Knowledge base
Guides to 3D printing, prototyping and low-volume production
UK 3D printing and additive manufacturing guides for engineers and buyers, written by the engineers who run our machines. They cover processes, materials, tolerances, cost, sourcing, and supplier requirements for defence and aerospace. Search, or pick a topic.
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What is additive manufacturing, and how does it work?
How layer-by-layer manufacturing works and when it beats machining or moulding.
2 min readSourcing and partnersHow to choose a 3D printing service in the UK
What to compare: processes, materials, tolerances, inspection, lead time and who reviews your file.
4 min readIndustries and sectorsDefence additive manufacturing in the UK: a supplier guide
What defence primes and SMEs should ask of an additive supplier: materials, records, security and lead time.
5 min readSourcing and partnersAlternatives to Protolabs, Hubs and Craftcloud for UK 3D printing
A fair UK comparison of instant-quote platforms and an engineer-led 3D printing partner.
3 min readSourcing and partnersHow much does 3D printing cost in the UK?
What drives the price of a printed part, how a quote is built and how to bring it down.
4 min read3D printing processesLarge-format 3D printing in the UK, up to 1000 mm
Printing parts up to 1000 × 1000 × 1000 mm: process, materials, splitting and lead time.
4 min readMaterialsPA12 nylon SLS 3D printing in the UK
PA12 properties, tolerances, finishes and design rules for SLS nylon parts.
4 min readDesign and tolerancesWhat tolerances can 3D printing achieve?
Tolerance by process, a size chart, and clearances for fits.
3 min readAll articles
32 articles
What is additive manufacturing, and how does it work?
How layer-by-layer manufacturing works and when it beats machining or moulding.
2 min readRead guideWhat is FDM 3D printing, and what is it good for?
FDM limits and strengths: build size, tolerance, materials, wall thickness.
2 min readRead guideWhat is PolyJet 3D printing, and what makes it different?
When to use PolyJet: rigid and flexible materials in one part.
2 min readRead guideWhat is SLA 3D printing, and when should you use it?
SLA detail and tolerance figures, resins, and when to use another process.
2 min readRead guideWhat is SLS 3D printing, and why is it used for functional parts?
SLS nylon: build size, tolerance, escape holes and design limits.
2 min readRead guideHow do you choose the right 3D printing process for a part?
Five questions and a decision table to pick FDM, SLA, SLS or PolyJet.
3 min readRead guideFDM vs SLA vs SLS vs PolyJet: which 3D printing process is best?
Build size, tolerance, layer height and lead time side by side.
2 min readRead guideWhat tolerances can 3D printing achieve?
Tolerance by process, a size chart, and clearances for fits.
3 min readRead guideHow do you design parts for 3D printing?
Wall, overhang, hole and orientation rules by process.
3 min readRead guideWhich 3D printing material should you choose?
Which material for heat, impact, wear, UV or flex.
3 min readRead guideABS vs PETG vs nylon vs TPU: which FDM material is best?
Four common FDM materials compared, with a pick-by-need table.
2 min readRead guideWhat is rapid prototyping, and how do you do it well?
Which prototype type and process answers fit, function or appearance.
2 min readRead guide3D printing vs injection moulding: which is cheaper for your part?
Break-even quantity and when to print or mould.
3 min readRead guideWhat is low-volume manufacturing, and when does it make sense?
Printing, machining, casting or moulding for 1 to a few thousand parts.
2 min readRead guideWhat post-processing do 3D-printed parts need?
Mandatory clean-up by process, optional finishes and their effect on size.
3 min readRead guideOnline 3D printing platforms or a UK engineering partner: which should you use?
When an online platform is enough and when to use an engineering partner.
2 min readRead guideAlternatives to Protolabs, Hubs and Craftcloud for UK 3D printing
A fair UK comparison of instant-quote platforms and an engineer-led 3D printing partner.
3 min readRead guideHow to choose a 3D printing service in the UK
What to compare: processes, materials, tolerances, inspection, lead time and who reviews your file.
4 min readRead guideHow much does 3D printing cost in the UK?
What drives the price of a printed part, how a quote is built and how to bring it down.
4 min readRead guideHow to choose an additive manufacturing supplier in the UK
A buyer checklist for engineering teams: capability, quality records, security and capacity.
4 min readRead guide3D printing quote comparison checklist
Compare quotes like for like: material, finish, tolerance, inspection, lead time and shipping.
3 min readRead guideProtolabs alternative in the UK
How a UK 3D printing partner compares with Protolabs on process range, lead time and engineer support.
3 min readRead guideHubs (3D Hubs) alternative in the UK
Hubs compared with a single UK workshop: quality control, consistency and communication.
3 min readRead guideCraftcloud alternative in the UK
Craftcloud price comparison versus a UK manufacturer that reviews and inspects every part.
3 min readRead guide3D printing in Devon and the South West
3D printing for Devon, Bristol and the South West: processes, lead times and delivery.
2 min readRead guideDefence additive manufacturing in the UK: a supplier guide
What defence primes and SMEs should ask of an additive supplier: materials, records, security and lead time.
5 min readRead guideAerospace additive manufacturing suppliers in the UK
What to look for in a UK aerospace additive supplier: processes, materials, traceability and standards.
5 min readRead guide3D printed drone and UAV parts in the UK
Airframes, mounts and payload housings: processes, materials and weight savings for UAV teams.
4 min readRead guideLarge-format 3D printing in the UK, up to 1000 mm
Printing parts up to 1000 × 1000 × 1000 mm: process, materials, splitting and lead time.
4 min readRead guidePA12 nylon SLS 3D printing in the UK
PA12 properties, tolerances, finishes and design rules for SLS nylon parts.
4 min readRead guideCarbon-fibre nylon and Kevlar 3D printing in the UK
Reinforced printing materials compared: stiffness, strength, weight and where each is used.
4 min readRead guideReverse engineering and 3D scanning in the UK
Scanning or measuring a worn part, modelling it in CAD, setting tolerances and printing a replacement.
4 min readRead guide
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