The 3D Printing Handbook by 3D Hubs
Our founders literally ‘wrote the book’ on 3D printing.
Read articleWe manufacture high-quality, competitively priced custom prototypes & production parts. Upload a CAD file for an instant 3D printing quote. Order parts in 5 minutes from your desk.
Get an instant 3D Printing quote All uploads are secure and confidentialOur online 3d printing services leverage a global network of over 2,400 3D printing machines, which means our customers get both competitive prices and fast lead times. We specialise in five processes, bringing you everything you need for custom 3D printing projects, from rapid prototyping with FDM to small production runs of metal 3D prints for industrial applications.
“My print looked great and arrived more quickly than another, smaller print I ordered from shapeways. It was cheaper too! Overall great service.”
“Communicated well and kept everything up to date and speedy. ”
“Wellstronics provided great service and great turnaround. The part was just as expected and we will be ordering more from them!”
“Always good quality prints and quick feedback.”
“Very happy with how this print turned out - awesome service, thanks! ”
“Communicated great and got my parts fast!”
“Thank you very much for the quick and perfect prints”
“Great prints with fast turn around and good communication. Can't ask for anything more!”
“Professional service, wonderful communication, and nice prints.”
“Awesome! Got it faster than expected and when I had picked the wrong material and it came out wrong I was quickly informed and given the correct print materials to choose from. I chose and got the product. Looks amazing, great quality and exactly what I wanted. Thank you! Will be getting some more printed.”
“Quick service and the product was also of good quality. ”
“Impeccable quality on my print. Communicated with me with great care and print was done swiftly and with no problems. Would definitely use this Hub again if I ever need another print. ”
“Insightful help, fast turn around, and excellent quality of my printed object.”
“Couldn't ask for better service or product. Great communication. Worked with me in selecting a suitable material. Fast turnaround. ”
“The parts were in great quality and I was appreciative of the quick communication and tips I received. He was also really mindful of my deadline and went above and beyond to meet my needs. ”
“Amazing quality, and delivered in just a few days!”
“The prints came out great! Super fast turn-around time and affordable pricing. ”
“Second time I order a part and its impeccable!”
“Great communication! Sent many extra samples that were very useful.”
“A+ service. Quick, friendly, and good quality.”
“They definitely earned my business, They're my Go-To guys now for all my printing needs.”
“Order came as ordered and even printed an extra part without asking. Would order from again.”
“Great quality work and arrived quicker than expected. ”
“Fast turnaround, good communication and great parts!”
“Good quality for our mock-up. Would consider future cooperation.”
We’re eliminating slow and antiquated processes with automated engineering tools to help you reduce development cycles and increase the speed at which projects are delivered.
Upload a CAD file, receive a 3D printing quote in seconds. No more back and forth with suppliers or long email chains.
You automatically receive manufacturability feedback on all 3D prints. No more waiting for a technician before knowing you can proceed to production.
Easily manage orders online, track deliveries and share important details with others on your team.
Need help choosing? See our guide to selecting the right 3D printing process.
3D printing process
FDM | SLA | SLS | MJF | DMLS | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Available materials | 10 | 11 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
[US] Lead time in days | From 2 | From 2 | From 3 | From 3 | From 10 |
[EU] Lead time in days | From 2 | From 2 | From 3 | From 3 | From 10 |
[US] Maximum build size | 19.68'' x 19.68'' x 19.68'' | 5.7" x 5.7" x 6.8" | 16.5" × 19.7" × 16.5" | 14.9'' x 11.2'' x 14.9'' | 9.84'' x 12.80'' x 9.84'' |
[EU] Maximum build size | 500 x 500 x 500 mm | 145 × 145 × 175 mm | 400 x 480 x 400 mm | 380 x 285 x 380 mm | 250 x 325 x 250 mm |
[US] Dimensional accuracy | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.0196'' | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.006" | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.012'' | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.012'' | <10mm: ± 0.2% with a lower limit of ± 0.008" >10mm: ± 2% |
[EU] Dimensional accuracy | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.5 mm | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.15 mm | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.3 mm | ± 0.5% with a lower limit on ± 0.3 mm | <10mm: ± 0.2% with a lower limit of ± 0.2 mm >10mm: ± 2% |
Prototyping applications | Low-fideily, proof-of-concept prototyping and visual design verification. | Detailed visual prototypes (especially of injection molded parts). | Functional and high-fidelity prototypes. Similar to MJF. | Functional and high-fidelity prototypes. Similar to SLS. | Design verification of metal parts. |
End-part applications | Non-visual end parts, such as jigs and fixtures. | Small, smooth, non-functional end parts. | Small batches of functional plastic parts. Similar to MJF | Small batches of functional plastic parts. Similar to SLS. | Alternative to CNC machining for complex, small or low-volume metal parts. |
Need help choosing? We have a whole range of resources on selecting the right 3D printing material for your application
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Resin | Post-cure time (mins) | Post-cure time (mins) |
---|---|---|
Standard clear | 15 | 60 °C |
Standard black | 30 | 60 °C |
Standard white | 30 | 60 °C |
Standard grey | 30 | 60 °C |
Tough 2000 | 30 | 70 °C |
Durable | 60 | 60 °C |
Grey pro | 15 | 80 °C |
High temp | 120 | 80 °C |
Flexible | 15 | 60 °C |
Rigid | 15 | 80 °C |
Every order includes our standard inspection report. Further reports and certifications are available on request, submit an order to begin.