mount or a custom bracket? Get in touch