3D Printing Service for Portsmouth
Rapid Prototyping and Custom 3D Printing Solutions
🛠️ Case Study:
Portsmouth – Repairing an Obsolete Gear Coupler with 3D CAD and Industrial-Grade PETG
Location: Portsmouth, Hampshire
Client: Small-scale manufacturing firm near Hilsea
Service Provided: Reverse Engineering, CAD Modelling, High-Infill PETG Printing
Delivery: Royal Mail Tracked 24®
Turnaround: 48 hours
⚙️ Problem – Plastic Coupler Snapped, OEM Long Gone
We got a call from a firm in Portsmouth running an older line of filling machines—used for bottling non-food liquids. One of their gear couplers, which transfers torque between the stepper motor and mixing spindle, had snapped at the spine.
The part looked small—maybe 60mm wide—but without it, the whole machine was down. They tried superglue. Tried epoxy. Even tried 3D printing it themselves in PLA.
Didn’t hold.
They told us straight:
“We’ve lost the original files. The manufacturer’s gone. We just need something that fits and lasts.”
They dropped the broken part off that same afternoon. Perks of us being based in Hampshire.
🧠 What We Did – Rebuilt for Real-World Use
The coupler was worn and cracked, but still mostly intact. We scanned it, brought it into CAD, and rebuilt it from scratch, correcting some of the flaws we could see right away:
Added reinforcing rings around the spline
Increased wall thickness in the highest stress zone
Tuned the inner bore for a precision press fit
Factored in wear-tolerant clearances to avoid seizing
We don’t just “copy the part.” We think about why it failed, and how to stop that happening again.
We sent the 3D model preview that evening. They approved it in 15 minutes.
⚙️ Material Selection – No Half Measures
We asked the right questions:
“What RPM is this part running?”
“Any heat near the motor?”
“Grease or oils in the mix?”
Turns out the part was low-speed but under high torque and sat in a warm, sometimes oily enclosure. So we ruled out PLA and ABS straight away.
We printed the part using PETG, carbon-reinforced, 100% infill. That gave it:
Excellent mechanical strength
Slight flexibility under torsion (better than snapping)
Oil and chemical resistance
No shrinkage issues during cooling
The spline side had tight tolerances, so we printed on a higher-resolution nozzle and post-processed that surface to ensure a clean fit.
📦 Outcome – Back Up and Running in Under 2 Days
We boxed it and shipped it out with Royal Mail Tracked 24®. It arrived the next morning. They installed it during a scheduled downtime window.
The feedback:
“Machine’s back online. Holding up better than the original. We’ll be in touch for the other couplers.”
And they were. They ordered a set of four spares the following week—and asked for the CAD files for their records.
We gave them the files. Always do. Once it’s made for you, it’s yours.
⚓ Why Portsmouth Businesses Call Us First
Portsmouth’s packed with repair shops, marine engineers, light manufacturing outfits—all relying on machines 10–30 years old. You can’t just go online and buy spares for half this kit.
But with us, you don’t need to.
We rebuild parts in CAD. We choose the right plastic. We print strong. We ship fast. And you get to keep the file for next time.
It’s not just a print service—it’s a fit-for-purpose solution.
🧰 We Keep Portsmouth Moving
From Hilsea to the Docks to Cosham, if you’re working with ageing machinery or specialist components, don’t bin it—send it. We’ll:
Scan and model your broken part
Improve it where needed
Print it in proper engineering plastic
Ship it tracked, next-day
And give you the CAD file to future-proof your fix
No fluff. No fake promises. Just proper engineering.
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 Portsmouth
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.
Dive deeper into the technical side, and you'll be fascinated by Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). This popular method epitomizes the synergy of advanced materials with precision engineering, allowing for the creation of complex structures previously thought unachievable.
But it doesn’t stop there. The integration of automation and workflow optimization has revolutionized how projects are managed and executed, ensuring that every phase from design to production is streamlined for peak performance.
As a result, businesses can enjoy lower costs while pushing the boundaries of what 3D printing technology can achieve.
Meanwhile, the conversation about 3D printing is increasingly focusing on sustainability and circular manufacturing. The industry is moving towards materials that are not only advanced but also environmentally friendly, promoting a greener manufacturing cycle.
This shift is part of a broader trend of industry consolidation, where key players are coming together to standardize practices and drive innovations that uphold sustainability.
With such advancements, 3D printing is no longer just a tool for creation but a pivotal force in building a sustainable future, proving that the technology is not only about meeting today’s needs but also addressing tomorrow’s challenges.
City skyline
3D Printed Ceramic Cups
3D Printed Machine Jig
3D Printed Trainer
Create stunning 3D models of your design with the help from rendering software. With realistic textures and lighting, you can make truly lifelike designs that look just like their real-life counterparts! Whether it's for a new product or redesigning an old one--renders are perfect ways to see what we're talking about in action without any hassle at all
What are the Benefits
1. With rendering, you can create realistic-looking models of anything you like!
2. This software uses three dimensions to represent objects, making for a more lifelike end result.
3. You can use it to create models of anything, from everyday items to imaginary creatures or Hampshire landscapes.
In Portsmouth, a vibrant coastal city in the UK, the landscape of manufacturing and design is being transformed by the revolutionary advent of 3D printing services.
Centrally located hubs offer "3D printing near me" capabilities, featuring state-of-the-art Hyperspeed 3D Printing Technology.
This isn’t just about rapid prototyping anymore; it’s about end-use manufacturing where products are directly sold from the print bed.
Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) leads the charge, enabling durable goods to be crafted from advanced thermoplastics with high precision.
The benefits of 3D printing in Portsmouth extend beyond just technology.
Batch size production has become economically viable, offering significant price breaks based on the batch size.
This flexibility allows local businesses to scale operations seamlessly and efficiently.
Moreover, the integration of advanced materials means products can be tailored to specific environmental or mechanical demands.
Sustainability is at the heart of Portsmouth’s 3D printing scene.
Reduced carbon footprint, recycling of plastic filament, and lower overall costs underscore the environmental advantages.
These sustainable practices not only support global ecological goals but also promote a circular manufacturing model within the community.
Automation and workflow optimization further streamline the entire production process, enhancing output while minimizing waste.
Portsmouth is setting a benchmark in the industry with its forward-thinking approach to 3D printing.
Industry combination empowers even little players to contend on a worldwide stage, because of available innovation and diminished functional expenses.
The city's obligation to maintainability and round assembling standards positions it as a forerunner in the green assembling unrest.
As innovation advances, Portsmouth keeps on being at the front, supporting developments that drive monetary development and natural stewardship.
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