3D Print Service.3D printing brings your ideas to life. Whether it's something for the home, for the kids or when you're ready to try that big idea you always had.
Simple or complex parts and assemblies can be produced using 3D print techniques. We use a range of plastic materials to give you the right balance of performance and cost.
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How our 3D print service works.
If you want something 3D printed, the first goal is a design file of the part(s). To get this, you have several options:
Option 1: You already have a computer model
If you have the design as a computer model, save individual components in STL format and email to us. Other formats are possible, but STL is almost universal and simple to process. Tell us the final size of the item and any requirements such as strength and flexibility so we can determine the best material. From this information we can quickly produce a quotation.
Option 2: Search for a part online
There are lots of 3D models available for free online. Search for what you want at a site such as Thingiverse where you can find thousands of items. Then send us a link to the 'thing' you want - we'll take a look and send you a quote. There may be licencing restrictions on such items. In some cases you can do this to get an idea of the part cost or to give us an idea of what you are looking for.
- Option 3: Based on existing parts
If you have parts that are broken, worn or need improvement, we can model it for you. We'll need to have the parts so they can be accurately measured. Photos are helpful but we can rarely use them to recreate a 3D part.
Option 4: Logos, stamps, cutters and lithopanes
If you want a 3 dimensional representation of a 2 dimensional image, we can interpret the image and fill in the 'missing' dimension. Send us the image and let us what you want us to produce from the image,
Option 5: Products designed 'from scratch'
If you have an idea for something, we can help create a 3D model for you. In this case it is important to be clear on your requirements so please supply any supporting sketches, photographs and documents that will help us understand what you need. Please see our Design Service page for more.
How long does it take?
The overall timescale of a project will depend on complexity but it's possible to have a rapid turnaround when the information is clear and the part is straightforward. We've produced parts that were an idea in the morning and with the customers later in the day! More commonly it will take 2 or 3 days for simple parts.
Once the model of a part is agreed, we convert it to a production file in a process called slicing. This is where we set parameters that affect appearance and strength for different materials. Then we print it! The 3D print itself is a slow process and it can take several hours for a single part to be completed.
We normally require some form of payment before we start work. It's great if you can visit us to discuss your project and make a down payment, but if you can't be here in person, it is possible to make a remote payment by credit card. Please see Ordering for more details or Contact us if you have questions.
Once the model of a part is agreed, we convert it to a production file in a process called slicing. This is where we set parameters that affect appearance and strength for different materials. Then we print it! The 3D print itself is a slow process and it can take several hours for a single part to be completed.
We normally require some form of payment before we start work. It's great if you can visit us to discuss your project and make a down payment, but if you can't be here in person, it is possible to make a remote payment by credit card. Please see Ordering for more details or Contact us if you have questions.
So, what is 3D printing?
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In the same way that an ink printer takes a 2 dimensional (2D) image and produces a document, a 3 dimensional (3D) printer takes a computer model and produces a physical object. Okay, not quite the same way, but it's a fair analogy.
Advances in Fused Deposition Modelling, (FDM), together with better and cheaper design software has brought down the cost to give much wider access to the possibility of turning ideas into reality. 3D printing and FDM printers in particular have come a long way and it's now a quick and reliable way to get physical parts exactly how and when you need them. The benefits include:
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But 3D printing isn't the answer to everything - there are some downsides to 3D printed parts:
- The surface finish isn't as uniform and smooth as injection molded parts.
- There is no significant price saving for volume production, although the design cost is much reduced.
- There are some design limitations due to the nature of 3D printing.
- The strength and toughness of 3D printed parts is generally less than injection molded parts in the same material.