3D Printing questions answered

3D Printing Materials

Most frequent questions and answers

We offer a range of 3D materials and the expertise to print them to maximum effect. From rigid plastics to flexible elastomers to wood/metal fills, you can make amazing 3D prints with us.

Here are a few examples:

PLA (A strong rigid bioplastic, very good for prototyping and affordable).
ColorFabb PLA/PHA (Another bioplastic that has slightly more flex than standard PLA)
Polymaker PolyMax PLA (20% stronger than ABS with great mechanical qualities)
NinjaTek NinjaFlex (Shore 85A), Recreus FilaFlex (Shore 82A), FFFWorld FlexiSMART (Shore 88A)
Wood Filaments (Polymaker PolyWood and ColorFabb WoodFill)
Bronze, Copper, Brass, Steel Metal Powder Composites
Conductive material
Carbon Fibre
Glow-in-the-Dark

Do you print in flexible materials (TPU/TPE)?

We use 3 types of flexible material here: NinjaTek NinjaFlex (Shore 85A), Recreus FilaFlex (Shore 82A), FFFWorld FlexiSMART (Shore 88A) The higher the Shore number, the “tougher” the material. There is no Generic TPU/TPE per se.

What is the softest flexible TPU you can print?

Recreus FilaFlex is the softest, most flexible material we offer, with a Shore hardness of 82A.

How do you determine the hardness of a material?

You can determine the hardness of a material using the Shore hardness scale.

What is a Shore hardness number?

Shore hardness is defined as a material’s resistance to indentation. The higher the number, the greater the resistance (and therefore, the “tougher” the material). Shore hardness should be used with caution in 3D Printing. It is only accurate for parts with 100% infill density. We print most 3D parts with 25% infill density, therefore the flexibility of the part will be slightly different from what you would expect based solely on the Shore number. Depending on the level of flexibility you require, we can change the infill percentage. We recommend that you experiment with different infill percentages first (such as by printing a test cube) until you are certain that the part will have your desired flexibility in the material you’ve chosen.

What is the best material for tough functional parts?

For very solid, rigid parts with tough mechanical properties, we recommend selecting Polymaker PolyMax. This will give you a solid model with a nice matte finish.

Colours

Most frequent questions and answers

What colours do you offer?

We offer a vast range of bright colours in various shades as well as white, greys, black and translucent colours. If you’re looking for something in particular just contact us and we can order it in. We can match Pantone, RAL and even your own custom colours. There is a minimum order of 2kg for custom colours and it can take up to 5-10 working days to order in bespoke custom colours.

Can I ask for a custom colour?

Yes! If you cannot find the exact colour you are looking for, just let us know, and we can have it made to order. Minimum order is 2kg of material. Contact us for pricing. Lead time on custom colours is usually around 5-10 working days from order to delivery (this excludes the 3D printing time). So factor in at least 2 weeks for this service.

Do you offer transparent colours?

Yes, we offer transparent flexible filaments. Please note that “transparent” will not necessarily be completely see-through, due to the infill structure built within a model and the nature of FDM 3D printing. We offer translucent rigid plastics, you can choose this when ordering online.

CAD Modelling for 3D Printing

Most frequent questions and answers

Which software would you recommend for 3D modelling?

We recommend using Autodesk Fusion 360 for modelling your parts for 3D printing. It is free to use for students and hobbyists.

How should I export a 3D model for optimal 3D printing?

Make sure you combine all your bodies to form one solid body when exporting your as an STL, STEP or OBJ file. Especially when exporting from Rhino and SolidWorks, there may be mesh defects.

What is the maximum overhang angle I can use?

Our printers can print without supports up to about 55-60 degrees then supports are required, they leave a gap of about 0.3mm between the model and the overhang surface. If you design your parts with this in mind you won’t need to use supports, which also lowers the material cost and the print time needed, and increases the surface finish of your model as support material will leave some post-processing to do.

What is the maximum model size you can print?

Our largest print volume is 450mm (x) by 450mm (y) by 470mm (z).

What do I do if my model is bigger than the printer volume?

We suggest you split it into component parts and attach them together. Super glue works very well with 3D prints.

Do you offer 3D CAD services?

Yes, we offer 3D modelling, so if you have a drawing or concept that you’d like to turn into a 3D print, we can make it happen. Just contact us by emailing us at [email protected] and someone will get back to you to proceed.

3D Print Settings

Most frequent questions and answers

What infill density/percentage do you use by default?

