(028) 9070 6940 
sales@laserproto.com 
Why use 3D Printing?
We at LPE utilise cutting edge industrial AM machines to deliver fast, accurate and highly repeatable results for your 3D Printing projects.
With over 30 years of experience, 40 staff and 20 in-house machines, we have unparalleled expertise and an advanced equipment portfolio. We can help with advanced geometric requirements, tight deadlines, large batches, and complex, multi-stage projects.
We support you throughout each project stage, with CAD analysis, consultation, extensive post-processing and a range of quality testing and certification options.
We’re ISO9001 quality certified and provide free next-day delivery on all orders within the UK & Ireland.
If you have questions relating to an upcoming project, call us on 028 9070 6940 or submit an enquiry below.
Request a Quote
Our AM Processes
SLA
Stereolithography enables unparalleled precision, fine detail, and exceptionally smooth surface quality.
Ideal for hi-res, intricate prototypes.
DLP
With ultra-fast print speed and production-grade materials, DLP is perfect for fast functional prototyping and low-volume production.
SLS
Offering complex geometries and excellent mechanical properties, SLS is ideal for tough, durable prototypes and functional production parts.
Parts are finished to production-grade standard.
DMLS
Unlock the power of metal printing with DMLS. This process creates fully functional, intricate, and highly precise metal parts with design freedom far beyond that of traditional manufacturing.
HPS
The only HPS service available in the UK & Ireland. This revolutionary new AM process combines both laser and light technologies to build highly accurate, production-grade parts with high-resolution surface finish.
LPE ensure highly precise visual models and end-use production parts are ready for use upon delivery. This means providing a comprehensive range of post-processing options, from surface finishing to colouring, to tailored het treatments and medical-grade cleanup.
Process Comparison
| Stereolithography (SLA) | Stereolithography High Res. (SLA HR) | Digital Light Processing (DLP) | Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) | Direct Metal Laser Sintering Production (DMLS Pro) | Direct Metal Laser Sintering High Res. (DMLS HR) | Hybrid Photosynthesis (HPS) | |
| Description | High quality precision prints, excellent detail & definition. Wide range of materials. | SLA prints with ultra fine detail & definition. | Super high resolution for small & complex parts in durable prototype & production materials. | Very tough, high impact and high-temperature resistant. Range of nylon materials. | Metal parts with excellent physical and mechanical properties – full production spec (>99% density). | High resolution metal prints with superior surface finish and ultra-fine detail. | Highly-definition parts with production grade functional properties. |
| Layer Thickness | 0.1mm | 0.05mm | 0.01-0.05mm | 0.1-0.15mm | 0.03-0.06mm | 0.015-0.025mm | 0.05-0.1mm |
| Minimum printable XY features | 0.15mm | 0.08mm | 0.1mm | 0.75mm | 0.2mm | 0.1mm | 0.1mm |
| Minimum printable Z feature | 0.5mm | 0.5mm | 0.3mm | 0.5mm | 0.06mm | 0.03mm | 0.3mm |
| Typical Tolerance | +/- 0.15 Per 100mm | +/- 0.10 Per 100mm | +/- 0.25 Per 100mm | +/- 0.25 Per 100mm | +/- 0.10 Per 100mm | +/- 0.10 Per 100mm | +/- 0.25 Per 100mm |
| Max Part Size | 650 x 750 x 550mm | 450 x 450 x 415mm | 124x70.2x196mm | 320 x 320 x 600mm | 250x250x305mm | 90x90x90mm | 249x140x495mm |
| Quality of printed Surface Finish | ★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★ | ★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Lead Times | 3-5 Days | 3-5 Days | 3-5 Days | 3-5 Days | 5-7 Days | 5-7 Days | 3-5 days |
| Price | ££ | £££ | ££ | £ | £££ | ££££ | ££ |
Production with 3D Printing
We offer a complete contract manufacturing service and qualification route that we have developed in conjunction with ASTM/ISO F3301 and FF3302 standards (for metal) and in line with our ISO9001, ISO13485 and AS9100 (pending) certifications. Our QMS quality management system allows us to manufacture repeatable and reliable parts, including critical parts for aerospace and motorsport applications.
As part of our production manufacturing process we can offer:
- Process control documents (PCD)
- Powder certification and analysis (batch control, size distribution and chemical analysis)
- Machine certification (calibration certified, in-build laser power monitoring)
- Quality reports from each build
- Mechanical testing
- Physical analysis, including porosity and density, surface and dimensional analysis
- Heat treatments certification (reports from our fully instrumented in-house inert gas box furnace)
- Advanced heat treatment certification, hot isotonic pressing (HIP) (full cycle reporting from certified heat treatment facility, customised cycles available
- An extensive range of post-processing and colouring options to ensure parts are use-ready upon delivery
- A variety of functional and specialist-use metal, plastic, and rubber materials. These include materials that are biocompatible, food safe, flame-retardant and heat resistant.
