3D printer suppliers help manufacturers become more flexible with cost-effective production methods. For prototyping or end-use part production, 3D printing machines offer a wide range of benefits over traditional processes like injection moulding.
With no need for tooling and the ability to create complex or lightweight designs directly from a 3D CAD file, additive manufacturing enables faster turnaround times, greater design freedom, and cost efficiency for low to medium volume runs. By working with experienced 3D printing machine suppliers, manufacturers can access technologies such as FDM, SLA, SLS and more, to meet their specific performance and production goals.
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Understanding the different types of 3D printing machines is essential before choosing the one for you:
FDM (Fused Deposition Modelling) is the most widely used 3D printing method, ideal for prototypes and functional parts. It uses thermoplastic filaments like PLA, ABS, and PETG to build components layer by layer. FDM machines are affordable, easy to run, and offered by most 3D printer suppliers.
SLA (Stereolithography) cures liquid resin with a laser, producing detailed prints with excellent surface finish. It’s well suited to medical models, dental parts, and precision prototypes. SLA machines are popular for applications requiring fine detail and accuracy.
SLS (Selective Laser Sintering) uses a laser to fuse nylon powder into strong, functional parts. It’s ideal for complex shapes and interlocking features, with no need for support structures. SLS is used in quality-critical industries like automotive, aerospace, and production tooling.
MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) is a powder-based 3D printing technology from HP that uses inkjet printheads to selectively deposit fusing and detailing agents onto layers of fine powder. Heat-sensitive agents fuse the powder particles together to form a solid part, while unused powder supports the structure, eliminating the need for support material. MJF produces strong, functional prototypes and end-use parts with high detail, speed, and consistent mechanical properties, suitable for applications in industries like automotive, aerospace, and electronics.
When choosing a 3D printer supplier, it’s important to consider more than just the machine type. A good supplier will offer expert guidance on printer selection, material compatibility, and setup, as well as after-sales support and maintenance. For many manufacturers, investing in their own 3D printing machines can be more cost-effective than outsourcing, particularly for frequent prototyping, product development, or small-batch production. Ownership provides greater control over lead times, design iterations, and intellectual property. With support from experienced 3D printing machine suppliers, businesses can bring additive manufacturing in-house and build a more agile, responsive production setup.
The top two rating is the view of the team at the leading plastics industry resource, PlastikCity. All companies have been verified as follows:
- Supply premium-quality equipment
- Established for a minimum of two years
- Provide UK-based, reputable service support
- Financially sound
Interested in finding 3D Printer & System suppliers? Visit PlastikCity.co.uk to quickly and easily request quotes from our top manufacturers.
In alphabetical order:
Matsuura Machinery
Leicestershire
Matsuura Machinery supplies advanced 3D printing and post-processing solutions for UK manufacturers producing plastic and metal components. Their additive manufacturing facility showcases technologies including HP MJF (Multi Jet Fusion) 3D printers, DyeMansion finishing systems, and Desktop Metal and Roboze printers. Backed by ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and ISO 45001 certifications, Matsuura offers engineering-led support and integration to help customers grow their additive manufacturing capabilities.
Printd
Norfolk
Printd is a modern 3D printing service provider specialising in SLS using premium Nylon 12, alongside other technologies such as FDM, FGF, MJF, and LSAM. They offer fast, AI-driven quoting, short production runs, machine and printer sales, and technical support. With a focus on speed, quality, and affordability, Printd supports engineers and manufacturers across industries with reliable, on-demand additive manufacturing solutions.
Supporting Information
3D printing is used across a wide range of industries, from product design and prototyping to end-use part production. It’s especially useful for low to medium volume manufacturing, where tooling costs for traditional methods like injection moulding would be too high. Common applications include functional prototypes, jigs and fixtures, spare parts, housings, and short-run product batches. With the right 3D printing machine, manufacturers can bring these capabilities in-house, speeding up development and reducing reliance on external suppliers.
Compared to traditional methods like injection moulding, 3D printing offers far greater design freedom and flexibility. Parts with complex geometries, internal channels, or varying wall thicknesses can be produced without the need for expensive tooling. Design changes can be made quickly and cost-effectively, with minimal impact on lead times. This makes 3D printing ideal for iterative development, customisation, and producing components that would be difficult or impossible to mould conventionally.
One of the key strengths of 3D printing is its ability to support agile, on-demand production. With no tooling required, manufacturers can scale volumes up or down without incurring additional setup costs. This is particularly useful for short-run jobs, product launches, or responding to fluctuating demand. Owning your own 3D printing machines also reduces reliance on external suppliers and allows production to take place closer to the point of need, saving time and improving supply chain resilience.