Custom 3D Printing Services UK
Unleash Your Creativity with Affordable Additive Manufacturing
At Central Scanning, we propel your ideas into reality with our custom 3D printing services. Our state-of-the-art additive manufacturing technology transforms digital designs into tangible prototypes and final products, offering unparalleled precision, versatility, and speed.
How the 3D Printing Service works
Our 4 step process allows you to go from design to manufactured part faster and easier than ever before
1. Upload a 3D file
Our team will work with you to ensure that your 3D file (.stl or .obj) is print ready.
2. Choose a Material
Choose the material, and finish required for your part.
3. We print your file
We will 3D print and finish your model to make it real.
4. Ship Your Part[s]
Receive your part in no time at all with satisfaction guaranteed.
Applications
Tailored Solutions for Your Every Need
Whether you’re exploring rapid prototyping for a novel invention or require custom tooling and fixtures, Central Scanning’s 3D printing service adapts to your specific requirements.
Our 3D printing service is used in a variety of industries for an array of different applications. Discover how customers are using our service.
Production End-use Parts
We can provide a low production run of your parts, 3D printed parts can be produced with high-grade engineering materials including ULTEM 9085, Antero 800NA, ABS-ESD7, Nylon 12 and PC-ABS.
For use in the automotive, aerospace, consumer products, high-tech, marine and medical device industries.
Jigs & Fixtures
We can 3D print your jigs, fixtures, work-holding devices, and optimize for lighter weight, better ergonomics, easier assembly and greater productivity.
Obtain complex jigs and fixtures that would not be possible with conventional machining or fabrication.
Concept Modelling
Prove out your concept ideas with a print of your 3D design as a finished prototype.
Shifting from the 3D digital world to a physical part will accelerate your product development process and lower cost.
Casting Patterns
Casting Patterns can be 3D printed for substantial savings in cost, labour and time, ultimately speeding new product development.
3D print accurate casting master patterns for sand, investment, and urethane molds, to deliver faster production at a lower cost than machining.
Composite Tooling
Creating complex composite parts with hollow interiors presents a unique manufacturing challenge.
Creating hollow composite parts is a simple process of applying a sacrificial tooling production technique with a thermoplastic material that dissolves in a basic (> 7 pH) solution.
Packaging Design
Accelerate your packaging design cycle with complex, full-colour, high-fidelity packaging prototypes — all in one print — with our realistic PolyJet™ 3D printing service.
Validate your final package design with realistically textured colour prototypes.
Production Moulds
Obtain an injection, blow, or silicone mould within a few hours, compared to days with traditional methods.
A 3D printed mold can be used to evaluate mould and part designs or produce low volumes of end use parts.
Architectural Models
3D print scale models of your building, architectural feature or interior detail such as a fixture or fitting. Models ensure accuracy and help to identify problems and eliminate errors in the design stage. Communicate a project to clients more effectively than 2D drawings or 3D renderings.
Anatomical Models
3D printed anatomical models are used for treatment and health care practices including practice dummies, educational aids and preoperative planning.
Sales and Marketing
Get a 3D print of your model for sales and marketing, delivering presentations and providing samples of a finished product will allow potential customers to understand what you’re selling and how to use it.
Our Machines & Materials
Stratasys FDM
Our Stratasys 450 printer offers us the ability to print in a variety of materials from ABS to aerospace grade materials like ULTEM 9085 and Antero 800.
With a build volume of 406mm x 355mm x 406mm high the machine can print large volume parts or print production runs of smaller parts. Producing consistent, repeatable and accurate parts time after time.
Many parts printed on the machine include production parts, as well as tooling & manufacturing aids such as jigs & fixtures.
Stratasys Polyjet
The Stratasys J750 resin printer allows us to print highly detailed, accurate models in either full colour or a variety of materials ranging from standard grey resin to specialist digital materials such as Rubber and ABS.
The build volume measures 490mm x 390mm x 200mm high, meaning we can print larger models and with it’s dissolvable support we can print fine detailed areas with less risk to these areas being damaged with the removal process.
Items printed on the J750 include parts for rapid prototyping, concept models, jigs & fixtures, moulds and full colour high fidelity models.
