Services
3D Printing
SLA, SLS, MJF and metal SLM additive manufacturing for complex geometry, tooling-free low volumes and fast form verification, with post-processing to a usable finish.
The real value of 3D printing is not speed — it is that geometric complexity costs nothing extra. Internal channels, lattice lightweighting, several parts consolidated into one: hard or impossible to machine, but priced much like a simple part when printed.
The trade-offs are anisotropy, surface texture and a narrow material range. So we use printing where it is genuinely strong — complex geometry, high mix and low volume, parts not carrying critical loads — and go back to CNC when strength and tight tolerances matter.
Capabilities
- Processes
- SLA resin, SLS nylon, MJF, metal SLM (some processes run through partner capacity — actual equipment governs)
- Typical lead time
- 1–3 working days to print; 3–6 with dyeing or painting
- Quantity
- 1 to several hundred; strongest on complex parts in low volume
- Build envelope
- SLA and SLS envelopes cover most handheld product sizes; oversized parts are split and bonded
Solutions
Complex geometry and lightweighting
Internal channels, conformal cooling, lattices and topology-optimised parts that subtractive processes cannot reach.
Fast form and ergonomics checks
A physical part within a day to test grip, proportion and control layout — far faster than arguing about it on screen.
Tooling-free low volume
Tens of parts without a mould, and every one can differ — serialised numbers, customised interfaces.
Jigs, fixtures and gauges
Production-line locating jigs, check fixtures and protective covers, cheap to revise.
Process Overview
Additive processes build layer by layer. SLA cures liquid resin with UV — best accuracy and surface, but brittle and poor under UV exposure. SLS/MJF sinter nylon powder with a laser or thermal source — no supports needed, high geometric freedom, tough parts, with a fine granular surface. SLM melts metal powder directly, giving complex metal parts that then need heat treatment and machined datum faces.
The shared limitation is that inter-layer bonding is weaker than in-layer, so load direction has to be considered in both the design and the build orientation.
Materials
- SLA: standard resin, ABS-like resin, high-temperature resin, clear resin
- SLS / MJF: nylon PA12, glass-filled PA12-GF, TPU for flexible parts
- Metal SLM: stainless 316L, 17-4PH, AlSi10Mg aluminium, Ti-6Al-4V
Surface Finishes
- Support removal and sanding
- Bead blasting (standard on nylon)
- Dyeing, mostly black
- Painting and clear coat
- Heat treatment and machined datums on metal parts
- Plating over a primer
Tolerances & Size Limits
- SLA
- ±0.1 mm or ±0.1%, whichever is greater
- SLS / MJF
- ±0.2 mm or ±0.2%, whichever is greater
- Metal SLM
- From ±0.2 mm; leave stock on mating faces for machining
- Minimum wall
- SLA ≥0.6 mm; SLS ≥0.8 mm; metal ≥0.5 mm, geometry dependent
Design Guide (DFM)
Orient for load direction
Layer interfaces are the weak direction. Tell us the critical load path when ordering so we can plan build orientation.
Avoid large flat faces on the plate
Large contact areas invite warping. Add draft or orient the part at an angle.
Holes and threads
Printed holes come out undersized — leave stock and ream fitting bores. Use heat-set brass inserts rather than printed threads.
Expect texture on nylon
SLS/MJF parts have an even granular surface. Blasting improves feel but never gives a mirror finish; for smooth cosmetics use SLA or CNC.
Leave machining stock on metal prints
Allow 0.3–0.5 mm on mating, sealing and datum faces and machine them after printing.
Quality Control
- Watertight geometry and minimum-feature check before building
- Sampling of critical dimensions
- De-powdering and surface consistency checks on nylon parts
- Heat treatment and density verification on metal parts where required
FAQ
Can printed parts be used as production parts?
Some can. SLS/MJF nylon is well established for non-critical structural parts, fixtures and low-volume products. Parts with high cosmetic requirements or cyclic loading are still better moulded or machined.
Which process is cheapest?
It depends on the part. SLA usually wins on small detailed parts; SLS/MJF is cheaper per unit when the build plate packs densely; metal printing costs far more than CNC and only pays off when the geometry cannot be machined.
Is STL acceptable?
Yes — STL or 3MF is all printing needs. If the part may later move to CNC, send a STEP file as well.
Need 3d printing? Send the drawing to an engineer.
First reply within 30 minutes during working hours (4 working hours at the latest); full quote and DFM feedback typically within 12 working hours.