3D Printing Service Guide

3D Printing Service Guide

This guide explains Unmanned Tech's 3D print-on-demand service for creating custom parts, prototypes, and replacements across a wide range of applications. While we specialize in FPV and RC aircraft components, our service caters to diverse needs and projects.

Info
Important: Our 3D Printing Service Scope
  • We print your finalized 3D files.
  • Design accuracy & fit are your responsibility.
  • Standard service excludes file modifications & fit checks.
  • Need design help or have bulk order queries, please contact us first for options

    • Getting a Quote and Ordering

    1. Upload Files: Go to https://www.unmannedtechshop.co.uk/3d-printing/ and upload your .STL or .OBJ files. Please ensure your design is finalized and print-ready before uploading.
    2. Select Material and Options: Choose from PLA, PETG, TPU, or LW-PLA. Specify your desired layer height and infill percentage.
    3. Support Removal Preference:
      • Standard (Supports Removed): Our standard service includes careful removal of necessary support structures generated during printing. Your part will arrive with these removed, ready for your next steps (which might include further finishing like sanding or painting, depending on your project's needs).
      • DIY Support Removal (Potential Cost Saving): To potentially reduce the cost of your print, or if you prefer to handle delicate support removal yourself, you may be able to opt to receive the part with supports still attached. Check for this option during the quoting process or contact us to see if it's applicable to your model. Note: Requires careful work and appropriate tools for removal.
    4. Get an Instant Quote: The system automatically generates a price based on your selections.
    5. Place Order: Proceed to checkout if you are happy with the quote.

    Turnaround Time

    • Typical: 1-5 business days.
    • Potential Delays: Longer during high demand or with large bulk orders.
    • Order Status Updates: We provide updates, and you can contact us for a status check.

    Post-Order Process

    • Order Confirmation: You'll receive an email confirming details.
    • Production: We print your parts.
    • Quality Check: Parts are checked before shipping.
    • Shipping: Parts are packaged and shipped to you.

    Finding 3D Models

    A 3D model file (typically .STL or .OBJ) is required. Sources include:

    • Thingiverse: (www.thingiverse.com) A vast library of user-created 3D models.
    • Printables: (www.printables.com) Offers a variety of downloadable 3D printable models.
    • MyMiniFactory: (www.myminifactory.com) Features curated, high-quality 3D models.
    • Cults3D: (cults3d.com) A marketplace with both free and paid 3D models.
    • Self-Design: Design your own using software like Fusion 360, Blender, or Tinkercad.

    Material Choice

    Choosing the correct material impacts performance, durability, and the overall quality of your print. We offer:

    • PLA (Polylactic Acid):
      • Pros: Affordable, wide color range, good rigidity and strength for its weight. Easy to get good-looking prints. Biodegradable and made from renewable resources.
      • Cons: Can be brittle under impact, relatively low heat resistance.
      • Best for: Prototyping, general-purpose parts, models, and decorative items not subject to high stress or heat.
    • PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol):
      • Pros: Stronger and more durable than PLA, better heat resistance, some flexibility, less brittle. Resistant to UV and many chemicals.
      • Cons: Can be slightly more expensive than PLA.
      • Best for: Functional parts, mechanical components, outdoor applications, and parts requiring higher strength and durability.
    • TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane):
      • Pros: Flexible, rubber-like, excellent impact resistance.
      • Cons: Flexibility makes it less suitable for rigid structural components.
      • Best for: Items requiring flexibility and impact absorption such as gaskets, seals, phone cases, and protective bumpers.
    • LW-PLA (Lightweight PLA):
      • Pros: Extremely lightweight (up to 50% lighter than PLA) due to foaming.
      • Cons: Reduced strength compared to regular PLA.
      • Best for: Weight-critical applications, such as parts for drones and RC aircraft where minimizing weight is crucial.

