ZATO 3D Blog

Technical 3D printing guides

Material comparisons, mechanical properties and process choices — written for engineers specifying parts, not for search engines.

Technology

Volumetric Printing: the End of Layers?

A whole part cured at once, in seconds, with no layers and no supports. Volumetric printing left the lab this week — but it does not replace FDM yet. Here is what changes, and what does not.

3 August 2026 · 6 min read
Materials Technical Guide

PETG vs ABS vs ASA: Which Material to Choose for FDM 3D Printing?

PETG, ABS and ASA are the three most widely used engineering materials in functional FDM 3D printing. Each has distinct strengths. This guide compares them directly.

14 July 2026 · 9 min read
Engineering Guide

3D Printing vs CNC vs Injection Moulding: When to Use Each Process?

FDM 3D printing, CNC machining and injection moulding serve different purposes. This guide helps you choose the right process for each stage of your product.

14 July 2026 · 10 min read
Technical Engineering Guide

XY vs Z Strength: What 3D Printing Marketing Doesn't Tell You

Almost every filament datasheet shows impressive tensile strength figures. What's rarely mentioned is that those values only apply to the XY plane — in the Z direction, where layers bond together, strength can drop dramatically. This article explains why, and why ZATO chose not to publish generic strength figures on the site.

June 19, 2026 · 8 min read
Technical Materials Guide

PEEK vs PA12: Which Material to Choose for Industrial 3D Printing?

PEEK and PA12 (Nylon) are two of the most widely used technical materials in industrial FDM 3D printing — but they serve very different purposes. This guide compares mechanical properties, thermal resistance and cost to help you choose the right material before submitting your CAD file.

June 19, 2026 · 7 min read