Frequently Asked Questions
Below we have answered the most common questions we receive.
Categories
Materials & Colours
We offer a range of 3D materials and have the expertise to print them to maximum effect. From rigid plastics to flexible TPU to wood 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).
- Polymaker PolyMax PLA (20% stronger than ABS with great mechanical qualities)
- NinjaTek NinjaFlex (Shore 85A)
- Wood Filaments
You can read all about our materials in more details here and see what colours we offer.
We offer a wide range of colours.
When you upload your models using our uploader you will be able to view a swatch and select a colour per model, so you can order multiple parts in different colours/materials in a single order.
You can also view our gallery of 3D prints and see some of the colours we offer.
Matte Colours
We also offer matte colours which are greater at defusing the light that hits an object.
Made to Order Colours
We are able to order in custom colours from our supplier that match a RAL code.
- Colour already matched by factory: 7 – 10 working days
- Colour not yet matched by factory: approx. 3-4 weeks, depending on the colour matching process.
Please Note: There is a minimum charge of £150 for the made-to-order service. Please contact us well in advance if this is a service you require.
For very solid, rigid parts with tough mechanical properties, we recommend selecting Polymaker PolyMax.
We offer translucent 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.
You can choose this when ordering online using our uploader tool.
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.
CAD Software & Model Size
We recommend using Autodesk Fusion 360 for modelling your parts for 3D printing or TinkerCAD if you’re just getting started with CAD 3D modelling.
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. You can read our export guides for different CAD software here.
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 that fit within our max buidl volume 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 CAD 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.
To get started, please fill in our short questionnaire and tell us about your project and someone will get back to you to proceed.
3D Print Settings
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.
Cost of 3D Printing
3D printing cost is based on a number of factors:
- The scale of the object
- The type of material chosen. Some materials cost more than others. Learn about the materials we offer here.
- The material volume used in cm3
- The print resolution chosen measured in microns (μm). This is the layer height. In most 3D printing objects are created layer by layer, the thickness of this layer determines the smoothness of the surface.
- Infill density, 25% infill of internal voids is recommended. Higher infill density increases weight and the overall material volume, thus increases cost and print time.
- Lead time. Turnaround is typically 2-3 working days. We also offer Express 1-2 working days and Weekend service at a premium.
All prices are quoted instantly on a per model basis when you use our quote and order engine.
There are several ways to lower the 3D print cost:
- Reduce the scale of your model if possible.
- Avoid large overhangs (Greater than 45-65 degrees) where more support material is required. Support material is included as part of the overall material volume.
- 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 decrease the resolution of the print, which is measured in microns.
- You can select a lower-cost material, for example Standard PLA as opposed to Polymax.
When you upload your model using our quote and order tool you will see the cost in real-time as you change materials and preferences per model.
No, it will only create support material within your model, increasing the 3D print time and overall material volume used. Export your 3D model as a solid body, and we will adjust the inside density using infill percentage at the amount you’ve chosen (if set).
Examples of different Infill percentages. We use 25% as this works well for most models and creates a strong model but doesn’t waste material where it is not needed.
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. Please send us your student ID or a letter from your educational institute so we can verify.
Yes we do, after uploading your model using our quote and order tool you will see the bulk discount applied as you increase the quantity over 5.
Time & Turnaround
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 and once the order is paid it will enter production and you will be notified by email of the order progress. You will also be sent a tracking code once the order has been shipped out.
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.
In-person visits to the studio are currently unavailable. We hope to re-open to in-person visits as soon as possible. The best approach is to contact us via our website referencing your order number and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible within our studios hours.
Postage, Delivery, Pickup
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. You will receive an email with a tracking number once your order is shipped out. If you enter a UK mobile number when ordering, you will also receive text messages on the location of your parcel.
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 once we receive your order.
If you would like to pickup your order, we’re based in Catford in South London. Please specify in the notes section when ordering. You still need to select a postage option (which are free anyway) even if you want to pickup.
However, we do provide fast free tracked delivery.
3D Printing Applications
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.
Quotes, Invoices & Your Data
Yes, we are VAT-registered. Our VAT number is GB 281916777.
We can provide you with a copy of your invoice and you are able to download one in PDF format when you place an order with us. You can find this document on the order page. If you can’t find it, contact us and we can assist you.
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.
We do not sign NDA’s in most cases as we deal with many models on a regular basis and managing every NDA and the different terms is not advisable from a legal standpoint. Instead you are protected fully by our disclaimer below.
In very few cases, specifically for larger extended projects or for other reasons we may sign NDA’s if advised by our legal team.
All User uploaded models and designs are owned by the User.
To confirm our commitment to your privacy and data protection all User files are deleted from our system 14 days after upload and if no order is placed with us then they are not accessed.
Simply put our disclaimer lets Champion 3D provide a service to you and access your models for the purpose of 3D printing and technical review only.
“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’s primary service is 3D printing and CAD modelling.
Contacting Us
Champion 3D
DEK Studios
Old Town Hall
London
SE6 4RU
Monday to Friday 10am – 6pm
No. In-person visits are not possible at our studio at the moment. Please contact us for consultations and to answer further questions and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Get a 3D Printing Quote
We have a fast and easy to use online quoting and ordering platform open 24/7.
To get started you just need to upload your 3D models.