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.
“Very professional, parts were printed nearly instantly and constant communication was maintained.”
“Good prints in a good amount of time, Thanks!”
“Excellent job! Will definitely use again. A+”
“Good quality print, fantastic costumer service, fast shipping. Pleasure to do business.”
“Great communication and speed on the job! Highly recommend!”
“Great experience! Will be back for future projects! ”
“Use this hub alot. Consistently receive great service and quality parts.”
“thank you for your attention to detail, surface finish and wall thickness are generously wonderful. Much appreciated!”
“Great prints, did not expect they would be this good!”
“Amazing work, service, speed, and communication!”
“Awesome Service i will definitely be using it again!”
“Very friendly, accommodating and quick! Parts were perfect! Couldn't have asked for a better experience!”
“Definitely worth having anything printed here. Great quality and service. ”
“Fantastic service and careful attention to all my requirements.”
“Good communication and print quality. Also fast! ”
“Great prints and service. Highly recommend.”
“Excellent service. Thanks for the quick turn-around and quality.”
“Smooth printed parts, great communication. ”
“Excellent! Will use service again - Thanks!”
“Print is fantastic - exactly what I was looking for!”
“Andriy did a great job communicating his different processes and delivered beautiful results.”
“Very happy with the service. Fast turn around and the print results are excellent! I used standard resin with 100 micron layering. There is no noticeable layering. I am using this part to replace another part that was originally cast with resin using an injection molding process. I designed the replacement part in Rhino with a LOT of detail that was not in the original. This 3D part is a LOT more detailed than the one I am replacing, and it is as smooth as the original.”
“Brandon did a wonderful job communicating with me to ensure that my part was printed correctly.”
“Very quick turnaround and exactly what I needed. Thanks!”
“Great suggestion & quality. Will re-order with them again”
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
${ el.name }
(${ fdmSubsetsNylon.length } ${ i18nTypes })
(${ el.subsets.length } ${ i18nTypes })
(${ el.subsets.length } ${ i18nType })
${ el.name }
(${ slsSubsetsNylon.length } ${ i18nTypes })
(${ slsSubsetsNylon.length } ${ i18nType })
${ el.name }
(${ mjfSubsetsNylon.length } ${ i18nTypes })
(${ mjfSubsetsNylon.length } ${ i18nType })
${ el.name }
(${ el.subsets.length } ${ i18nTypes })
(${ el.subsets.length } ${ i18nType })
${ el.name }
(${ el.subsets.length } ${ i18nTypes })
(${ el.subsets.length } ${ i18nType })
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.