Applications
Prototyping
- Rapid prototyping and iteration
- Functional testing
- Design validation
- Early-stage concept models
- Visual prototypes
- Temperature testing
Production
- Lightweight components
- Low volume production
- Complex, end-use components
- Tooling aids and moulds
- Legacy part recreation
- Customised or one-off components
FAQs
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Who would my main point of contact be as a customer?
As an LPE client, you will have a dedicated Technical Sales rep overseeing the completion your projects, who’ll be available to speak with at all times. They’ll be assigned depending on the region of your business location.
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Do you only do 3D Printing?
No. In addition to 5 advanced 3D Printing processes, LPE offer vacuum casting, CNC machining and EDM. We also offer design-for-print consultation, quality testing & certification, and extensive post-processing.
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Do you have experience in my industry?
Almost certainly – LPE are the longest-running 3D Printing company in the UK & Ireland. We’ve worked with market leaders in the medical, aerospace, automotive, motorsport, consumer and film industries, as well as adjacent markets.
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Are your materials suitable for my work?
With a range of over 50 materials (plastics, metals and rubbers), we can meet a wide range of material requirements. View material details for each process on the relevant page, or get in touch for further assistance.
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How much does 3D Printing at LPE cost?
As a highly experienced, quality assured bureau running advanced technology, LPE offer a premium service. Specific pricing is tailored for each job, and is dependent on factors like quantity, complexity, material and quality testing/post-processing requirements. Request a quote to get a price for your project.
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Which process should I use?
Each of our processes is defined by its own unique benefits which both distinguish it from other processes, and transcend the limitations of traditional manufacturing techniques. View our process comparison table, or get in touch for assistance on choosing a process.
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Can you help me with design?
While we do not offer general design services, we can advise on optimising designs for printing.
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What kind of files do I need to send you?
We accept a range of CAD file types, but STEP and STL are preferred. We do not accept PDF or image files.
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Can you produce my CAD files for me?
No, we do not create CAD files. However we can recommend professionals and/or software to do this.
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How accurate is 3D Printing?
Generally, 3D Printing is a highly accurate technique, with one of it’s core benefits being that accuracy is not sacrificed for complexity. Specific accuracy is process and project-dependent. Get in touch if you need specific information on estimated accuracy for a potential project.
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Is my IP secure with you?
Yes – LPE ensure complete client confidentiality. We offer signed NDAs, and are Cyber Essentials-certified, meaning your digital files are protected. As a provider of a turnkey service, all projects are typically completed under one roof, befiore the finished parts are delivered straight to you, the client.
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Do you ship parts internationally?
While our core market is the UK & Ireland, we do work with clients in Europe, the USA and Australia. As a Northern Ireland-based company, we are not subject to the Brexit-related red tape that companies in Great Britain are, and can work with clients across the globe.
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What payment methods do you accept?
BACS, direct bank transfer and credit card are all accepted.
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Are parts quality-tested and certified?
LPE’s service is ISO 9001, ISO13485 and AS9100 (from Jan’ 24) quality assured. We have an in-house quality lab and offer an extensive range of quality testing and certification options, including tailored quality packages. If you’d like more information regarding our quality offering, submit and enquiry or contact your Technical Sales rep.
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How will 3D Printing affect my carbon footprint?
By most metrics, 3D Printing is a more environmentally-friendly technique than traditional manufacturing methods. Material waste is typically reduced by 50-90%. Light-weight, eco-friendly designs are made possible. Excess stock can be avoided as cost-effectiveness is not tied to the size of quanties produced. And low volume production and prototyping can be moved onshore/nearshore, reducing carbon emissions from shipping.
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What is the typical turnaround time?
While this is project and process-dependent, typical turnaround times are a matter of days. Some of LPE’s processes, like HPS and DLP, offered ultra-rapid print times.
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How long do quotes take?
2-4 hours is the typical turnaround time for a quote.
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Is 3D Printing best for prototyping or production applications?
In its early stages, 3D Printing was primarily suited to prototyping. However, with the advance of the technology, end-use production of usable/functional parts is now commonplace. This enables production of highly-complex end-use parts that could be produced no other way.
Why Choose LPE
Discover how LPE’s advanced 3D printing service can elevate your product development to new heights. Request a quote today and witness the power of precision and efficiency in your designs.
Range of services and materials
One stop shop for all your prototyping and production requirements with a full range of in-house services and wide range of materials.
Technical expertise
We are the longest established RP bureau in the UK and Ireland, and we have an experienced team of both engineers and modelmakers.
ISO9001 and ISO13485 quality approved
Quality is at the heart of everything we do and is integrated into all our processes. All our parts are finised to the highest standard every time.
Speedy Turnaround
Parts can be turned arround in a matter of days.
Free Next Day Delivery
Our parts can be delivered next day free of charge (within the UK & Ireland).
Personal service
Technical sales team offering a professional, experienced and personal service.
