3D Printing Service for Gosport
Rapid Prototyping and Custom 3D Printing Solutions
🛠️ Case Study:
Gosport – Restoring a Dockside Valve Handle with Reverse Engineering and PETG
Location: Gosport, Hampshire**
Client: Independent marine services contractor
Service Provided: Reverse Engineering, CAD Design, Reinforced PETG Printing
Delivery: Royal Mail Tracked 24®
Turnaround: 72 hours
⚓ The Problem – Dockside Valve Out of Action
A Gosport-based marine maintenance firm called us about a broken valve handle on a floating pontoon’s freshwater line. It was an old cast-plastic lever that had snapped during winter maintenance. Nothing unusual—until they tried to source a replacement.
Manufacturer? Defunct. Model? Out of production for over 15 years. They could find a metal version online, but it didn’t fit the existing spindle, and replacing the entire valve body meant draining half the pontoon’s supply—costly, time-consuming, unnecessary.
They sent us the two cracked halves of the handle and asked:
“Can you rebuild this in something tougher, but the same fit?”
No problem.
🧠 Our Process – Building It Back Better
As soon as it arrived by post, we scanned the pieces and rebuilt them in CAD. The geometry was slightly warped, so we corrected alignment and reinforced stress points.
We added:
A 2 mm thicker cross-section at the grip ends
A slightly larger fillet radius around the hub to stop future cracking
A low-profile texture on the top surface for grip in wet hands
The improved model went back to the client for sign-off the same day.
⚙️ Material Selection – Stronger Than the Original
Because this handle sits outdoors, near salt water, and under load, PLA and ABS were out. We printed it in PETG, carbon-reinforced for extra rigidity and UV stability.
Why PETG?
Tough under stress – it flexes slightly before breaking
Excellent chemical resistance – perfect for marine environments
UV stable – won’t chalk or crack in the sun
Clean finish – looks professional when fitted
We printed at 100 % infill, fully solid, for maximum strength. After cooling, we sealed the handle with a thin resin coat for extra shine and surface protection.
📦 Result – Fixed in Days, Not Weeks
From part arrival to dispatch took less than 72 hours. It went out on Royal Mail Tracked 24® and reached the marina the following morning.
The contractor bolted it straight on—perfect alignment, full motion, no modification needed.
Their feedback:
“Stronger, smoother, and it looks the part. We’ll have you do the rest next time one goes.”
They now keep the CAD file on record, meaning future replacements can be printed on demand with no redesign cost.
⚓ Why Gosport Engineers Call Us
Gosport sits right on the water—everything here faces salt, sun, and strain. Traditional plastics fail fast. With us, you get durable engineering plastics, quick turnaround, and design thinking built in.
You post it, we model it, print it, and ship it tracked. No travel, no waiting, no hassle.
1. What are the key properties of ABS filament?
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) is renowned for its strength and durability. It melts at approximately 220–250°C and requires a print bed temperature of 80–110°C to ensure proper adhesion. With a tensile strength of around 40–50 MPa, ABS is ideal for parts subjected to mechanical stress.
2. How does PLA filament perform in 3D printing?
PLA (Polylactic Acid) is favored for its ease of use and biodegradability. It has a melting temperature between 180–220°C and a recommended bed temperature of 50–60°C.
PLA offers a tensile strength of 50–60 MPa, making it suitable for prototypes and decorative items
3. What distinguishes PETG from other filaments?
PETG (Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol) combines the ease of PLA with the strength of ABS. It melts at 220–250°C and adheres well to beds heated to 70–90°C.
PETG is known for its impact resistance and clarity, making it suitable for functional parts and containers.
4. Why choose Nylon filament for 3D printing?
Nylon is celebrated for its flexibility and toughness. It requires a melting temperature of 240–260°C and a bed temperature of 60–80°C.
With a tensile strength of 50–70 MPa, Nylon is ideal for mechanical parts and tools.
5. What are the benefits of Nylon infused with Carbon Fiber?
Nylon + Carbon Fiber offers enhanced rigidity and strength. It melts at 240–260°C and benefits from a bed temperature of 60–80°C.
