Technical Manufacturing Guide: Prototyping & Industrial Production

At Ineo we have the capacity to manufacture large format components, as a general term, we can indicate a maximum length of up to 3 meters. Our infrastructure allows us to tackle projects of industrial dimensions that require precision and robustness on a large scale.

As a reference of our capacity, we indicate some examples of pieces we manufacture:

• Automotive components: Parts the size of a complete car bumper.
• Technical and energy models: Large-scale structures, such as models of wind turbines over 2 meters high.
• Heavy transport: Structural and aesthetic parts for large buses.

To achieve these dimensions, we combine our large-volume 3D printing with other manufacturing technologies, allowing us to create optimized parts with invisible mechanical or chemical joints that maintain the integrity and resistance of the requested piece.

There are many elastomeric materials:

• At Ineo we can print 3D parts with TPU using SLS and FDM 3D printing, and photocurable resins using Stereolithography (SLA).
• We can also manufacture polyurethane parts by vacuum casting in silicone molds, with Shore A hardness values between 20 and 95.
• In addition, we can manufacture silicone parts with Shore A hardness values between 10 and 45 (approximately), some of them biocompatible and/or suitable for food use.

Yes, we have a wide variety of technical materials for demanding applications:

• Flame Retardant Materials: We have polyamides with UL94 V-0 certification, essential for sectors such as electricity, railways and the automotive industry.
• ESD properties (Antistatic): We offer materials with controlled surface resistance to avoid electrostatic discharges in electronic environments.
• Thermal Resistance: We work with materials capable of withstanding service temperatures above 150°C without deformation (or even higher temperatures).
• Medical Certifications: We have resins and plastics of medical grade for applications that require prolonged contact with food, skin and mucous membranes, and that allow sterilization.

Yes, thanks to 3D printing and other manufacturing technologies available in our company, we can produce series of tens or hundreds of units with mechanical properties and final piece finishes.

This approach allows our customers to:

• Eliminate tooling costs: By using industrial 3D printing, we can manufacture complex pieces without needing to invest in steel or aluminium molds.
• Reduce Time-to-Market: We deliver short series in a few days, allowing your product to reach the market much earlier than with traditional methods.
• Absolute flexibility: By not depending on fixed molds, you can make changes in the design between different lots without penalizing costs.
• Variety of solutions: Depending on your requirements, we combine the agility of 3D printing with the precision and materials of our other manufacturing technologies, guaranteeing that each short series meets the standards of mass production.

At Ineo, we are ready to scale your projects from prototype to industrial manufacturing, optimizing costs and timelines according to the required volume:

• 3D Printing (Mass Production Additive Manufacturing): Thanks to the high productivity of our industrial systems, we can quickly manufacture batches of hundreds or thousands of units. Since no molds or tooling are required, we enable flexible manufacturing, with no fixed upfront costs and exceptional mechanical repeatability in every batch.
• Other manufacturing technologies available: For projects requiring extreme precision, specific materials, or finishes identical to traditional injection molding processes, we offer other manufacturing solutions that guarantee tight tolerances and absolute fidelity in medium- to high-volume production runs.
• Quantity Optimization: The larger the number of parts to be manufactured, the more we can reduce the unit cost. In 3D printing, we use space optimization techniques (nesting) to maximize each cycle, while in our other manufacturing technologies, we optimize lead times to offer highly competitive prices for large production runs.

💡 Recommendation: For volume pricing, we recommend requesting a detailed quote. Our team will analyse the best technology combination for your production run and apply the corresponding quantity discounts.

CNC machining allows for tolerances of one-hundredths of a millimeter (down to ±0.01 mm), ideal for bearing or thread fittings. HP Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) technology, on the other hand, offers industrial precision of approximately ±0.2 mm (per 100 mm), making it the more balanced option for complex functional parts.

Yes. At Ineo, we integrate heat-sealed threaded inserts into MJF, SLS, and PU (vacuum cast) parts to ensure durable mechanical connections. For small metric or high-performance threads, we recommend subsequent CNC machining of the printed part, especially if it is metallic.

Orientation is a determining factor in the final quality of any 3D printed part, affecting it differently depending on the technology:

SLA: Orientation defines where the necessary supports will be placed. Incorrect placement can leave marks on critical surfaces or affect transparency.

SLS and MJF: As powder bed technologies, they don't require supports, allowing for greater freedom. However, orientation affects dimensional accuracy along the Z-axis and the roughness of curved surfaces.

FDM: This is the most sensitive technology. Orientation determines the mechanical strength of the part (layer junctions are potential points of failure) and the definition of fine details.

At Ineo, our technical team optimizes the orientation of each part during file preparation to maximize accuracy and aesthetic finish. If your part has a critical face or a functional fit, we recommend indicating this when requesting your detailed quote.

At Ineo, we offer a wide range of surface finishes designed to enhance both the aesthetics and optimize the mechanical and functional properties of your parts:

1. Surface and Texture Finishes

• Sandblasting: Ideal for homogenizing surfaces, removing manufacturing marks, and achieving a uniform matte texture, especially on technical parts.
• Hydrographics: An advanced solution for applying complex patterns such as carbon fiber, marble, or wood, radically transforming the visual appearance of the part.
• Professional Painting: We offer different levels of gloss and texture depending on the project's needs: gloss, satin, matte, or textured.

