In-House FDM 3D Printing
Suitable prototypes, fit checks, brackets, enclosures, jigs, fixtures and low-risk functional parts. Material, geometry, finish, loading and intended use are reviewed before acceptance.
From idea to physical component
Prototype &
Manufacturing Support
SOLIDSTEAD can design and produce suitable FDM 3D-printed prototypes and parts in house. When a project needs another process, material, tolerance, finish or quantity, a suitable external manufacturing route can be assessed for that specific job.
How it is delivered: FDM 3D printing is available in house for suitable work. CNC machining, resin printing, SLS/MJF, laser cutting, sheet-metal fabrication, welding, specialist finishing and larger production runs remain subject to project-specific external supplier assessment and written quotation.
The model
Design and suitable FDM printing by
SOLIDSTEAD.
Specialist production sourced when required.
The production route can be selected around geometry, material, tolerances, quantity, finish, lead time and budget rather than forcing every project through the same process.
Depending on the agreed scope, SOLIDSTEAD can design and FDM-print a suitable part in house, or prepare production files, request specialist supplier quotations and coordinate an agreed external route.
✓ One design contact
✓ Process assessed against the part requirements
✓ In-house FDM 3D printing for suitable work
IN-HOUSE FDM
Prototypes & functional parts
CNC MACHINING
Machined parts to supplier-confirmed requirements
SHEET METAL
Cut, formed & fabricated components
FINISHING
Surface treatments & final finish
SOLIDSTEAD
DESIGN + COORDINATION
IN-HOUSE FDM OR ASSESSED SUPPLIER • AGREED PROJECT ROUTE
Manufacturing routes
The right route for each part.
Suitable FDM work is produced in house. Other processes remain dependent on the capability, availability and commercial terms of the supplier assessed for the specific project.
Resin / SLA
High-detail prototypes and components where surface detail is important.
SLS / MJF
Engineering polymer components and batches through suitable specialist suppliers.
CNC Milling & Turning
Machined metal or plastic parts where material properties, finish or tighter tolerances require subtractive manufacturing.
Sheet Metal & Laser Cutting
Cut, folded and fabricated components where sheet processes are the appropriate route.
Finishing & Small Runs
Where available: finishing, prototype assembly and repeat or low-volume production coordination.
Managed workflow
A controlled route into production.
01Requirement
Use, geometry, quantity and constraints.
02Design
CAD model and agreed drawing data.
03DFM Review
Process, material, tolerances and finish.
04Route & Quote
In-house FDM or a suitable specialist option.
05Approval
Agreed model/drawing revision is frozen.
06Production
Manufacture, agreed checks and delivery.
SOLIDSTEAD's role
Engineering support around the manufacturing order.
Manufacturing Preparation
Models, drawings, revision control and supporting data prepared to the agreed scope for supplier review.
Process Selection
Help assess whether a part is better suited to printing, machining, sheet metal or another route.
Supplier Coordination
Request quotations, communicate design intent and manage technical questions through the agreed scope.
Material & Finish Definition
Define required material, finish and critical tolerances as part of the project information.
Revision Approval
Confirm the agreed model/drawing revision before external production begins.
Inspection Requirements
Where required, inspection or verification expectations can be agreed with the supplier selected for the specific project.
Initial project focus
Practical prototype and non-safety-critical work.
In-house FDM work is intended for suitable prototype, fit-check and general low-risk applications. Other manufacturing routes remain project-specific while supplier relationships, processes and quality controls develop.
Typical early applications: brackets, enclosures, mounts, adapters, prototype housings, jigs, fixtures, workshop aids, automation components and general non-safety-critical replacement parts. Regulated or safety-critical work is subject to appropriate competence, standards, traceability and insurance and may be declined.
Discuss a part
Need it designed, printed or prepared for manufacture?
Tell SOLIDSTEAD what the component needs to do, along with any preferred material, quantity, process or deadline.