The process

From enquiry to delivery — clearly explained

No complicated processes. No guesswork. Here is exactly what happens when you contact us, and what to expect at every stage.

01

Send your file, photos, dimensions, or idea

Use our quote request form to describe what you need. You can:

If you have a 3D file

  • Upload your STL, STEP, OBJ, or 3MF file
  • Include the intended use of the part
  • Specify quantity and material preference
  • Note if the job is urgent and give your deadline

If you don’t have a file

  • Send clear photos from multiple angles
  • Include rough measurements (a photo with a ruler helps)
  • Describe the part’s function
  • We’ll confirm whether CAD assistance is feasible
Speed tipThe more detail you provide upfront, the faster we can quote. A complete quote request with file, dimensions, quantity, and intended use can often be turned around the same day.
02

We review printability, size, and material options

Once we receive your request, we review the file (or your description and photos) and check:

File and geometry checks

  • Is the file watertight and print-ready?
  • Are there any thin walls, unsupported overhangs, or geometry that may cause issues?
  • Does the part fit within the 256 × 256 × 256 mm build volume?
  • Is the orientation and wall thickness appropriate for the intended function?

Material assessment

  • We confirm whether your preferred material is suitable
  • We suggest alternatives if a different material would serve the application better
  • We flag if a material may be unsuitable for the intended use
  • We confirm available colour options at quote stage

If we identify any issues with the file or geometry, we will let you know clearly and suggest how to resolve them. We do not begin printing until we are confident the result will be usable.

03

You receive a clear quote and lead time by email

We send a quote by email with:

What the quote includes

  • Price per unit and total for the quantity requested
  • Material confirmed
  • Estimated dispatch date
  • Any notes on the print or file
  • Delivery cost to your postcode

Quote expectations

  • Quotes are valid for 14 days from issue
  • Quoted prices cover material, print time, packaging, and handling
  • CAD work (if required) is charged separately and stated in the quote
  • Delivery cost is added and shown separately

You are under no obligation to proceed after receiving a quote. Simply reply to confirm if you would like to go ahead, or ask any questions before deciding.

04

Your part is printed, checked, and dispatched

Once you confirm the quote, we begin printing. When the part is complete:

Print and dispatch process

  • Parts are printed and visually checked before packing
  • Carefully packed to prevent transit damage
  • Dispatched via Royal Mail or courier
  • Tracking number shared on dispatch where available

Delivery options

  • UK-wide delivery as standard
  • Royal Mail 1st/2nd class for small parts
  • Courier for larger or fragile items
  • International delivery available on request

What to expect from FDM 3D printing

We are honest about what this technology can and cannot do. Understanding these points helps you get the best result.

Layer lines are visible FDM printing builds parts layer by layer. Layer lines will be visible on the surface of most parts — this is normal and inherent to the process. Orientation and layer height affect the appearance. For cosmetic parts, we can discuss options to minimise this.
Dimensional accuracy FDM parts are generally accurate to within ±0.2 mm for well-prepared files, but this can vary with geometry, orientation, and material. If you have tight tolerance requirements, mention them upfront so we can advise.
Not suitable for all applications FDM-printed parts are not certified for safety-critical, structural, medical, electrical, or regulated applications. If your application has formal requirements, please check suitability with a qualified engineer before use.
Lead times are honest estimates We give lead times based on current workload and print time. We don’t over-promise. If your job is urgent, tell us your deadline and we will confirm whether it is feasible before you commit.

Accepted file types

We accept the following 3D model formats. STL and STEP are the most commonly used.

.STL
Standard Tessellation Language

Most common. Supported by almost every CAD and slicer application. Use binary STL where possible.

.STEP / .STP
Standard for the Exchange of Product Data

Native parametric format. Preferred for dimensional accuracy. Retains model geometry better than STL.

.OBJ
Wavefront Object

Widely supported. Works well for most geometry, though STEP is preferred for precision parts.

.3MF
3D Manufacturing Format

Modern format with good print settings compatibility. Supported by most recent CAD tools.

.IGES / .IGS
Initial Graphics Exchange Specification

Accepted for surface models. STEP is generally preferable for new files.

Photos / PDF
No 3D file available

For parts with no existing 3D model. Send photos, sketches, and measurements — we will confirm whether we can assist.

Ready to start?

Use our quote form to send your file or describe your part. We will come back to you with a clear price and lead time.