Applications
Industrial 3D printing applications: prototypes and low-volume production
We make prototypes and low-volume production parts in FDM, SLA, SLS and PolyJet, built straight from CAD and reviewed by an engineer.
Prototyping and low-volume manufacturing
Prototyping
Prints in industrial-grade materials, so geometry can be tested and revised before committing to production.
Low-volume manufacturing
Repeatable runs of up to thousands of parts, using the same processes as prototyping.
Applications by development stage
- 01
Concept
Visual and fit models in SLA or PolyJet to review form and ergonomics.
- 02
Functional prototype
Durable FDM or SLS parts for testing under real conditions.
- 03
Pilot run
Small batches with inspection records to validate the design.
- 04
Low-volume production
Repeatable batches from one part to thousands, straight from CAD.
Industries we work with
Aerospace
Tooling, fixtures and lightweight parts.
Automotive
Prototypes and replacement components.
Robotics and automation
Mechanisms and enclosures.
Medical and healthcare
Models and research components.
Motorsport and racing
Fast-turn parts.
Consumer product design
Rapid iteration before tooling.
Case studies
Rapid production
An urgent production run turned around ahead of schedule.
Batch production in TPU
Flexible components in consistent batches.
BBC Mars Rover
Functional parts with precise geometry.
All case studies
Thirteen projects across industries.
3D printing processes
FDM 3D printing
Durable parts up to 1000 × 1000 × 1000 mm, from 1 calendar day.
SLA 3D printing
Fine detail and smooth surfaces from 10 micron resolution.
SLS 3D printing
Tough PA12 nylon parts, supported by the powder bed.
PolyJet 3D printing
Multi-material photopolymer parts with fine detail.
How we match application to process
- Appearance and fine detail point to SLA or PolyJet.
- Functional strength and size point to FDM, up to 1000 × 1000 × 1000 mm.
- Complex nested geometry in tough nylon points to SLS.
- Repeatable batches point to a locked process, fixed orientation and inspection against the drawing.
- Where volumes are high enough for tooling to pay back, an engineer will say so.
Frequently asked questions
When should I switch from prototype to production?
When the design is stable and the quantity runs from tens to thousands, additive is usually the lowest-cost route because there is no tooling. Above that, an engineer compares against moulding or machining for you.
Are the prototype and production parts made the same way?
Yes. Low-volume manufacturing uses the same processes and materials as prototyping, so a prototype design moves straight into production.
Can you keep my parts consistent over time?
Yes. Controlled process parameters and inspection against the drawing keep batches consistent, and a standing specification keeps reorders matched.
Frequently asked questions
When should I switch from prototype to production?
When the design is stable and the quantity runs from tens to thousands, additive is usually the lowest-cost route because there is no tooling. Above that, an engineer compares against moulding or machining for you.
Are the prototype and production parts made the same way?
Yes. Low-volume manufacturing uses the same processes and materials as prototyping, so a prototype design moves straight into production.
Can you keep my parts consistent over time?
Yes. Controlled process parameters and inspection against the drawing keep batches consistent, and a standing specification keeps reorders matched.
Next step
Send a part for an engineer-reviewed quote
Upload a CAD model for an engineer-reviewed quote. All uploads are secure and confidential.