Parts · Prototypes · Practical improvementsCapability · 3D Printing
Functional 3D printing for prototypes, tooling and small series.
In-house FDM printing is used for functional prototypes, replacement parts, housings, brackets, fixtures, machine components and low-volume production.
The process is selected around the part's function, required material behaviour, tolerances, surface requirements and expected quantity rather than around a specific printer.
Production capability
From detailed prototypes to larger functional parts.
- Single-piece work up to approximately 350 mm-class X/Y size and around 325 mm height, depending on geometry, material and process setup.
- Enclosed printing for materials that benefit from a controlled build environment.
- Selected setups with heated chamber capability up to approximately 65 °C.
- Nozzle temperatures available up to approximately 350 °C and heated beds up to approximately 120 °C where required by the material and process.
- Fine-detail and higher-throughput nozzle options, selected to suit the part.
- Multi-material or dedicated support strategies where they materially improve the result.
- Multiple printers for scheduling prototypes and repeated parts in parallel.
Materials
Material selected for the application.
Material suitability is confirmed per part, geometry and operating condition.
General-purpose materials
PLA for concept models, visual parts and lower-load applications. PETG for general functional parts where toughness and moisture or chemical resistance are useful.
Temperature, outdoor & engineering use
ABS, ASA, PC and PA/Nylon are considered for selected functional applications where their temperature, UV, strength or wear behaviour is appropriate.
Flexible materials
TPU for flexible covers, bumpers, feet, seals and compliant features.
Reinforced materials
Selected carbon-fibre or glass-fibre reinforced grades for stiff functional parts where geometry, abrasion and material requirements suit the process.
Typical work
Typical applications.
- Fit and function prototypes.
- Replacement and obsolete parts.
- Brackets, mounts, adapters and housings.
- Jigs, fixtures, guides and assembly aids.
- Machine and workshop improvements.
- Parametric part families and size variants.
- One-off technical parts.
- Small repeated batches.
- Parts used to validate a design before another production process is selected.
Production approach
Controlled from file to repeated part.
File & function review
Check geometry, fit, likely load case, temperature, interfaces and manufacturing risks before printing.
Material & process selection
Select material, orientation, wall structure, supports and relevant process settings around the intended use.
First-part check
Where useful, produce and verify an initial part before releasing the remaining quantity.
Small-series production
Repeat the agreed setup using a controlled file revision and consistent manufacturing approach.
Useful result