Production
Lead time anatomy: where the days go on a 3D printing order
An order passes through seven stages. Printing is usually the shortest. Our fastest turnaround is 1 calendar day.
HenleyPrint3D engineering2 min readUpdated Published
Key takeaways
- Queue and finishing take most of the time; the build is usually the shortest stage.
- Always check whether a quote counts calendar or working days.
- Stocked materials and clear files shorten the order.
Suits
Buyers planning a delivery date, and engineers asked to cut lead time.
Worth knowing
Queue and finishing take most of the time. The build itself is usually the shortest stage.
The seven stages
| Stage | Typical time | Shorten it by |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Quote and file review | Minutes to 1 working day | Sending STEP, a drawing for critical features, and quantity |
| 2. Build preparation | Hours | Avoiding unusual orientation requests |
| 3. Queue | 0 to several days | Choosing a stocked material; ordering early in the week |
| 4. Build | Hours to 2 days | Reducing part height |
| 5. Cool-down, depowder or wash | Hours to 1 day | Accepting standard cleaning |
| 6. Finishing and inspection | 0 to several days | Specifying only the finishing you need |
| 7. Transit | Depends on destination | Choosing an express service |
Lead time depends on process, material, quantity and finishing, and is shown on your quote.
See low-volume manufacturing, how much 3D printing costs in the UK and the quote comparison checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is a typical lead time for 3D printed parts?
It ranges from one to a few working days for simple parts in stocked materials to a week or more with finishing, volume or international delivery. The build itself is often only a fraction of it.
Why does finishing add so much time?
Dyeing, painting and coating involve application, drying and cure steps that need their set time. Each coat of paint needs its own flash and cure time.
Does ordering more parts make the lead time longer?
Often not. Parts in the same material can share a build, so a larger batch may take little more time than one part. Finishing and inspection scale with quantity.
Which process is fastest?
FDM and SLS are often quickest for simple parts. SLS needs cool-down, and SLA needs wash and cure, so the fastest process depends on the part and the finish.
How can I get parts faster?
Send a clean file, choose a stocked material, leave off unnecessary finishing, batch your order and choose the shipping service when you order.
Get started
Talk to an engineer about your part.
Send us your CAD or describe the problem. We recommend the process, material and finish, and quote with the lead time up front.
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