    Material Choice for FPV and RC

    The above materials are used for FPV and RC aircraft parts in these ways:

    • PLA: Indoor RC models and drone parts that don't require high impact resistance.
    • PETG: Drone frames, landing gear, outdoor RC models, and parts exposed to sunlight.
    • TPU: Vibration dampeners, bumpers, flexible joints, camera mounts, RC car tires.
    • LW-PLA: Weight-critical applications, indoor flyers, slow-flying drones, lightweight wings or fuselages for RC planes.

    Community and Support

    Why Use 3D Printing?

    • Customization: Create unique parts tailored to specific requirements.
    • Rapid Prototyping: Test new designs quickly and affordably.
    • Cost-Effectiveness: Economical for low-volume production or one-off parts.
    • Complex Geometry: Produce intricate designs that are difficult or impossible with traditional methods.
    • Material Variety: Choose from a range of materials to suit specific project needs.
    • Repair and Replacement: Easily replace broken or damaged parts.

    Frequently Asked Questions: 3D Printing Service

    Q: Can Unmanned Tech modify my 3D model if it's not quite right?
    A: Our standard 3D printing service is for printing your existing, finalized design files. We do not typically modify customer files due to the time and design expertise required. If you need design assistance, please contact us to discuss a separate design service quote.

    Q: Will you check if my part will fit what I'm designing it for?
    A: The responsibility for ensuring a part is designed correctly to fit its intended application lies with you, the customer. While we can offer a quick visual opinion, we cannot guarantee fit as part of the standard printing service. This requires detailed design validation which is a separate process.

    Q: What happens if my part doesn't fit or the design is flawed?
    A: We print the file you provide. If the printed part doesn't fit due to a design issue in your file, you would need to revise your design and order a new print. This is why we emphasize checking your design carefully before submission.

    Q: How should I prepare my file for printing?
    A: Ensure your file is in .STL or .OBJ format. Your model should be "watertight" (no holes or inverted faces) and scaled to the correct dimensions. Check for very thin walls or tiny details that might not print well with FDM technology.

    Q: What if there's an issue with my printed part? How do I know if it's a print defect or a design flaw?
    A: We aim for high-quality prints, but it's important to distinguish between a print defect (an issue from our manufacturing process) and a design flaw (an issue inherent in your 3D model file).  For more info, please see our Print Defects Guide

    • A Print Defect is an issue originating from the printing process itself. Examples include:

      • Widespread layer separation or delamination not isolated to an obviously fragile design feature.
      • The wrong material or main color used (different from what you ordered).
      • The part is significantly incomplete due to a print interruption or malfunction.
      • Major warping or distortion clearly resulting from the printing process, beyond typical material tolerances.
      • Us applying incorrect critical print settings that deviate from standard practice for the material or any specific settings agreed upon. If you believe your part has a print defect, please contact us within 7 days of receipt, providing clear photos of the issue and your order number, so we can investigate.

    • A Design Flaw is an issue rooted in your 3D model file or your design choices. We are not responsible for issues arising from design flaws. Examples include:

      • The part doesn't fit its intended application, mating parts, or has incorrect dimensions as per your design.
      • Walls are too thin in the design, leading to the part being fragile or breaking during normal handling or use (even if printed accurately to the file).
      • Features are too small, too intricate, or unsupported in a way that makes them inherently unprintable or very fragile with FDM technology.
      • The model has geometric errors (e.g., it's not "watertight," has non-manifold edges) that negatively impact the print outcome.
      • The part breaks under expected operational stress because the design itself was not mechanically sound for the chosen material or application.
      • Aesthetic aspects like visible layer lines or the texture of support contact points, which are normal characteristics of FDM 3D printing.
      • The part was printed as designed, but the design itself was simply not suitable for its intended function. Please carefully review and test your designs for strength, printability, and fitness for purpose before ordering. While we can offer general advice if asked before printing, formal design validation is your responsibility or a separate, quoted service.

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