When small-batch 3D printing makes sense
Printing suits batches of 1 to a few hundred units. It is cost-effective up to a few hundred, especially while the design may still change. Think product launches, crowdfunding campaigns, pilot runs, pop-up shops and on-demand fulfilment.
Ten parts or ten thousand: we tell you where printing pays off and where another process makes more sense.
No tooling, design changes between runs
Injection moulding asks for a tool before the first part. Printing does not. You pay for the parts, and when run two needs a thicker wall or a new boss, you change the file. Nothing is scrapped.
Process choice for batches: FDM or SLS
FDM is the most affordable and fits most functional parts, up to 500 × 500 × 500 mm. SLS suits series well because there are no supports: parts nest through the whole build volume, stacked above each other, not only laid out flat. That makes small series, spare parts and many different parts in one run efficient. A compact shape helps more parts fit in one build.
How we plan a run
We plan the run with you: how many parts fit on a plate, which machine and which material, and a realistic lead time for the whole batch. Upload your files in one quote request; each file can have its own material, colour and settings.
Repeat orders
For recurring production runs we can set up a standing arrangement, so you can reorder quickly without starting again.
When to move on to injection moulding
When volumes grow beyond what printing serves cost-effectively, typically above 500 to 1000 units per run, injection moulding becomes the right choice. We help you prepare the design for moulding (DFM), advise on tooling cost and lead time, and introduce suppliers in the Netherlands, Europe and Asia. We can also advise on CNC machining, vacuum casting, laser cutting and sheet metal.
Price, lead time and shipping
We price by the weight of each finished part, with a handling fee per part and a setup fee once per technology. Failed prints and waste are on us. Exact figures show in your quote, and rates are on the pricing page. Standard orders ship in 3 to 5 business days, rush in 2. Pickup in Amsterdam is free, and we ship with PostNL.
