Finding a reliable 3D printing service is vital to ensure a timely turnaround for your prototyped parts. It’s also a good idea to source 3D printing close to where you live or work for fast and cost-effective delivery or, in some cases, the opportunity to collect directly from the manufacturer.
There certainly aren’t maker hubs on every corner of London, but there are still some great options for each of the three key additive manufacturing techniques (FDM, SLA, SLS) on offer both north and south of the river, with seven of the best services outlined below.
For those of you in and around London, whether you live here or are simply visiting and looking to get some printing done in between sightseeing, this is your one-stop shop for all the tried and trusted services inside the M25!
Wait up – you’re just here to find a quick and simple solution to print your stuff? In that case, head on over to Craftcloud, where you’ll instantly find the best price and provider for your needs.
Otherwise, keep reading for our pick of the best printing providers in London!
Alternative: Global Printing Service
Naturally, if you’re not interested in the social aspect of 3D printing or don’t need face-to-face interaction, you always have the option of using an online service, many of which operate internationally.
The question is, with so many options out there, which do you choose? Craftcloud makes it easy for you. Using your designs and your location, you can select from a wide variety of materials, which range from stainless steel to wood-filled PLA and include resins, recycled ASA, PETG, and PLA, and copper, among many others, and then decide which manufacturer best meets your requirements.
Instant quotes are available for hobbyist projects, rapid prototyping, and end-use products, and the results will be delivered to your doorstep.
Hobs3D
Hobs3D offers a complete range of 3D services, ranging from 3D printing to CGI. They focus on making bespoke projects, which means you can work closely with their team to ensure you get your desired result. Unlike many other services that mainly work with FDM, Hobs3D works exclusively with ColorJet, SLA, and MultiJet 3D printers, which is perfect for projects that require high levels of detail or quality.
Hobs3D lets you upload files directly onto their website and fill out a short questionnaire about your project, and with that information, they send you a quote. You can also visit their head studio in London as well as the three other local London branches.
- Where: Unit 3, 3-4 East Bay Lane, London E20 3BS
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM
- Services: CJP, SLA, MJP
3D People
3D People offers great 3D printing services for SLS and MJF, with a heavy focus on industrial printing. They’re a great choice for precise prototyping or fast batch printing, as they boast a laser precision of 25 μm and offer a turnaround time of just two days for their express service. If you’re feeling unsure about what materials are a good fit for your application, 3D People ships sample packs of materials such as PA12 nylon prepared in both SLS and MJF. 3D People offers instant quotes, but if you’re looking to get more information, you can register an account within their quoting application, and they will contact you at a later time via your email.
Ordering a part or parts from 3D People is easy, as all that’s required is to upload your model, pick the materials and finishes, pay, and the parts will be delivered to your doorstep shortly.
- Where: Business Park, Unit 18-19, 82-100 Nathan Way, London SE28 0FS
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Services: SLS (PA12 nylon), MJF (PA12 nylon), finishes available as printed, black dye, vibro polished, dyed, and polished
Microworkshops
Microworkshops is a London-based 3D printing service that specializes in resin but also works with FDM 3D printers. Their resin printers can accommodate models up to 156 x 278 x 290 mm, with minimum orders starting at £20. After printing, Microworkshops properly takes care of the finished product by applying expected post-processing practices such as UV curing, sanding, and support removal.
Microworkshops charges £4/hour to print on their FDM machines, making it an economical solution for smaller prints. However, resin printing can cost 2-3 times that. They provide instant quotes and a streamlined ordering app that makes placing an order simple. While they do ship to your doorstep like many other services on this list, you also have the option of picking up your prints from the physical location.
- Where: 16A Middle Lane, London N8 8PL
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Services: SLA (rigid resin: white, gray, black, smoky transparent), FDM (PLA: white, gray, black)
ProdPoint
Located just south of the River Thames, ProdPoint is a self-titled 3D print farm, offering fast and flexible additive manufacturing solutions. They promise high-quality and cost-effective parts using tight quality control procedures and a factory of over 30 printers running 24/7.
Receiving a quote from ProdPoint is quite simple, as all you need to do is send your files to their email address. If you’re looking for some guidance, ProdPoint offers a free consultation with an expert, which is a service that not many other services are currently offering. ProdPoint also provides a resources page with a variety of blog posts on topics such as FDM printing in general, using threaded inserts in 3D printing, and preparing your files for 3D printing.
- Where: Unit 1, 19 Page’s Walk, London SE1 4SB
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Services: FDM printing using PLA in 15 colors, semi-Flex TPU, PETG, and additional materials available on request
3DPrintUK
3DPrintUK has cornered the London market in SLS 3D printing and, like ProdPoint, are able to produce one-off prototypes and rapidly manufacture low volumes of batch parts. They’ve recently introduced MJF (Machine Jet Fusion) machines, which can create parts in nylon PA12. They offer a refundable test sample to allow you to validate the part before the batch run as well as a sample pack listing all of their services in a 20-page booklet alongside samples of the four different finishes for post-processing: Natural Finish, Vibro-Polishing, Dyeing, and Shot Peening.
Uploading a part for a quote is easy with a drag-and-drop system and a pricing app! The Low Volume Production Calculator also allows you to directly compare 3D printing with Injection Molding, validating whether 3D printing is the right alternative for your project.
- Where: Leyton Industrial Village, Unit D9, Argall Ave, London E10 7QP
- Opening hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Services: SLS 3D printing and MJF in PA220 Nylon (Natural White or Carbon-Dyed Black)
Champion 3D
Champion 3D is a service based in North Greenwich that has an impressive portfolio comprising of projects for companies such as BBC, Amazon, Activision, and more. They provide a six-step process, taking you from uploading your files to receiving your parts. Instant quotes and live support are readily available. Another option is an in-person consultation to discuss your project-specific requirements at the Champion 3D HQ. For a custom project, prices can range from £250 upwards.
Champion 3D additionally provides a 3D CAD modeling service, where existing models can be repaired, parts can be created from sketches or technical drawings, and different file types can be converted into a 3D printable format.
- Where: 10 Monro Way, Unit 1.1, Building A4, Greenwich, SE10 0EJ
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Services: FDM in rPLA, PolyMax (a type of PLA 20% stronger than ABS), Cheetah, and Ninjaflex (TPU) in multiple color choices
FabPub
FabPub takes a unique spin on traditional 3D printing by focusing on sustainable materials such as bioplastics, recycled plastics, ceramics, and even clay. The hobbyist concerned with green prints or environmental compatibility would enjoy Fabub’s emphasis on sustainability, though they cater to almost any type of project.
FabPub is a partner of 3D printer manufacturer WASP, so they use several delta-style WASP printers for fabrication, such as the 2040 Clay, 4070 FX, 3MT HDP, and more.
You’re able to get a free quote online, but note that you need your file raw in DXF or STL format. Additionally, they have bookable designers to help you with your file if needed, and makers can book their 3D printers for a specific time slot.
- Where: 22 Gossamer Gardens, London E2 9FN
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Sat/Sun/after-hours on request)
- Services: FDM (Terra, Stoneware, Wood PLA, PLA), SLA, laser cutting, and the option to hire an in-house designer
License: The text of "3D Printing Services in London We Recommend" by All3DP is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.