This composite boasts a tensile strength of 80–100 MPa and a flexural strength of 120–150 MPa, making it perfect for high-stress applications
6. How does TPU filament stand out?
TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) is known for its flexibility and elasticity. It melts at 220–240°C and adheres well to beds heated to 50–60°C.
With a tensile strength of 20–25 MPa,
TPU is ideal for parts requiring flexibility, like gaskets and wearable items.
7. What are the characteristics of Polycarbonate filament?
Polycarbonate (PC) is prized for its strength and heat resistance. It melts at 250–300°C and requires a bed temperature of 80–110°C.
PC is suitable for high-impact applications and parts exposed to elevated temperatures
8. Why use Castable Resin in 3D printing?
Castable Resin is designed for high-detail casting applications. It transitions to gas at high temperatures, leaving minimal ash residue.
With a tensile strength of 32 MPa, it's ideal for jewelry and dental molds.
Testimonials
" Very helpful guys, patient too. Had a cool design to print a custom backplate for my Legion Go handheld device, and these guys stepped up and delivered!
Great communication and prompt delivery once the print was successful.
Of course the backplate fits perfectly, even clicks into place. Printed using PETG CF at a very competitive price.
I Highly recommend them! "
" I needed some very small plastic shelf support brackets, that were no longer provided by the manufacturer of my old SieMatic kitchen units.
Mitchell and Son Design were approached and produced a 3D model and then 3D printed the brackets very quickly, and to an excellent standard.
I highly recommend their service and expertise. "
" Posting on behalf of my father. He had four dust caps made for some Girling brake cylinders for a 1950s Riley 2.5ltr. They were perfect, spot on. Definitely recommended."
" A very nicely made part and these guys are easy to deal with, planning the next job right now."
Where to start and how?
Experience the convenience of our 'Instant Online Quote' system for your 3D printing and modeling needs. Whether you're located in the United Kingdom, the United States, or Europe, Mitchell and Son's 3D Printing Services is your ideal choice. With a variety of materials to choose from, our system swiftly provides you with an estimate, saving you time and hassle.
Say goodbye to the complexities of finding the right 3D printing solution and focus on your project. Contact us today, and enjoy excellent customer service during our business hours from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday. Explore unique materials like Resin, Metal, Full Color, and various plastics for your 3D printing projects.
Dwight Anton Mitchell
Sales and Operations Director
Dwight is our Sales and Operations Director, he brings a wealth of expertise to our team. With two decades of corporate sector experience in production support roles and a background as a trained motor mechanic, he has a proven track record of excellence. His career has included positions at renowned companies such as Eaton Aero Space, Wartsila, and Vertu.
Within our organization, Dwight has played a pivotal role in driving our most dynamic and impactful campaigns. His contributions have consistently led to revenue growth, acquisition of new clients, and the establishment of our clients as industry leaders.
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3D Printing Service for Gosport
Have you ever wondered how the magic of three-dimensional objects coming to life from mere digital files happens? Welcome to the realm of 3D printing services, where dreams and designs converge to create tangible realities.
Across the UK, cutting-edge services offer "3D printing near me," harnessing Hyperspeed 3D Printing Technology to deliver faster, more efficient outputs. This isn't just about rapid prototyping anymore; it's about robust end-use manufacturing that meets the needs of diverse markets.
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City skyline
3D Printed Ceramic Cups
3D Printed Machine Jig
3D Printed Trainer
Have you ever wondered how the magic of three-dimensional objects coming to life from mere digital files happens? Welcome to the realm of 3D printing services, where dreams and designs converge to create tangible realities.
Across the UK, cutting-edge services offer "3D printing near me," harnessing Hyperspeed 3D Printing Technology to deliver faster, more efficient outputs. This isn't just about rapid prototyping anymore; it's about robust end-use manufacturing that meets the needs of diverse markets.
From automotive to fashion, the potential to tailor batch size production ensures price breaks and significant cost efficiency, making high-quality 3D printing accessible to everyone.
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