Markforged FDM
The Markforged printers offer excellent quality high strength FDM prints in a selection of premium performance materials. These range from Onyx (a Nylon6 based material with additional chopped carbon fibre) to Onyx FR-A a fire rated aerospace grade material.
A unique option with Markforged printers is the ability to print with additional layers of continuous fibres such as Carbon, Kevlar and Fibreglass making the already very strong Onyx parts even stronger with the strength properties as strong as 6061-T6 Aluminum.
With a maximum build volume of 330mm x 270mm x 200mm high and a layer height as little as 0.5mm the parts built on the Markforged system offer excellent surface finish without compromising surface finish and quality. Ideal for smaller volume parts, prototypes and short run production parts where both strength and quality are required.
Material
FDM Engineered Thermoplastics
Prioritising material stability and long-term performance with a broad range of material options that enable the production of high-quality parts with consistent, reliable results.
Choose from a variety of Fused Deposition Modelling materials from Central Scanning
Used in injection moulding
Thermoplastics are derived from the same raw materials as those used in injection moulding. These versatile materials are ideal for a range of applications, from initial concept modelling to product development and full-scale manufacturing. Like moulded parts, thermoplastics come in a wide range of options, each with its own unique characteristics tailored to specific application requirements.
Designed for industrial use
One of the primary reasons for the widespread use of 3D printing with thermoplastics is the ability to create parts using the most commonly used materials, including ABS, polycarbonate, and a variety of blends. In addition, there are engineered thermoplastics designed for aerospace, medical, automotive, electronic, and other specialty applications. When producing finished goods using 3D printing, the use of thermoplastics is particularly critical, and may be the only option for many applications.
FDM Benefits
Precise, repeatable parts
Ideal for short run production
Rapid turnaround
Production of parts is efficient especially with thin-walled parts
Thermal & chemical resistance
Parts can be used as end-use production
High strength; metal substitutes
Obtain parts that are as strong as metal at a cheaper cost
FDM Applications
Manufacturing aids, jigs, fixtures, EOAT
Tools to make your production more efficient
End use production parts
Parts without the need for machining or tooling
Specialty application
Meets UL, UKCA, ESD, or ISO requirements
Functional Prototypes
Working assemblies or flexible parts
FDM Materials to choose from:
ABS-ESD7
Static-Dissipative FDM ABS Thermoplastic
ABS-ESD7 provides all the benefits of ABS including high impact resistance and flexural strength, however it now comes with static dissipative properties for applications where a static charge can damage products, impair their performance, or cause an explosion in a flammable environment.
Applications
- Prototyping – functional prototypes for electronic testing
- Tooling – Jigs and Fixtures for electronic component assembly
- Production Parts – Low-volume parts for industrial equipment and electronics
What are ABS-ESD7’s Qualities?
- Leverage the versatility of ABS, with the reliability of FDM for lower cost and faster production
- Security of ESD protection
- Ideal for flammable environments
Example Parts
-
- ABS ESD7 inhaler
-
- ABS ESD7 hard drive fixture
-
- ABS ESD7 air duct
Antero 800NA
Antero 800NA is a high performance, PEKK based FDM thermoplastic from Stratasys that possesses excellent mechanical properties including high strength, high heat resistance, toughness and wear-resistance. As one of the highest performing thermoplastics In the Stratasys range, Antero 800NA has superior chemical resistance and ultra-low outgassing, making it an ideal lighter alternative to aluminium and steel.
How does Antero 800NA differ from other PEKK Products?
Unlike PEKK parts made with some powder-based additive processes, Antero 800NA parts are more durable and dimensionally stable, even when building large parts.
Antero 800NA is highly cost efficient compared to PEKK materials used in traditional manufacturing processes as parts can be produced on demand without the need for storing large inventories, creates significantly less material wastage and has optimized topology.
Applications
Antero 800NA is recommended for Aerospace and other high-performance vehicle makers for the following applications:
- Its Superior chemical resistance means it can be used for components exposed to hydrocarbons, such as fuels and lubricants, as well as many acids.
- Its low outgassing allows it to be used in confined spaces and sensitive environments such as satellites, where materials may not outgas under vacuum.
