3D Printing Assemblies vs Single-Part Prints: Which Is Better?

3D Printing Assemblies vs Single-Part Prints: Which Is Better?

If you’ve ever asked yourself whether 3D printing assemblies are better than printing in one single piece, the short answer is: it depends. Sometimes assemblies shine. Other times, a single-part print is the hero. The “better” choice isn’t about right or wrong—it’s about what you’re building, what you need it to do, and how you plan to use it.

What Do We Mean by “Assemblies” and “Single-Part Prints”?

Before we dive into comparisons, let’s get our terms straight.

• Single-Part Prints → You design one model, hit print, and get the object in one solid piece. No snapping, no gluing, no screws. Think of it like baking a cake in one pan—you pour the mix in, and out comes the cake.
  
  

• 3D Printing Assemblies → Instead of one big part, you design multiple smaller parts that fit together. They can be snapped, glued, or even printed to move right out of the printer. It’s like building with LEGO blocks: separate pieces come together to form something bigger (and sometimes stronger).

3D Printing Assemblies vs Single-Part Prints: Head-to-Head

Let’s compare side by side:

1. Complexity

• Single-part: Simple, straightforward.
  
  

• Assemblies: More complex, but allows for advanced features.
  
  

2. Durability

• Single-part: Stronger overall, fewer weak points.
  
  

• Assemblies: Weaker at the joints unless designed carefully.
  
  

3. Time & Effort

• Single-part: Faster setup, but if it fails mid-print, you waste everything.
  
  

• Assemblies: More design work and post-processing, but easier to reprint small sections.
  
  

4. Printer Limitations

• Single-part: Limited by your build plate size.
  
  

• Assemblies: Can bypass size restrictions by printing in sections.
  
  

5. Repairability

• Single-part: Break it, and you’re often stuck reprinting the whole thing.
  
  

• Assemblies: Just replace the broken part.

When Should You Use Single-Part Prints?

• Statues and Figurines → Like i3dfigure’s polymer clay SLA statues, where detail and strength matter more than modularity.
  
  

• Prototypes → Quick and simple designs to test an idea.
  
  

• Everyday Objects → Phone stands, keychains, cases—things that don’t need to move or come apart.

When Should You Use Assemblies?

• Mechanical Objects → Hinges, gears, tools, toys with moving parts.
  
  

• Oversized Prints → Anything larger than your printer’s build volume.
  
  

• Customizable Designs → Modular builds you can upgrade over time.

Common Mistakes People Make with Assemblies

Poor Joint Design

Not all joints are created equal. If you don’t leave enough clearance, parts won’t snap together. If you leave too much, they’ll be wobbly.

Weak Adhesives

If you’re gluing parts together, the wrong glue can ruin your project. PLA, ABS, resin—all need different adhesives.

Forgetting Print Orientation

Print strength depends on layer direction. If your assembly part is stressed along the layer lines, it’s far more likely to snap.

Pro Tips for Better Assemblies

• Test Tolerances → Print small samples first to make sure your pieces fit.
  
  

• Use Screws or Magnets → For stronger connections, especially with functional parts.
  
  

• Sand and Paint for Seamless Looks → Many i3dfigure statues printed in assemblies are later sanded and painted, making seams vanish completely.

The Future of 3D Printing Assemblies

With advancements in SLA and FDM technology, assemblies are getting easier. Printers can now produce moving parts straight off the bed—no post-assembly needed. But for larger projects or intricate designs, assemblies will remain essential.

Brands like i3dfigure show how flexible this approach can be: sometimes one-piece prints for stability, sometimes assemblies for scale and detail. The beauty of 3D printing is that you don’t have to choose just one—you pick what works best for each project.

Final Thoughts

So, 3D printing assemblies vs single-part prints: which is better? Neither wins across the board.

• Go single-part for simplicity, durability, and quick results.
  
  

• Choose assemblies for bigger, more complex, or repairable designs.
  
  

At the end of the day, 3D printing isn’t about following strict rules. It’s about using the right approach for the right project. Sometimes you bake the whole cake in one pan. Other times, you stack layers with frosting in between. Both taste good—just depends on what you’re craving.