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.
3D Hubs is headquartered in Amsterdam and Chicago but we have a full team of manufacturing experts and account managers dedicated to serving our customers in the UK. We’ve manufactured parts for thousands of customers in and around London.
The fact that we’ve partnered with a globally distributed network of hundreds of industrial 3D printing manufacturers, from the UK and overseas, means we always have capacity and a much broader range of industrial 3D printers than any single manufacturer. That means more options, faster lead times and better prices for our customers.
“Can not fault any part of the process, very pleased. ”
“First time getting something printed, really impressed.”
“Great experience. No issues with the printe exactly what i needed. Came much quicker than i expected.”
“Great fast and high quality service, friendly, helpful and very communicative. Would definitely use again.”
“As always great communication and print quality”
“My third order, always on time, always what I expect. ”
“Super fast turnaround for a repeat order!”
“I am sooooo amazed with the quality thank you”
“Very efficient communication and rapid response.”
“Ordered on the 8th, expected on the 14th. Actually arrived on the 9th, next day. Pretty amazing!”
“Excellent experience. First class service. I'm very pleased. Thank you”
“Best print quality I've ever seen on 3dhubs!”
“Very flexible, professional and reliable. Recommended.”
“I am a returned customer and I appreciate a very good workmanship and prompt customer service ”
“I received professional quality prints with very fast turnaround at a very competitive price. Excellent service and communication, review and customization (infill %) was agreed in a couple of minutes. Will use them next time as well if I need something printed.”
“Awesome prints and awesome service. Will definitely use again!”
“Really great quality print despite some quite tricky parts ”
“Excellent service, very quick in producing the items ”
“Lovey service! There was an issue with my original design, this was promptly highlighted and a reprint was made. Would strongly recommend! Many thanks!”
“Fast service & excellent parts - couldn't ask for more!”
“Brilliant service, really sharp pieces, great communication. hope to work with these guys again.”
“The print quality is great! And the team is really helpful and friendly. Thanks a lot. :)”
“The printing quality is good as usual. Thanks for helping me all the time.”
“Great service. Product printed very quickly and great quality. Highly recommend. ”
“Good service, it was easy to communicate and to arrange the shipping. The quality is very good for the type of 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 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
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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.