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We pick the process for the part, not the other way round.

3D printing is our core tool: we design geometry for it that no mould or cutter can make. FDM runs in our own studio, powder printing and resin at vetted workshops in Poland. And when another process is cheaper for a larger run, we prepare the documentation and place production where it makes sense.

Send a file for a quoteHow we work
KNOBY enclosures in different finishes

Four printing processes, one decision: what suits this particular part.

We ask five things: load, temperature, chemical contact, quantity and size. From that we propose a process, and when in doubt we print a test version first.

Macro of an FDM print with visible layers

Filament printing

FDM

Plastic from a spool is melted and laid down path by path, layer by layer. It is our in-studio tool: the shortest route from a model to a first part in your hand.

When to choose it

  • A test version before a more expensive process or metal
  • Holders, covers, jigs and workshop tooling
  • Parts under light to moderate load, also in short runs

Strengths

  • Fastest start and easy iteration: change the model, print again
  • Wide choice of plastics and colours
  • Low cost per single part

Limitations

  • Visible layer lines on the surface
  • Parts are weaker along the layers, so print orientation matters
  • Overhangs need supports that leave marks
Where it is made
In-house, in our Opole studio
Typical lead time
Given in the quote, depends on the part
Materials
PLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPU
PA12 part printed with MJF

Multi Jet Fusion powder printing

MJF

A print head applies a fusing agent to a thin layer of polyamide powder and heat fuses the marked areas. Parts grow without supports, surrounded by powder, so one build can hold many parts at once.

When to choose it

  • Functional parts: housings, holders, adapters, snap fits
  • A short run without injection-mould tooling
  • Channels, snaps and shapes that cannot be machined

Strengths

  • Similar strength in every direction
  • Repeatable dimensions across a run
  • After vapour smoothing the surface comes close to a moulded part

Limitations

  • Natural colour is grey, so parts are dyed black or dark; light colours only from SLS
  • Walls from about 1 mm; small deep holes trap powder
  • Size limited by the machine's build chamber
Where it is made
At a vetted partner in Poland
Typical lead time
Printing 3 to 5 working days, each finish adds 1 to 3 days
Materials
PA12, PA11, powder TPU
Lattice PA12 part printed with SLS

Selective laser sintering

SLS

A laser sinters polyamide powder layer by layer. As with MJF, parts need no supports, and the naturally white powder can also be dyed in light colours.

When to choose it

  • Lattices, open structures and thin ribs where weight matters
  • Functional parts in white or a light colour
  • Short runs of housings and small parts

Strengths

  • Shape freedom without supports
  • White base: the widest choice of dye colours
  • Strong, resilient parts in PA12 and PA11

Limitations

  • The raw surface is matte and slightly grainy
  • Walls from about 1 mm
  • Size limited by the machine's build chamber
Where it is made
At a vetted partner in Poland
Typical lead time
Printing 3 to 5 working days, each finish adds 1 to 3 days
Materials
PA12, PA11, powder TPU
SLA resin knob with fine knurling

Light-cured resin printing

Resin (SLA / DLP)

Liquid resin is cured by light, layer by layer. It gives the finest detail and the smoothest surface of all the printing processes.

When to choose it

  • Small, precise parts and crisp detail
  • Presentation models, figurines, masters
  • Flexible covers and seals in flexible resins

Strengths

  • Smooth surface straight off the printer
  • Knurling, lettering and fine grooves come out clean

Limitations

  • Standard resin is brittle under impact
  • Does not like long exposure to sunlight
  • Needs supports and post-curing
Where it is made
At a vetted partner in Poland
Typical lead time
Given in the quote, depends on the part
Materials
Standard, tough and flexible resins

All four side by side

Process comparison
ProcessBest forMaterialsSurfaceTypical tolerance
FDMTest versions, holders, toolingPLA, PETG, ABS, ASA, TPUVisible layersDepends on the part, stated in the quote
MJFFunctional parts, short runsPA12, PA11, powder TPUMatte, fine grain, grey or dyed±0.3 % of the dimension, no tighter than ±0.3 mm
SLSLattices, light parts, light coloursPA12, PA11, powder TPUMatte, slightly grainy, white or dyed±0.3 % of the dimension, no tighter than ±0.3 mm
ResinFine detail, models, mastersStandard, tough, flexible resinsSmoothDepends on the part, stated in the quote

From print to production: when another process is cheaper.

3D printing is the fastest way to prove a shape and gives geometry no mould or cutter can make. But for a simple shape or a larger run, another process is often cheaper. Then we print the prototype, prepare production documentation and place the job with a manufacturer who does it every day. You keep one contact: us.