While every part is different, we use a grid infill of 25%. For very small parts, we would use 100% infill. If you need the part to be more hollow, more dense, or even solid. While every part is different, we normally print a wall/shell of 1.2mm and use a grid infill of 25%. For very small parts, we would use 100% infill. If you need the part to be more hollow, more dense, or even solid, we can also calculate a cost for you. Just let us know when you make your print request online.

What is the structure of the infill?

We use a Rectilinear infill structure as default.

What is the default shell thickness?

We normally print a wall/shell of 1.6mm. If you require something else, let us know when ordering.

Cost of 3D Printing

Most frequent questions and answers

How do you calculate printing cost?

We calculate the 3D print cost based on the volume of your 3D model, lead time chosen, resolution chosen, infill density. We also offer bulk discounts for multiple orders of the same part.

How can I lower my 3D printing cost?

There are several ways to lower the 3D print cost. You can lower the infill percentage (the internal structure density). We use a standard 25% infill density. You can choose to make this lower, however this may decrease the toughness of your 3D print. You can decrease the resolution of the print, which is measured in microns. Ordering a higher micron layer height will lower the cost, but this will also affect the surface finish. You can select a lower-cost material, for example Generic PLA as opposed to ColorFabb PLA/PHA.

Does making my 3D print hollow inside lower the price?

No, it will only create support material within your model, increasing the 3D print time. Export your 3D model as a solid body, and we will adjust the inside density using infill percentage.

Do you offer a student or educational discount?

Yes, we offer a 15% student and educational organisation discount (museums, schools, colleges) to current students. We need to verify your eligibility before you place an order with us, so please contact us first.

Do you offer a bulk order (large volume) discount?

Yes we do, after uploading your model you will see the bulk discount applied as you increase the quantity over 5.

3D Print Time & Turnaround

Most frequent questions and answers

What is the print turnaround time?

Our typical turnaround is 2-3 working days. We also offer Express and Weekend 3D Printing services at a premium. You can select these when getting a quote or placing an order with us.

I’ve made an 3D Print Request through the order widget. What are the next steps?

As soon as you upload your 3D models, we’ll take a look at them and check them for printability. We correct any mesh errors, as much as possible, and advise you on the printability of your model. If it is not 3D-printable, we will ask you to fix the errors. Otherwise, it will head to our print queue for prompt 3D printing and dispatch.

Can I visit the studio to discuss my order?

Yes, you can visit the studio on an appointment-only basis. To book a consultation time-slot, visit: https://calendly.com/champion3d/consultation consultations are paid and last 30 minutes.

Postage, Delivery, Pickup

Most frequent questions and answers

Which shipping option should I choose?

We offer free Royal Mail Tracked 24 for all 3D Printing orders.

Do you offer motorcycle courier delivery?

Yes. We offer Bike Courier delivery within London. The flat cost for the bike courier is £25 within London Zone 1-3 it may be more beyond zone 3. We will let you know once we know the delivery address.

Do you offer tracked postage?

Yes. All our postage options are tracked and included with all orders.

Is same-day printing and delivery possible?

We offer an express 3D printing service and motorcycle courier delivery within London. You can choose this when ordering with us, how quickly we can produce your part depends on its size. We will advise.

Where can I collect my 3D print?

We are not offering pick-up at the moment, we may reinstate this in the future. For now please order online, we provide fast free tracked delivery.

3D Printing Applications

Most frequent questions and answers

Do you print architecture models?

Yes, we have printed many architecture models to different specifications, including masterplans and mereological abstract works. Please visit our architectural 3D Printing page for more information.

Do you print tough functional pieces?

Yes, we print tough pieces for engineering and functional applications. We recommend selecting Polymaker PolyMax as the material for such uses.

Please visit our gallery here: https://champion3d.com/gallery/

Do you print medical models?

Yes. We can print medical devices and models. We also have experience converting DICOM scans (CT, MRI) into 3D models.

Do you print intricate pieces and jewellery?

Yes, we do. These can sometimes take a little longer to produce.

Quotes, Invoices and Billing

Most frequent questions and answers

Are you a VAT-registered business?

Yes, we are VAT-registered. Our VAT number is GB 281916777.

Can I get a copy of my invoice?

We can provide you with a copy of your invoice and you will be able to download one in PDF when you place an order.

Can I get a written quote?

You can email us directly with your 3D files attached, and we will get a quote for you manually. Please note the turnaround time is longer with this method.

Will you sign our NDA?

“By submitting 3D Content through Email or via our Website, the User grants Champion 3D a non-exclusive, royalty free worldwide non-transferable license (i) to review the 3D Content on the basis of technical specifications (including but not limited to checking for any technical errors); and (ii) to use the 3D Content for the manufacturing of the 3D Print in order for Champion 3D to fulfil the Order placed by the User.”