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.
“High quality print, and I was able to pick it up the same day I ordered it.”
“Excellent customer service and quality of print!”
“Good quality prints, would be willing to use again”
“Great print quality and customer service.”
“Exactly the what I ordered and delivered quicker than expected. Knowledgeable. professional, and efficient!”
“Product was great, expect specifications and worked perfectly for what they were needed for.”
“Fast turnaround, and parts turned out great.”
“Excellent print quality, fast service, photo preview, good communication. Will recommend to others.”
“Very helpful, super quick with responses and printing and questions. Glad to be able to work with him. ”
“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.”
“Order was completed early and as expected!”
“Very happy with print quality and speed. We are interested in knowing max build size for future models. Thank you”
“Very courteous and printed two of the provided objects. ”
“As always great print quality and fast shipping. Wonderful customer service.”
“Absolutely amazing and high quality 3D prints! I recommend to all! ”
“Prints are in excellent quality and were printed and shipped same day.”
“I greatly appreciate your promptness and quality of your print. This design is being used as a cell phone holder installed into the console of my Nissan 370Z, whereas otherwise, this car has no other practical place to hold a cell phone. The new install looks like an OEM feature of the console and adequately provides for the intended purpose. Thank you sincerely for your professional service.”
“Very happy with the print quality and service. ”
“Excellent work. Optimised toolpaths created strong parts.”
“I'm absolutely amazed at how quickly this worked. I initially contacted NorVA plastics, just across the street here in Norfolk, I'm still waiting to hear back. Thank you guys! Can't wait to have more 3D stuff printed out. ”
“You did a good job, fast and clear/clean, thank you.”
“Great prints, outstanding communication. ”
“Thank you for the very quick order! It came out great”
“Great experience as always with perfect prints! Highly recommend!”
“Part was made quickly and quality 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.