What You Need to Know

If you’re new to 3D printing, you’re not alone it’s one of the most exciting and accessible manufacturing technologies of the 21st century. In this beginner-friendly guide from BritForge 3D, we’ll walk you through the basics of how it works, the materials used, common applications, and how to get started quickly without needing your own printer!

What Is 3D Printing?

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is the process of creating a physical object from a digital model by building it up layer by layer. Unlike traditional subtractive methods (cutting, drilling), 3D printing adds material only where it’s needed making it cost-effective and precise.

How Does It Work?

1. Design: Create or download a 3D model (usually in STL format).
2. Slice: The model is sliced into layers using slicing software.
3. Print: The printer lays down each layer until the object is complete.

Popular 3D Printing Methods

• FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling): Uses thermoplastic filament. Great for strong, functional parts.
• SLA/DLP (Resin Printing): Uses liquid resin cured by light. Best for ultra-fine details and smooth finishes.

What Materials Are Used?

Beginner-friendly 3D prints typically use:

• PLA: Easy to print, biodegradable, great for models and prototypes.
• PETG: Strong and durable, ideal for functional parts.
• Resin: High detail, best for miniatures or jewellery.

Common Uses of 3D Printing

• Prototyping and product development
• Custom tools, brackets, and mechanical parts
• Educational models and STEM teaching
• Hobbyist projects and tabletop miniatures

Why You Don’t Need Your Own 3D Printer

While home printers are popular, you don’t need to buy or maintain one yourself. Services like BritForge 3D let you upload a file, choose materials, and have a professional-quality part delivered to your door no technical knowledge required.

Tips for 3D Printing Beginners

• Start with simple, solid models without thin walls or complex overhangs
• Use free libraries like Thingiverse or Printables
• Check model scale (usually in mm)
• Consider the part’s purpose before choosing a material

How BritForge 3D Can Help

We work with both beginners and professionals to bring ideas to life. Whether you’re printing your first design or need guidance choosing a material, our team is here to help. Just upload your file or send us a message and we’ll take care of the rest.

Conclusion

3D printing is transforming how we design and make things. As a beginner, you’re entering a world of endless creativity and customisation. With the right guidance and support, anyone can turn a digital idea into a physical object and BritForge 3D is here to help you every step of the way.

Save Time and Money

Whether you’re a startup, product designer, or local manufacturer, 3D printing offers huge cost and time savings. Here’s how BritForge 3D can help your small business grow.

Low-Cost Prototyping

No tooling, no moulds, no delays just rapid prototyping on-demand to test and refine your ideas.

Short-Run Production

Need 5 or 50 parts? We print what you need, when you need it no minimum order quantity.

Custom Fixtures & Tools

Save time on your production line with jigs, gauges, and tool holders designed to fit your process.

Branding & Packaging

3D printed logos, promo items, and custom packaging can elevate your brand affordably.

Get in touch and discover how we support UK businesses with fast, local printing solutions.

Ordering a 3D print online has never been easier, especially with services like BritForge 3D that let you upload your model, receive an instant quote, and choose your material all in just a few clicks. This guide walks you through the full process so you can get your custom part printed and delivered with confidence.

Step 1: Prepare Your 3D Model

The most common file formats for 3D printing are .STL and .OBJ. Make sure your file is watertight (manifold), properly scaled in millimetres, and error-free. Free tools like Microsoft 3D Builder or Meshmixer can help repair your model if needed.

Step 2: Visit the Upload Page

Go to the BritForge 3D upload page. There, you’ll see a form where you can drag and drop your file. Our system automatically checks it and displays a live quote based on volume, material, and quantity.

Step 3: Choose Material and Options

You’ll be prompted to choose your material options typically include PLA, PETG, ABS, or resin. You can also select print resolution, colour, and whether you want supports removed and parts post-processed (sanded or cleaned).

Step 4: Get Instant Pricing

Once your file is uploaded and options selected, you’ll receive a price instantly. This saves time compared to manual quote requests and gives you transparency over costs.

Step 5: Checkout and Payment

Review your order and proceed to secure checkout. Payments can be made via card, PayPal, or other supported methods. You’ll receive a confirmation email with an estimated delivery timeline.

Step 6: Sit Back While We Print

Your file is queued for printing in our UK-based workshop. We keep you updated throughout the process, and once completed, your part is shipped securely to your door.

Why Order from BritForge 3D?

• Instant online quoting
• Expert print review and guidance
• UK-based production for faster delivery
• Resin and FDM options with high accuracy

Tips for Better Prints

• Check wall thickness minimum 1.2 mm for most parts
• Avoid unnecessary overhangs to reduce support use
• Indicate critical dimensions in your message if needed

Need Help?

