Getting a part 3D printed - 3D printing Service in the UK

[Fraser]

As followers of the FLIR E4 threads will know, some very helpful forum members have created STL 3D printer files for us to use. I was new to 3D printing and do not own such a machine.

I needed the parts for my E4 so I took a look on eb*y.co.uk to see if anyone offered a printing service at reasonable cost. I found two companies, UK-3D.com and Lunevalley3D.co.uk. I knew nothing about either company and sent the STL files to both for printing. Both companies offered to make the "Taucher" lens tool for GBP3 ($4.50) which seemed reasonable. P&P is extra.

The two companies supplied the tools in less than 4 days (including a weekend). I was not that pleased with the quality of the focus tools and lens holders printed by UK-3D.com. They appeared to be like a 'draft' print with poor alignment between layers. They were functional but not as fine a finish as I had (possibly unreasonably) expected.

The focus tool provided by Lunevalley3D.co.uk was very different. It has excellent layer filling and registration. A better print in all respects in my opinion. The finish was that which I had expected and the cone shaped elements of the design were well formed and without the masses of ridges and 'flash' that the UK-3D.com item suffered.

I attach pictures of the two companies prints. The white focus tool is from Lunevalley3D.co.uk and the black tool is the one from UK-3D.com. Form your own opinions regarding the quality of the prints. I personally will use Lune Valley in the future as they met my expectations for finish and accuracy.

FULL DISCLOSURE:

I must declare that Lune Valley 3D provided me with the white focus tool free of charge as a sample, on the condition that I comment on their product quality in this forum. I was not required to provide a positive comment but the proprietor obviously has confidence in the product that he produces. I personally have no hesitation in recommending the company, based upon the sample that they provided to me for testing.


More details of the E4 focus tools, lens holder and tripod bracket may be found via this thread:

https://www.eevblog.com/forum/reviews/flir-e4-the-useful-information-thread/msg332349/#msg332349

[Fraser]

Lunevalley3D quoted me GBP3 plus postage for the part if I wanted more.

UK-3D.com was GBP3 + GBP4.99 setting up and postage.

I have just asked Lunevalley3D for a quote on the 'Georges80' designed lens holder, tripod bracket and lens tool.

I will advise of cost when I have a response.

[nctnico]

IMHO the black one is a complete joke. The white one is much better but still not perfect.

[Fraser]

I would love to have one produced by one of those precision laser 3D printers that I have seen, but sadly I have no access to such, and suspect production cost will be higher for one off items anyway. From what Georges80 has said, the 3D printing industry 'lower end' is in its infancy and the printers can be a little inconsistent in terms of performance and reliability. I think Dave has had a similar experience with his 3D printer as he seemed pleased that it had created a toy  Dinosaur without playing up during the print.

This is very new territory for me. I was pleased to obtain a functional tool for GBP3 though 
It would have taken me a long time to make such a tool using basic hand tools. I look forward to seeing what the other parts come out like and I have asked if Black plastic is available.

[AndyC_772]

I'd agree that the black one is a complete joke. It's the sort of print I might expect from a cheap, home made printer, and is nowhere near what I'd expect from a commercial service at any price.

I while ago I had some parts printed by Shapeways, who clearly have some much more capable, appropriate kit. They offer a choice of materials including a UV cured acrylic which would be my first choice for a part like this where the fit and quality of surface finish is critical.

[Fraser]

I have just heard from Dale at Lunevalley3D.

His comments below:

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"I do try to produce prints that 'I' would find acceptable as a paying customer. One comment on the forum was 'it's good, but not perfect'. This of course is one of the constraints of modern low cost 3D printing. I could in fact turn up the resolution considerably more than I did for your lens tool, but it takes longer to print and as a 'tool' is less critical than say 'something that you might wear - or put on show'. However, it is always possible - please ask if you ever require that level of finish and I'll always try to accommodate"
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This gentleman is keen to provide a quality product at an affordable price, and for that I applaud him. I am having some more parts made by Dale, including some that I requested printing in Hi-Res mode. I will upload pictures when they arrive.