Some things just cannot be bought. A cracked plastic bracket that is no longer made. A part that exists only in your head. A prototype you want to hold in your hand first. This is exactly where 3D printing helps - it makes what you cannot get any other way.

What we can print

3D printing handles a surprising amount. We commonly print:

  • Spare and missing parts - brackets, covers, connectors and components for appliances or furniture that are no longer sold.
  • Prototypes and functional models - when you want to try out a new design in real form before production.
  • Custom parts made to measure - holders, organisers, cases and mounting elements exactly to your dimensions.
  • Promotional and gift items - original pieces you will not find in a store.

Two main technologies

In practice you will most often come across two technologies:

  • FDM (fused plastic layering) - the printer lays down molten plastic layer by layer. It is cheap, fast and ideal for strong functional parts and larger pieces.
  • SLA (resin curing) - light cures a liquid resin. It gives far finer detail and a smooth surface, suitable for small models, moulds and visually demanding pieces.

Depending on what you need, we will choose the more suitable one.

What we print from

The material determines the properties of the finished part:

  • PLA - the easiest to print and dimensionally accurate, but less heat resistant. Good for models and unloaded parts.
  • PETG - strong and tough, handles more heat and moisture, a good choice for everyday functional parts.
  • ABS - durable and heat stable (known from Lego), harder to print, suitable for stressed parts.
  • Nylon - very strong and flexible, for sliding and mechanically loaded components.

Bring a design, or we will make it for you

If you have your own 3D model, we will print it straight away. If you do not, no problem - we will design it for you from a photo, dimensions, or even the cracked original. Together we will go through what the part is meant to do, choose a suitable material and strength, and prepare it for printing.

For individuals and businesses alike

3D printing is worthwhile for a single piece as well as a small series. For your home we can fix a cracked part for a few euros instead of buying a whole new device. For businesses we print prototypes, functional components, jigs and fixtures, as well as corporate and promotional items.

How printing works

The path from idea to finished part has three steps: first a 3D model (the design on a computer) is created, it is then sliced into layers in a program and prepared for the printer, and finally it is printed. Depending on size and complexity, printing takes from tens of minutes to several hours.

What to keep in mind

3D printing is not magic, it has its limits and it is good to know them in advance:

  • Size is limited by the printer’s dimensions, large parts are printed in sections and joined.
  • Strength of a layered part is slightly lower across the layers than with cast plastic, but it can be increased with a suitable material and infill density.
  • Accuracy is very good, but not engineering grade down to hundredths of a millimetre, so mating parts need some tolerance.

We will advise you on all of this so the part really does its job.

And laser engraving on top of that

Besides 3D printing, we also do laser engraving and cutting into wood, leather, acrylic and other materials. It is great for labels, tags, logos, name plates and original gifts with a dedication.

Need something made?

Send us a design, a photo, or simply describe what you need, and we will prepare it to measure. Get in touch and we will advise whether 3D printing or engraving is the right solution for your project.

This article is part of our Business IT overview.