If you’re not sure which material to choose or need help fixing your file, contact Us and we’ll guide you through it.

Start your project today: Upload your 3D file now and get your custom part printed with care and precision by BritForge 3D.

How Schools and Colleges Can Benefit

3D printing is transforming education across the UK. From primary classrooms to university engineering labs, this technology allows students to bring their ideas to life developing critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills.
At BritForge 3D, we’re proud to support schools, colleges, and educators with high-quality, affordable printing services that bring learning to life.

Why 3D Printing Belongs in the Classroom

3D printing introduces students to the world of design, engineering, and technology in a hands-on, engaging way. Instead of just learning theory, students can prototype, test, and iterate just like professional engineers and designers do.

Educational Benefits of 3D Printing

• Hands-on STEM Learning: Print real-world models to support science, maths, engineering and technology education.
• Encourages Creativity: Students can design and build original projects that they can physically hold and evaluate.
• Bridges Digital and Physical: Teach CAD, design thinking, and prototyping skills with instant physical results.
• Boosts Engagement: Interactive learning that appeals to visual and kinesthetic learners.

Popular 3D Printing Projects for Schools

• Working mechanical gear systems
• Topographic maps and historical models
• Biology models: cells, bones, organs
• Custom tools or classroom organisers
• STEM club competitions and creative design challenges

Supporting the UK Curriculum

3D printing aligns well with the UK’s national curriculum, especially in Design and Technology, Science, and Computing. Students gain digital literacy and problem-solving skills that prepare them for careers in engineering, architecture, product design, and more.

Why Schools Choose BritForge 3D

• Cost-effective printing with bulk education discounts
• Print-ready help and model checking
• Support for both PLA and resin models
• Custom packaging and quick UK delivery

No Printer? No Problem!

You don’t need an expensive school 3D printer. With BritForge 3D, teachers can upload STL files and have models delivered to the school within days ideal for small or large classroom projects.

How to Get Started

If you’re an educator or school leader interested in adding 3D printing to your teaching toolkit, get in touch with us. We’ll help you choose materials, set expectations, and ensure your project fits your classroom goals and budget.

Conclusion

3D printing in education opens the door to interactive, future-ready learning. With expert support and reliable service from BritForge 3D, you can inspire students, reinforce key concepts, and make lessons more engaging one layer at a time.

Why It Matters

When it comes to 3D printing, infill plays a critical role in determining the strength, weight, cost, and print time of your object. Whether you’re printing a functional prototype or a decorative model, understanding infill can help you make smarter design and material choices. At BritForge 3D, we optimise every print to meet your needs and infill is a key part of that process.

What Is Infill?

Infill refers to the internal structure of a 3D printed object. Instead of printing a solid block, most parts are printed with an internal pattern that gives them strength while saving material. The outer shell (or perimeter) is printed solid, while the inside is partially hollow filled with a repeating pattern called infill.

Why Infill Matters

• Strength: More infill = stronger part
• Weight: Less infill = lighter part
• Print Time: Higher infill increases time and cost
• Purpose: Match infill to function (display vs. functional)

Common Infill Patterns

• Grid: Balanced strength and speed. Good for most parts.
• Gyroid: Excellent strength in all directions and efficient material use.
• Honeycomb: Lightweight with moderate strength. Popular for visual appeal.
• Lines: Fastest to print, used for basic prototypes.

Recommended Infill Percentages

How Infill Affects Cost

Higher infill means more material and longer print times which increases the cost. For example, changing from 15% to 50% infill might double the amount of filament used. At BritForge 3D, we help you choose the best balance of strength and budget for your application.

Infill Tips

• Use low infill for decorative or non-functional models
• Choose gyroid or grid for strength and reliability
• Keep in mind that more infill doesn’t always equal better results
• Use multiple perimeters instead of just increasing infill

How BritForge 3D Optimises Infill

We analyse every print job to recommend an ideal infill percentage and pattern based on use, strength, and cost. Whether you’re printing a bracket, toy, or prototype, we tailor each print to perform as needed saving you time and money.

Conclusion

Infill is more than just a setting it’s the backbone of your 3D printed part. Understanding how it works helps you make better decisions, whether you’re designing a prototype or ordering your first custom part. Let BritForge 3D help you find the perfect infill for your next project.