- Antero’s high operating temperature is designed to allow it to be used for applications under the hood or in engine compartments.
Example Parts
-
- Antero duct
-
- Antero circular fixture
-
- Antero 800na
FDM Nylon 12
Strong and tough material with just enough flex
FDM Nylon 12 is the same tough Nylon material popular in traditional manufacturing for its superb price-performance. Utilizing this tough material, you can create advanced prototypes and custom tooling for applications that demand high-fatigue resistance with clean and hassle free FDM technology.
FDM Nylon 12 is suited for a variety of applications including:
Repetitive snap-fits
- Friction fit inserts
- Custom production tooling
- Low-heat air intake components
- Antenna covers
- Prototypes for interior panelling
What are Nylon 12’s qualities?
- Create long lasting and tough parts.
- Simple cleaning process that’s free of powders.
- Best Z-axis lamination and highest impact strength of any FDM thermoplastic.
- Excellent chemical resistance.
Example Parts
-
- FDM Nylon 12 Zip Line
-
- FDM Nylon 12 Clips
-
- FDM Nylon 12 Battery Box
Onyx
Onyx delivers stiff, strong and accurate parts. It is 1.4 times stronger and stiffer than ABS and has an outstanding surface finish. Nylon parts are flexible and impact resistant. Onyx and nylon can each be reinforced with Markforged continuous fibre materials
Onyx FR is a flame-retardant version of onyx that has a thickness of 3 mm in accordance with UL94 V-0. This new material can be used to print applications where flammability is a concern.
Onyx FR-A is a flame-retardant version of Onyx developed to meet the requirements of the aerospace, transportation and automotive industries. This new material can meet FST requirements for aircraft interiors.Onyx FRA is ideal for strong yet lightweight and flame-retardant components. It has been specially developed for industries such as aerospace, automotive and defence.
When components made of Onyx are reinforced with a continuous fibre, these components are as strong as aviation aluminium, at half the weight. Onyx parts can be reinforced with several different materials such as Carbon, Kevlar and Fibreglass.
Example Parts
-
- Onyx soft jaw
-
- Onyx machining fixture
-
- Onyx drill guide
PC-ABS
High-impact engineering thermoplastic
PC-ABS is a high-impact engineering thermoplastic ideal for functional prototyping, tooling, and low-volume manufacturing. Get the best of two FDM materials, the strength and heat resistance of PC, and the flexibility of ABS. PC-ABS also delivers excellent feature definition and surface finish.
A PC-ABS part manufactured on a Fortus or Stratasys F370 3D Printer is 5-60 percent stronger than a part made on previous FDM systems. PC-ABS gives you conceptual modeling, functional prototyping, manufacturing tools, and production parts.
Applications
- Power-tool prototyping
- Industrial Equipment Manufacturing
- Manufacturing aids and tools
What are PC-ABS’s Qualities?
- Heat resistant (HDT at 66PSI)
- Mimic material properties of the final part
- Tensile strength of 41MPa
Example Parts
-
- PC-ABS Tarp Clip
-
- PC-ABS Hand Vac
-
- PC-ABS Control Panel
ULTEM 9085
Flame-retardant, high-performance thermoplastic
ULTEM 9085 is an FDM thermoplastic best known for its use in the automotive, military/defence and aerospace industries due to its high strength to weight ratio and FST (flame, smoke, toxicity) rating. This particular material is ideal for applications including manufacturing tools, low-volume, high-value production parts, as well as end-use parts and functional prototypes.
Applications
- Concept modelling
- Functional prototyping
- Manufacturing tooling aids
- Production parts
Material Qualities
- Withstands high amounts of thermal and chemical stress.
- Well-vetted high-performance thermoplastic.
- Available in black and tan.
- Specifications meet the requirements of the aerospace industry.
Example Parts
-
- ULTEM 9085 flange
-
- ULTEM 9085 airplane wing
-
- ULTEM 9085 aero ula vent 2
Material
PolyJet Multi-material/colour Jetting Photopolymers
PolyJet is a powerful 3D printing technology that produces smooth, accurate parts, prototypes and tooling.
With microscopic layer resolution and accuracy down to 0.1 mm, it can produce thin walls and complex geometries using the widest range of materials available with any technology.