CNC milling and turning

When it pays off

Metal, high loads, high temperature, precise fits, threads and bearings.

What we prepare

A STEP model and a drawing with tolerances, threads and surface finish.

Panel milling: MDF, plywood, acrylic

When it pays off

Large formats no printer can take: decorative panels and walls, templates, models, fit-outs.

What we prepare

Splitting into parts, DXF files for milling, an assembly plan.

Laser cutting and sheet-metal bending

When it pays off

Flat and bent parts: enclosures, brackets, frames, guards. Usually cheaper than printing in series.

What we prepare

DXF flat patterns, a STEP assembly, drawings and a bill of materials.

Injection moulding

When it pays off

Thousands of parts and more, when the mould cost spreads across the run and the unit price drops lowest.

What we prepare

A model adapted for moulding (draft angles, even walls), printed prototypes to test before the mould, documentation for the moulder.

Not every part should be printed.

We rebuilt a flower-stem guillotine from an existing machine with no documentation. Printing made no sense here: it is 4 to 5 mm steel plate with a 1 mm bent-sheet housing. The client received 13 STEP files, 6 DXF laser-cut profiles and 6 dimensioned A3 drawings with a bill of materials, ready to order from any laser-cutting shop.

Visualisation of the guillotine in use.

See the project →

Visualisation: flower cutter in a packing hall

Production goes to a network of vetted Polish manufacturers. We have no machine park, and that is an advantage: we pick the process for the part, not for whatever sits in our hall.

A material chosen for where the part will work.

The materials we use most often. This is not the full list: if you need something else, just ask.

Materials
MaterialKey propertyTypical useProcess
PLAStiff, accurate, easy to print; softens in heatMock-ups, display models, stampsFDM
PETGTougher than PLA, slightly springy, moisture resistantHolders, covers, functional partsFDM
ABS / ASAHandle higher temperatures; ASA also resists UVHousings, car parts, outdoor partsFDM
TPUFlexible, rubber-likeBumpers, covers, sealsFDM
PA12All-round polyamide, strong and stableHousings, holders, adapters, functional partsMJF, SLS
PA11More impact resistant and flexible than PA12Living hinges, snap fits, parts that flexMJF, SLS
Powder TPUElastomer without supports, lattices possibleCushioning, seals, coversMJF, SLS
Standard resinVery smooth, fine detail, brittlePresentation models, figurines, mastersSLA / DLP
Tough / flexible resinResin detail with better toughness or flexibilitySmall functional parts, snaps, flexible coversSLA / DLP
AluminiumLight, stiff, machines wellEnclosures, mounting plates, machine partsCNC
SteelHighest strength and hardnessShafts, pins, load-bearing partsCNC
POMLow friction, stiff, dimensionally stableGears, guides, plain bushingsCNC
PA6Engineering polyamide, wear resistantRollers, bushings, sliding partsCNC
MDF, plywoodLarge format, light, easy to machine and paintDecorative panels and walls, templates, models, fit-outsPanel milling
Acrylic (PMMA)Clear or tinted, rigid, glossyGuards, signs, display cases, light elementsPanel milling, laser
Steel, stainless and aluminium sheetStiff and cheap in series, laser cut and bentEnclosures, brackets, frames, machine guardsLaser and bending
PP, ABS, PA, PCInjection grades: lowest unit price in large runsHousings, clips, mass-produced partsInjection moulding

Not sure which material?

Tell us where the part works: temperature, load, contact with oil, sun and UV. We will pick the material and explain why.

A finish changes the look and feel, not the shape.

Powder-printed parts come out of the machine matte and slightly grainy. The finish does the rest. Each one usually adds 1 to 3 days to the lead time.

The same handle in five finishes: raw, black, vapour-smoothed, green paint, orange paint
The same handle in five versions: raw SLS, MJF, vapour-smoothed, green paint, orange paint.

  • Raw

    Depowdered and left as is. Powder colour: grey from MJF, white from SLS. Fastest and cheapest.

  • Dyeing

    Colour soaks into the outer layer, so it does not peel. Black or colours; light colours only from SLS.

  • Vapour smoothing

    Solvent vapour smooths and seals the surface. The part feels smooth, cleans more easily and looks closer to a moulded part.

  • Painting

    An even, opaque colour, including brand colours like the green and orange in the photo.

  • Bead blasting

    A stream of fine media cleans and evens out the surface, leaving a uniform matte look.

Macro of an MJF part surface
Macro of a PA12 handle, powder texture
Up close: the surface texture of powder-printed parts.

Send a file or a photo. We reply with a price and a lead time.

STL, STEP, a drawing, a photo with dimensions or a one-line description. If something is missing, we will ask.

Send a file for a quoteLet's talk