You need to print a prototype. How do you find the best 3D printing services?

When the requirements are well known, it helps in narrowing the printing services options that you have to the ones that can provide the exact prototype that you need. This helps in saving time and energy.

Clearly identifying your project needs is the first step towards finding the best 3D printing services. Make sure to take into account elements such as the size of the prototype, the material requirements, the number of orders, the budget, and the schedule. Additionally, let them know what kind of communication and help you need. By focusing on specifics, this method reduces your alternatives and guarantees a perfect match between the capabilities of the chosen 3D printing provider and the requirements of your project.

This step could easily be overlooked. Defining your needs precisely will help you identify the appropriate service. You should list points such as: materials, tolerances, delivery time, quantities, etc... and prioritise them

The 3DP market is still evolving, either a wider range of materials, technologies, and finishes. Therefore, it is now easier to fine tune the requirements : function, working environment, aspect, constraints, part behavior, budget, leadtime, etc… To ensure the first-time-right prototype, it is important to maintain an open-discussion with the manufacturer. All projects are different, all parts are different, but there is only one communication.

Searching for on-line plateforms first is a mistake in my opinion. You may find plenty of local service providers that may not have a great presence among the top google adwords but will be able to provide a quick and inexpensive quality service. If you do not need traceability and confidentiality is not an issue, you may try some of the platforms though.

Online platforms can contain a lot of valuable information. However, they will never address your questions at 100%. Discussing your project with the supplier will deliver a better result, guarantee of quality & satisfaction.

This is what I would do first, as local providers are able to offer a service where you know who makes your parts and how and where. Also, it is easier to interact if there are modifications in your project which happen often.

In this constantly evolving market, it is important to stay connected with your 3D printing supplier. Whether you need a maker or an industrial supplier, there are now plenty of local 3DP shops. They can provide advices for your project, help you in cost saving, show you some examples, etc…

All reputable suppliers will be able to relate to their prior experience in similar projects. Just make sure that they are capable of providing the right material (with the related certificate) and follow your instructions assembly if any. A provider that is able to update the CAD file will be a big plus as sometimes 3D printing requires different geometries compared with injection moulding for example.

Understanding the full scope of work of your project will help fine-tuning the choice of material. Technical data sheet, descriptions, certificates, pictures, video demonstrations, etc, are developing online now. On top of that, add the advice of the expert and you can hardly make a mistake. Sometimes, it is worth 3D printing a sample (ie. a section of the CAD file) to validate the material choice.

Any professional 3D printing provider would have secured T&Cs. When engaging into a R&D project, you want your make sure your design & content are secured. And depending on which country is your provider located, industry T&Cs are safe.

If you come to negociate terms and conditions, you are probably in the wrong shop, as any reputable supplier will have standard T&C that apply.

Your budget should also be considered in the initial planning phase. Your budget would determine the material, size and complexity of the print. Thereafter, you can then research the printing services that match your budget. Also, it is important to check online reviews to see what others who have used the material you are planning to use have to say about it.