Proven technology
Stratasys PolyJet 3D printers are based on proven technology, which creates precise prototypes that set the standard for finished-product realism. Their fine resolution makes complex shapes, intricate details and smooth surfaces possible.
Advanced 3D printing
PolyJet 3D printing works by jetting layers of liquid photopolymer onto a build tray and instantly curing them with UV light. The fine layers build up to create a precise 3D model or prototype. Models are ready to handle right out of the 3D printer, with no post-curing needed.
Better ideas, easier sell
Stratasys PolyJet 3D printers improve communication and collaboration because they produce amazingly accurate representations of your ideas that you can share with your team and your clients for a faster, more confident buy-in.
PolyJet Benefits
Wide Range of material properties
From rigid to flexible, transparent to opaque, neutral to vibrant, durable to high temperature
Multi-material and colour
Multiple colours into one prototype, from vivid opaque to stained glass-like translucent, with hundreds of blended hues in between
Complex and delicate features
Geometric freedom for parts that have complex and delicate features or small cavities
Moulding production
Produce base and overmolds at the same time
PolyJet Applications
Manufacturing aids, jigs, fixtures, EOAT
Tools to make your production more efficient with high-strength and flexible properties available
High-fidelity prototypes
Combine different materials, colours and textures to create a prototype that is as good as the real product
Rubber-like prototypes
PolyJet prototypes can simulate products requiring soft-touch and flexible qualities
Moulding protoypes
Prototype moulds and mould masters, or short run production moulds
PolyJet Materials to choose from:
Agilus 30™
A superior rubber-like material from the PolyJet™ photopolymer family ideal for advanced design verification and rapid prototyping.
Get more durable, tear-resistant prototypes that can stand up to repeated flexing and bending. With a Shore A value of 30 in clear or black, Agilus 30 accurately simulates the look, feel and function of rubber-like products.
Applications
- Medical Models
- Tooling needing rubber-like characteristics
- Consumer Goods
- Sporting Goods
- General Prototyping
- Overmolding
Material Qualities
- With Agilus 30 material we can 3D print rubber surrounds, overmolds, soft-touch coatings, living hinges, jigs and fixtures, wearables, grips and seals with improved surface texture.
- The Agilus 30 parts are flexible yet strong, making a wide range of colours and Shore A values possible with its three colours — clear, black and white.
Example Parts
-
- Agilus 30 Medical Valve
-
- Agilus 30 Jelly Shoe
-
- Agilus 30 Heart
-
- Agilus 30 Engine Gasket
-
- Agilus 30 Container Lid
-
- Agilus 30 Auto Console
Digital ABS Plus™
Designed to simulate standard ABS plastics by combining high-temperature resistance with toughness.
Suitable for parts that require PolyJet™ technology’s highest possible impact resistance and shock absorption, Digital ABS Plus significantly improves the mechanical performance of parts and prototypes for design verification and functional performance testing.
Applications
- Functional Prototyping
- Manufacturing Tools
- Molds, including injection molds
- Snap-fit parts for high or low temperature use
- Electrical parts, casings, mobile phone casings
- Engine parts and covers
Material Qualities
- Digital ABS Plus is ideal for rapid prototyping snap-fit parts for high or low temperature use
- Functional designs with multi-material versatility and flexibility, injection molds, manufacturing tools, electrical parts and more.
Example Parts
-
- Digital ABS Rotating Interlocking Assembly
-
- Digital ABS plane assembly closeup
-
- Digital ABS Medical Device
-
- Digital ABS Injection Molds
-
- Digital ABS flexible shaft coupler
-
- Digital ABS Clipper
Tango
Tango™ Flexible material exhibits rubber-like qualities to simulate soft-touch coatings, non-slip surfaces, overmolding grips, shoe soles and other applications requiring flexible characteristics.
Tango material is available in black, gray and translucent colors, and in a range of Shore A hardness values comparable to rubber bands, tire treads and shoe heels.
Applications
- Exhibition and communication models
- Rubber surrounds and over-molding
- Soft-touch coatings and non-slip surfaces for tooling or prototypes
- Knobs, grips, pulls, handles, gaskets, seals, hoses, footwear
Material Qualities
- With Rubber-like PolyJet photopolymers, you can simulate rubber with different levels of hardness, elongation and tear resistance.
