Rapid prototyping
Functional prototypes for fit, form and function. Same-day print starts on stocked materials; most single prototypes ship in 2–3 working days.
Design to what we actually run.
Every figure here is published so you can engineer against it — wall thickness, hole sizes, overhangs, tolerances. If your part needs something tighter, talk to us before you redesign; it is often achievable with the right orientation.
- Layer
- 0.08–0.28 mm
- Tolerance
- ±0.5% / ±0.2
- Materials
- 25+ polymers
- Quote
- < 24 hrs
Services
What we take on
Jigs, fixtures & aids
Assembly fixtures, drill guides, soft jaws, go/no-go gauges, line-side trays and guarding — in materials matched to the shop-floor environment.
Low-volume production
Runs of 1 to 500 parts. Bridge production while tooling is cut, or permanent production for parts that will never justify a mould.
CAD design & drafting
No model, no problem. We work from sketches, hand measurements or drawings and return a dimensioned, printable model you own.
Reverse engineering
Send us the broken or obsolete original. We measure it, model it and reproduce it — often in a tougher material than the part that failed.
Design-for-additive review
Before we quote, we review wall thickness, overhangs, tolerances and orientation, and tell you where a small change saves real money.
Design rules
Design it right the first time.
The six numbers that decide whether a part prints cleanly. Design to these and your quote comes back faster, with fewer surprises.
Minimum wall
1.2 mm · best 0.8
Thinner walls get fragile in most engineering polymers.
Minimum hole
Ø 2.0 mm
Holes print undersize — model small and we ream to size.
Max overhang
45° · 60° best
Steeper needs support — soluble support available on the H2D.
Minimum feature
1.0 mm
Embossed/engraved detail. Text legible from ~2 mm cap height.
Layer height
0.08–0.28 mm
Finer layers = better finish and Z accuracy, at more cost.
General tolerance
±0.5% / ±0.2 mm best
Whichever is greater. Tighter on constrained XY features.
Figures are typical for the materials and machines we run; achievable tolerance is confirmed per part at quote stage. Want it all on one page? Download the design guide (PDF).
Full reference
Every figure, in one table
| Parameter | Standard | Best achievable | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General dimensional tolerance | ±0.5% / min ±0.5 mm | ±0.2 mm | Whichever is greater. Tighter on well-constrained features in the XY plane. |
| Layer height | 0.20 mm | 0.08 mm | Finer layers improve surface finish and Z accuracy but increase cost. |
| Minimum wall thickness | 1.2 mm | 0.8 mm | Below 1.2 mm walls become fragile in most engineering polymers. |
| Minimum feature size | 1.0 mm | 0.6 mm | Embossed and engraved detail. Text legible from about 2 mm cap height. |
| Minimum hole diameter | 2.0 mm | 1.0 mm | Holes print undersize. Model undersize and ream to size. |
| Unsupported overhang | 45° | 60° | Beyond 45° from vertical requires support. Soluble support on the H2D. |
| Part size | 350 × 320 × 325 mm* | No limit* | *Single-piece build volume. Larger parts are split, printed and bonded into a finished assembly. |
How a job runs
From file to finished part.
-
01
Send files
STEP, STL, 3MF or a sketch, with quantity, material and any critical dimensions.
-
02
DFM review
We check wall thickness, overhangs and orientation before a gram is printed.
-
03
Fixed quote
A firm price and lead time, normally within 24 hours of your enquiry.
-
04
Print & finish
Printed, supports removed, finished to spec, with critical features checked.
-
05
Delivered
Shipped nationwide or collect in Co. Wexford. Reorders from the same profile.
Equipment
Machine specifications
| Specification | Bambu Lab X1 Carbon | Bambu Lab H2D |
|---|---|---|
| Process | FDM · enclosed, heated chamber | FDM · enclosed, heated chamber |
| Build volume | 256 × 256 × 256 mm | 350 × 320 × 325 mm |
| Extruders | 1 · hardened steel | 2 · independent dual |
| Layer height | 0.08 – 0.28 mm | 0.08 – 0.28 mm |
| Max nozzle temperature | 300 °C | 350 °C |
| Multi-material | AMS · up to 4 filaments | AMS 2 Pro · dual nozzle, soluble support |
| Best suited to | Engineering polymers, carbon-fibre composites, fine detail | Large parts, soluble-support geometry, true multi-material |
Finishing
Post-processing
Support removal & deburring
Included as standard on every part.
Soluble support dissolution
For internal channels and enclosed geometry, on the H2D.
Sanding & smoothing
Progressive grit finishing where surface finish matters.
Threaded inserts
Heat-set brass inserts for parts assembled and reassembled.
Drilling & reaming
For holes that must hold a tighter tolerance than printing allows.
Bonding & assembly
Multi-section parts bonded and aligned to your drawing.
Getting started
Files & lead times
Accepted file formats
STEPSTL3MFIGESOBJSketch / drawing
STEP is preferred — it preserves the true geometry rather than a mesh approximation, which means tighter parts and fewer surprises.
Indicative lead times
- Quote returned
- < 24 hours
- Single prototype
- 2 – 3 days
- Small batch (10 – 50)
- 3 – 7 days
- Urgent / expedite
- On request
Lead times run from design sign-off, not from enquiry. Bulk pricing on orders of 10 units or more.
Not sure if your part is printable?
Send it over. We will review it and tell you what works, what does not, and what a small change would save you.