FDM 3D Printing
Functional plastic prototypes, brackets, enclosures, jigs and fixtures.
From idea to physical component
Prototype &
Manufacturing Support
SOLIDSTEAD can coordinate production through selected external specialist partners, whether the project is a one-off household solution, prototype product, custom part or engineered component.
How it is delivered: SOLIDSTEAD does not currently operate production machinery in-house. Manufacturing is fulfilled by external specialists, while SOLIDSTEAD can manage the design data, technical communication and agreed coordination.
The model
Design managed by
SOLIDSTEAD.
Production by the right specialist.
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 prepare production files, request supplier quotations, resolve technical queries and coordinate the project through manufacture.
✓ One design contact
✓ Process selected to suit the part
✓ Specialist external production partners
3D PRINTING
Prototypes & functional parts
CNC MACHINING
Precision parts & tight tolerances
SHEET METAL
Cut, formed & fabricated components
FINISHING
Surface treatments & final finish
SOLIDSTEAD
DESIGN + COORDINATION
RIGHT PROCESS • RIGHT PARTNER • ONE PROJECT ROUTE
Available routes
Prototype and low-volume manufacturing options.
Availability, achievable tolerance and lead time depend on the selected production partner and the project's requirements.
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.
04Supplier Quote
Suitable pricing and lead-time options.
05Approval
Agreed model/drawing revision is frozen.
06Production
Manufacture, agreed checks and delivery.
SOLIDSTEAD's role
Engineering support around the manufacturing order.
Manufacturing Preparation
Production-ready models, drawings, revision control and supporting data.
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 selected production partner.
Initial project focus
Practical prototype and non-safety-critical work.
SOLIDSTEAD's initial manufacturing support is intended for sensible prototype and general engineering applications 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 and made?
Tell SOLIDSTEAD what the component needs to do, along with any preferred material, quantity, process or deadline.