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.

Getting a Quote and Ordering

  1. Upload Files: Go to https://www.unmannedtechshop.co.uk/3d-printing/ and upload your .STL or .OBJ files.
  2. Select Material and Options: Choose from PLA, PETG, TPU, or LW-PLA. Specify layer height, infill, and support preferences to influence strength, weight, and finish.
  3. Get an Instant Quote: The system automatically generates a price.
  4. Place Order: Proceed to checkout if you are happy with the quote.


Turnaround Time

  • Typical: 1-3 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.

    • Related Articles

    • Guide to Choosing Your Shipping Service at Unmanned Tech

      When it comes to selecting the right shipping service for your needs, various factors such as cost, reliability, delivery time, and tracking capabilities come into play. This guide is designed to help you navigate through the options provided by ...

    • ExpressLRS (ERLS) Troubleshooting Guide

      This is a general troubleshooting guide on some common issued you may face when using ELRS equipment, but for the most up to date information please go to the official ExpressLRS Wiki General Troubleshooting¶ My ELRS RX and ELRS TX are bound, but FC ...

    • Frsky Receiver, Transmitter and Firmware Compatibility Guide

      If you are struggling to understand what Frsky equipment is compatible with what, this table below will hopefully help clear some things up for you. But before you get to the table here are some important notes: (OTX) means you need to be running the ...

    • Choosing a FPV Radio Controller, TX Module and Receiver

      Your radio is one place where a larger initial investment will go a long way, especially if you decide to stick with FPV long-term. When getting into FPV, your first purchase is most likely going to be your radio transmitter (or TX). The radio takes ...

    • BetaFlight Resource Mapping Guide

      As manufacturers are stuffing more and more features into flight controllers, we are increasingly seeing boards that have fewer pins available for accessories. The result is lost capabilities, such as: Not enough UART input/outputs Inability to fly ...

    • Recent Articles

    • Understanding Changes to Your Shipping Method at Unmanned Tech

      1. Overview: Why Might My Shipping Method Be Changed? At Unmanned Tech, our main goal is getting your order delivered quickly and reliably. We understand it might be unexpected if the shipping method on your confirmation differs from the one you ...

    • How to Get Your Invoice for eBay Orders

      Where is my eBay Invoice? Your invoice for items bought on eBay is available directly within your eBay account. Why We Can't Send Your Invoice Directly We cannot email your invoice or send it as a PDF through eBay messages. eBay's system has rules ...

    • Product Back in Stock Information and Estimated Availability

      This article provides information about product availability and estimated restock dates. We understand it's frustrating when an item you want is out of stock, and we're working hard to get it back as soon as possible. Checking Product Availability ...

    • HDzero Products at Unmanned Tech

      What is HDZero? HDZero is a digital FPV (First-Person View) system designed to deliver high-definition video with extremely low latency, providing drone pilots with a clearer and more responsive flying experience. However, while innovative, HDZero ...

    • How to Fix the S-E Error on the SQ-D60B Soldering Iron

      Introduction The SQ-D60B Mini Soldering Iron sometimes displays an S-E error code, which indicates a poor electrical connection between the iron tip and the internal copper contacts. This guide explains how to diagnose and fix the error quickly. Why ...