What is 3D Printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the process of creating a three-dimensional object from a digital file. Rather than removing material as in traditional subtractive manufacturing (like milling or cutting), 3D printing builds objects layer by layer using materials such as plastics, resins, or metals.

How Does 3D Printing Work?

The process generally involves three key steps:

1. Designing a Digital Model – A CAD (computer-aided design) file is created or scanned.

2. Slicing the Model – Specialized software divides the design into thin, horizontal layers.

3. Printing – The printer lays down material layer by layer, following the exact blueprint.

Depending on the material and method, printing can take minutes or several hours. Common types of 3D printing include:

• Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM)

• Stereolithography (SLA)

• Selective Laser Sintering (SLS)

Each has its strengths depending on use case, budget, and required precision.

Why is 3D Printing Transformative?

3D printing opens the door to rapid prototyping, custom part fabrication, and decentralized production. Its benefits include:

• Shorter lead times: Design and produce parts in-house, on-demand.

• Lower costs: Reduce the need for molds, tooling, and shipping.

• Sustainability: Less material waste and local production help minimize environmental impact.

• Customization: Create parts tailored to exact customer or internal specifications.

• Flexibility: Iterate designs quickly based on feedback or changing requirements.

These advantages are why industries from aerospace to healthcare are investing heavily in 3D printing technologies.

At Rompa Czech, 3D printing is  a vital, practical tool that’s already driving measurable improvements across production. This new technology investment is enabling our team to work smarter, safer, and faster in pursuit of operational excellence.

How We Use 3D Printing in the Factory

Here are just a few examples of how 3D printing is already adding value to our daily operations in the Czech Republic:

1. Creating Jigs for Smoother Assembly
We use our 3D printer to produce custom assembly jigs and fixtures tailored for specific products and processes. These jigs help:

• Improve precision during manual operations

• Reduce assembly time

• Increase repeatability and reduce human error

This contributes directly to higher product quality and smoother workflows on the production line.

2. Printing Calibration Tools for Quality Control
Maintaining high standards in plastic injection molding requires continuous calibration and testing. 3D-printed calibration tools make it easier to:

• Validate machine performance

• Standardize measurement protocols

• Catch issues early in the production process

These tools are cost-effective and can be replaced or adjusted quickly—giving us greater flexibility and control in quality assurance.

3. Manufacturing Safety Covers for Machines
Operator safety is a top priority. We now print safety guards and protective covers that fit precisely onto our machines. These covers:

• Shield workers from moving parts

• Comply with safety regulations

• Can be customized and replaced rapidly

Using 3D printing for these parts improves worker safety and ensures that every piece of equipment meets our exacting standards.

4. Producing Replacement Parts In-House
When machine components fail or wear out, downtime can be costly. By printing replacement parts on-demand, we:

• Minimize downtime

• Avoid lengthy supplier delays

• Keep production running smoothly

Instead of waiting days or weeks for shipping, our team can print and install functional parts in just a few hours.

We’re only scratching the surface of what’s possible with additive manufacturing. As the technology evolves, we’re exploring even more use cases, such as:

• Functional end-use parts for small-scale production

• Tooling inserts for mold creation

• Customer samples and prototypes for faster feedback cycles

• Sustainable material experimentation to support our ESG goals

We see 3D printing not just as a tool—but as a strategic capability. It’s helping us reimagine manufacturing and build a smarter, more resilient operation in the Czech Republic and beyond.