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.
“the quality of the print was great will always use simply 3ds for small parts”
“Completed complex parts and communicates timelines/suggestions well. A happy repeat customer. ”
“Was very swift about getting back to me about the order. Answered questions and was very good with communication. The part came out in excellent quality, perfect.”
“Great communication and high quality print in a timely fashion!”
“Very responsive, answered all my questions, job completed extremely fast and shipped extremely fast too. Came in a box with bubble wrap to protect my parts, extremely please with the result.”
“Quick communication, quick turnaround, great print. Highly recommend using him.”
“Service was quick, friendly and well done. will use in the future. ”
“Great service, Print arrived on time and in excellent condition. ”
“Great job - processed quicked, shipped quick and items as designed!”
“Fantastic quality prints, quick turnaround, great communication. 5/5 will use again!”
“Had headphone parts printed for two pairs of broken headphones. The parts work flawlessly. Fast service and communication.”
“Excellent Service! Can't wait to send more parts to print!!”
“Fast turnaround and the parts fit perfectly ”
“Great hub. Prints were great and went up and above expectations ”
“Good price and quality printing! I recommend to everyone!!!! thanks for the work you've done”
“All good. Printed exactly what I needed and got it out fast.”
“Had a shipping mishap but got resolved. Everything arrived perfectly. Thanks!”
“Perfect. Prints were started the day of upload and delivered before the deadline. Quality is near perfect! ”
“Top notch service as I've come to expect! ”
“Fast turnaround, great communication including screenshots of slicing, quick shipping. Print quality is superb. A+++”
“This printer is very liable and very understanting and cooperative.”
“perfectly printed and quick shipping and processing for everything couldnt be happier”
“Responded promptly and received print faster than expected, thanks again! A+++”
“Helped me out with some geometry glitches and took the time to show me debugging tools for future projects. Print was fast and looked great.”
“Print as expected. Communication and flexibility was excellent.”
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.