- Available in several opaque and translucent colours, Rubber-like material enables you to simulate a very wide variety of finished products, from handles to footwear.
- Create realistic prototypes to test and verify any design that includes rubber.
- Simulate soft-touch coatings, nonslip surfaces, rubber surrounds or overmolding.
- Test and verify grips, pulls, handles, gaskets or footwear.
Example Parts
-
- Rubber-like boot sole
-
- Rubber-like mask
-
- Rubber-like tube
VeroFlex™
A PolyJet™ rigid photopolymer material offering a flexibility ideal for rapid prototyping eyewear.
Get prototypes with full-part realism in a wide range of colours, textures and materials from opaque to transparent, unique to the Stratasys J750™ 3D Printer.
Applications
- Form and fit testing
- Eyewear Prototyping
- Sales and Marketing
Material Qualities
- VeroFlex accurately simulates the look, feel and function of eyewear, enabling improved performance testing.
- Eyewear prototypes produced with Veroflex can better withstand drop tests, lens-mounting and wearability tests.
Example Parts
-
- Transparency VeroFlex Glasses
-
- Hands VeroFlex glasses
-
- Fine Detail VeroFlex Glasses
-
- 3 pairs propped VeroFlex glasses
-
- 2 pairs of VeroFlex glasses
-
- 2 pairs detailed VeroFlex glasses
Vero™ Rigid
The Vero™ family includes the Rigid Opaque collection of materials. These seven multi-purpose materials are most widely used for visual models, engineering prototypes, product assemblies and RTV molding patterns.
Rigid Opaque materials are good material choices for light functional testing, patterns, prototypes and models.
Applications
- Moving components or assemblies
- Functional Prototyping
- Jigs & Fixtures
- Tooling
Material Qualities
- PolyJet Vero Materials are rigid opaque photopolymers that provide excellent detail visualization
- Can be blended with other photopolymers to vary hardness, flexibility, translucency or heat resistance.
Example Parts
-
- Rigid opaque mould
-
- Rigid opaque mixers
-
- Rigid opaque Dino head
Process & Pricing
Because of the custom nature of 3D print jobs, our services are quoted on a job by job basis.
The total cost of a job includes any required 3D file preparation/repair, build cost, and machine time. The build cost depends on part geometry and volume.
Here is a breakdown of factors we consider when quoting your job.
File Preparation
To reduce costs and time of your job, export your 3D models at a 1:1 scale, unioned and manifold. A 3D mesh (in STL or OBJ file format) that meets these requirements, eliminates setup and file prep costs. See our Design Guide below on how to prepare your 3D files.
File Creation (when required)
In case your files do not meet the requirements for 3D printing, we can provide a design service to help you move your project forward.
The price will vary depending on the amount of time required to generate a production ready file. Our team provides budgetary estimates at the beginning of a project with an hourly charge.
Materials
Material costs vary depending on the type of material and 3D printing technology chosen. In general, FDM prints are more affordable than PolyJet prints. However, many other factors including volume, geometry, and infill density will affect the cost.
We can usually make a recommendation upon reviewing your 3D model file. For more information refer to the FDM and PolyJet info above.
Part/Job Size
The main cost factor is the size of your part or the number of parts required. The size impacts the overall volume and machine time, which dictates the production cost.
The volume of an object increases much faster than the linear dimensions do. Even a small incremental change in size will have an exponential impact on the production cost. See our Design Guide for size limitations and requirements.
Infill Density
The internal density of a design will also impact machine time, and therefore, the production cost. Typically, we recommend our clients create hollow or porous designs where possible to minimize overall volume.
This is especially important when the size of the model is required to be quite large. It helps to greatly reduce the amount of time required to produce the model and as a consequence the overall cost. See our Design Guide for minimum wall thicknesses and escape hole requirements.
Turnaround
Our standard turnaround time is 3 to 5 business days before pick up or shipping. But the production time depends on the size of the parts, number required, and the infill density. We recommend that you get a quote to find out the production time for your job.