One of the best things about 3D printing is the incredible number of free models you can download and print no design experience needed! Whether you’re looking for practical tools, fun gadgets, miniatures, or educational models, these five websites are go-to sources. At BritForge 3D, we work with all of them and can help you bring any downloaded model to life with professional-quality results.

1. Printables by Prusa

Printables.com is a rapidly growing model-sharing platform from Prusa Research. It’s 100% free and features high-quality STL files from trusted creators. You can browse by category or popularity, and most listings come with print settings and tips.

• ✅ Great for functional prints and hobby projects
• ✅ Active community with frequent competitions
• ✅ No account needed to download

2. Thingiverse

Thingiverse is the original 3D model hub with thousands of files. It’s great for finding creative or educational prints, although quality varies since anyone can upload files.

• ✅ Massive variety of models
• ✅ Ideal for schools and hobbyists
• ⚠️ Check printability before ordering

3. MyMiniFactory

MyMiniFactory is known for professionally curated models and supports many independent designers. It’s especially good for gaming figures, props, and premium-quality designs. Many are free, but some are paid.

• ✅ Excellent for miniatures and cosplay items
• ✅ Filters by licence and printer type
• ✅ Print-ready files with instructions

4. Cults3D

Cults3D is a French-based platform with a creative and artistic twist. You’ll find unique home decor, jewellery, and design-focused models. Some files are free, and others require a small fee.

• ✅ Great for creative and niche projects
• ✅ Many free and high-resolution files
• ⚠️ Mixed file licensing, check before commercial use

5. NASA 3D Resources

NASA 3D Resources offers a curated collection of space-related models, including spacecraft, rovers, and planets all in the public domain. It’s a fantastic tool for educators and STEM outreach.

• ✅ Educational and scientifically accurate
• ✅ Free and public domain
• ✅ Perfect for schools and museums

Tips for Downloading Printable Models

• Always check the file type (.STL, .OBJ, etc.)
• Look for “print-ready” or “tested” labels
• Check model scale and orientation
• Use slicing software like Cura to preview before printing

Print Your Files with BritForge 3D

Once you’ve downloaded your model, simply upload it to BritForge 3D. We’ll review it, suggest the best material, and provide instant pricing. Whether you’re printing a rocket, a phone stand, or a full chess set, we’ll deliver precise, high-quality results all made in the UK.

Conclusion

With thousands of free 3D models available online, the only limit is your imagination. Explore, download, and start printing and let BritForge 3D handle the hard part for you. No printer? No problem.

Print orientation is one of the most important yet often overlooked aspects of successful 3D printing. How a part is positioned on the print bed affects not only how it looks but also how strong it is in real-world use. At BritForge 3D, we evaluate each model to ensure it’s oriented for the best balance of strength, accuracy, and surface finish.

What Is Print Orientation?

Print orientation refers to how your 3D model is positioned during the printing process. This determines how layers are built up, how supports are generated, and how forces act on the finished part.

Why Print Orientation Matters

• Part Strength: FDM prints are weakest between layers. Orient your part to resist stress across layers.
• Surface Finish: Vertical surfaces print smoother than horizontal overhangs.
• Print Time & Supports: Orientation affects how much support material is required and how long a print takes.
• Accuracy: Flat surfaces on the print bed come out cleaner and more dimensionally accurate.

Layer Adhesion and Strength

In FDM 3D printing, parts are built layer by layer. The bond between layers isn’t as strong as the material itself, which means parts can be prone to delamination under stress especially if printed in the wrong orientation. For maximum strength, orient parts so the load is parallel to the layers.

Examples of Optimal Orientation

• Brackets: Print with the flat face on the bed and the arms upright to handle load across the layer lines.
• Hinges or Clips: Align so stress points run along, not between, layers.
• Decorative Models: Choose orientation for better detail visibility and smooth surfaces.

Support Material Considerations

Changing orientation can dramatically reduce the need for supports saving time and material. Parts printed with minimal overhangs are easier to post-process and have a better finish.

Tips for Better Print Orientation

• Minimise large overhangs (greater than 45°)
• Orient parts with the flattest side down for bed adhesion
• Consider the functional load design for it!
• Use preview features in slicing software to evaluate orientation

How BritForge 3D Helps

When you upload a file to BritForge 3D, we assess print orientation to ensure it meets your needs. Whether you’re making a working part or a display model, we tweak orientation, supports, and slicing settings to optimise every job.

Conclusion

Understanding how orientation affects 3D printed part strength can be the difference between success and failure. Our team at BritForge 3D takes the guesswork out delivering durable, high-quality prints designed for real-world performance.

