Below we have answered the most common questions we receive. Email us if you cannot find an answer and will endeavour to get back to you as soon as possible.
We offer a range of 3D materials and have 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:
We use NinjaTek NinjaFlex (Shore 85A) TPU.
You can determine the hardness of a material using the Shore hardness scale.
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.
For very solid, rigid parts with tough mechanical properties, we recommend selecting Polymaker PolyMax.
We offer a vast range of bright colours in various shades as well as white, greys, black and translucent colours.
You can view all available colours here.
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 7-14 working days to order in bespoke custom colours.
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.
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 3D printing.
We offer translucent rigid plastics too, you can choose this when ordering online using our uploader tool.
We recommend using Autodesk Fusion 360 for modelling your parts for 3D printing. It is free to use for students and hobbyists and generates 3D print ready models.
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.
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.
Our largest print volume is 450mm (x) by 450mm (y) by 470mm (z). If a model is larger than this, you will need to split it up into component parts and assemble it post 3D print.
We suggest you split it into component parts and attach them together post 3D print.
Super glue works very well when joining 3D printed parts.
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.
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.
We use a Rectilinear infill structure as default.
We normally print a wall/shell of 1.6mm. If you require something else, let us know when ordering.
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.
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, this is suitable for most models.
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 PLA as opposed to Polymax. When you upload your model using our quote tool you will see the cost in real-time as you change materials.
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.
Yes, we offer student and educational organisation discounts (museums, schools, colleges).
We need to verify your eligibility before you place an order with us, so please contact us first using your academic email address so we can set you up on our system.
Yes we do, after uploading your model using our quote tool you will see the bulk discount applied as you increase the quantity over 5.
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 using our quote tool.
As soon as you upload your 3D models, our system will analyse them for printability.
If it is not 3D-printable, we may ask you to fix the errors prior to proceeding with production.
We will work with you to resolve any mesh defects.
However, if the model is not fixable, we will cancel the order and issue a full refund.
Unfortuatnely, in-person visits to the studio are currently unavailable. This will change once COVID restrictions are eased. We hope to re-open to in-person visits as soon as possible.
We offer free Royal Mail Tracked 24 for all UK 3D Printing orders.
If you shipping outside of the UK, please choose the paid Royal Mail Tracked International option.
Yes. We offer Bike Courier delivery within London. The flat cost for the bike courier is £30 within London Zone 1-3 it may be more beyond zone 3. We will let you know once you send us the full delivery address.
Yes. All our postage options are tracked and included with all orders.
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.
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.
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.
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/
Yes. We can print medical devices and models. We also have experience converting DICOM scans (CT, MRI) into 3D models.
Yes, we do. These can sometimes take a little longer to produce.
Yes, we are VAT-registered. Our VAT number is GB 281916777.
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.
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. We recommend using our fast automated online ordering tool.
All models are protected by these terms. All User uploaded models and designs are owned by you. Our primary service is 3D printing and CAD modelling.
“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.”
Champion 3D
DEK Studios
Old Town Hall
London
SE6 4RU
Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm
No. in-person visits are possible at our studio at the moment. Please email us for consultations and to answer further questions and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
We have a fast and easy to use online ordering and quoting system open 24/7.
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Made with ❤ in London