Bridge production: ship before the mould is ready
Tool making often takes weeks to months. In the meantime printed parts can supply assembly, first customers or spare demand. When the mould arrives, you switch over.
No minimum order quantity
When bridge production helps
When the market won't wait for the mould.
Product launch
Ship first units while the mould is built.
Mould change
Keep supplying while the mould is being reworked.
Supply gap
Bridge a supplier shortage.
Uncertain volumes
See demand first, then invest in tooling.
Suitable materials
We choose a material as close as possible to the later moulding material so assembly and function stay the same.
- PA12Tough, low-friction nylon for functional mechanical parts.
- PC-ABSPolycarbonate-ABS blend - strength of PC, processability of ABS.
- ABSClassic engineering ABS - strong, affordable, easy to finish.
- PETGTough everyday material with grade-dependent compliance options.
- PA6-GFGlass-filled PA6 - tough, stiff and impact resistant.
What we clarify beforehand
- 01Moulded geometry and whether it prints well.
- 02Which deviations from the moulded part are acceptable.
- 03Weekly demand and time until the mould.
- 04Approvals or releases at the end customer.
What waiting for a mould really costs
Tooling costs are in the quote. The cost of waiting is not: delayed shipments, idle assembly, customers buying elsewhere.
Printed bridge parts cost more per piece than moulding. Over a limited time and volume they are often the cheaper overall solution.
Manufacturing data at a glance
- Location
- Schleswig, Germany
- Part size
- up to approx. 250 x 250 x 250 mm, larger parts split and joined
- Quantities
- 1 to several thousand, no minimum order quantity
- Tolerances
- approx. ±0.2 mm for PLA, PETG and carbon grades, ±0.3 mm for ABS, ASA and PC
- Layer height
- 0.10 to 0.30 mm
- Materials
- 20 engineering filaments from PLA to PA12-CF and PC FR
- File formats
- STEP, STL, 3MF, OBJ, IGES up to 200 MB
- Lead time
- 2 to 4 working days for samples, 4 to 15 working days for series
Upload Your File for Instant Pricing
Receive fast pricing and manufacturing feedback in minutes. STEP, STL, 3MF and OBJ supported.
Bridge production FAQ
Do I have to change the design?
Usually not. We check thin ribs or very small details and suggest small adjustments if needed.
What quantities are realistic?
From single parts to several thousand. We plan deliveries as call-offs.
Do printed parts look different?
The surface shows layers and isn't glossy like moulding. For internal parts that rarely matters; for visible parts we discuss post-processing.
How do I get a price?
Upload your STEP or STL file in the instant quote. You see the price immediately, and we check the file for problems before production.
Which information is needed for Bridge production?
Send a STEP file where possible, together with quantity, operating temperature, load, environmental conditions and critical dimensions. This lets us define material, orientation, production strategy and inspection effort for the part.
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