2. Colour and Protection Treatments

• Dyeing: A color impregnation process (usually black for technologies like MJF) that guarantees a uniform finish without altering the part's dimensions.
• Staining: A color impregnation process (usually black for technologies like MJF) that guarantees a uniform finish without altering the part's dimensions.
• Metallization and Chrome Plating: We apply coatings that provide a high-quality metallic finish, enhancing surface resistance and the premium aesthetics of the component.

3. Customization and Technical Marking

• Laser Marking: High-precision engraving of text, logos, and images directly onto the part. It is the preferred option for industrial traceability and permanent customization.
• Pad Printing: An ideal printing system for applying detailed graphics or logos to curved or irregular surfaces with high definition.

At Ineo, painting is not just an aesthetic process, but an additional layer of protection. We apply technical paint adapted to each material to ensure a uniform color and durability.

Our painting options:

• Matte: Eliminates reflections and conceals minor surface imperfections.
• Satin: The perfect balance between shine and understated elegance, widely used on electronic housings.
• Gloss: Ideal for high-visibility aesthetic parts or prototypes that simulate consumer products.
• Textured: Provides a tactile, rough finish that improves grip and offers a premium industrial appearance.

To ensure that the paint does not crack or peel (especially on materials like PA12 or resins), we perform a surface pretreatment using sandblasting or technical sanding. This increases the surface energy of the part and prepares it for the application of a specific technical primer, which acts as an adhesion bridge. This process allows the final lacquer to be permanently fixed, achieving a durable and high-quality finish.

Yes. From our main technical facility located in the Barcelona industrial area (Spain), we operate as a highly agile manufacturing and nearshoring hub serving clients across Europe and globally.

Being strategically situated in one of Europe’s primary industrial corridors allows us to guarantee reliable, fast transit times for international shipments. For instance, standard express courier deliveries to Central European destinations (such as Germany, France, or the UK) typically take just 24 to 48 hours once production is complete.

Furthermore, all our project management, design reviews (DFM), and technical consultations are conducted seamlessly in English and German. Distance is never a barrier; we bridge it with strict quality controls, transparent tracking, digital engineering workflow solutions, and international shipping protocols that ensure your custom components arrive safely at your facility, anywhere in the world.

The lead time varies depending on the technical complexity and the required finish, differing mainly due to the technology used:

• 3D Printing (Additive Manufacturing): This is our fastest solution. We can deliver runs of hundreds of parts or custom tooling within 3 to 5 business days, thanks to the elimination of molds and prior preparation processes.

• Other Technologies (Injection Molding, Vacuum Casting, etc.): For these processes that require the creation of specific molds or tooling, lead times are usually 1 to 4 weeks, depending on the geometry and post-processing requirements (such as cleanroom curing or special surface finishes).

Warning: Orders outside Spain require extended lead times. Additional delivery time varies by destination country and local logistics/customs factors. For precise international delivery estimates, contact our customer service team.

Note: In all cases, we optimize our workflows to offer customized solutions with minimal lead times.

Generally, for parts of medium complexity, digital manufacturing is more cost-effective up to 3,000–5,000 units. At this point, the cost of the traditional injection mold begins to be recouped. INEO's advantage lies in eliminating the initial capital expenditure (CAPEX) and delivery in days, not months. Part size and material volumen are key factors.

Yes, our company is ISO 9001 certified. This international standard guarantees that all our manufacturing processes, from design reception to final delivery, meet the strictest quality controls and continuous improvement standards.

Yes. We work with polyamides and resins certified under USP Class I-VI and ISO 10993 (biocompatibility) standards. These materials allow for sterilization and direct contact with skin, mucous membranes, or clinical environments.

The quickest and easiest way is to complete our Online Quote Request Form. By using it, you'll ensure you send us all the necessary information so we can promptly process your request.

If you prefer, you can also email us at contact@ineo.es. In that case, please include the following information in your message so we can prepare a personalized quote:

• Indicate whether you are a company, self-employed, or an individual
• Purpose of the parts: Visual model, industrial use, food use, medical use, geometry verification, etc.
• The mechanical requirements you need (Hardness, flexibility, thermal resistance, etc.)
• Number of units you need manufactured
• Whether you need design (CAD/3D)
• The desired finish (polished, painted, stained, etc.)
• If you have CAD/3D files, please attach them (preferably in STEP (.stp, .step) or IGES (.igs, .iges) format; you can also send us STL and OBJ files).

To expedite the process, we accept the following formats in order of preference:

1. STEP (.stp, .step) and IGES (.igs, .iges): Essential for CNC machining and production runs where dimensional accuracy is critical, as they allow for precise tolerance measurements.

2. STL (.stl): Standard for 3D printing prototypes and visual models.

3. OBJ (.obj): Ideal for models requiring high-resolution meshes.

At Ineo, we understand that intellectual property is the most valuable asset of your projects. Therefore, we apply a strict security protocol to information management:

• Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): We are accustomed to working under non-disclosure agreements. If you require an NDA before sending us your files, you can request it through our contact channel, and we will process it immediately.
• Secure Data Processing: All CAD files and technical documentation received are used exclusively for technical evaluation and the preparation of the requested quote.
• Intellectual Property Protection: We do not share, publish, or display images of your designs without your express consent (for example, for success stories or social media). Your designs are protected from the moment they arrive on our servers.

💡 Tip: If you need us to sign your own NDA template before uploading the files to the detailed quote form, you can send it to us directly by email at contact@ineo.es and our team will process it with priority.