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.
“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!”
“Great work, very clean sidewalls on these parts!”
“Great communication and wonderful print quality!”
“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.”
“Easy transaction, fast print, fast ship. Part looks exactly as I expected. ”
“Fast service good prints will do business with again”
“Easy to do business with. Great communicator. Keep me informed during the entire printing process.”
“Print turned out perfect! Excellent feedback throughout!”
“The parts look great, and arrived faster than expected. I also really appreciated the test print and consulting he did for me on these parts.”
“Excellent! Very communicative and high quality printing”
“I am happy with the service and quality of parts.”
“A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++”
“Great parts. Great experience. I'll be back.”
“Thanks for your help while we push thru this ordeal.”
“This turned out even better than I expected! Excellent work!”
“Excellent Work! I like the finishing, good job.”
“Great quality print and was able to pick it up within 12 hours of placing the order Excellent!”
“The parts look great and arrived very quickly!”
“Very responsive, high quality parts. Parts done a day early! Will use again!”
“Excellent print quality, fast service, photo preview, good communication. Will recommend to others.”
“Absolute first rate service. Communication was excellent and print was perfect.”
“Completed complex parts and communicates timelines/suggestions well. A happy repeat customer. ”
“Very helpful and patient, quality focused”
“Thank you for the very quick order! It came out great”
“Excellent response time and quality print!”
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.