A Practical Guide

One of the most common questions we get at BritForge 3D is: “How long will my 3D print take?”
The answer depends on several factors, from the size and complexity of the model to the chosen material and print resolution. In this guide, we’ll break it down so you know what to expect whether you’re printing a simple keychain or a fully functional prototype.

What Affects 3D Print Time?

• Model Size: Larger models take longer due to more layers and longer tool paths.
• Print Layer Height: Thinner layers = better quality but slower prints.
• Infill Percentage: More internal material means longer print times.
• Number of Parts: Printing multiple objects increases time, especially if done all at once.
• Printer Type: FDM printers are generally slower than resin (SLA/DLP) printers for small, detailed parts.

Typical Print Times

FDM vs. Resin Print Speeds

FDM Printing: Generally slower but more economical for larger prints.
Resin Printing: Faster for small detailed items, but requires more post-processing (washing and curing).

Other Time Factors

• Pre-Print Setup: File prep, orientation, slicing and machine calibration.
• Post-Processing: Removing supports, sanding, curing (for resin).
• Queue Time: If demand is high, your print may be scheduled in a queue especially for bulk or business orders.

Speed vs. Quality

If you choose faster printing (thicker layers), you may sacrifice surface detail and finish. For display models, thinner layers look better. For functional items, speed and strength may be more important. At BritForge 3D, we help you balance quality and turnaround time to match your needs and budget.

How BritForge 3D Delivers Efficient Prints

We use high-speed, industrial-grade printers and fine-tuned slicing profiles to reduce print times without compromising quality. You’ll get a time estimate when you upload your file, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

Conclusion

3D printing times vary, but with the right setup and planning, your prints can be completed faster than you might expect. Whether you need something in 24 hours or just want to understand the process, BritForge 3D is here to deliver precision prints on time, every time.

Take Your Prints to the Next Level

Once you’ve mastered basic 3D printing, the next step is learning how to design models that print better, stronger, and more efficiently. In this guide from BritForge 3D, we’ll cover advanced design tips to help you get the most out of your 3D prints — whether you’re an engineer, maker, or product designer.

One of the most important advanced design concepts is understanding overhangs. 3D printers can usually handle overhangs up to 45 degrees without supports. By adjusting your model to keep angles under this limit, you can reduce the need for supports, save material, and improve surface finish.

Next, consider fillets and chamfers on edges. Sharp corners are more prone to cracking or warping due to stress concentration. Adding small fillets (rounded corners) not only makes your part stronger but also improves layer adhesion and printability. Chamfers can also help with ease of assembly or aesthetics.

Wall thickness is another critical factor. Thin walls (under 0.8 mm) may not print reliably, while excessively thick walls waste material and increase print time. For most functional parts, aim for walls at least 1.2–2 mm thick. This provides good strength without unnecessary weight or cost.

Adding ribs or gussets can dramatically increase the strength of flat parts without increasing thickness everywhere. Think of how aircraft wings use ribs to maintain lightness and strength. Similarly, adding strategically placed supports inside your design can reinforce large, flat sections.

Embossed or engraved features add detail, but should follow some minimum size rules for FDM printing: text should be at least 2–3 mm high with a line width of 0.4 mm or more. For SLA/resin printing, finer details are possible, but design for your specific printer’s resolution.

Clearances and tolerances are essential for parts that need to fit together. For FDM, plan 0.2–0.5 mm of extra space between mating parts to allow for printer variances. Resin prints may need slightly larger gaps due to resin shrinkage and over-curing during the printing process.

Another advanced strategy is using variable layer heights in your slicer. Thicker layers in less detailed parts and thinner layers in areas with fine details can save time while maintaining excellent surface finish where it matters most.

Consider print orientation during the design phase. Design your part so it can be printed with the largest flat area on the bed, reducing supports and warping risk. Parts designed for printing upright may have fewer surface imperfections and better dimensional accuracy.

Designing with infill patterns in mind can also improve performance. For example, honeycomb or gyroid patterns distribute forces more evenly. By designing your model’s internal features to complement these patterns, you can create parts that are both light and strong.

Finally, remember that every printer and material behaves differently. Prototype your design in inexpensive PLA before moving to more demanding materials like PETG or nylon. At BritForge 3D, we’re happy to print test pieces, suggest improvements, and help you get perfect results with advanced prints.

Conclusion

Advanced 3D printing design isn’t just about creativity — it’s about engineering your models to print reliably, efficiently, and with the desired performance. By applying these tips, you can reduce failures, save time, and make professional-quality parts. Need help with your next design? Contact BritForge 3D today for expert advice and high-quality printing services.