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.

Using our 3D print service.

To have something 3D printed, you can contact us to discuss what you want done. We'll provide a price based on:

1. The design and setup cost, which depends mainly on how complex the part is. 
2. The cost of each part, which is related to the material used and the expected time to print the part. 

We will need to know the size of the part and how it will be used to determine which material and estimate the weight and printing time for costing.

We print in a variety of plastics and select the one to give the best balance of function and price.
We have FDM printers tough parts up to a 30 cm cube, or resin printers for smaller, more intricate parts.

Getting a 3D computer model of the part.

1. If you already have a computer model, you can save individual components in STL format and email the file(s) to us. 
2. There are lots of 3D models available ionline, and many are free. Search for what you want at a site such as Thingiverse, Cults3D, GrabCad, YouMagine, MyMiniFactory and many others where you can find thousands of items. Then download and send us the STL file with a link to the 'thing' you want. There may be licensing restrictions on such items.
3. ​If you have parts that are broken, worn or need improvement, we can model a replacement for you. We'll need to have the parts so they can be accurately measured. It's also important that we understand how the part mounts/ matches/ fits with other parts around it. Good photos from different angles are helpful. 
4. ​For logos, cutters or stamps (2D images to be converted into 3D items) you can send us an image or sketch in JPG or PNG format. Let us know the final size you want. 
5. ​​If you have an idea for something, we can work with you to create and refine the computer model and provide physical prototypes. For more complex products, it's usually necessary to meet virtually or in-person to clarify the product requirements.. Client confidentiality may be important too.. Please see our Design Service page for more.

What then?

We normally require a deposit before starting. But first, it would be great if you can visit us to discuss your project and make a down payment, but if you can't be here in person, you can pay by bank transfer. Please see Ordering for more details or Contact us if you have questions.

Once we have the computer model, we convert it to a production file in a process called slicing, with parameters that affect appearance and strength for different materials. Then we print it, which can take several hours, and do any post-processing. Once it's ready, we contact you for collection or delivery.

​Lead times will depend on complexity but it's possible to have a rapid turnaround when the information is clear and the part is straightforward. Small jobs can be ready within 24 hours but more commonly it will take 2 or 3 days.​

What materials are available?

We have a wide range of materials available. For details, take a look at our Materials page

So, what is 3D printing?

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:

• Quickly turn your ideas into reality.
• 3D design & printing is an excellent educational tool.
• Allows each part to be customized.
• ​Excellent for prototyping and low volume production.
  
• Reduce the risks of new product development.
• Print stuff you can't get in shops.
• Keeps your ideas private.
• 3D design and printing is fun!

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, but some benefits too!
• The strength and toughness of 3D printed parts is generally less than injection molded parts in the same material.