3D printing guides.

Practical information for people who need functional parts, not just pretty objects. Material comparisons, design tips, file preparation and more.

Guide

PETG vs PLA for Functional Parts

Which filament is actually better for parts that need to work? A plain-English comparison of PETG and PLA: heat resistance, strength, moisture, and when each makes sense.

Read guide →
Guide

How to Prepare an STL File for 3D Printing

Step-by-step guide to exporting, checking and optimising an STL file before sending it for printing. Avoid the most common mistakes that cause print failures or poor results.

Read guide →
Guide

How to Measure a Broken Replacement Part

If your part is cracked, warped or incomplete, taking accurate measurements is still possible. This guide shows you how to get usable dimensions for modelling or ordering a replacement.

Read guide →
Guide

Designing Strong Custom Brackets for 3D Printing

The design choices that determine whether a 3D printed bracket holds up or fails. Print orientation, wall thickness, gussets and bolt hole design — explained without the jargon.

Read guide →
Guide

Low Volume 3D Printing vs Injection Moulding

For small quantities, which process makes more sense? A practical comparison of costs, lead times, minimum quantities, and material options for runs under 500 units.

Read guide →
Guide

When is PETG Suitable for Automotive Parts?

PETG handles vehicle interior temperatures and resists oils and moisture — but it has limits. A guide to where PETG works well in automotive applications, and where it doesn't.

Read guide →
Guide

What is FDM 3D Printing?

A plain-English explanation of Fused Deposition Modelling — how it works, what it can and can't do, and why it's the right process for most functional plastic parts.

Read guide →
Guide

How to Export an STL from Fusion 360

Step-by-step instructions for exporting an STL file from Autodesk Fusion 360, including the settings that matter for 3D printing quality.

Read guide →
Guide

3D Printing Tolerances Explained

What dimensional accuracy can you expect from FDM 3D printing? A practical guide to tolerances, how to design for them, and when to test before committing to a batch.

Read guide →
Guide

How to Split a Large Model for 3D Printing

If your part is bigger than the printer build volume, it needs to be split. Here's how to do it sensibly — where to cut, how to join, and what to avoid.

Read guide →