Reverse engineering is the process of starting with an existing physical component and taking the necessary steps to turn this into a digital file. This digital file can then be manufactured (3D printed or otherwise) to create additional copies of the original part. ​ This process is particularly useful where parts have become damaged and replacements are no longer available. Used alongside CAD, any imperfection or damage to the part can be fixed. We can also improve the design to ensure the same defect does not occur again. ​ A typical example of this is shown in the picture below, where the ..read more

We often get asked, 'which 3D printing process will be best for my part'. Of course, this is as complex subject and it depends on many factors such as budget, functionality, environment, required surface finish and size, to name a few. The below images shows a part which was designed to replace a discontinued item for a window, where the customers original part was damaged. We printed the part using three different process to help the customer choose which would be preferred for their application. The 3 materials and processes used were: ASA, printed using the FDM process - left Resin, print ..read more

We are excited to announce that we have recently teamed up with an extremely talented digital sculptor, capable of executing highly detailed and intricate models from nothing more than a 2D image or illustration. Whilst our in-house design capabilities focus on engineering and product based designs, this service compliments our expanding range of 3D printing processes and allows us to offer natural and organic models to our customers. Once the digital sculpts are completed, customer can utilise our 3D printing expertise to produce either single colour or full colour 3D prints of their model at ..read more

Print My Part are excited to offer a brand new 3D printing material which opens doors to a whole new sector of 3D printing. Thanks to Formlabs new Elastic Engineering resin, we can now provide you with soft, highly elastic and durable 3D printed models, printed using the SLA (stereolithography) process. This resin imitates many of the properties of Silicone. Properties of the Elastic resin include: 50A Shore Durometer Hardness High elasticity up to 160% Good compression and spring back Resistance to tearing Translucent colour 100 micron layer resolution Photo by Formlabs Inc. Before the int ..read more

Multi Jet Fusion is a new 3D printing process made available by technology giant HP (Hewlett Packard). This technology uses the same Powder Bed Fusion Process that SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) 3D printing uses; however offers a number of additional benefits. Printing exclusively in a Nylon 11 material (with the exception of a Glass Filled variant), the MJF process offers brilliant mechanical properties as well as a 80 microns resolution surface finish. This means parts are not only mechanical reliable, robust and accurate, but the surface finish is great with minimal layer lines. The below ..read more

Our recent work with City, University of London's Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit has been featured on TCT magazine website. Among the additive manufacturing community, TCT magazine is internationally renowned as one of the largest and most respected Design-to-manufacture innovation and additive manufacturing magazines, so we are delighted with this feature. The article is an interesting read about the creation of visual aids for medical studies into the visual development of premature babies. Check out the article here ..read more

Cambridge based 3D printing service, Print My Part have been working with Ramiro M. Joly-Mascheroni, a PHD student within the Cognitive Neuroscience Research Unit at City University, London, to produce a range of visual development stimuli. These stimuli are being used to carry out medical studies alongside doctors in European hospitals into the sight of prematurely born babies, and consequently the rehabilitation of an underdeveloped visual system. Ramiro said that, according to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely every year. Of these, one in 20 ..read more

At Print My Part, we are always interested in the latest technological advancements in the world of design, and more specifically advancements in the 3D printing industry. This knowledge helps us adapt to offer the latest technologies and machinery to our customers. One 'buzzword' which we are hearing of more and more is '4D printing'. So we have put together a guide summarising everything you need to know about 4D printing, in an easy to understand infographic. The infographic covers the following topics: What exactly is 4D printing? How does 4D printing work? Who came up with the idea? Rea ..read more

Whether restoring old products, or starting a new project, sourcing spare parts fit for purpose can be a minefield. Sure, finding parts and components for modern-day devices doesn’t prove to be too much of a problem, but what about products that are a little more aged? History is very much part of today’s world, whether it’s household items you want to maintain, as today, they aren’t built like they used to be, or toys, that bring back memories of times gone by. Unfortunately, many of the spare parts these require are short in supply, or non-existent, which can mean many restorations and proje ..read more

Calling all makers, designers, inventors, DIYers, students and creatives! We have just joined Facebook, and to help spread the word we are giving away £500 to bring your ideas to life. This will include 5 hours of design time and £250 worth of printing credit, allowing you get your design drawn in CAD by a industry experts and 3D printed on our high quality machines to turn your idea into a physical prototype. To be entered into the prize draw, all you need to do is visit our Facebook page and 'like' and 'comment' on the competition post. Terms and Conditions: - Winner is picked at random fro ..read more