Additive manufacturing — most people call it 3D printing — is the process of building a part layer by layer from a digital file. Unlike subtractive manufacturing (machining, cutting, grinding), nothing is removed from a block of material. You start with nothing and build up exactly what you need.
Why It Matters for Small Manufacturers
For large OEMs with high volumes, conventional machining and injection molding are hard to beat on cost per part. But for the kinds of challenges small and mid-size manufacturers face every day — a broken fixture, a discontinued bracket, a one-off prototype — the economics flip completely.
- No tooling cost. There's no mold, no die, no fixture to make first. The cost to produce one part is nearly the same as producing ten.
- Fast turnaround. A part that would take two weeks from a machine shop can often be in your hands the next morning.
- Design freedom. Complex internal geometry, integrated features, and custom fits that would be expensive or impossible to machine are straightforward to print.
What We Make at Stuntz MFG
We focus on non-safety-critical parts — the kind of components that keep lines running but don't require certified material traceability or structural load ratings. That includes:
- Production fixtures and jigs — workholding, assembly guides, alignment aids
- Replacement parts — brackets, housings, guides, handles for legacy equipment
- Prototypes — functional parts you can test and iterate on before committing to tooling
Is It Right for Your Application?
Additive manufacturing is a great fit when speed matters more than volume, when quantities are low, or when the part is simply unavailable through normal supply channels. It's not the right answer for every part — but for a surprisingly large slice of what manufacturers need day-to-day, it's the fastest and most cost-effective option available.
If you have a part you're not sure about, reach out — we're happy to give you a straight answer on whether printing makes sense.