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.
“Everything was perfect! The parts came through early and the part quality was amazing (I loved the glass-filled nylon material!) Great communication throughout - thank you again! ”
“The print came out great, the team did a great job with communication and explanation of different materials. Will use them again!”
“Great quality and customer service, as usual.”
“Completed complex parts and communicates timelines/suggestions well. A happy repeat customer. ”
“received quickly and work was high quality”
“Excellent print quality, fast service, photo preview, good communication. Will recommend to others.”
“Just as expected. Fast delivery. No issues.”
“Excellent! Very communicative and high quality printing”
“Extremely fast turnaround. Print turned out great. Always a pleasure.”
“As always, he was very flexible and helpful throughout the process working with odd pickup and delivery issues while I was out of town.”
“Excellent response time and quality print!”
“fast and excellent quality and customer service. I will order something from you in the future.”
“Great hub. Prints were great and went up and above expectations ”
“First time getting something 3D printed and it was a very easy and effortless experience. Answered all my questions and the print quality was exceptional. My expectations were exceeded and more.”
“Excellent Work! I like the finishing, good job.”
“This was my first 3D printing order ever. I am 100% happy with the quality, price, and I liked the way I was notified at every step. Posting photos of the printed parts took customer service to the next level!”
“Very happy with the quality of the prints. Vendor easy to work with and very responsive”
“Excellent quality parts and extremely fast turnaround time. Highly recommended. ”
“Excellent service. Great person. Very helpful. Quality work!!!”
“printed items arrived quickly and they were printed as spec'd out”
“Perfectly printed parts just as I wanted them... Thanks!”
“Top notch service as I've come to expect! ”
“Great service. Communications and speed were exceptional.”
“You did a good job, fast and clear/clean, thank you.”
“I ordered a print at the cheapest level and the quality is much better than I anticipated. These guys examined my drawings in no time, got the print started, snapped images post-print, and got it out the door in the same day. A+ service.”
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 1 | From 2 | From 3 | From 3 | From 10 |
[EU] Lead time in days | From 1 | 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-fidelity, 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 temperature |
---|---|---|
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.