England · the Greater Manchester innovation cluster

3D printing, reverse engineering and CAD design in Manchester

Q: Do you have premises in Manchester?

This page describes enquiries from the area. Mitchell & Son is based in Southampton; it does not claim a local office here.

Practical engineering support for ideas, parts and repairs connected with advanced materials and medical technology.

3D printingReverse engineeringCAD design

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Design for manufactureCAD developed around the part

Process-led advicePrinting route chosen by application

Verified dimensionsMeasured evidence before manufacture

Local applications

Engineering for the job at hand.

In Manchester, work connected with advanced materials and medical technology can involve a prototype, a broken part or a production aid. A useful first brief describes what the component does, the environment in which it works, its mating parts and the quantity needed. Work across the Greater Manchester innovation cluster may call for a drawing-led design, a measured reconstruction or a small production run.

We are based in Southampton and welcomes enquiries from Manchester. We do not claim a workshop in this city. Share your requirements through the main company website so the appropriate design and manufacturing route can be discussed.

Reverse engineering

For Manchester, one potential application is legacy machine covers and unavailable fittings.

Bring the original part or a dimensioned drawing so that interfaces can be measured and checked.

CAD design

For Manchester, one potential application is instrument housings with serviceable fasteners.

Define assembly requirements and critical dimensions before making the production model.

3D printing

For Manchester, one potential application is prototype enclosures for laboratory instruments.

Assess the required fit, load, temperature and quantity before choosing FDM, SLA, SLS or MJF.

From evidence to part

Begin with what you know.

Share a drawing, CAD model, measurements or an original component to help us understand your project. Whether you need a prototype, replacement part, production tool or a batch of finished components, providing clear information from the outset helps us assess your requirements and identify a suitable manufacturing approach.

Explain what the component does and how it interacts with surrounding parts. Include details of any loads, movement, mounting points or mating surfaces. If the original component has failed, describe the problem and highlight any improvements you would like considered, such as increased strength, reduced weight or easier assembly.

Tell us about the operating environment. Will the part be used indoors, outdoors, near heat, exposed to sunlight or in contact with water, oils or chemicals? These conditions influence material selection and manufacturing suitability. Please also mention any appearance requirements, including colour, surface finish, texture or areas that must remain smooth.

State the quantity required, your preferred delivery date and whether you expect repeat orders. Identify critical dimensions, tolerances, threads, holes and features that affect fit or performance. Distinguish essential requirements from preferences, and include inspection criteria where available. Accurate specifications help reduce unnecessary revisions and support a more useful quotation.

If you do not have a complete drawing or CAD file, send photographs, sketches and available measurements, or discuss supplying the original component for assessment. Clearly mark any unknown dimensions. We can then review the information, identify questions requiring clarification and discuss the next steps towards a practical solution for your project.

Describe the requirement

Explain fit, load and intended use.

Check the geometry

Confirm critical dimensions.

Select the route

Choose the material and manufacturing process.

Start with the engineering evidence

For prototype enclosures for laboratory instruments, an initial print can establish form and assembly fit before material and process decisions are finalised. A prototype is useful when it answers a specific question: whether a cable clears an enclosure, a fixture locates a part, or a cover can be installed without interfering with its neighbours.

When considering legacy machine covers and unavailable fittings, identify the important faces, fasteners, clearances and operating loads. A photograph alone does not provide reliable scale or hidden geometry. An original component, measurements or a technical drawing makes the reconstruction more defensible.

CAD that leads to a workable part

Instrument housings with serviceable fasteners needs more than a shape on a screen. The model should explain how it attaches, how it will be made and which dimensions need checking. For enquiries associated with the Greater Manchester innovation cluster, state whether the aim is a one-off demonstration, a maintenance replacement or repeatable production tooling.

Send the part, dimensions, drawing or CAD model through the Our main website, alongside the intended use, quantity and deadline. Any critical measurement that has not been supplied should be verified instead of assumed.

Explore the services on our main website

Mitchell & Son describes its 3D printing and manufacturing services, reverse engineering for existing or obsolete parts, CAD design and engineering materials on its main website. These are the capabilities behind enquiries from Manchester. The Southampton-based company does not claim an office or completed project here.

For a useful assessment, send an original part, drawing or CAD model if available. State quantity, fit, operating load, temperature, UV, moisture and wear where relevant. Start a quote on the main website.

Questions about Manchester projects

Can a Manchester organisation request one prototype?

Yes. Send a drawing, CAD file or measured part through https://www.mitchellsson.co.uk. State the intended use and critical dimensions.

Can you reverse engineer an old component for the Greater Manchester innovation cluster?

An original part or a reliable drawing can establish the starting geometry. Critical dimensions need verification before manufacture.

Which 3D printing method is suitable for advanced materials and medical technology?

FDM, SLA, SLS and MJF have different strengths. The load, temperature, finish, tolerance and quantity determine the process.

Do you have premises in Manchester?

This page describes enquiries from the area. We are based in Southampton; it does not claim a local office here.

Discuss your project

Describe the part, how it is used and what information is available. All enquiries go to the main website.