3D Printing Guide
Here’s what you need to know when preparing your project for custom 3D printing. The most important thing is that you provide a watertight, manifold mesh model. It should meet the tolerances of your chosen 3D printing process.
File Types, Scale and Units
We can work with the following formats for 3D printing:
- Production Ready: STL and OBJ for all 3D printing materials
- All models should be scaled 1:1 as per intended final size and the units you designed in should be communicated to us in your 3D print job submission.
- For colour 3D prints: Model Files: STL or OBJ. Textures files: GIF, JPG, PNG, or MTL. Submit an STL or OBJ in a ZIP file with the texture file[s].
Watertight, Manifold Mesh
To be production ready, your 3D model must be one continuous shell with no holes or cracks (no leaks if water was poured into it).
If there are holes or apertures in your design, a manifold model can be maintained by giving the model walls a thickness. Further, make sure there are no intersecting surfaces within the shell, this can result in print failures.
Overall 3D Print Size Limitations
- Markforged FDM: 330mm x 270mm x 200mm high
- Stratasys FDM: 406mm x 355mm x 406mm high
- Stratasys PolyJet: 490mm x 390mm x 200mm high
3D Printing Tolerances
- Layer height: minimum 0.1mm, typically 0.2mm
- Precision Tolerances: +/- 1mm
- Overhang Support: Max 45°, overhangs over 45° will require support material
- Max Bridging: 5mm, surface finish will sag and deteriorate beyond this limit
- Minimum detail size: 0.8mm
- Minimum supported wall thickness: 1mm, 2mm if unsupported
- Infill Density: 0% to 100%
* All the above information is our advice. Please consider possible changes based on the specific design of your project.
Why Choose Central Scanning?
- Expertise and Experience: With years of industry-leading performance, our team possesses the knowledge and skill to deliver top-quality 3D printed parts and prototypes.
- Comprehensive Service: From initial consultation to final print, we offer a complete 3D printing service tailored to your needs, supported by expert advice and post-processing options.
- Nationwide Reach: Located in the heart of the West Midlands, we serve businesses across the UK, from local innovators in Wolverhampton, Worcester, Coventry, Birmingham to nationwide enterprises. With rapid turnaround times ensuring your prototypes can be ready within 24 to 48 hours, regardless of your location.
Why Opt for 3D Printing?
- Rapid Prototyping and Beyond: Our 3D printing solutions empower manufacturing and engineering sectors to refine and validate designs swiftly, significantly reducing both cost and development time. This agility ensures that your projects not only meet but exceed customer expectations, bolstering your market competitiveness. From marketing materials to functional prototypes, our 3D printing services are instrumental in bringing your visions to life.
- Versatile Material Choices: We offer an extensive selection of materials, including Polyjet photopolymers, FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) thermoplastics, Onyx composites, ULTEM and ABS to name a few. We cater to various application needs – from intricate models requiring fine detail to durable parts designed for real-world use. Our expert team is on hand to guide you in selecting the perfect material for your project.
- Advanced Equipment for Supreme Quality: Our facility boasts many high-end 3D printers, including the Stratasys 450mc FDM, several Markforged machines including the MarkForged X7 with Blacksmith Technology; the Stratasys J750 full colour multi-material printer, Ultimaker and Prusa printers. This allows us to tackle projects up to 500mm x 500mm x 750mm high per print, with options for larger composite constructions.
Get a Quote for your 3D Print Job
Please provide your requirements and contact information for your 3D printing job.
NOTE: the first job minimum order is £175.00 + VAT
Central Scanning Limited
Unit 9, Wildmoor Mill,
Mill Lane,
Wildmoor,
Bromsgrove,
Worcestershire,
B61 0BX.
Company Reg. No: 5792923 | VAT No: 883949261
Hours of operation
Mon – Thu: 08:30am – 5:30pm
Fri : 08:30am – 4:30pm
Sat – Sun : Closed
Why we don’t offer instant quoting
We believe in providing customised, accurate quotes rather than relying on automated estimates. Every project has unique requirements, including material selection, manufacturing complexity, and post-processing needs. By reviewing your design files and specifications manually, we ensure you receive the best pricing, lead time, and manufacturing approach for your specific application.