Supporting Ongoing Production of a Small Functional Component

This case study highlights how Precision Print Co supported a business with the ongoing production of a small functional plastic component, manufactured in repeat batches using controlled in-house 3D printing.

The customer required consistent quality, predictable pricing, and reliable lead times without the costs associated with tooling or injection moulding.

The Requirement

The customer needed a small internal plastic component used within their product assembly.
Key requirements included:

  • Consistent dimensions across batches

  • Repeatable material performance

  • Cost-effective production at low to medium volumes

  • Ability to scale quantities without retooling

The part was lightweight, functional, and required regular reorders as demand increased.

Part & Material Selection

After reviewing the part files and use case, PETG was selected due to its balance of:

  • Strength and durability

  • Dimensional stability

  • Cost efficiency

  • Suitability for repeated production

The final part weighed approximately 5 grams, making it ideal for batch production on a full build plate.

Batch Production Strategy

To optimise cost and consistency, production was planned around full build plates.

  • Approximately 100 parts per build plate

  • Single material and profile per run

  • Controlled print settings for repeatability

Producing full build plates allowed the customer to benefit from:

  • Lower per-unit costs

  • Predictable pricing

  • Consistent lead times

A 15% batch discount was applied to full build plate runs, reflecting the improved production efficiency.

Pricing Model

Per-unit pricing was calculated using a transparent model based on:

  • Material cost (price per gram)

  • Machine time (price per hour)

Batch discounts were applied when production filled a complete build plate, reducing overall unit cost without compromising quality.

This approach allowed the customer to clearly understand how pricing scaled with quantity.

Production & Delivery

All parts were produced in-house using consistent print profiles to ensure batch-to-batch accuracy.

Once completed:

  • Parts were quality checked

  • Packed securely

  • Shipped via DPD Next Day for fast UK delivery

Ongoing production runs were scheduled as required to support the customer’s demand.

Result

The customer received:

  • Reliable, repeatable parts

  • Scalable production without tooling costs

  • Clear pricing and lead times

  • A manufacturing partner able to adapt as requirements evolved

This approach allowed them to focus on their core product while outsourcing component production with confidence.

Why This Works for Businesses

This project demonstrates how low-volume and repeat production using 3D printing can be an effective alternative to traditional manufacturing for:

  • Small functional components

  • Internal product parts

  • Ongoing production runs

  • Cost-controlled scaling

At Precision Print Co, we focus on consistency, communication, and long-term reliability.

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